Places to stay

There is an increasing selection of accomodation to choose from in Kampot and Kep. Classier operations tend to be closer to the riverside in Kampot or set in the hills around Kep.

Moving away from the bus drop off there are quite a few hostels in competition with one another. The touts will meet you from the bus but there is no need to decide there and then, just follow them back and check each of them out on the hostel strip.

I chose to stay at a mid range place, the Mea Culpa run by Ben, a genial Irishman with great Cambodian staff and clean large rooms.

Although there is probably no need to book ahead unless it is a big holiday many places are on hostelworld and can be booked using the link below.

Top tips and things to do

Rent a motorbike and explore the countryside, much easier than Saigon

Trek up the Bokor and be captivated by the jungle and fresh air

Head to the old seaside town of Kep to see the crab market, choose your order and have it fried with delicious Kampot peppers

Take a boat out to the islands off of Kep for a laid back afternoon and some glorious beaches

Eat and drink watching the sunset over the mountains from one of the riverside spots in Kampot.

Getting there and away

Buses from Phnom Penh run a couple of times a day, the trip is a bit bumpy so avoid the back of the bus. Minivans and taxis are also available but will be more expensive and not always more comfortable.

A good service operates to and from Sihanoukville, your guesthouse should be able to book this for you.

If you are heading to Vietnam for Hat Tien or Phu Quoc Island then there are options available:

A direct bus operates from Kampot and picks up in Kep. This is a fun way to go and passes through some lovely countryside. In the rainy season this may be tough and slow going so be prepared for delays. They supposedly have an early morning pickup to get you to the 8.30 ferry but don't count on it. The 9am departure will be ok unless there are too many travellers. In this case you have to press the drivers and assistants to hurry up!

The fast boat (the only one you want) leaves the pier next to the agency in Hat Tien at 1.30 sharp (check the current departure time), it will not wait at all even if you are running so make sure the process at the borders is hurried up. Advise other travellers of this as it may be the intention of the agents to get you to spend a night in Hat Tien. I was the ONLY one on my bus, out of about 15 passengers, to make the boat.

The agents sell a transfer for a minivan on Phu Quoc for about a dollar, it is worth it so buy one and get driven to a selection of guesthouses of YOUR choosing on Long Beach.

Connections can be made to all points in the delta from Hat Tien so don't sweat it.