If you are looking for a peaceful, time-filled destination to “escape” from the hustle and bustle of urban life, Kampot – a charming old town located in Southern Cambodia – is the ideal place for a weekend getaway. Not as bustling as Phnom Penh, nor as mysterious as Siem Reap, Kampot has a quiet, classic beauty, very suitable for tourists who love a quiet and nostalgic space. Let’s explore this land with Ha Tien Vegas!
Introducing Kampot – The peaceful pearl of Southern Cambodia
Kampot is located about 150 km south of the capital Phnom Penh, and only about 60 km from Xa Xia border gate (Ha Tien, Kien Giang), very convenient for Vietnamese tourists to visit. This place stands out with ancient French architecture, small streets imbued with ancient Indochina, historical relics and pristine nature from Bokor mountain, Kep sea to the gentle Prek Kampong Kandal river.
Not only attractive in terms of scenery, Kampot is also famous as the “durian capital” of Cambodia, with a giant durian symbol solemnly placed in the center of the city – a unique check-in spot loved by many tourists.
Ancient French architecture and symbolic buildings in Kampot
Durian wheel and giant clock
In the center of Kampot, visitors will easily see the durian roundabout – a unique architectural work symbolizing the famous specialty of this land. Nearby is the seahorse fountain – a new symbol inaugurated in April 2024, 8 m high, overlooking the Prek Kampong Kandal river. Seahorses in Cambodian culture symbolize prosperity and luck, and are gradually becoming the most attractive “virtual living” spot in Kampot.
It is impossible not to mention the giant clock – 35 m high, 9.7 m face diameter, designed in traditional Khmer style with Khmer numerals, which is one of the most notable architectural symbols here.
Entanou Bridge – Historical mark of the French colonial period
Entanou Bridge is a bridge across the Kampot River, built during the French colonial period and bearing bold colonial architectural imprints. After many historical upheavals, most of the bridge has been restored, with only two bridge spans remaining near the town still remaining as they were originally. Today, the bridge is only for pedestrians, motorbikes, bicycles and tuktuks to preserve this monument.
Experience Kampot old town – Immerse yourself in the slow pace of life
Walking on the streets of Kampot, visitors seem to be transported back in time to the early decades of the 20th century. Ancient French-style buildings, painted yellow, red tiled roofs, and wooden shutters are reused as restaurants, cafes, administrative headquarters… creating a classic space mixed with a modern breath.
At night, the old town becomes even more brilliant thanks to the shimmering yellow lights reflecting on the old walls, creating a very poetic scene, ideal for romantic walks by the river.
Move to Kampot
From Vietnam to Kampot:
- From Ho Chi Minh City: Tourists can catch a bus to Phnom Penh for 500,000 – 900,000 VND, then continue the journey to Kampot by bus (price about 300,000 VND).
- From Ha Tien (Kien Giang): This is a more economical way. You can take a bus to Ha Tien (price 200,000 – 500,000 VND), then go through Xa Xia border gate and catch a bus to Kampot for about 300,000 VND.
- From Hanoi: Because Kampot does not have an airport, you should fly to Phnom Penh or Ho Chi Minh City, then continue by road as the above route.
Ideal climate and time to travel to Kampot
Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate, quite hot. The dry season lasting from December to May is the most suitable time to explore Kampot. During this period, the weather has little rain and clear blue sky, which is very favorable for sightseeing activities, taking photos and enjoying natural scenery.
Visitors should prepare sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and umbrellas to avoid the sun when walking or moving outdoors.
Local cuisine – Discover the flavors of Kampot
Kampot cuisine is a harmonious combination of traditional Khmer flavors and the influence of French cuisine. You can enjoy street food at very affordable prices, from only 2 USD (~50,000 VND). Fresh papaya and shrimp salad is a favorite, consisting of shredded papaya, carrots, corn, herbs, vermicelli, eggs and shrimp – a light but flavorful meal. In addition, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the famous Kampot pepper – a specialty spice exported globally, often used in grilled dishes, seafood and rich stir-fry dishes.
Kampot is not only a tourist destination, but also a journey back to the past, a place to help you “live slowly” in the modern world. A leisurely weekend in Kampot is the perfect combination of cultural exploration, nature enjoyment and soul relaxation. With close distance, reasonable cost and ancient beauty, Kampot is definitely the ideal choice for Vietnamese tourists looking for a new but not too strange space.
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If you have the opportunity to visit Kampot on the weekend, stay at Ha Tien Vegas right next to Ha Tien – Kampong Trach border gate and continue your journey to explore Ha Tien or Kampot the next day.
Book now: https://hatienvegas.com/rooms/
Hotline: (+855)0718898922 – (ខ្មែរ) (+855)069953615 – (中文) (+84)0941341545 – VN (+855)087258581 Front Office (ខ្មែរ)