Kampot Visit
Visit Kampot and enjoy this provincial town
Kampot Visit, December 2024
Following on from the very successful SEA festival in Phnom Penh, in mid-November, Kampot hosted the 11th SEA Festival in early December.
I wanted to see this festival, so I took the Virak bus on the 12th for the 4-hour trip from Phnom Penh for $9 and returned on the 15th with Giant Ibis for $10. I would mention that both services ran on time, without any problems, but the roomier Giant Ibis bus with better-regulated aircon and comfortable seating will be my future choice, worth the extra $.
No shortage of accommodation in Kampot where I stayed at the Twin Home guest house on the riverfront, without advance booking. However, you can book this place through Booking.com
I’ve visited Kampot several times and much appreciate the improvements along the riverfront. For the festival, the new very large river beach area was used for various meetings attended by many dignitaries including the prime minister. There was also a large funfair and stalls selling food, children’s toys and games etc. Many sporting events including beach volleyball, jet skis, mountain bike racing, sailing, and Kun Khmer Boxing added to the interest and overall success of this event. Even the rain, failed to dent the enthusiasm of the vast numbers of visitors, including many foreigners that I witnessed enjoying the holiday spirit.
Heading south, past the seahorse monument, I came to yet another funfair area and photographed the recently constructed clock standing some 35 meters in height. Not sure why the authorities chose for it to be so far from the city but with its 9.7m diameter face, it can quite clearly be seen from the seahorse side of the river. However, one can make a trip via the Old Bridge and head south to Ta Ang village, for those who require a much closer view.
All in all, a very enjoyable few days experience but unfortunately, the SEA festival is only once every four years, alternating with Sihanoukville, Kep, and Koh Kong. Looks as though it will be Koh Kong for 2025 but we will confirm with details when known.
Here are a few images:
For book-lovers, please visit this used book shop in Kampot
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Further visit to Kampot, 2 July 24
2 July 24: Visited Kampot and found the recent renovations of the riverfront to have acquired a very large beach. Viewing my image looking south, with the river on my right, one can see the Rainbow Bridge beyond this vast expanse of sand, without a soul in sight! Maybe the umbrellas, deckchairs & sandcastles coming soon…
Not too far beyond the bridge, there is a magnificent statue of a beautifully created seahorse squirting water into the river. This has quickly become a very popular tourist attraction, go take a look.
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Kampot Update, my visit on August 23
The riverfront walk continues to undergo refurbishment and overall, the nightlife area is certainly more organized and livelier. No shortage of “invitations” to join the revelers in the bars. No shortage of girls, although as may be expected, they easily outnumber the revelers, during this low season.
I noticed that, unsurprisingly, 7/11 have established themselves, and I think that there were many more street food sellers, to brighten up the evening river walk.
The Tourist Office, next to the old bridge, disappointingly, was unable to answer a question about a rather impressive statue of a mounted warrior, see image below, near the Provincial Museum. I had wanted to ask at the Museum but discovered that it was closed and that the artifacts were due to be moved to a new venue. The Tourist Office had other theories about that, but in the end, they thought that the statue in question may depict a long-ago king, the name of which, they did not know. It would be nice to obtain accurate tourist information from the Tourist Office.
They were certainly interested in promoting tours and selling tea etc. Furthermore, I suggest that those interested in evening cruises should visit the ships agents, adjacent to where the boats are moored. Simply cross the old bridge, to the side of the tourist office, and turn left where you cannot miss the colored lights of the boats. Tip, make sure to have mosquito repellent handy during the evening.
Kampot Visit in December 22
December 22, Just returned from another short visit to Kampot. I am hoping to return again soon. In the meantime, however, here are a couple more images. Moreover, during my next visit, I’m really looking forward to an opportunity to investigate some local trips, including Kep and add additional images and comments.
BTW, This time I used the Virak Buntham bus service going down for $9, and Vibol Express coming back for $8. Both are very efficient, with drivers taking good care and arriving on time.
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Kampot Visit
Using information from different sources. we review and frequently make amendments to this guide. However, because we can’t be everywhere, all the time, we’re happy to hear from anyone who would like to contribute ideas & updates, to improve overall content.
Kampot Visit
Nonetheless, many thanks for your interest, which is always much appreciated… Our email address is fuzzyken@hotmail.com or SMS to 0976822630, from outside Cambodia +855976822630. For anything quick/simple, use SMS
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Kampot Visit 21 Nov. 2021: The following is a short summary of my original trip to Kampot, which I hope you will find both interesting and helpful.
