Things to Do in Kampot: The Alternatives Guide
Kampot has more going on than most visitors ever discover. Here's where to look.
Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island)
If you're looking to slow down, Koh Tonsay is a rustic island with no roads, no cars, and power only a few hours a day.
Half-dayCoastNatureAttraction
View on Map Koh Tonsay is, for now, one of Cambodia’s few undeveloped islands that still has some basic tourist infrastructure. Rustic guesthouses, power a few hours a day, pristine beaches without the crowds. If you’re looking to unplug, catch up on a book, or just get away from it all, Rabbit Island might be what you’re looking for.
Getting there
Getting there
Boats leave from the pier near Kep’s crab market, about 20 minutes across the water. There are two options. You can grab a private boat any time you like for $25 return for the whole boat, and come back whenever you want. Tuk-tuk drivers and vendors along the road will all point you toward this. The cheaper option is the public boat: $8 for a fixed return (departs 9am, returns 4pm), or $10 for an open return if you feel like staying for a while. Tickets are available at the official ticket office. Kep is about 25 minutes from Kampot, so you can visit the island just as a quick day trip.
Things to do
Things to do
Swimming, hammocks, seafood. The restaurants serve whatever’s fresh, usually grilled fish, crab, or shrimp. Kayaks are for hire along the shore.
Walking paths cut into the jungle and around quieter stretches of coast. Easy to find a patch of sand with no one else on it.
There are basic bungalows if you want to stay. Power runs for a few hours a day, though most places will run the generator longer if you need it. Most people take the late-afternoon boat back and get the sunset over the water on the way.
Further reading
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.