Normally, when writing or updating my travel guides, I’m more concerned with the nitty-gritty details, telling you how to get somewhere, where to stay, what to see, and so on. I don’t usually have to worry too much about trying to tell you why you should visit a destination. After all, if I have to convince you to visit Angkor Wat, well, it’s probably not for you then. Even with lesser know destinations, like Sukhothai, it’s easy to describe as an historic site, and if you loved Angkor, then you might like Sukhothai.

But, sometimes it’s not so easy. Kampot is a good example of when things get tricky. If you want to visit the ruins up on Bokor Mountain, Kampot makes a natural base to stay for at least a couple of days. But, the small town seems worth more than that, if you have the time and a desire to just slow down and take things easy.

For Kampot, you see, is a nice place to be, although there isn’t a lot to do. The old trading center went into decline even before the war in Vietnam, and so it’s full of old colonial era shop-houses, some restored and many more in varying states of decay. Yet, it will only take you an hour or two to explore most of the old town. There are some other sights, but they won’t take much time either.

The city does have a fair share of small guesthouses, some of which are quite nice (I’ll be covering a few in my updated guide to Kampot, of course) and there are some good – even great – restaurants as well. You won’t be spoiled for choice, but you won’t likely be bored either. Yet these are hardly attractions in themselves to get you to stay in Kampot. I have a feeling Kampot will appeal most to those people who really want a place to slow down and do next to nothing for a few days in a nice place.

Posted by michael under First Impressions
Tags: Cambodia • Kampot
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