As I had some days before coming back home, I thought it was time to explore another part of Cambodia. I checked the map and I said to myself: why don’t I go to the south? Sounds good! On the same day, I was booking the transport and going ahead to there.
(Here I will show you what I have done so maybe is interesting for you and so can be used as a guideline).
First of all, let me say Cambodia is amazing in all her senses so it’s really difficult to choose a place to visit knowing you don’t have the time you would really like to have.
The first stop before arriving at Kampot was Phnom Penh, one of the main Cambodian cities and well-known for his museums and also the palaces.
1st stop: Phnom Penh
What it is really worth it to see is the Imperial Palace but with a guide, otherwise, you cannot realize all the history and the beauty your eyes have the pleasure to contemplate.
Tip: Take a look to your outfit before going. It is required cover your shoulders and also your knees. Not scarfs are allowed. Yes, you may die of hot but, as I said before, it is worth.
The next day, was time to visit the city center and also the Central Market, full of all kind of products perfectly forged: watches, shoes, t-shirts, electronic devices …everything you can think about.It is also a must do, although it is quite touristic, is making a tour through the river by boat when the sunset. I couldn’t have the chance to do it, the weather was horrible as it was raining all the time.
It is also a must do, although it is quite touristic, is making a tour through the river by boat when the sunset. I couldn’t have the chance to do it, the weather was horrible as it was raining all the time.
For those war and history lovers, museums and killing fields are, for sure, in to do’s list.
2nd stop: Kampot
Kampot is a quiet place situated next to the river where everybody there seems never to be in a rush. You will see them going calmly and always with a smile on their faces. This is why many foreigners opt for staying longer and just enjoy the environment.
Although Kampot town, apart from few restaurants and bars, has not many things to offer, his secret is found in his outskirts: Bokor Mountains. That’s why the first thing in mind I had before arriving was to book a tour for going there.
TIP: You cannot book the same day so the tours start in the early morning. As more people you are, less you have to pay per person. It is going to be the same price for 5 than for 10. Normally it rounds between 15-20 dollars per group.
In the mountains, you can take a look at buildings in complete decadence. If before there were points of interests for the colognes and so French people, right now are just phantasmagorical edifications.
In the enclosure, you can find these several buildings: Bokor Hill station, old casino, old church, pagoda, Popokvill waterfalls, …
3rd stop: Kep
Well-known for his crabs, this town is also very quiet and relax due to his coast and also for his crab market.That’s why the first thing I did when arriving was going to a restaurant. I wanted to experience by myself if seafood was as good as it is said.
Anecdote: since I started my trip through South East Asia I couldn’t have the chance to sleep in a private room. Therefore, I had the awesome idea (not at all) to book a bungalow in the middle of the mountain just by myself.
If you are coward, don’t do it under no circumstances!! Believe me! Listening all kind of insects and birds in the middle of the night and just “protected” by a mosquito net. It’s not funny…The next day, as I was very fresh and awake and willing to have a fantastic day (not really), I went to the National Park.
The next day, as I was very fresh and awake and willing to have a fantastic day (not really), I went to the National Park.
TIP: may you find some people in the entrance asking for some money for let them get you in. Don’t trust them!! Entrance is free, or it was this last summer.
4th and last stop: Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is known not by his culture but for being a party and beach city. Depending on your kind of trip you will have find or just nothing interesting for you to do there.
In my opinion, is not a destination but a good place for connecting to Koh Rong Islands.
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