Happy Khmer New Year 2024

Khmer New Year, also known as “Choul Chnam Thmey,” meaning entering the new year, is a national holiday hosted by Cambodians annually. It is the season when Cambodians have free time from harvesting rice and other agricultural commodities. The event is Cambodia’s largest event and lasts three days, on the 13th, 14th, or 15th of April (in a specific year, it could be on the 14th to 16th of April).

Cambodian New Year is celebrated just like other Asian New Year Festivals that blend history with religious practices, emphasizing and commemorating the seniors and ancestors. While there are merriments with traditional meals and beverages, the three days are packed with Buddhist compliance centered on performing gratitude, sending offerings to deceased family members, and contributing to those in need. The following preparations are exclusively made for the Khmer New Year.

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The Sea Festival 2024, marking its 11th edition, will take place in Kampot province from December 13 to 15. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Heritage and Coastal Sustainability,” reflects the festival’s focus on honoring the region’s rich maritime traditions while highlighting the importance of preserving coastal environments. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant array of activities that celebrate both cultural heritage and sustainable practices.

Organized by a coalition including the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, and the Provincial Administration of Kampot, the festival is supported by various institutions and private sector partners. This collaboration underscores a unified commitment to showcasing Cambodia’s maritime heritage and promoting coastal sustainability.

A significant highlight of the event will be the official Opening Ceremony on December 14, presided over by Prime Minister Hun Manet and First Lady Pich Chanmony. Their participation emphasizes the festival’s role in fostering national pride and cultural heritage while reinforcing the commitment to environmental stewardship.

The festival promises an exciting lineup of activities, including live concerts featuring local and international artists, vibrant performances, and spectacular fireworks displays. Visitors can also participate in sports competitions, explore exhibitions showcasing tourism and local products, and indulge in a variety of food and beverage offerings. These events aim to provide a comprehensive experience of Cambodia’s coastal culture and attractions.

Since its inception in 2011, the Sea Festival has been held in rotation across Cambodia’s four coastal provinces: Preah Sihanouk, Kep, Koh Kong, and Kampot. The festival aims to highlight the tourism potential of these regions while fostering collaboration among the private sector, public entities, and various stakeholders, ultimately encouraging efforts to protect and preserve marine resources and beach environments.

With a coastline spanning approximately 450 kilometers across these provinces, Cambodia boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse marine ecosystems. The country’s dedication to its coastal areas was further recognized when it joined the Most Beautiful Bays in the World (World-Bays Club) in mid-2011.

The Sea Festival 2024 aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia’s coastal regions while promoting sustainable tourism practices. By blending cultural festivities with environmental awareness, the festival seeks to enhance public understanding and involvement in preserving these vital natural resources.

This year’s event in Kampot promises to be a memorable celebration, combining entertainment, culture, and sustainability to highlight the beauty and significance of Cambodia’s coastal regions

We are incredibly honored to receive the Travelers Review Award 2025 from Booking.com! This recognition is a true testament to the dedication of our team at Sokchea Kampot Hotel and, most importantly, to the trust and support of our wonderful guests. We sincerely thank each and every guest who took the time to share their experiences and reviews on Booking.com. Your kind words and valuable feedback inspire us to continuously improve and provide the best hospitality possible.

At Sokchea Kampot Hotel, we are committed to offering warm and welcoming stays, ensuring every guest enjoys a peaceful retreat by the beautiful riverside of Kampot. Whether you visit for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or simply a relaxing escape, we take great pride in delivering exceptional service and unforgettable moments.

This award motivates us to strive for even greater excellence in the years to come. Thank you again to Booking.com for this prestigious recognition and to all our guests for making this achievement possible. We look forward to welcoming you again soon and creating more memorable experiences together!

Travelers Review Award

Also called Ancestor’s’ Day, Pchum Ben is, according to legend, a time where spirits of deceased relatives and ancestors walk the earth. Running for 15 days, usually towards the end of September or October, the fifteenth day of the tenth month of the Khmer Calendar marks one of the most traditional and colourful festivals in Cambodia with people dressing up in traditional clothing to visit their local pagodas with food and offerings and pay respect to their ancestors.

Pchum Ben can also be translated to ‘gathering together to make offerings’, and that’s exactly what families do when they visit the pagodas.

Enjoy your wonderful family reunion!

The Kampot International Tourism Port is expected to play a key role in boosting Kampot’s tourism sector by improving accessibility, attracting more visitors, and enhancing regional connectivity.

Kampot has long been known for its tranquil riverside setting, stunning natural landscapes, and historical attractions, including Bokor Mountain, salt fields, pepper farms, and the colonial-era architecture found in the town. The Kampot International Tourism Port will help promote these attractions to a wider audience by making them more accessible to tourists from Vietnam, Thailand, and beyond.

In addition to attracting new visitors, the port will also encourage longer stays. With easier access to Kampot’s attractions, tourists will be more likely to extend their trips, exploring not only the town itself but also nearby destinations like Kep, Rabbit Island, and the Preah Monivong Bokor National Park. This will result in increased spending on accommodations, food, and activities, contributing to the overall economic growth of the province.

If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia’s beautiful southern coast, the Kampot International Tourism Port is a new and exciting addition that makes traveling to Kampot easier than ever. This modern port connects Kampot with Vietnam (Phu Quoc) and Thailand (Trat), offering a convenient and scenic way to arrive at one of Cambodia’s most charming destinations.

Why Visit Kampot?

Kampot is famous for its relaxed riverside atmosphere, stunning natural landscapes, and rich history. Whether you’re looking to explore Bokor Mountain, visit the famous Kampot pepper farms, cruise along the river at sunset, or enjoy fresh seafood in nearby Kep, Kampot has something for every traveler. With its colonial-era architecture, local markets, and peaceful vibe, it’s the perfect place for a getaway.

How the Port Enhances Your Travel Experience

  • Seamless Connectivity: Now, you can travel by ferry between Vietnam, Thailand, and Kampot without long road trips.
  • Faster & More Convenient: No need to go through Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville – arrive directly by sea!
  • Perfect for Island Hopping: Easy access to Phu Quoc Island (Vietnam) and the Thai coast, making it part of a larger Southeast Asia adventure.
  • More Travel Choices: The port will serve cruise ships, speedboats, and ferries, giving travelers flexible options.

What to Expect Upon Arrival

The Kampot International Tourism Port is designed for comfort and efficiency, ensuring a smooth arrival experience. From the port, you’ll find:

  • Quick transfers to Kampot town (just 15 minutes away)
  • Tuk-tuks and taxis readily available
  • Nearby accommodations ranging from budget stays to luxury resorts
  • Easy access to tours for exploring Kampot’s best attractions

Plan Your Kampot Adventure

Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, the Kampot International Tourism Port makes it easier than ever to explore this hidden gem of Cambodia.

Where to Stay in Kampot? – Sokchea Kampot Hotel

If you’re looking for a peaceful and comfortable stay in Kampot, Sokchea Kampot Hotel is the perfect choice. Whether you’re visiting for a honeymoon, a relaxing getaway, or a family vacation, this charming hotel offers a blend of modern comfort and local charm.

Why Stay at Sokchea Kampot Hotel?

Prime Location – Conveniently located near Kampot town, making it easy to explore attractions like the Kampot River, Bokor Mountain, and Salt Fields.
Comfortable Accommodations – Choose from Single, Deluxe, or Family Rooms, all designed with relaxation in mind.
Tranquil Atmosphere – A peaceful retreat with a welcoming ambiance, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.
Friendly Service – Experience Cambodian hospitality with attentive staff ready to make your stay memorable.

Perfect for All Travelers

🏡 Couples & Honeymooners – Enjoy a romantic escape with cozy accommodations.
👨‍👩‍👧 Families – Spacious rooms ensure a comfortable stay for families.
🌍 Solo Travelers & Explorers – A great base to discover Kampot’s culture and nature.

📍 Book your stay at Sokchea Kampot Hotel and experience the best of Kampot in comfort and style! Start your journey here and experience the beauty of Kampot like never before!

Kampot Pepper is a highly regarded pepper variety grown in the Kampot Province of Cambodia. The region’s unique climate, soil, and traditional cultivation methods contribute to the exceptional quality of Kampot Pepper. Kampot Pepper farms can be found throughout the province, particularly in the foothills of the nearby Elephant Mountains.

The pepper plants thrive in Kampot’s tropical climate, characterized by a distinct rainy season and dry season. The soil in this region is rich in minerals and well-drained, providing optimal conditions for pepper cultivation.

Kampot Pepper farms typically cultivate the pepper vines using traditional methods, with careful attention paid to every stage of the growing process. Farmers often train the pepper vines to climb up wooden poles or trellises, allowing for proper air circulation and sunlight exposure.

Harvesting usually takes place during the dry season when the pepper berries are fully ripe. Workers handpick the ripe pepper berries, which are then sorted and processed. The berries are typically sun-dried to preserve their flavor and aroma before being packed for sale.

Visitors to Kampot Province can explore Kampot Pepper farms to learn about the cultivation techniques and the unique characteristics of this renowned pepper variety. Many farms offer guided tours where visitors can see the pepper vines, learn about the harvesting process, and even participate in pepper-picking activities. These tours often include tasting sessions where visitors can sample different varieties of Kampot Pepper and purchase freshly harvested pepper products to take home.

The Kampot Salt Fields are located in Kampot Province, Cambodia, near the coastal town of Kampot and the neighboring province of Kep. These salt fields are renowned for their traditional salt production methods, which have been passed down through generations.

The salt fields are typically made up of vast expanses of shallow, rectangular basins filled with seawater. The process of salt production begins during the dry season when the seawater is directed into the basins through a series of canals and channels. As the water evaporates under the hot sun, it leaves behind a layer of salt crystals on the basin’s surface.

Workers then carefully rake the salt crystals from the basins and pile them up to dry further in the sun. Once dried, the salt is collected, sorted, and packed for distribution to local markets or for export.

Visitors to the Kampot Salt Fields can observe this traditional salt-making process and learn about the significance of salt production in the region’s economy and culture. The salt fields also offer picturesque views, especially during sunrise and sunset, making them a popular destination for tourists exploring the Kampot Province. Additionally, many tours in the area include visits to the salt fields as part of their itinerary, providing visitors with insight into Cambodia’s rural life and traditional industries.