Kampot is a province in southwest Cambodia, stretching down to the Gulf of Thailand. Its sleepy capital, also called Kampot, sits on the banks of the Teuk Chhou River. The town is known for its charming French colonial architecture, although new construction has surged ahead in recent years. The surrounding countryside is also famous for its world-renowned pepper plantations and traditional salt fields.
To the west, Preah Monivong (Bokor) National Park covers the misty Elephant Mountains. Its cool climate supports dense tropical jungle, cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife. The park is home to Bokor Hill Station, an eerie French ghost town dating from the 1920s, when it served as a mountain retreat for colonial officials. For intrepid travellers willing to explore, remnants of Cambodia's past are still waiting to be discovered.
