By Road
Kampot may easily be approached directly from Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and also from Vietnam via the Prek Chak (‘Ha Tien’) and Phnom Den international border crossings.
Bus:
- To/From Phnom Penh:Â Via paved and in comparative good condition National Highway No 3 from [[Phnom Penh to Kampot. This road is more recommendable than the alternative National Highway No 2 to leading to National Highway No 3 via Takeo province. The buses to Kampot departure each day at 7:30am and midday around 1:15pm from the central bus station near the central market (Sorya Bus Company; No 168). The prices with a usual old air-con bus are around US$4 per a person and trip. The trip usually takes approx. 4-5h.
- To/From Sihanouville: Taking a bus from Sihanoukville it’ll take you North on the National Highway No 4 to Veal Renh (about 40km), than you’ll turn east on National Highway No 3 in direction to Kampot. Both highways are paved and in comparative good condition. The trip from Sihanoukville to Kampot usually takes approx. 1-2 hours (110km).
Share Taxis:
If you wish to go from Sihanoukville to Kampot by share taxi you can found one opposite the market (Phsar Leu) and at the downtown bus and taxi station in Sihanoukville centre. In Kampot, taxis can be found at the taxi stand or you just tell your guesthouse or hotel that you wish one taxi, as they’ll be friendly enough to help you organizing one ASAP. The prices are around 12,000 – 14,000Riel/person or $20 for a private taxi ($25 with a proper a/c). Going from Phnom Penh with a share taxi you can find one at Phsar Dumkor in Phnom Penh or opposite of central bus station. The prices are 13,000 -15,000Riel/person or $22-$30 for a private taxi. The 3 hours ride is shorter as with the slowly bus.
Motorbike:
The National Highway No 3 from Phnom Penh to Kampot is definitely not in the best condition as you might wish to hit the road as fast as possible, but it’s a scenic trip while you enjoy the countryside (approx. 155km). It’s worth it!
Coming from Sihanoukville you have to ride on the National Highway No 4 for about 40km turning at the junction East and heading the NH No 3 for another 75km to Kampot.
To/From Vietnam:
The border to Vietnam (Ha Tien) is around 60km far from Kampot. The easiest mean to go there is by hiring a moto tub or Tuktuk (prices are around US$5 for a moto tub and US$1014 for a Tuktuk; 1 1/2h trip). The border was long closet for international travellers but has recently opened (beginning of 2007). The borders full name for both sites is Prek Chak/Xaxia. Going to the border you’ll have to take Road No 33 east from Kampot to the intersection of Road 31 at Kampong Trach town. Turn south on Road 31. The roads are all paved except the last few kilometres to the border, which are sealed. Both, Sok Lim Tours (Tel: 012-801348) and Marco Polo Adventure Tours (Tel: 012-883429) offer regular transport from Kampot to the border. If you’re coming from Vietnam, moto tubs usually wait at the border crossing to take approaching travellers to Kep or Kampot.
By Flight
There has been a slight rumour in recent years, that the 13km airport near Ream has been renovated, but there are still no scheduled flights to Siem Reap for the temples-beach combo tour.
By Boat
You can take express boat from Sihanoukville to Koh Kong. Departure: 12:00 noon. If you want to take the boat in a same day, it is not sure to get the seat as what you want but you can sit on the roof. Travel time around 3.5 hrs
By Train
The Royal Railway now is providing train from Phnom Penh to Takeo, Kampot and Sihanoukville and v.v every weekend Friday, Saturday, Sunday and major holidays. It is available only 74 – 76 seats for passengers.
Train Schedules:
- Phnom Penh – Takeo – Kampot – Sihanoukville:
Friday: 7:00 AM and 03:00 PM
Saturday and Sunway: 7:00 AM - Sihanoukville – Kampot – Takeo – Phnom Penh:
Saturday: 7:00 AM
Sunway: 7:00 AM and 04:00 PM
The train will take about 7 hours from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville or v.v. The schedules are subject to change without prior notice, so you must check with the company before you travel.
The ticket can be purchased at Phnom Penh in Railway Station with cost 6$ to Kampot and 7$ to Sihanoukville. Tickete office will be open from 08:00 till 16:30 each weekday and 06:00 to 12:00 each weekend. They are in the process to open up passenger sales at Takeo, Kampot and Sihanouk Ville soon.
This office can answer all your questions however should you not be able to get to the station you can call to: 078 888 582 or 078 888 583 during the office hours.