Kompot province

Located the southern coastal region, Kampot is the most beautiful province of Cambodia, offering beaches,deserted islands, wooded mountains, caves, a national park, waterfalls and a picturesque colonial town of the same name. Pepper, salt and the famous durian are the main agricultural products although the nascent tourist industry is beginning to flourish, filling. Kampot provincial town with upscale restuarant and hotels and Guesthouses.

Bokor Hill Station

Bokor Hill Station is located 42km from Kampot, and is perhaps the strangest tourist spot in Cambodia. It was built by the colonial French in the early 1920's as a retreat from the oppressive heat of the lowlands. The hill station consists of a once-elegant hotel and casino, a Catholic Church, former royal residences, and other buildings. It was abandoned in World War II, and Cambodia's violent past has left Bokor in a terrible state of neglect. However, it overlooks the scenic southern coast of Cambodia and provides a dramatic view of the coastline.

Its elevation and commanding strategic location meant that Bokor was fiercely contested by the Khmer Rouge and the Vietnamese. Shrouded in clouds and fog, the moss-covered buildings have an unearthly atmosphere. Exploring them is a spooky and exhilarating experience. Getting to the Hill Station can be an adventure in itself, as the road up is in a sad state of disrepair, and a 4-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. Phnom Slap Ta'aun Caves are very accessible, lying only 8km from Kampot town. Take the Kep road out of town for 7 km to the village of Kbal Meas (Golden Head). At the Garuda statue at the crossroads, turn left and go out to the small hill. It is the only hill in the area so it is hard to miss. The cave exteriors are not very photogenic because the locals have turned the place into a small limestone quarry. However, the interiors are spectaculara with a vast complex of passageways, amphitheaters, stalactites and strange formations. Take a flashlight with you. In many places the caves are lit by sunlight filtering through fissures in the rock. Between these, it's a bit dark, but it is this low, mysterious lighting that gives the caves their charm. Tekchhou Resort & Zoo is an area 8km from Kompot on the Prek Chha River. It is a popular picnic area for locals and visitors alike. There are small rapids in the river where you can play around and cool off. There are also plenty of stalls selling drinks and food. Nearby is a small zoo that is nowhere near western standards, but still worth a look. Rabbit Island is located only a few hundred meters off shore, and has some picturesque beaches. A few locals live on the island, but you will need to bring with you whatever you need for the day. Boats can be arranged through guesthouses. For those seeking a relaxing day trip, this is highly recommended. River & Island Trips upriver from Kampot can be arranged through your guesthouse. Trips up to Coral Island and other wildlife and ecological areas, particularly Stung Keo and beyond are very interesting.

Kep

Kep was established by the French in 1908, and today Kep is mainly popular with domestic tourists who go there for holidays. You can swim or just relax on the warm beach, and Kep offers great seafood and magnificent views of the nearby mountains and beaches. Taking a boat to the offshore islands is also a wonderful experience. Another itinerary, which should not be missed, is an excursion to the serene waterfalls of TekChhou situated about 10 km from Kompot. (see above).