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The riverside town of Kampot, and its nearby cousin, the coastal Kep, represent two of the jewels in the Kingdom of Cambodia's crown. During the colonial era, both towns were a favourite getaway for the French residents of Phnom Penh, with Bokor mountain offering a cool respite from the heat of the inland plains, and Kep's pristine beaches providing an ideal base for rest and relaxation.
During the years of conflict prior to and during the Khmer Rouge regime and for a decade thereafter, the area fell into marked decline, much of which is evident from the broken down coastal villas and the spectacular ruins of the Bokor Mountain hill station. These days however, both destinations are on the up and up, offering an upmarket and altogether classier coastal option to the somewhat brash Sihanoukville further up the coast. Kep's renaissance in particular is evident from the many restored villas once again playing host to the Phnom Penh elite.
Major attractions here include the beaches at Kep, and the laid back colonial charm of riverside Kampot, and accommodation at both destinations is wide-ranging and of good quality. Seafood is another reason to linger at either locale, with the famous Kampot Pepper Crab a must try. Recent development has seen a few bars and several new restaurants opening their doors in both towns, although nightlife here could not be described as lively. Getting to and from Kampot/Kep is simple, with daily buses and taxis from Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. To explore Kampot and Kep further, and for details of special deals currently on offer for ElephantGuide.com members, simply select your channel of choice at left and let The Elephant guide you.
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