Kampot

Kampot is a small town (pop.~40,000) in southeast Cambodia and capital of the province of the same name. It is a gateway to Bokor National Park

Kampot Sunset - 330px|Sunset over the river.

Kampot Halal Travel Guide

Kampot's main draw is its relaxing riverside setting. While there is a sizable town set back from the river, most Muslim visitors will spend most of their time enjoying the river. Most tourist businesses are scattered along the riverside promenade or are within one or two blocks of it. The riverside's main reference points are the old bridge, a mongrel of various styles and temporary parts thrown together after its breaching in the Khmer Rouge days, and the French-built market building (which is currently being restored). Back from the river and the town is centred on the bizarre durian roundabout. From where the buses drop passengers, walking down the wide boulevard leads towards the river and the French-built market.

Travel to Kampot

By bus To/from Phnom Penh:

Rte 33 heading to Kampot north of Kep, taken by all the buses. The trip Phnom Penh-Kampot (148 kilometers) can take up to 3 hours.

Hua Lin buses depart at 07:00 and 12:00 from their bus station on Street 182 near Olympic Market. The bus travels to Kampot via Kep and the trip takes about 3 hours (normally).

Capitol Tour buses depart at 07:00 and 13:00 from their bus station near Orrusey Market. The bus does not currently go via Kep and the trip can take roughly 3 hr. The fare is USD8.

Sorya buses depart at 07:30 and 14:30 from their bus station next to Central Market. In the high season (October - May) there may be an additional bus at 09:30. The bus travels to Kampot via Kep and the trip takes about 3 hr. The fare is USD8.

Paramount Angkor Express buses depart at 07:30 and 13:30 from their bus station near Olympic Market. The bus travels directly to Kampot (does not go via Kep) and the trip takes about 3 hr. The fare is USD8

Giant Ibis buses depart at 08:00 and 14:45 from Street 106 next to the Night Market on Riverside. This company promotes itself as a luxury service. Tickets are USD8 and the bus arrives at the Durian Roundabout (roughly 300 m from the bus station) in Kampot.

All of the above buses, with the exception of Giant Ibis, end at the central Kampot bus station which is about 150 m from one of the main guesthouse streets in Kampot. Walk to the Salt Workers Monument and take the first turn to the left.

Many guesthouses in Phnom Penh offer direct transport to Kampot. While convenient, it is expensive at around USD8.

These buses do not generally have an on-board toilet, but do usually have a 15 minutes rest stop at the half-way point between Phnom Penh and Kampot. Note also that while there is no difference in the fares charged for local residents and foreigners on the Phnom Penh-Kampot route, fares generally increase for everyone during major public holidays/celebrations.

Mini Bus

Kampot Express uses 12 seat Hyundai Starex mini buses. They provide an 08:00 and 13:00 service on weekdays with an additional 16:30 service on Saturday and Sunday. Buses are based at Street 215 in Phnom Penh at the Sokimex petrol station. The trip which takes around 2.5 hours depending on the traffic leaving Phnom Penh. The fare is USD8 and additional baggage fees may apply.

• M.T.T (call/text TOM on mobile: +855 16 994161) newly-launched daily air-con vans serving all most destinations twice, plus Trat, Thailand

Private Taxi: your hotel/hotel should be able to arrange this for you and expect to pay between USD75-50 for the whole taxi with the trip taking approx. 2.5 hr. Again, prices quoted will generally be higher during major public holidays and you will almost certainly be quoted a higher price if you attempt to negotiate the fare yourself with one of the taxis at Phnom Penh airport.

Shared Taxi : There are a number of shared taxis that regularly ply the route between Phnom Penh and Kampot and your hotel/hotel should be able to arrange a seat for you. If you want to make your own arrangements, taxis generally depart from Psar Damkor. Be aware that a shared taxi, generally a Toyota Camry, on this route will normally carry eight people including the driver so if you are a large Westerner, have a lot of luggage or have issues with your personal space, you might want to book two seats at the front of the taxi which in effect gives you the front passenger seat to yourself. Prices are generally around USD8 per "chair" so the front passenger seat to yourself should cost around USD 17.

Railway

• There is a passenger rail service between Kampot and Phnom Penh. and Kampot and Sihanoukville.
• the train from Kampot to Phnom Penh departs every Saturday and Sunday at 08.40am. and takes (5 hours 20 mins) to get to Phnom Penh. a ticket cost $6.
• the train from Kampot to Sihanoukville departs every Saturday and Sunday at 11.40am. the trip takes (2 hours 40 mins) a ticket cost $4.

To/From Sihanoukville

take a shared taxi, shuttle van or bus. Most taxis depart from the traffic pickup point next to the market. The 2 hours drive should cost USD 5/person in a shared taxi. Bus operators can help arrange a shuttle van with pickup at your hotel. Shared taxis are generally cramped, with up to 7 passengers: 4 in the back, 2 in the front passenger seat and one next to the driver.

Giant Ibis are now operating a return bus service to and from Sihanoukville with departures at 08:30 and 12:00 in both directions. Price is listed at USD7 one way.

Driving from Sihanoukville to Kampot on a rented scooter can be fun, but if road conditions are poor may take 3.5 hours or more.

To/From Ha Tien (Vietnam Border)

Several bus and van companies ply the Kampot - Kep- Ha Tien Route. a ticket to Ha Tien cost $8 from Kampot. and $5 from Kep.

Get Around

Getting around Kampot is easy on foot or on cycling|a bicycle, given the town's small size and flat terrain. Alternatively, hire a motorcycle (100cc-125cc scooter or 250cc dirt bike, from USD8/day) or bicycle (from USD1/day) from hire shops near the durian traffic circle, or from just about any guesthouse or tour shop.

It used to take about 2 hours by motorbike from Kampot to the Ha Tien border with Vietnam and the scenery is very beautiful. If you start early you can catch the 10:00 ferry to Phu Quoc Island. The border procedure is hassle free.

What to see in Kampot

The most impressive sights in Kampot are the river and surrounding hills, which grandly frame views from the riverside promenade. Kampot retains many of its colonial buildings and there are many interesting old structures in various states of repair. The two cinemas stopped screenings long ago but the buildings represents a charming, art deco vision of the future. The market, an angular structure similar to Battambang|Battambang's, is undergoing renovation.

• Bokor Mountain The eerie charm of the abandoned French hill station that included a shell of a church and the isolated upland nature reserve are rapidly becoming a tacky casino resort for Asian gamblers. The road up the mountain is now paved and provides easy access. The cooler climate and sublime views from the mountain remain and may provide some reason for a visit.
  Tigers were rare to start with and will likely soon be non-existent. Gibbons and birds such as the chestnut-headed partridge, blue pitta, and orange-headed thrush will also been much harder to spot in what is now a construction site. The waterfall, which only flows in the wet season, may still provide some sanctuary for humans and animals wanting to get away from bulldozers.
  Tours still run up the mountain and cost roughly USD 17, depending on bargaining skills. Lunch is included. Except for the Bokor Palace Hotel and old casino and the old French buildings are occupied by the families of construction workers. The excursion can still be worthwhile provided it is viewed as an insight into Cambodia's Great Leap Forward rather than as an atmospheric expedition into a remote and haunting environment.
  Several tracks enter the forest, one from behind the old tea plantation and the second from near the waterfalls. It is feasible to stay at the ranger station which is basic but comfortable and, contrary to some reports, offers food and French soft drinks.
• Kampot Mangroves A traditional Khmer longtail boat floats you to stunning locations where the flora, fauna and people dwell harmoniously. Voyage up the Kampot River and towards the heart of Bokor National Park.
• Pepper Farms Enquire in town about how to see pepper being grown and processed.
• Phnom Chhnork | A pleasant ride through paddy fields and village life to these caves with pre-Angkorian (Funan) shrines and "lost worlds". Just after the rhino statue turn left (there is a sign to Phnom Chhnork Resort), cross the railway into a village. Straight ahead is Phnom Sera with some interesting caves and a quarry which feeds the local gravel industry. Follow the road 90 degrees left and 2 kilometers or so to Wat Ang Sdok, pay the monks and walk across to the mountain. Take a torch.
• Also to be experienced is the fresh seafood (especially the crab with local Kampot pepper) and beaches at Kep (25 kilometers & 25-45 minutes east of Kampot by moto or shared taxi) which makes a fun day trip. Although the beaches are not as nice as those in Sihanoukville (1 small brown sand beach and more rocky), it is quiet and during the week you will likely be the only visitors. Fishing boats can also be taken out to Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island), roughly 45 min from the mainland.
• Cham Fishing Village, about 2 kilometers out of town past the Governor's Residence on the road that runs along the east bank of the river. Seems to be undergoing road and bridge upgrading for the new swamp-side housing estate at the end of this road. Has a great view of the Cham fishing village across the river on the island.
• Salt Fields , some are a kilometre out of town on the Kep road. You will see the fields off to your right (leaving Kampot) and there are a number of access roads.
• Funky Statues, The Big Durian, The Vietnam Friendship Monument, The 2000 Roundabout, The Salt Workers Monument. Be sure to get your jump-shot photo in front of the hairy nuts.
• The Two Old Cinemas, art Deco design and both have been out of regular service for some time however the one on the old bridge road does show the occasional Khmer-made horror movie. If you are an art Deco enthusiast and the Kampot Tourism Board building, about 400 m up from the Salt Workers Monument, is also worth a look.
• The Old Bridge, now closed to heavy traffic as its structural integrity is questionable. It is still open for motorcycles, bicycles and foot traffic. It is very picturesque with light bulbs at sunset.
• The Colonial Railway Station and the rail line through Kampot is under construction. For the present the old station still stands in all its untouched glory and is worth a look. Head out of town on the Phnom Penh road and take the last turn to your right before you come to the rail lines. The station is sign posted and roughly 1.5 kilometers out of town.
• The Kampot Traditional Music School for Orphaned and Disabled Children, across the road from the Acleda Bank building and adjacent to the park that runs down to the Old Market. The school holds occasional concerts. There is a notice board outside the building advising dates and times. It is feasible to attend music rehearsals (Monday to Fri) if you make an appointment. ☎ +855 33 932992 (Field Manager: Mr. You Chhuy)
• The Old Prison, still in active use and would make a great set if anyone ever decides to do a remake of the movie Papillon. This is not a place where you would want to do time. About 200 m from the Salt Workers Monument.
• The 2000 Olympic Stadium, in the centre of town behind the Durian Roundabout. Classic Khmer-style stadium and the grounds are often used for fairs or live music concerts during public holidays.
• The Market, large, rambling, well stocked with just about everything that an average Khmer family could need (have a look at the section behind the fish mongers for examples of local produce) and well worth a wander around.
• Teuk Chhouu | An area of rapids with eateries and an island. It is a nice place for swimming, tubing and relaxing, and vendors sell fruit, coffee and water.
• Tada Waterfall (14km north west of Kampot), a waterfall and swimming hole on a small stream. US$1 entry fee per person for local residents and foreigners.
• Get Out Of Town, head out of Kampot for 1 kilometers in any direction and get off the primary streets and you are in rural Cambodia. Some of the local cottage industries include palm sugar and making, basket weaving and furniture making using liana and rattan.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kampot

Looking upstream in Kampot - Take a boat trip up the river

Kampot has a relaxed and sleepy atmosphere apart from the droves of motor-cycle riding school children that flock here when school is in. It is a great place to go and just soak up the atmosphere and catch your breath for a couple of days.

Do Kampot province by dirt bike: Ride enduro style through the Elephant mountains, take on the hill climb up Bokor or relax.

• Kayak and Boat Trips | Standard Boat Tours (Morning and Evening Cruise) available (USD8), Kayak Tours (USD9) or daily rent (USD7) (e.g at Captain Chim's Family Restaurant at the Old Market).
• Minigolf | Play a few fun rounds of 9-hole mini golf for free. Have a cold organic juice before, during and afterwards.

• Petanque - Boules | Play at Blissful for free. Have a cold organic juice or pastis while playing. The court is floodlit, to allow play morning, afternoon or evening.

• SUP Asia - Stand Up Paddleboarding, SUP lessons and tours. Kayak rentals, swimming and cafe.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kampot

• Kampot Pepper Black pepper, USD12-18/kg; white pepper, USD13-20/kg; red pepper, USD18-25/kg - Given its reputation for quality, this is probably the most popular purchase made by visitors to Kampot. Such is its popularity that a host of imitators claim to be Kompot pepper. If you want to be confident that the pepper you buy is the genuine article, buy it from a reputable supplier. The packaging should have an authenticity logo and possibly a Barcode tracking code identifying the farm where it was grown.

• Tiny Kampot Pillows - Hand made in Kampot. Quilts, pillows and cushions, coasters and place mats, belts and bags.

• Meta Pheap Supermarket

• Psar Samaki (Kampot Market) Local fruit. sells clothing and homewares.

Banks & ATMs

• Canadia Bank is at the traffic circle (Durian roundabout). These ATMs do not work with some bank cards, for example ING-bank cards.
• Acleda Bank is on Old Market Road near Central Bus Stand.
• ABA Bank is also on the old market Road near the central bus stand.
• ABA and Acleda banks also run more single ATMonday - booths spread around the town.

Halal Food & Restaurants

Halal food is available and plenty.

Kampot 20110429-003 - 330px|Riverside restaurant

Cham HALAL Food - J55H+VPF, Krong Kampot, Cambodia - Opens from 5am to 5pm. Halal Food delivery feasible to any hotel in Kampot.

Wau Halal Restaurant - Malaysian Halal Restaurant - J57H+47G, ផ្លូវលេខ ៧១៦, Krong Kampot, Cambodia - ☎ +855 67 223 737. Halal Food delivery feasible to any hotel in Kampot.

مطعم حلال بسم الله - J56H+7GV, Krong Kampot, Cambodia

Cham Halal Meat Soups - J54C+9FH, Krong Kampot, Cambodia

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kampot

Kampot - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kampot, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kampot. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kampot and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kampot. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kampot. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKampot: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kampot.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kampot: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kampot, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kampot.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kampot, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kampot, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kampot and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kampot, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kampot, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kampot without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kampot is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kampot.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kampot is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kampot, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kampot Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kampot

eHalal Group Kampot is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kampot. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kampot.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kampot ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kampot. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kampot, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kampot are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are many guesthouses in Kampot, mostly in the USD8+ price bracket. It is best just to have a look at the rooms. In the city most of the guesthouses are located along "Guesthouse Street". There are also a number of guesthouses just outside of town across the bridge and along the river front.

• Greenhouse - Small private bungalows set in an orchard with a fantastic view. Great restaurant in beautiful old wooden Khmer house with a large balcony overlooking the river. Free bicycles, kayak rental, free Wi-Fi, popular swimming spot.

• Kampot River Bungalow Comfortable bungalows and rooms with mosquito nets. Diving board, affordable high quality food and great communal atmosphere. The cheapest of the three. Food and soft drinks.

• Olly's Place - Comfortable bungalows and rooms with mosquito nets. Paddle-boarding and swimming in the river included. Wind-surfing available. Food and soft drinks.

• Samon's Village | Clean bungalows with mosquito nets, terrace, access to the river and good local food. Very friendly and family-like atmosphere. No party crowd and a place to easily get to know the local residents.

• Les Manguiers - Garden bungalow resort with table d'hote menu, kayaks and boat trips. Very French. Trilingual staff. Call for pick-up.

• Villa Vedici | Swanky new garden bungalow resort.

• Rikitikitavi - Consistently well reviewed charming small western-managed hotel on the river road in town. Stylishly finished a/c rooms with amenities including TV, DVD, mini-fridge, in-room wifi, spring mattresses and hot/cold showers. Free, fast wifi and safe-box in-room. Excellent rooftop restaurant with a brilliant view overlooking the river.

Telecommunications in Kampot

Internet access is available downtown for 3,000 riel/hour. Free access is available at most Hotels and restaurants; the quality may differ.

Travel Next

• Ha Tien (Vietnam) - Motorbike drivers usually ask for USD 17-15 for a ride to the border, but you can also get a motorbike taxi directly to Ha Tien for USD9 (around 2 hr). Some of the roads are not paved, but you will get to see some nice rural areas on the way. There are taxis leaving for the border around 09:00 for USD9 per person.
• Kep - another resort city 25 kilometers east, famous for seafood, motorbike for USD7, tuk-tuk USD8.
• Sihanoukville - Cambodia's best-known beach resort. Big bus, minivan or Sihanoukville's G'day Mate Western-run van service.

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