How to get from Sihanoukville to Kampot?
The short distance of 71 km from Sihanoukville to Kampot takes about two to three hours to cover. Travelers have the option of taking a minivan or hiring a private car.
Minivans offer four departure times, the earliest being noon and the latest being 15:45, make it convenient to travel from Sihanoukville to Kampot. With comfortable seating and economical pricing, they are a popular choice amongst those taking this route. These vehicles take six to ten passengers per ride and even offer hotel pick up for those whose accommodation is near the city center. All of them offer air conditioning, something you will appreciate if you are traveling during Cambodia’s hot and sultry summers. For those traveling as part of a larger group, it is possible to hire a minivan and decide on a convenient pick-up time and point.
If you have extra luggage, booking a private car is the best option. Besides providing you with space and comfort, a private vehicle offers flexibility in terms of pick up times and locations. Not to mention the privacy you get from having a car all to yourself and the freedom to stop along the way for coffee breaks and to stretch your legs a little. With fewer pick-ups and drop-off points, a private taxi is also your fastest option when you are traveling from Sihanoukville to Kampot.
What to see when traveling from Sihanoukville to Kampot?
From the crystal blue water beaches of Sihanoukville to Kampot, known for its beautiful, green countryside, this route allows you to experience two very different sides of Cambodia. Leave behind the hustle and bustle of Sihanoukville and embrace the laid back charm of Kampot.
Enjoy the countryside scenes of villagers working in paddy fields, swaying palm trees, giggling children, and the inspiring Bokor Mountains in the distance. The Kampot countryside is particularly green after the monsoon, so sit back and enjoy the fresh breeze. If you are traveling by private taxi, you can halt for a few minutes to take a break, buy some local fruits from the street-side vendors and chat with friendly locals and children.
If you are visiting during or immediately after the monsoon season, be ready for a not-so-smooth ride. Road conditions deteriorate during this time, and travel can get bumpy.
What is the best time of year to visit Sihanoukville?
A popular beach destination, and the launching point for the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, Sihanoukville, is at its busiest from November to February. These months fall in the dry season and are the best times to travel to Sihanoukville - the town sees blue skies, warm water conditions, and pleasant temperatures along with lower humidity levels. Average day time temperatures are between 30°C - 32°C (86°F - 90°F) while nighttime temperatures hover around the low 20s (high 60s to low 70s). With endless sunshine days, it’s a great time to explore the nearby islands and work on that perfect tan.
Temperatures and rainfall levels start to increase by March and April. Day time averages are now in the range of 33°C - 34°C (91°F - 93°F). April is the hottest month of the year in Sihanoukville.
By May, the monsoon or wet season has set in firmly, and the month sees around 15 days of rain. Humidity levels are on the rise too, which can make temperatures seem higher than they are. It’s a quieter period of the year and an excellent time to score deals on flights and accommodation. Just keep an umbrella handy! The months of June, July and August continue to experience rainfall levels similar to May. Average day time temperatures continue to fall during this period, and by August, readings are around 30°C - 31°C (86°F - 88°F).
Grab a little piece of paradise at the popular Otres Beach, which is now, without the peak season crowds, yours to discover. Mingle with locals, enjoy the surf and sand when the sun comes out, watch the sun go down and light up the sky or head out for a late-night swim to witness the waters turn a beautiful shade of blue due to the presence of bioluminescent plankton. The number of days that see rainfall and rainfall levels increase in September and October. With 18-20 days of rain showers, October is the wettest month of the year.
What is the best time of year to visit Kampot?
Kampot follows a weather pattern very similar to the rest of Cambodia. The town experiences warm temperatures year-round with average day time readings falling in between 30°C - 34°C ( 86°F- 93°F) and nighttime temperatures in the 20s (high 60s to low 70s).
Kampot, like Cambodia, experiences two seasons - a dry season from October to April that sees dry days and pleasant temperatures and a wet season that runs from the second half of May - September. The monsoon period is characterized by higher rainfall levels, warmer temperatures, and higher humidity levels. The period from December to March sees day time highs in the low 30s (86°F - 89°F), dry days, and clear skies making it one the best times to visit Kampot. Rainfall starts only by April and May though they are usually just short downpours.
Temperature and humidity levels are a little higher during these months, but with lesser crowds and lowers accommodation rates, it’s a good time to visit Kampot. If you are visiting the region during this time, we recommend you hire a scooter and head out for a day trip to the Phnom Bokor National Park for some respite from the heat. While there, enjoy panoramic views of the countryside, explore the ruins of the Black Forest and visit the Old Catholic Church.
The monsoons find a firm footing by June, and rainfall levels keep steadily increasing till September. 75% of the rain received by the region is during this wet season. Temperatures during September are around 31°C (88°F).
The rains start to let up by the latter half of October, and rainfall levels continue to drop in November. The countryside is green, and the lakes and rivers are full, making November a great time to visit Kampot before the peak season crowds arrive. It’s the perfect time to visit the Kampot Salt Fields and the pepper plantations that the town is famous for with ideal conditions for sightseeing.
In December, pleasant temperatures and dry weather make the region particularly attractive to the winter break crowds who are looking for warmer climes and a spot of sunshine. If you are planning on visiting during this month, it’s best to book a few months ahead.
