About the ride from Kampot to Sihanoukville
Kampot is an idyllic town that sits on the banks of the Preaek Tuek Chhu River in southern Cambodia. Known for its pepper plantations and salt flats, a visit to Kampot is a wonderful way to experience the Cambodian countryside. While there, stroll around town admiring its old colorful buildings inspired by French colonial architecture or head to the Durian roundabout for a pic with the popular (and stinky) fruit that the country is famous for. If you want to surround yourself with nature, cycle to the countryside where the site of lush, green rice fields is always a welcome sight or hire a bike and ride out to the Bokor National Park.
The distance from Kampot to Sihanoukville is a little less than 100 km (60 miles), and it takes between two to three hours to cover it. Travelers can choose between minivans and private taxis to travel this route. The private cars take about two hours and provide point to point convenience. On the other hand, the minivans are a lot more economically priced and perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
Sihanoukville is a popular beach destination and known for its vibrant nightlife and casinos, and quite a contrast to the laid-back charm of Kampot. Head to the beautiful Otres Beach, perfect for working on your tan and known for its water sports. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take a night walk on the beach for a chance to swim amid electric blue-colored bioluminescent plankton.
The town also serves as the jumping off point to the beautiful islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. Ferries to the islands start from the Serendipity or Ochheuteal Pier in Sihanoukville.
How to get from Kampot to Sihanoukville?
Taking a minivan
With comfortable seats, air conditioning, and economical pricing, taking a minivan is a great option for getting to Sihanoukville from Kampot. With per passenger ticket prices starting from $8, it is also a cost-effective way of traveling. Some of the operators offer hotel pick up and drop off service, making it a very convenient option too. You can choose to book a private minivan if you are traveling as part of a bigger group. This also offers you flexibility for your departure time and the convenience of a prearranged pick up and drop off.
Taking a private taxi/car
You also have the option of booking a private taxi to cover this distance. You can choose to book a standard-sized car that is good for up to 3 passengers or an SUV that can accommodate up to 6 passengers. With hotel pick up and drop up service, plenty of leg space, and room for luggage, this is the most comfortable way to travel. This also offers you flexibility in terms of when you want to start your journey and the option of stopping along the way for a nibble or simply to stretch your legs.
What to see when traveling from Kampot to Sihanoukville?
The journey from Kampot to Sihanoukville takes you from the calm and serene Cambodian countryside to the vibrant, tourist town of Sihanoukville. As you leave the charming town of Kampot, you will get to see everyday scenes of the locals living in the area. No matter how you are traveling, by minivan or taxi, you are sure to witness children running and playing, and adults going about their daily chores. Once you head out of town, the sight of bright green paddy fields and swaying coconut and sugar palm trees will help you relax. Take a short nap or simply revel in these delightful countryside scenes. If you have hired a private taxi or minivan, do stopover at a roadside fruit stall for a bowl of fresh fruit or a sip of coconut water. It’s the perfect drink for Cambodia’s hot and humid summers.
If you are visiting the region after the monsoons, you are in for a visual treat! The countryside turns a beautiful shade of green after the rains. Do note that the ride might not be the smoothest during or immediately after the monsoons due to bad road conditions.
While the traffic volume picks up as you near Sihanoukville, you can relax knowing that you will soon be unwinding beachside with a drink in hand and only the sound of waves to keep you company.
