Kampot and Kep hotel and lodging guide
Thatched bungalows make eco-friendly resorts
The old colonial town of Kampot has a great range of accommodation, ranging from simple rooms in renovated Khmer villas to deluxe, over-water bungalows. A cluster of long-term favourites sit along the waterfront (known locally as just ‘the front’) or a couple of rows back on Guesthouse Road, while further upstream there are several options including happening hippy joints with live music and suitably chilled-out travellers, to more upmarket boutique lodging.
Everyone has its own restaurant, bar or cafe, essential, given the lack of nightlife away from the main drag. Kep is a more upmarket destination, the former playground of Cambodia’s rich and famous attempting a revival of the glory days of the 50s and 60s. Accommodation here is definitely flashpacker, with a good selection of mid-range hotels and some rather stunning eco-resorts.
Kampot hotels and lodging
Mea Culpa: Simple but elegant rooms (US$20) with large windows, TV and DVD, look back towards town from the southern tip behind the pond. This Khmer villa is probably the most peaceful city location, with its wood-fired pizza a standout. Behind the Governor’s Residence, tel: + (855) (0)12 504 769.
Les Manguiers: ‘The Mango Trees’ is a pleasant oasis of activity located just outside of town the eastern river bank. Various room types, including doubles (US$10) and some upmarket bungalows (US$20 – US$30), offer a range of accommodation options, while the restaurant and lounge areas feature lovely sunset views in addition to some tasty French fare.
There are a host of activities such as badminton, petanque, kayaking and even a children’s playground, making it popular with families. Busy on weekends, call ahead for free transfers. River Road, 2kms north of town, tel: + (855) (0)92 330 050.
Blissful Guesthouse: Located in a traditional Khmer house in a lovely quiet garden setting in town, Blissful has been a backpacker favourite for some time. With rooms priced from US$4 – US$8, a large communal upstairs lounge and bicycle rentals all popular. Downstairs, the garden restaurant also sells books, souvenirs, hammocks and of course Kampot Pepper. A good place to meet fellow travellers. Guesthouse Road, behind the Salt Workers Roundabout, tel: + (855) (09)2 494 331.
Child peers from Bokor Mountain Lodge
Bokor Mountain Lodge: One of the finest colonial buildings on the front, the massive rooms (US$30 – US$50) have all the modern amenities, as expected given the place is run by the same group that manage the FCC in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The downstairs bar and garden terrace is a good spot for people watching on the river road, and the food is of a high standard. River Rd, tel: + (855) (0)33 932 314.
Orchid Guesthouse: Basic rooms inside and old Khmer villa with a couple of types of bungalow out the back around a fish pond and orchid-adorned garden, with rates ranging from US$4 – US$15. Family-run, the English speaking owner is a good source of local information and does not pressure you into buying tours like some of his neighbours found along the same road. There’s a small book exchange and pleasant restaurant, with some friendly animals and children. Guesthouse Road, opposite Blissful, tel: + (855) (0)92 226 996.
Rikitikitavi: A fine choice on the front, boasting just five superb rooms with a minimalist Asian lean. With cable TV, DVD collection, in-room safe and mini-bar complemented by tasteful decor and big, four-poster beds, this is a good choice for couples seeking a touch of romance. Bookings essential over weekends and holidays, the US$30 – US$35 rate includes breakfast at the first-floor restaurant, which boasts superb views over the river in addition to some of the best food in town. River Rd, tel: + (855) (0)12 235 102.
Bodhi Villa: The hippy hang-out scene, especially for their live music sessions on Friday nights, Bodhi is a great place if you want to meet quiet party-loving backpackers in a suitable eccentric environment just out of town, thanks to the larger-than-life Aussie owner.
There are cheap dorm rooms from US$4 to mid-range (US$10) and deluxe on-the-water-bungalows (US$25). Also features Kampot’s only speedboat, with water-skiing available, while all the chill-out amenities such as lounge bar, TV zone and pool table are included. Tek Chhou Road, 2kms north of town, tel: + (855) (0)12 728 884.
Utopia: Super-chilled hideaway along the zoo road, Utopia is a great place to relax over the river and paddle away the days or float on inner tubes. Popular with backpackers, there are plenty of room options from US$3 dorms to deluxe overwater bungalows (US$25). Close to the waterfalls, an ideal spot for river exploration and general lazing, though a little isolated. Tek Chhou Rd, 7kms north of town, tel: + (855) (0)12 407 305.
Insider tip – There are several chill-out type bungalow resorts north of town which are a great escape. Be aware that there is no transport out here and you are limited to activities in the guesthouse after dark – the walk to town is too far. A motorbike is handy.
Kep hotels and lodging
Most of the lodging in Kep is up the hillside, around a ten minute walk to the waterfront but closer to 30 minutes to the actual beach area. There are plenty of options, mostly huddled together, so checking out a few places is simple enough.
Vanna Bungalows: Popular traveller’s spot, with the staff consistently praised. Different rooms with varying views ranging from US$10 – US$20, the wooden bungalows are a bargain. The restaurant has some of the best sunset views on the coast. Hillside, tel: + (855) (0)12 755 038.
Veranda Natural Resort: The constantly expanding resort dominates the hillside, the boutique bungalows (US$25 – US$60) are extremely popular with tourists and Phnom Penh expats alike, and bookings are advised on weekends. The vistas from the restaurant and bar are unparallel, and the quixotic connecting walkways between rooms give the garden setting a lovely, quaint feel. Hillside, tel: + (855) (0)12 888 619...More details and booking
Le Bout Du Monde: The furthest up the hill, backing onto the National Park, the two-room residence bungalow are among the most luxurious and tasteful in the region. Wide verandas with sweeping ocean views, hammocks, cushioned couches and stunning stone bathrooms are surprisingly low priced, from just US$20 – US$35. Hillside, tel: + (855) (0)11 964 181.
