Geography & Culture - The Definitive Guide to Moving to Southeast Asia: Cambodia - page 6

Hot tip : Visit the Silk Farm on the outskirts of town for a glimpse into the entire process of
silk making, from worm to loom.
Kep. This little seaside town on the south coast is one of our favourite weekend getaways.
Firstly, it's an easy 3 ½ hour bus ride from Phnom Penh. Secondly, there's not a lot to do
so it's a great place to relax, lie in a hammock, or watch the sunset. It's not a place for
nightlife, shopping, or tourist attractions, as it's a sleepy haven with some of the best crab
you'll ever taste. There are a handful of places to stay - and it's also the kick-off point for
the 30-minute boat trip to Rabbit Island.
Hot tip : Take a hike into the Kep National Park while it is still rugged and unspoiled (there
are plans to build a road through it).
Rabbit Island . There are a number of islands off the Cambodian coast, but Rabbit Island
is the easiest to get to. The half-hour boat ride from Kep ($7 if you share a boat) takes you
to this tiny island, occupied only by a handful of beach huts (which you can rent for less
than $10/night) and a few local restaurants on the sand .
Hot tip : Get a massage at one of the small wooden platforms set up on the beach, where $7
buys you an hour of pampering with the sound of the waves lapping next to you.
Kampot. Located 30 minutes from Kep, Kampot is situated on the Kampot River and is
a delightful place to visit for a weekend. There are some lovely eco-lodges on the river
(about15minutesoutoftown)aswellasfascinatingcavestoexplore,pagodas,andalocal
market. Kampot is known for producing one of the best peppers in the world and you can
visitpepperplantationsandtastethespicerightoffthevine.Anewcasinoresortopenedin
2012 at the top of Bokor Mountain if you're looking for glitz and nightlife.
Hot tip : Don't miss the incredible firefly boat trip ($2 for one hour) which leaves from Les
Manguiers eco-lodge every evening.