Kampot is a huge contrast to Treng Trayeung; it's a bustling little town, full of cafes, bars and restaurants set along a river front and even has it's own promenade. The buildings are mostly French Colonial architecture, although a lot of them are in a slight state of disrepair it seems to add to the charm of Kampot. When travelling overland from Cambodia to Vietnam, Kampot is 'the gateway' and has therefore now become the backpacking stop off point, making it popular with many Westerners. It's now home to a few hostels and numerous guest houses and hotels for this reason. It also seems there's lots to see and do from here; including Kampot pepper planations tour, sunset cruises, salt farm visits, Bokor mountain day trip and Kep is only a short tuk tuk ride away too.
During our long weekend here we took a chilled out approach. We stayed at 2 different accommodations; both very traditional Khmer style. The first was Ganesha Lodge, eco friendly and tucked away in the rural outskirts of Kampot. It is like a little haven here - I felt miles away from anywhere. The feel is rustic and natural: somewhat bohemian, and very chilled out. It's a small detail, but my lasting memory from Ganesha is being served fresh honey with actual honeycomb in it. It was the first time I've ever had this and it was truly delicious! The perfect accompaniment to banana for breakfast.
On the way to Ganesha
An old mosque we discovered on the way
The track to Ganesha:
The second place we stayed was Samon's village - it was very Khmer in it's style, food and general feel. If you're looking for a truly authentic place to stay in Kampot this is for you! It's on the other side of the river from the main town, but tuk tuk's are cheap. It's restaurant and bar sits over the river and has a relaxed feel. The sleeping accommodation is very basic and the huts and tree houses are made from wood and straw/ palms. Our hut had an upstairs, but there was no electricity on the top floor, so a torch was a must for night time!
Outside Samon's Village
Banana Tree's in Samon's Village...
Canoes to take out on the river at Samon's
Our hut at Samon's Village:
Samon's Village from the river!
Life's better in a hammock!!
Chillin'
Sunny & I in the hammock huts at the Teuk Chhou Rapids in Kampot.
Whilst in Kampot we also visited Champa Lodge which was actually my favourite place - it was similar to Ganesha, but even nicer in my opinion. It was situated right on the meander of a river: a really idyllic location and it even had its own little beach. It's also possible to hire a boat here or even a stand up paddle board. It's also the only place I've found in Cambodia with a choice of Ciders! So it's definitely a winner with me!
Champa Lodge:
The river at Champa
“She was free in her wildness. She was a wanderess, a drop of free water. She belonged to no man and to no city”
- Roman Payne, The Wanderess.
Champa
Since it was Beth's birthday, and let's face it girls, any excuse will do, we visited a beauty salon in Kampot!
"Jolie Jolie!"
After 2 months in flip flops in pretty dusty and dirty conditions it's safe to say my feet were in need of more than a little TLC, and Jolie Jolie was just the place for it! It is a beautiful day spa and salon with an airy, bright and clean feel. The ladies here work very hard and take so much time and care with their job. I had a pedicure and manicure, but I was in for just over 2 hours being pampered and massaged... it really was just what I needed and I felt floaty and completely relaxed when I left here. I 100% recommend Jolie Jolie to any weary backpackers passing through Kampot or anyone in need of a a little pamper treat!
Sunset River Cruise
On our last night in Kampot we decided to go on a river cruise. There are various companies offering slightly different river cruises, but all seem to be pretty similar. There's a Firefly Cruise available, however the reviews I've heard about it are very mixed so we opted for the regular sunset cruise. which cost us only $5 including a free can of beer or soft drink.
Our Boat:
Looks dark and spooky here, but was a lovely cool evening
On the boat:
One of the traditional Khmer riverside lodges
The local fishing fleet
I loved my weekend in Kampot and enjoyed the visit to the school where volunteer's with Kais Kids can teach English. In fact, I loved it so much that I decided to spend my last 3 weeks volunteering in Cambodia here at Kampot.
Cargo train track out of Kampot
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
- Eleanor Roosevelt
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