The seaside town of Kampot, located just near the Vietnamese border in southern Cambodge and opening onto the Gulf of Thailand, is an ideal destination to unwind in peace as the finale of a full-paced journey. Roaming by tuk-tuk or scooter to the cool summit of Mount Bokor, enjoying Kampot's beaches away from mass tourism, or relaxing on the terraces of bungalows at the many guesthouses tucked into the jungle near the town center—these are all sought-after activities for rest in this charming town. Yet some will be quite keen to harness this rich environmental diversity to get back into sport at the start or end of their stay.

In Kampot, sporting activities abound. Kitesurfing on the Gulf of Thailand, visiting pepper farms by cycling country dirt roads, or climbing to 1,000 meters altitude—still by bike—to Mount Bokor's summit... Those with a strong need for physical activity will find plenty here in this town famous for its pepper, salt, and durian. Discover also one of the town's most popular sports and its surroundings: kayaking. The Teuk Chhou River, which flows into Kampot's marine waters, winds through the region from north to south. It cuts through hills and tropical forests, and its width makes an excellent spot for swimming and other water sports like kayaking.

Proximity to Popular Traveler Accommodations

Kampot is renowned for its tourist appeal, particularly for its environmental diversity, local products, and distinctive accommodations. Some prefer downtown hotels for their stay, but many travelers opt for guesthouses outside Kampot. Most are located upstream along the Teuk Chhou River to the north. Many proprietors have kayaks and offer them for a full day, morning, or afternoon.

Designed to accommodate two people, these canoes let you paddle down the Teuk Chhou River toward Kampot. The landscapes to discover are splendid, formed by tropical jungles in the foreground and framed by the region's mountains in the distance. Travelers can stop on natural beaches to rest and perhaps chat with residents of the surrounding fishing villages. Stilt houses along the water's edge, shaded by countless palm trees, offer a paradisiacal vision of the place and evoke an inherent sense of pronounced freedom. The main attraction of this river excursion occurs a few hundred meters north of Kampot, when the river opens onto a mangrove loop—a mysterious little canal...

The Green Cathedral

This mangrove loop is introduced on the river by a Muslim village of Cambodia's minority: the Chham people. The entrance to this small canal passes under a small road bridge and opens onto lush jungle that rises before the kayakers. Water palms, or damjas, flourish in this environment and close in on this small river. Paddling through the loop takes 30-45 minutes in a refreshing coolness born of the dimly lit surroundings. Local residents call this place "the green cathedral" because the foliage with its pronounced shades of chlorophyll fills every corner. Take advantage of your passage to stop at one of the two ecological guesthouses in the area for a drink or a fine meal before heading back.

Once you pass the mangrove loop, your journey often ends—you must think of the return trip after all. Your paddle arms will already be quite tired, and it's best to head back before nightfall! This day full of emotions, lush landscapes, and physical effort will leave you exhausted by evening, perfect for enjoying dinner at your riverside accommodation on the Teuk Chhou River.