On arrival in Kampot, CAMBODIA after a long, dusty and break-down riddled bus journey from Battambang, we rapidly started reappraising the length of our stay. Our pre-arrival booking for two nights first extended by one day, and then another as we re-shuffled a schedule that was at best loosely shuffled to begin with.
Kampot days were hot and hectic.
A couple of days into our stay we decided to RENT BEAT-UP BICYCLES (the only type we saw) and explore further into the town. We covered a lot of ground, collecting some gifts for friends and getting lost in the maze of the undercover market and with that success tucked under our belts we crossed the river heading for Nut Hill on Fish Isle. Of course we had directions but no map and our idea of finding salt mines led us off the main dirt track which was in a poor state after the wet season anyway. I always have such great memories of our rides – even if they don’t seem so great at the time! As much as I enjoyed having wheels, I was more than willing to exchange them for a cold shower at the end of the day. Hot Day + Bike Ride + Cold Shower = Bliss.
Kampot Sunset.
When I think of Kampot, the first image that springs to mind is of the river promenade known as The Front. Paved in pink and lined with trees, I wondered if Kampot ever got crowded enough to warrant the space. Maybe a case of good town planning?
I knew that at least some lucky workers had finished for the day when motorbikes started prowling. Although there were not many travellers in town, those that were, resurfaced to swap stories over beers. Happy hours were really big in Phnom Penh and the trend continued here in Kampot. I would would order one beer first and have the other later. However Marty (yes I have reverted to calling B.H. by his name) doesn’t drink alcohol so had to pay full price for his drinks. Crazy I know. Sunset was also the time for a walk or jog along The Front. While photographing the sunset, and I know you will, remember to look out for the swiftlets diving and fish jumping – both catching insects.
In case I haven’t painted a good enough picture, I have some photographs for you as well.
What a peaceful place.
Although the Western Side of the river had some new bars and backpacker hostels, The Front was still the place to be when we were in Kampot in November 2013.
For the Budget Minded
Most happy hours in Kampot use Cambodia beer (I had not noticed this beer until Kampot). Happy Hour beers were .75USD per glass whereas in Phnom Penh they were .50USD (unknown brand). I kind of liked the idea of drinking Cambodia beer.
Beat-up bikes cost $1 USD per day and come with bike lock. You have to pay for the bike if you lose it and I bet they are not cheap so lock it up. Same goes for motorbikes.
We stayed at the Kampot Riverside Hotel. It was super clean, came with a huge bacon and eggs and fruit breakfast, and had a great river view. Our Standard Plus room cost $34USD/night.
Visit Nancie for Travel Photo Thursday over at BUDGET TRAVELERS SANDBOX
Tuesday in Townsville The Queens Hotel
Oh yeah I so could see why you would want to extend your stay….actually I would be hard up to leave!
Be so cool to ride the beat up bikes and explore Kampot Riverside, and The Front. Sure looks pretty in your pics 🙂
I agree Lisa – Bike riding is so much better than walking in the heat and you see so much 🙂
Great photos, Jan. Isn’t it great being flexible and able to change your plans if you fall in love with a place? It sounds like Kampot won your hearts.
I love having some flexibility in the schedule Carolyn. My problem is when I find somewhere I like I would happily abandon all plans and just stay there!
Kampot looks a great place to discover by bike – something we’d enjoy. I love your sunset shots, particularly the one of the boat on the river. Very atmospheric 🙂
The shots are very realistic Johanna – they show it how it was 🙂 Love exploring by bicycle – as long as there is a cold shower and cold beer waiting for me!
So beautiful…
Thanks Lily 🙂
I can definitely see myself sitting on the Front, drinking a beer and watching the stunning sunsets if I was ever in Kampot. What fun!
I would like to be there right now Jenny 🙂
You and I share the same idea of bliss – perfect for hot countries. I can’t get overt he prices. You can drink a lot of beer at .50/glass and write bikes every day. Sounds like quite the experience.
I live in a hot climate so I am used to heat, but it is so draining walking or exercising in it. I love that cold shower 🙂
this feels a little like Battambang, I think i stopped here very briefly on the river along the way to the tonle sap on the way to Siem Rep..its nice and far from the tourist trail
We enjoyed Kampot more than we did Battambang, but I do see the similarity of the river and the space beside it, and it is not on the tourist trail – yet! Kampot is in the south coast and it’s river does not connect with Tonle Sap though 🙂
So enjoy reading your Cambodia posts. It’s high on my list (and loose plans) for this year or next.
Cambodians are lovely people Sophie and there are lots of great things to do and sites to see. It is important to realize that it is a very poor country before you go though.
What a lovely looking little town. Those sunset shots are glorious. Next time I travel to Cambodia Kampot is on my list.
I think you will enjoy it Nancie. There are also places to stay further upstream that are right on the river. I think they could be interesting also.
That walkway along the waterfront looks beautiful… but I am fairly sure I wouldn’t be using that bridge!
Hi Luke. We rode over that bridge and it was pretty scary 🙂
Ah, B.H.’s name is finally revealed! The secret is out. Kampot looks more developed that what I expected in your pictures of the The Front’s wide, paved walkway. I really like how the sunset’s colors are reflected in the water.
Yes Michele, Seems like he does not care if all is revealed (name-wise that is 🙂 ). The front is unexpected that is for sure. It was strange how at some times the sunset was delicate and then violent orange!
That is a beautiful sunset photo. There is such a simplicity and peacefulness to these photos. I can’t get over how cheap your room is and how beer is so cheap and the bike rental. It does look like a great place to relax.
Kampot is very relaxed which is appealing after the hustle of Phnom Penh. Everything is cheap because Cambodia is a very poor country.
it looks beautiful enough. But for some reasons I never thought of visiting the country. Maybe beacuse of language difficulty. 🙂
Most people you would come in contact with as a tourist would be able to speak some English. Thanks for commenting 🙂
Your words painted the pictures very well, but still nice to see those great shots. I totally agree with you about ” Hot Day + Bike Ride + Cold Shower = Bliss.” Well-said.
Ha Ha, Thanks Cathy.