Kampot is the small town about 30Km from Kep. It gets easily from Phnom Penh by bus costs 5USD, the bus will stop at town or if you want to get there quick then take the van is costs about 7USD but you can save time. First day arriving I checked in the monkey republic hostel, the place is very nice, accommodation, restaurant and pub all in one. I just simply fall in love with this little town.
Here are some activities to do in Kampot
-Boat cruise: Boat starts from 5pm and finish at 7pm, the boat takes you to see firefly, sunset and also, we have the boat party too. One ticket is 2.5USD for Cambodian and 5USD for the foreigners with one glass of beer is free of charge. You can also order foods on boat is not expensive, its affordable price. When the boat is close to the fireflies’ area, they start to turn off the boat light and stop the machine. We were waiting for a few minutes then we could see the sparkle from the fireflies, it was amazing view. The cold windy touches your body and face then closing your eyes, it is so peaceful. I love the feeling is being alone and no one bothers. Boat is going slowly and ready for the sunset. I am lucky enough to see the sunset, sometime the weather is not appropriate to see it, raining or small shower.
I have seen many sunsets from where I have been but Cambodia’s sunset is great to count in. The view is incredible the skyline is colorful by its natural way. Do not miss this boat cruise when you are visiting Kampot, you will never regret it. Don’t drink too much on boat it will easy to fall down and drown. There are many boat’s bars if you don’t want to do the boat cruise, you can just chill out on the boat and having your drinks.
-The local market: The monkey republic where I stayed is located in downtown. It is so convenience to anywhere, it took me about 5 minutes walk to the local market, I got some dress and local food. I am Cambodian, but trying the difference foods from the differences provinces here is my first time. People in Kampot they eat like the strong taste is not like the people from Phnom Penh what they have is so lightly. I spent half an hour to walk around the market then headed back to hostel cox it was extremely hot.
-The Durian lover: I am the fan of durian but if you like eating durian then go to Kampot, you will have the fresh and tasty durian. I can smell everywhere of durian and I couldn’t stand for it.
-Ta da &Tek chhu fall: It’s about 10Km from town to there. They were not going to rent the motorbike for me coz I am Cambodian. I knew one guy in Kampot by accidentally we have talked and make friend. He said, would pick me up in the morning to Ta da &Tek chhu fall. He looks friendly and helpful guy. We went to Ta da fall first with his motorbike, the road was bumpy and not easy to drive. It is the dry season at that time, so there is very few water but the view is very green, grab some photos and headed to Tek Chhu fall.
-Half day city town on your own: Kampot is the pretty small town you can walk to the old bridge, along the river bank, having coconut and enjoy the local foods. Bring hat or umbrella, sunblock was highly recommended, food is okay for me and affordable. Go to the fish market, durian statue in the city.
Moon cave/Kampong Trach hill
It is the way back from Kampot to Phnom Penh, you will see on the left side. Kampong Trach hill is located there. There are a lot local and tourist come to visit this hill. There are little kids about 6yrs-10yrs is standing there to be your guidance. They will be asking you if you need the someone guide into the cave. It’s probably yes or no the choice is yours. I have one guide with he’s about 10yrs to show and tell me the stories of this cave. He is very professional in taking pics also very detail about this cave. Such as the nice kid, ac-knowledgeable to take care of their tourist. Kids are spending their weekend be the tour guides here, and they will be in class from Monday to Friday. I have asking him how can you make the best shot of photos? He responded, he has learnt from the foreigners how to get the great shots. Is way to make some extra money from the guest when they visit here. They won’t ask you for how much it depends on how much you can give them. I spent about one and half hour in the cave, took some photos and listening to my little guide, what was going on here. I supposed to take the horse cart to the railway about 1Km from the hill, but it was too hot at that time, so I didn’t think I could get the great photos it was 12pm noon time. But if you plan to visit there don’t miss horse cart. It would be awesome. I left and gave him 3USD for his time.
I have been here for countless, the reason why I always spend my weekend here, one is seafood I do love the seafood in Kep, second is boat cruise how’s peaceful to spend two hours on boat. To refresh and clean up my damn shit in mind, also away from the busy town Phnom Penh.
