“My soul is tuned to the quietness, peace and stillness that nature inspires.”

– Shikoba

Imagine a dreamy, riverside town where the main attraction on the agenda is to relax. Welcome to Kampot, the quaint countryside town tucked away in Southeast Cambodia.

Just a 15 minute motorbike ride north of the calm, hippie inspired city centre lies Eden Eco Village.

This was by far the most serene bungalow I’ve ever stayed in. The rooms are all run on solar panels and have en-suites that include an outdoor shower and eco toilet.

The bungalows are equipped with special “pee only toilets” where the toilet and shower drain into a “pee garden” for the plants to soak up and benefit from your watering. There is a desolate outhouse on the property supplying a composting toilet where you can also contribute to the garden’s fertility. What a simple and effective way to run plumbing and help the land.

The bungalow opens up onto the Preau Chuu river with stair access to ease yourself in, or just jump right off! Or just lounge in the hammock and watch the local long boats go by …

The food offered was delicious! Sourced locally from nearby villages with an array of traditional Khmer dishes and western delights. Half of the menu provided great vegetarian/vegan options as well, which is always appreciated!

Always happy to support responsible businesses like this. What a powerful way to bring awareness to tourists and the local community, setting a great example for the future!

There were kayaks for rent and bicycles and yoga mats provided free of charge. Each morning there is yoga taught overlooking the river, too!

One afternoon while Dave was stricken by a stomach bug and opted to rest, I decided to go for a paddle in the kayak on the river. There is an hour long loop recommended that takes you around a portion of the river.

During my paddle I saw a few other riverside bungalows but I still declared Eden Eco much better! I passed a few other kayakers and SUP-ers and long boats. It was a nice, peaceful time.

On my paddle back to my bungalow I started to pass these cuties swimming naked using empty gas containers as floaties. They were all smiles yelling hello until I got closer and then surrounded my kayak and grabbed it like they were going to flip me! There I was begging them to not do it via our language barrier…. sneaky little rascals. I’m going to consider that my first encounter with pirates! Same thing, right?

The next day we managed to break away from our humble abode to take a day trip to Phnom Bokor National Park. We rented a motorcycle for 4USD and embarked on a 60 minute windy ride uphill to the top of the mountain. Known for its ghostly ambiance due to its abandonment during World War II and the Khmer Rouge, at the very top of the mountain lies an abandoned Catholic Church and Casino. Quite the unlikely pair that must’ve been back in the day when they were in full swing. Unfortunately, they have started renovations on the Old Casino turning it into a gaudy, mega resort. We were still able to catch multiple abandoned buildings in the area completely left to rust and explore the Catholic Church with notable battle wounds.

Good luck to the new resort, the area is way too eerie for me to ever consider staying isolated up top the mountain.

All in all, our time spent in Kampot was a perfect break to recharge our batteries and enjoy the countryside.


Recommendations.

Eco Eden Village

  • 20USD for a riverside bungalow

Hong Kimeng Moto Rental

  • Very reputable shop with motos in great condition. 4USD for 24 hours

Epic Arts Cafe

  • Great breakfast spot in town centered around offering employment opportunity to those with disabilities