Attraction Category: Tours

The sunset in the Kampot River is a must see: the scenery is made up of pastel-colored skies in tints of pink and bright orange contrasting the shadows of Bokor Mountain, pristine and still waters, and a cloud of fog that makes the place look mysterious and relaxing at the same time. The sunset isn’t the only thing to be seen while in the Firefly River Cruise for if you’re lucky, you can see a magical spectacle of fireflies on trees and riverbanks. While on the boat, passengers can do whatever they want while they enjoy a beer, softdrinks, or coconut water handed out for free.  

 

Location

The Firefly River Cruise is at the Kampot River, 4 kilometres away from Krong Kampot. 

 

Opening Days and Hours

The Firefly River Cruise starts catering guests at 18:30, 19:30, and 21:30. 

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Taking a cruise on a private boat costs from USD 20 to USD 35. Those who wish to join big groups pay a fee of USD 8.

 

How to Get There

  • Fly to Phnom Penh via AirAsia or Thai Airlines. 
  • From Phnom Penh proper, board a bus, taxi, or mini bus to Kampot.  
  • From Kampot’s center, hire a tuktuk to Kampot River.  

 

Suggested For

  • Solo Travelers/Backpackers 
  • Couples 
  • Families 
  • Groups of friends 

 

Time to Spend

The duration of a regular boat cruise is 2 hours. If you opted for a private boat, you can stay longer.  

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

If you’re looking forward to seeing fireflies, booking for a cruise during the nights when the moon isn’t too bright would be the best time to go. 

 

Food

Nearby restaurants like Greenhouse Restaurant, Rikitikitavi, Thai Fire, and Khmer Roots Cafe, offer local and foreign dishes to tourists. 

 

Nearby Attractions

  • La Plantation 
  • Bokor Hill Station 
  • Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple 

 

Stay

Hotels and inns near like Two Moons Hotel, Monkey Republic, Kampot Riverside Hotel, and Champa Lodge offer accommodations starting at rates ranging from USD 40 to USD 120.

Take a relaxing day trip from Kampot to Kep via the river and sea route to enjoy the gorgeous shoreline of Cambodian rural beaches. The crab shuttle will drop you off at the pier in Rabbit Island and eventually at Kep’s crab market where you can enjoy some delicious fresh seafood.

 

Location

Crab shuttle is located in Kampot town by the river opposite Rikitikitavi Hotel. Kampot is located about 146 kilometres south of Phnom Pehn and 80 kilometres east of Sihanoukville International Airport.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The crab shuttle departs from Kampot only once daily. The boat leaves at 09:30 from Kampot, makes a brief stop at Rabbit Island at 11:30, and arrives at the Kep pier at 12:00. The trip back from Kep to Kampot leaves at 15:30. The boat then stops half an hour later at Rabbit Island, and finally arrives in Kampot at 18:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

One-way costs USD 9.50, and USD 13.50 for two-way.

 

How to Get There

You can take a car, shared taxi, private taxi, bus or mini bus from Phnom Pehn or Sihanoukville International Airport. Depending on the means of transport, it will take 3 to 5 hours to get here from Phnom Pehn, and 2 hours from the Sihanoukville International Airport.

 

Suggested For

This amazing boat ride is suitable for families with children, solo travelers, backpackers, groups of friends, young couples and those who want a fun day sailing out of Kampot town.

 

Time to Spend

The Crab Shuttle takes a whole day, leaving Kampot at 09:30 and getting back at 18:00.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The Crab Shuttle’s route may subject to change, and operation interruptions may occur depending on the weather or other factors. These usually occur in the monsoon season from May to October, when the climate is wet and rainy.

 

Food

Lunch and drinks are included when you book the Crab Shuttle. Visitors can also enjoy fresh crabs and seafood when you arrive at the final destination.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Bokor Hill Station: The station located inside the national park is about 40 kilometres or an hour’s drive from the crab shuttle.
  • Firefly River Cruise: Also located by the river, the river cruise is only a short distance away from the shuttle, which takes about 7 minutes’ walk.
  • Sothy’s Pepper Farm: This pepper plantation is about 28 kilometres from Kampot or a 40-minute drive away.

 

Stay

You can find plenty of guesthouses in the town and riverside of Kampot that offer budget to mid-range accommodations. Luxury hotels and resorts are also available in Kep.

 

Good to Know

Check the weather forecast to ensure a nice day for sailing. Bring a swimsuit and extra clothes if you want to go for a sunset swim on the return trip.