If you’re looking for a relaxing and adventurous trip in Cambodia, Kampot is an excellent choice. Located in the southern part of Cambodia, this small town is surrounded by stunning countryside landscapes and is famous for its pepper farms, salt fields, and historic French colonial buildings. Here’s how you can spend three days exploring Kampot and its surroundings:
Day 1: Exploring the Countryside
After arriving in Kampot in the morning, you can take a bus from Phnom Penh, which costs around 6-10 USD per person and takes approximately 3-4 hours. Private cars are also available for hire if you have enough budget.
Upon arriving in Kampot, you can check in at a budget hotel that costs around 10-30 USD for a double bed room. We recommend booking your hotel early to avoid any inconvenience.
Once settled, you can hire a local tour guide who can take you around the places using a local vehicle called TUKTUK. The cost for a tour guide using TUKTUK is only 20-30 USD per day. You can also rent a bike for around 10-15 USD for one day, but TUKTUK is more comfortable and budget-friendly.
After contacting your local tour guide, you can start your day 1 journey around 1 pm. Here are some of the places you can visit:
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Salt Field: Witness the process of making salt from saltwater in a traditional way. You can also taste the salt and purchase some as a souvenir.
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Fishing Village: Visit a fishing village and witness the local fishermen’s daily life, and learn about their techniques in catching fish.
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Phnom Chhngok Cave: Explore this cave temple that contains ancient artifacts and beautiful carvings. You can also see a panoramic view of Kampot from the top of the cave.
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Secret Lake: Visit the Secret Lake, a peaceful and tranquil lake located in the countryside of Kampot.
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Pepper Farm: Visit a pepper farm and learn about the process of growing Kampot pepper, known as one of the best peppers in the world.
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Crab Market: Visit the crab market, where you can enjoy delicious seafood dishes and observe the fishermen’s daily activities.
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Kep Beach: End your day with a relaxing stroll along Kep Beach, enjoying the beautiful sunset view.
Day 2: Bokor National Park Tour
On day 2, you can explore Bokor National Park, a natural wonderland that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding areas.
Here are some of the places you can visit:
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Yeay Moa Statues: See the Yeay Moa Statues, a historical site that represents the local people’s belief in powerful spirits.
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Old French Casino: Visit the Old French Casino, a remnant of the French colonial era, and learn about its history and architecture.
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Catholic Church: See the Catholic Church, a beautiful and historic church that represents the country’s religious diversity.
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Black Palace: Visit the Black Palace, a former residence of King Sihanouk, and see the remaining artifacts and historical items.
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Wat Sompov Pram: See the Wat Sompov Pram, an old pagoda that houses beautiful statues and artifacts.
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Popok Vil Waterfall: Visit the Popok Vil Waterfall, a natural wonderland that offers a serene and relaxing atmosphere.
Day 3: Other Places to Visit
Day 3 includes some additional places to visit in and around Kampot. Here is a brief explanation of each:
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Kep National Park: Kep National Park is located in the neighboring town of Kep, which is about 30 minutes away from Kampot. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna and offers scenic hiking trails with views of the Gulf of Thailand.
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Ghost House in Kep: This is an abandoned mansion located in Kep that is said to be haunted. It was built by a wealthy Cambodian family in the 1960s but was abandoned after the Khmer Rouge regime. The mansion has since become a popular spot for tourists who are interested in the paranormal.
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Rabbit Island: Rabbit Island is a small island off the coast of Kep that can be reached by boat. It is a popular destination for those who want to relax on the beach, swim, snorkel, or try some fresh seafood.
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Butterfly Garden Nataya Resort: This is a butterfly sanctuary located in Kampot that features a variety of butterflies and plants. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the different species of butterflies and their life cycles.
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Tada Roung Chan Waterfall: Tada Roung Chan Waterfall is a scenic waterfall located about 45 minutes from Kampot. The waterfall is set in a peaceful forested area and is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
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Tek Chour Rabbit: This is a restaurant located in Kampot that specializes in rabbit dishes. Visitors can try a variety of rabbit dishes, including rabbit satay, rabbit curry, and grilled rabbit.
Overall, Day 3 offers a mix of nature, history, and culinary experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Calculating the Cost Now, let’s calculate the total cost for 2 people to visit Krong Kampot for 3 days on a budget:
- Bus fare from Phnom Penh to Krong Kampot for 2 people: $12-$20
- Accommodation for 2 people for 3 nights: $60-$180
- Tuk Tuk tour guide for 3 days for 2 people: $120-$180
- Entrance fees to Bokor National Park and other attractions: $20-$30 per person
- Food and drink expenses: $100-$150
Overall, the total cost for 2 people to visit Krong Kampot for 3 days on a budget will be around $312-$560.
Conclusion Krong Kampot is a must-visit destination in Cambodia, and you don’t need to spend a lot of money to explore its beauty. This 3-day itinerary will help you experience the best of Krong Kampot on a budget. Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the memories!
