KAMPOT Province
Kompot Province is bordered by Vietnam to the east and the Gulf of Siam to the south. It produces cement due to an abundance of limestone. A piece of paradise can be found here at the top of Bokor Mountain. Beyond Kompot the small resort of Krong Kep (see below) is popular with Cambodians. Things to See and Do Kampong Trach is 38km east of Kompot town on National Road Nº 16. |
Its huge limestone outcrops are visible from miles around. Water has eroded many of them to form caves. One has been so heavily eroded that the roof has collapsed, creating a mini jungle area where locals have built shrines and a large reclining Buddha. Its a great place to take photos. A flashlight and walking shoes are needed for any serious exploration of the caves. Turn left at the white horse monument on the road to Kep. The road is not in good condition, so allow at least half a day for the trip.
Bokor Hill Station
Bokor Hill Station is located 42km from Kampot, and is perhaps the strangest tourist spot in Cambodia. It was built by the colonial French in the early 1920’s as a retreat from the oppressive heat of the lowlands. The hill station consists of a once-elegant hotel and casino, a Catholic Church, former royal residences, and other buildings. It was abandoned in World War II, and Cambodia’s violent past has left Bokor in a terrible state of neglect. However, it overlooks the scenic southern coast of Cambodia and provides a dramatic view of the coastline.
Its elevation and commanding strategic location meant that Bokor was fiercely contested by the Khmer Rouge and the Vietnamese. Shrouded in clouds and fog, the moss-covered buildings have an unearthly atmosphere. Exploring them is a spooky and exhilarating experience. Getting to the Hill Station can be an adventure in itself, as the road up is in a sad state of disrepair, and a 4-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended.
Phnom Slap Ta’aun Caves are very accessible, lying only 8km from Kampot town. Take the Kep road out of town for 7 km to the village of Kbal Meas (Golden Head). At the Garuda statue at the crossroads, turn left and go out to the small hill. It is the only hill in the area so it is hard to miss.
The cave exteriors are not very photogenic because the locals have turned the place into a small limestone quarry. However, the interiors are spectaculara with a vast complex of passageways, amphitheaters, stalactites and strange formations. Take a flashlight with you. In many places the caves are lit by sunlight filtering through fissures in the rock. Between these, it’s a bit dark, but it is this low, mysterious lighting that gives the caves their charm.
Tekchhou Resort & Zoo is an area 8km from Kompot on the Prek Chha River. It is a popular picnic area for locals and visitors alike. There are small rapids in the river where you can play around and cool off. There are also plenty of stalls selling drinks and food. Nearby is a small zoo that is nowhere near western standards, but still worth a look.
Rabbit Island is located only a few hundred meters off shore, and has some picturesque beaches. A few locals live on the island, but you will need to bring with you whatever you need for the day. Boats can be arranged through guesthouses. For those seeking a relaxing day trip, this is highly recommended.
River & Island Trips upriver from Kampot can be arranged through your guesthouse. Trips up to Coral Island and other wildlife and ecological areas, particularly Stung Keo and beyond are very interesting.