Discover Kampot
Menu
English
Cave Temples

Cave Temples

Pre-Angkorian cave temples and cave trips just beyond Kampot.

Half-dayCultureNatureCaves
View on Map

The cave-temple landscape around Kampot is one of the easiest ways to see how geology, worship, and local history overlap here. The nearby sites are close enough to combine with a pepper farm visit, with the classic Phnom Chhnork cave temple and Phnom Kbal Romeas both fitting that shorter loop. For a bigger day trip, Kampong Trach is the one to choose for more dramatic caves and a more impressive cave network. In several of these caves, the natural rock formations are part of what makes the place special, alongside ancient Hindu shrines built into the limestone. Some stops are simple shrine visits, while others add viewpoints, bats, pools to swim in, caves to paddle through, or even jungle-like chambers with monkeys overhead.

Getting there

The best-known cave temples are all reachable by road from Kampot on a half-day or full-day loop, depending on which cluster you visit. Phnom Chhnork is the easiest classic stop near town, and the best example of a sacred cave space built around natural dripstone formations. Phnom Kbal Romeas is another classic cave stop with archaeological interest. Kampong Trach is the full-day choice if you want more dramatic caves, limestone hills, and a proper day-trip out of Kampot.

Best time to visit

Dry season is the best time to visit, since you can get out of the heat and into the cool caves with easier footing. In the wet season, some caves may be flooded or temporarily inaccessible. Wear shoes with grip rather than flip-flops.
Buddhist monks walking through a leafy Kampot lane

Kampot, as locals see it.

There's more to Kampot than you expect.

Discover Kampot through local eyes.

Discover Kampot is made by people who live here. Read local stories, find somewhere new to go, or choose a local experience.

Further reading

Mr Sana Countryside Tours

Mr Sana Countryside Tours

Mr. Sana grew up in the rural communities near Kampong Trach in the midst of the civil war. His insights into village life and traditional Khmer culture give you a window into Cambodian rural life that most tours completely miss.

Explore

Things Worth Knowing

Are monks vegetarian?

Not in the Theravada tradition. Buddha was asked if monks should be vegetarian and he said no, it's not required. A monk should not eat meat if they have seen, heard, or suspect the animal was killed specifically for them. But monks have to beg for their food so, if someone shares their food, a monk may not refuse it, even if there is meat in it.