Enjoying the nature of Kampot by Kayak!

The coastal resort town of Kampot, located near the Vietnamese border in southern Cambodia and opening onto the Gulf of Thailand, is an ideal destination for relaxing in tranquility at the end of an active trip. Riding in a tuk-tuk or scooter up to the top of Mount Bokor to enjoy the cool weather, relaxing on Kampot's beaches away from mass tourism, or unwinding on the terraces of the numerous bungalows in guesthouses nestled in the jungle near the city center are all popular activities for rest in this charming town. However, some visitors will be more inclined to take advantage of the area's rich environmental diversity to (re)engage in sports at the start or end of their trip.

In Kampot, there are plenty of sporting activities to choose from. Kitesurfing on the Gulf of Thailand, visiting pepper farms by cycling on the dusty roads of the surrounding countryside, or cycling up to 1000 meters in altitude to reach the summit of Mount Bokor… Those with a strong desire for physical activity will be satisfied in this town, famous for its pepper, salt, and durian. Another popular sport in the city and surrounding areas is kayaking. The Teuk Chhou River, which flows into Kampot's marine waters, winds its way through the region from north to south. It crosses mountains and tropical forests, and its width makes it an excellent spot for swimming or other water sports such as kayaking.

The proximity of traveler-favored accommodations

Kampot is famous for its tourist appeal, especially due to its environmental diversity, local products, and unique accommodations. Some visitors prefer staying in city-center hotels, while many opt for guesthouses located outside of Kampot. Most of these are situated along the Teuk Chhou River to the north. Many of the owners provide kayaks and offer the opportunity to use them for a day, a morning, or even an afternoon.

Optimized for two people, these boats allow you to paddle down the Teuk Chhou River toward Kampot. The views are stunning, with tropical jungles in the foreground and mountains in the background. Travelers can stop at natural beaches to rest, and perhaps chat with the locals from nearby fishing villages. The stilt houses by the water, surrounded by numerous palm trees, offer a paradisiacal view and a strong sense of freedom. The main attraction of this river trip comes a few hundred meters north of Kampot, where the river curves into a loop of mangroves, a small, mysterious canal…

The Green Cathedral

This loop of mangroves is introduced to the river by a Muslim Cham minority village. The entry to this small canal is beneath a small road bridge, then opens onto lush jungle that stands before the kayakers. Damjas, or water palms, abound in this environment and close in on the river. The journey through the loop takes 30-45 minutes, with a refreshing coolness due to the darkness of the area. Local inhabitants call this place "The Green Cathedral" because the pronounced chlorophyll hues of the foliage fill every corner.

The loop of Mangroves, once you pass the mangrove loop, the trip often comes to an end as the return journey must be considered. The paddles will have surely worn your arms, so it's better to head back before nightfall! This day full of emotions, lush landscapes, and physical effort will leave you exhausted by the evening, making it a perfect time to enjoy dinner at your riverside accommodation. Enjoy a meal at your guesthouse by the Teuk Chhou River after a day of kayaking.