Southern Cambodia offers a pleasant mix of serene small towns, cultural heritage and quiet beaches. Add to that a growing number of boutique hotels and creative experiences and it’s easy to see why EXO recommends a short trip to the region.
‘The South is the perfect place for a peaceful Cambodia getaway,’ Sophie Chan, EXO Cambodia Product Manager explains. ‘After soaking up the country’s history and exploring temples, guests can come here to relax but still have a taste of the local spirit. It’s a very special place.’
EXO recommends combining stops in Kep, Kampot and the islands for a longer, in-depth stay or focusing on one or two destinations for a three to five day getaway.
Kep delights with its calm beaches and a renowned crab market, offering a tranquil coastal charm. Kampot presents a mix of gastronomic and cultural intrigue with its pepper plantations, riverside charm and historic architecture. Meanwhile, the islands beckon with their untouched beaches, ideal for those seeking a tropical escape on their Cambodia holiday.
Read on to learn more.
‘With the new beach club, Kep is even more inviting. It’s the perfect place to experience southern Cambodia’s quiet vibe and nature.’
Kep
After having visited the temples of Angkor and bustling Phnom Penh, Kep offers a completely different vibe, embodying a truly Cambodian ambience with its relaxed atmosphere. It offers guests a chance to explore at a leisurely pace and unwind in its tranquil coastal environment. The sublime Knai Bang Chatt resort is the perfect base, fusing local design elements with modern amenities.
A noteworthy addition is Kep’s new private beach club, Kep West, which presents an upscale yet relaxed setting complete with lounge chairs, umbrellas and dining options. Centrally located, it is an ideal alternative to venturing out to nearby islands. ‘With its new beach club, Kep is even more inviting. It’s the perfect place to experience southern Cambodia’s quiet vibe and nature,’ Sophie adds.
‘The mangrove experience is a highlight. Additionally, the area’s salt fields and countryside caves present opportunities for exploration and discovery.’
Kampot
Nestled along a picturesque river, Kampot is a captivating Cambodian town that is an ideal stop for a night or two. In addition to the laid-back vibe and blend of local architectural styles, Kampot boasts a range of activities in its surrounding countryside.
EXO’s favourite experience in Kampot is exploring the nearby mangrove forests. The visit, which includes a boat trip and planting a mangrove, is not only a discovery of Cambodia’s natural beauty but also a great opportunity to learn about vital environmental issues and the work being done to protect mangroves. ‘The mangrove experience is a highlight and can be incorporated into the trip between Kampot and Kep,’ Sophie explains. ‘Additionally, the area’s salt fields and countryside caves present opportunities for exploration and discovery.’
The recent addition of Rivertree Villa and other charming hotels further enhances Kampot’s appeal, offering comfortable accommodation to complement the serene experience.
‘Here, the beaches are authentic and relaxed. The landscape is what you see in postcards- very white sands, blue and crystal-clear water and super quiet.’
The islands
Cambodia’s southern islands are slowly finding their way onto the tourist map thanks to a growing number of high-quality, boutique hotels and resorts. Koh Rong, Koh Krabey and Song Saa are EXO’s preferred islands. ‘Here, the beaches are authentic and relaxed. The landscape is what you see in postcards- very white sands, blue and crystal-clear water and super quiet,’ Sophie explains. ‘Our preferred resorts are focused for people who want to have a truly relaxing break. No parties, no nightlife- just the beach and nature.’
At the top end, Song Saa Private Island Resort and Six Senses Krabey Island both offer a barefoot luxury vibe with impeccable, discreet service and beautiful rooms and facilities. On Koh Rong, The Royal Sands has 67 villas stretched along its 400-metre private beach. The island also boasts several good mid-range options including La Passion and Anaya Koh Rong.
Getting to the south is easier than ever. From the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, to Kep takes around 2.5 hours by car. There is also a leisurely, scenic train from Phnom Penh to Kep for those who love rail travel.
Getting there: Thanks to improved infrastructure, getting to the south is easier than ever. From the Cambodia capital, Phnom Penh, to Kep takes around 2.5 hours by car along a smooth, modern highway road. There is also a leisurely, scenic train from Phnom Penh to Kep for those who love rail travel.
Travelling from Kep to Kampot is a 40 minute drive, meaning guests can choose one or the other destination for overnighting in rather than splitting their stay if they wish. Continuing on to Sihanoukville and the islands takes a further three hours.
For those wishing to travel directly to the islands, the journey starts with a 3-3.5 hours by road from Phnom Penh, followed by a boat trip of 30-60 minutes. There is also a short daily direct flight from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville followed by a boat trip, a convenient alternative for those with limited time.
Planning a trip: The south is a great place to wrap up a Cambodia journey. EXO recommends at least three nights in the region to give time to unwind and appreciate the natural surroundings. This can be spent on an island or by mixing two nights in Kep and one night in Kampot. For those with more time, a five-night stay can encompass Kep, Kampot and time on the islands. As an example, we suggest looking at our Blend of the South journey.
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