Khmer Water Festival

As of May 2025, conservation efforts in Cambodia’s Kampot province continue to focus on the protection and study of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, commonly known as pink dolphins. These dolphins are primarily found in the coastal waters of Kampot and Koh Kong provinces.

Population Monitoring and Conservation Efforts

Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC), in collaboration with the Fisheries Administration (FiA) and local communities, has been actively monitoring the dolphin populations. Recent surveys have estimated the presence of approximately 40 to 46 pink dolphins and 20 to 30 Irrawaddy dolphins in the areas of Prek Tnaot, Trapeang Ropov, and Chhanghon within Kampot province . These efforts include the installation of sonar sensors to accurately track dolphin pods and the use of artificial habitats to support their growth .

Community Involvement and Ecotourism

Local communities have been instrumental in conservation activities. Fishermen are encouraged to report and release any accidentally captured dolphins. Additionally, community-led ecotourism initiatives offer boat tours for visitors to observe dolphins, seagrass beds, and other marine life, providing both educational experiences and alternative income sources for locals .

Challenges and Ongoing Research

Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. In April 2025, a pink dolphin was found dead off the coast of Kampot. While the cause of death remains undetermined, such incidents highlight the need for continued vigilance and research to ensure the protection of these endangered species .

Overall, the collaborative efforts between conservation organizations, government agencies, and local communities have contributed to the ongoing protection and study of pink dolphins in Cambodia’s coastal regions.

អាណាចក្រខ្មែរ គឺ ជា សម័យ មួយ ដែល មាន ភាពរុងរឿង បំផុតក្នុងប្រវត្តិសាស្ត្ រជាតិខ្មែរ។ ដោយសារ ហេតុដែលខ្មែរមានដែនដីធំធេង និងវិសាលភាព យ៉ាងច្រើន អាណាចក្រខ្មែរ ត្រូវបានហៅថា “មហាអាណាចក្រខ្មែរ”។ ប្រវត្តិសាស្ត្រ របស់អាណាចក្រ នេះត្រូវបានចងក្រង និងរក្សាទុកតាមរយៈសិលាចារឹក និងសាស្ត្រាស្លឹករឹត។

សាស្ត្រាស្លឹករឹត គឺជាគម្ពីរ ឬ អត្ថបទបុរាណដែលត្រូវបានចារនៅលើស្លឹករឹត។ ស្លឹករឹតគឺជាស្លឹករបស់ដើមទ្រាំង ដែលមានប្រភពមកពីភាគខាងកើត និងខាងជើងនៃប្រទេសឥណ្ឌា និងស្រីលង្កា។ នៅក្នុងតំបន់អាស៊ីអាគ្នេយ៍ ដើមទ្រាំងនេះអាចរកឃើញនៅប្រទេសកម្ពុជា ថៃ និងភូមា។ នៅប្រទេសកម្ពុជា ដើមទ្រាំងមានច្រើននៅខេត្តក្រចេះ និងកំពង់ធំ។

សម្ដេចព្រះសង្ឃរាជ ជួនណាត បានពន្យល់ថា ពាក្យ “សាស្ត្រា” ក្នុងភាសាបាលី និងសំស្ក្រឹត មានន័យថា ក្បួនច្បាប់ ឬ សេចក្តីដឹង ដែលពាក់ពន្ធ័ទៅនឹងចំណេះដឹង វិទ្យាសាស្ត្រ សាសនា ច្បាប់ និងទ្រឹស្តីអំពីជីវិត។ អ្នកស្រាវជ្រាវខ្លះទៀតក៏បានរៀបរាប់ថា សាស្ត្រាស្លឹករឹតមានកំណើតចាប់ពីសម័យអង្គរ។

សាស្ត្រាស្លឹករឹត ត្រូវបានផ្សព្វផ្សាយដល់ប្រជាជនខ្មែរយ៉ាងទូលំទូលាយ នៅសម័យកាលមុនៗ ហើយត្រូវបានប្រើប្រាស់ជាប្រចាំ។ ប៉ុន្តែពេលកន្លងមក វប្បធម៌សិលាចារឹក និងសាស្ត្រាស្លឹករឹតក៏បានរលាយបាត់បង់បន្តិចម្តងៗ ដោយសារអវត្តមាននៃការរក្សាទុក និងការចែកចាយខ្វះខាត។

សព្វថ្ងៃ សាស្ត្រាស្លឹករឹតភាគច្រើន ត្រូវបានរក្សា និងប្រើប្រាស់នៅតែក្នុងវត្តអារាមប៉ុណ្ណោះ ដូច្នេះ វាក៏មានហានិភ័យបាត់បង់បន្តិចម្តងៗ ផងដែរ។ បណ្តាលមកពីការរីកចម្រើននៃបច្ចេកវិទ្យាទំនើប ដែលរំពឹងឱ្យប្រើសៀវភៅ ឬវិធីសាស្ត្រឌីជីថលជំនួស។

សរុបមក សាស្ត្រាស្លឹករឹតគឺជាទ្រព្យសម្បត្តិបុរាណដ៏មានតម្លៃ ដែលបង្ហាញពីភាពចម្បងនៃវប្បធម៌ និងស្មារតីដ៏ខ្ពង់ខ្ពស់របស់ជាតិខ្មែរ។ វាអាចជាគម្ពីរសាសនា ឬឯកសារដែលរៀបរាប់អំពីពង្សាវតារនៃប្រទេសខ្មែរយើងផងដែរ។

The Khmer Empire was one of the most glorious periods in Cambodian history. Due to the vast territory under Khmer control, it earned the title of the “Great Khmer Empire.” This rich history has been recorded and preserved through stone inscriptions and Sastra Slëk Rëet (palm-leaf manuscripts).

What is Sastra Slëk Rëet made from?
Sastra Slëk Rëet refers to ancient texts inscribed on palm leaves, specifically the leaves of the T’rang tree (Corypha palm). This tree originates from the eastern and northern parts of India and Sri Lanka. In Southeast Asia, the T’rang tree can be found in countries like Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. In Cambodia, the tree is mostly found in Kratie and Kampong Thom provinces.

According to Samdech Preah Sangharaja Chuon Nath, the word Sastra in Pali and Sanskrit means “doctrine,” referring to knowledge, sciences, religion, law, and philosophies about life. Some scholars have stated that Sastra Slëk Rëet dates back to the Angkor period.

These palm-leaf manuscripts were widely shared among Khmer people in the past and used over many generations. However, as time went on, both the tradition of stone inscriptions and the use of palm-leaf manuscripts have gradually faded. Today, Sastra Slëk Rëet is mostly preserved and used only within Buddhist pagodas. As a result, it is slowly being lost due to the rise of modern technology such as printed books and digital formats.

In conclusion, Sastra Slëk Rëet is a valuable cultural heritage of the Khmer people. These texts, written on palm leaves, include religious scriptures and historical records that reflect the wisdom and identity of the Khmer civilization.

#at Sokchea Angkor Hotel Lobby

A Sunset River Cruise in Kampot is a popular activity that allows visitors to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Kampot River while witnessing a breathtaking sunset. Kampot River and its picturesque surroundings. The river is flanked by lush greenery, and you’ll have the opportunity to admire the natural beauty of the area as you cruise along. Sunset River Cruises in Kampot are known for their relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.

You’ll have the chance to unwind and enjoy the tranquil surroundings as you cruise along the river. The highlight of the Sunset River Cruise is, of course, the sunset itself. As the sun begins to set on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the river, you’ll have a front-row seat to this breathtaking natural spectacle. The colors of the sky change from hues of orange to pink and purple, creating a magical ambiance.  Many Sunset River Cruises in Kampot offer complimentary drinks and refreshments onboard. You can sip on a refreshing beverage as you soak in the views and enjoy the sunset.

The stunning sunset and scenic views along the Kampot River provide excellent opportunities for photography. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, you’ll want to capture the beauty of the sunset and the surrounding landscape.  Some Sunset River Cruises may include live music or entertainment onboard, adding to the overall ambiance and enjoyment of the experience. Sunset River Cruises in Kampot typically last for around 1-2 hours, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience without it feeling rushed.

Overall, a Sunset River Cruise in Kampot offers a memorable and enchanting experience that allows you to witness one of nature’s most beautiful phenomena while enjoying the serene beauty of the Kampot River. It’s a perfect way to unwind and create lasting memories during your visit to Kampot.

🌞 Morning: Riverside Charm & Local Flavors
Start your day with breakfast by the river—try Café Espresso or another cozy riverside café. Don’t miss the chance to taste Kampot pepper–infused dishes to kick things off with a local twist.
After breakfast, take a walking tour of Kampot’s colonial architecture, admiring pastel French-style shophouses and soaking in the laid-back riverside vibe.

🧀 Mid-Morning: Market & Plantation Discovery
Head to Kampot Central Market, a lively hub full of fresh produce, spices, textiles, and local snacks. Interact with friendly vendors and experience the town’s daily rhythm.
Next, visit a Kampot pepper farm, such as La Plantation, for a guided tour and tasting session of black, white, and red pepper. It’s a signature experience that connects you to the region’s agricultural heritage.

🍽 Lunch: Heartfelt Dining at Epic Arts Café
Enjoy a meaningful lunch at Epic Arts Café, a social enterprise that supports people with disabilities through creative arts and employment.
Their menu includes a mix of Western and Khmer dishes—favorites like the Epic Club Sandwich, banana flower salad, and refreshing smoothies. It’s a great place to relax, recharge, and support a good cause in the heart of Kampot.

🏞 Afternoon: Nature & Exploration
In the afternoon, choose one of these nature-based adventures depending on your interest:

Bokor National Park
Take a scenic drive or tuk-tuk up Bokor Mountain to explore mysterious French colonial ruins, cool forests, waterfalls, and panoramic views over the coast.

Phnom Chhnork Cave Temple
Step into history at a 7th-century cave temple hidden in limestone hills, featuring ancient brick carvings nestled inside a natural cave.

Kayak the “Green Cathedral”
Paddle through serene, tree-lined waterways just outside town. This quiet escape offers a peaceful connection with Kampot’s natural beauty.

🌅 Evening: Scenic Sunset & Culinary Delights
Around 5:00 PM, board a sunset river cruise along the Praek Tuek Chhu River. Watch the skies turn golden, enjoy the breeze, and look out for fireflies as evening sets in.
After the cruise, head to Fishmarket Restaurant or another riverside eatery for fresh seafood and a relaxing dinner ambiance.
End your day with a drink at a riverside bar like The Greenhouse or Nibi Spa, where you can sip a cocktail or enjoy a spa treatment with stunning views of the river.

Kampot has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Angkorian period when it was an important trading hub. Over time, it played a significant role in Cambodia’s maritime trade due to its strategic location near the coast.

During the French colonial era (1863–1953), Kampot became a key commercial center. The French built roads, bridges, and colonial-style buildings, many of which still stand today. The town was also famous for its high-quality Kampot pepper, which gained international recognition.

In the 1970s, during the Khmer Rouge era, Kampot, like much of Cambodia, suffered greatly. Many historical buildings were abandoned, and the region’s economy declined. However, in recent decades, Kampot has revived, becoming a top destination for travelers looking to experience its unique blend of history, nature, and culture.

Top Things to Do in Kampot
1. Explore Bokor National Park
Bokor Hill Station, built by the French in the 1920s as a hill retreat, features abandoned colonial buildings, including the old Catholic church and the Bokor Palace Hotel. The park offers stunning views, waterfalls, and rich wildlife.

2. Walk Through the Old Colonial Town
Take a leisurely stroll through the old town, where you can see well-preserved French colonial buildings, such as the Kampot Provincial Hall and the Old Market.

3. Visit a Kampot Pepper Farm
Kampot pepper, once prized by French chefs, remains a symbol of the town’s agricultural heritage. Farms like La Plantation and BoTree offer guided tours where you can see the traditional growing and harvesting process.

4. Take a Sunset Cruise on the Kampot River
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the river, where you can admire mangroves, mountains, and fireflies at night.

5. Discover the Salt Fields
Kampot’s salt fields are a reminder of Cambodia’s traditional salt production methods. The best time to visit is during the dry season when workers harvest salt by hand.

6. Take a Day Trip to Kep
A short drive from Kampot, Kep was a popular French seaside resort in the early 20th century. Today, it’s famous for the Kep Crab Market, where you can enjoy fresh seafood.

7. Visit Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple
A fascinating cave with a 7th-century brick temple inside, Phnom Chhngok offers history and adventure in one stop.

8. Try Outdoor Activities
Kayaking or paddleboarding on the river.
Cycling through the countryside to see traditional Cambodian villages.
Tubing along the river for a relaxing afternoon.

Where to Stay in Kampot
For Comfort and Relaxation: Sokchea Kampot Hotel
A peaceful hotel with modern amenities, ideal for honeymooners, families, or those looking for a quiet retreat.
Offers a range of accommodation from Single Rooms to Family Rooms.

If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia, getting a visa no longer has to be a hassle. Thanks to the Cambodia e-Visa system, travelers can now apply for a tourist visa entirely online, saving both time and effort.

The Cambodia e-Visa is available to citizens of most countries and is intended strictly for tourism purposes. If you’re traveling for business, work, or any other reason, you’ll need to apply through a Cambodian embassy instead. The e-Visa is valid for three months from the date of issue and allows for a single entry into Cambodia, with a maximum stay of 30 days.

One of the great benefits of the e-Visa is that it can be used at several key points of entry. You can enter Cambodia through Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville International Airports. If you’re arriving by land, the e-Visa is accepted at Bavet (from Vietnam), Poipet (from Thailand), and Cham Yeam (also from Thailand).

The application process is quick and simple. It usually takes about three business days for approval. All you need is a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a recent passport-style photo (digital format), a valid email address, and a credit or debit card for payment. The cost is typically around $36 USD, which includes a small processing fee.

To apply, just visit the official Cambodia e-Visa website at https://www.evisa.gov.kh. Fill out the online form, upload your photo, and pay the fee. Once approved, your e-Visa will be sent to your email. Be sure to print a copy and bring it with you when you travel.

The Cambodia e-Visa makes visiting this beautiful and culturally rich country easier than ever. Whether you’re planning to explore Angkor Wat, relax on the beaches of Sihanoukville, or discover the vibrant capital of Phnom Penh, getting your visa is now one less thing to worry about.