Mountains, rivers, beaches, and bold local flavors — all within easy reach of the Ha Tien border crossing.
Just across the Cambodia border from Ha Tien, Kampot is one of the most rewarding day-trip or weekend destinations for travelers staying at Ha Tien Vegas. Blending French-colonial charm with untouched nature, this riverside town is known for its clean coastline, misty mountains, and some of the best seafood in the region.
Getting there: After crossing at the Ha Tien border gate, Kampot is about a 1-hour drive away. From Ha Tien Vegas, it’s an easy add-on to any Cambodia trip — cross the border, explore Kampot for the day, and come back to rest at the resort.
From Ho Chi Minh City, you can book bus tickets to Ha Tien with companies like Kumho, Phuong Trang, Tuan Nga, etc., at times such as 8 PM, 9 PM, 9:30 PM, 10 PM, etc.
Then, from Ha Tien, you can book a bus with Mekong Travel from the Xa Xia border gate to Kampot city. At the border gate, you will have to go through immigration procedures to enter Kampot. Remember to bring your passport and necessary documents.
In Kampot, you can rent a motorbike to explore on your own or hire a car with a local guide. They will take you to the tourist attractions in Kampot province.
Tuk-tuks are one of the most popular modes of transportation in Cambodia, especially for tourists. Tourists can download the Pass app – an app for booking rides at reasonable prices without bargaining. To use this app, tourists need a Cambodian phone number. Some mobile network providers include Smart Axiata, Cellcard, and Metfone.
What to see:
- The Durian Roundabout — Kampot’s playful landmark at the town center, a giant durian statue surrounded by coconut, mango, and mangosteen sculptures representing the region’s famous produce.
- Kep Beach — about 30 minutes from central Kampot, with clean white sand and calm, shallow water, popular with weekend visitors.
- Teuk Chhou River — roughly 15km out, a wide, shaded river spot with hammocks and huts, perfect for cooling off in nature.
- Bokor Mountain — a scenic, winding drive to 1,090m elevation, home to century-old French colonial ruins, temples, and cool mountain air.
What to eat:
Tourists can enjoy many typical Cambodian street food dishes starting from 2 USD (approximately 50,000 VND). The papaya and shrimp salad, made with papaya, carrots, corn, eggs, fresh shrimp, rice noodles, and various herbs, costs 3 USD (approximately 78,000 VND).
- Bok l’hong — Kampot’s take on green papaya salad, balancing sour, spicy, salty, and sweet in one dish
- Roasted chicken (Gà đốt) — crispy skin, tender meat, served with stir-fried water spinach
- Blue crab — fresh from Kep’s waters, best enjoyed steamed
- Kampot durian — smaller and less flashy than other varieties, but prized locally for its rich, creamy flavor
Kampot has a rather hot climate, so visitors should prepare sunscreen, hats, and umbrellas. The best time to visit is from December to May of the following year. During this time, Cambodia is in its dry season, making it easier for visitors to plan their itinerary and enjoy their vacation.
Make it a full trip: Base yourself at Ha Tien Vegas before or after your Kampot day trip. With comfortable rooms, dining, and entertainment just minutes from the border, it’s the easiest way to explore Cambodia without giving up comfort.
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