Phnom Kampong Trach Cave
Kampong Trach is a small village neighbouring Kep town. And at the base of a rocky mountain in this village lies the beautiful Phnom Kampong Trach Cave.
Phnom Kampong Trach Cave is a large limestone cave with an interesting historical background and stunning natural beauty. Once a stronghold of the Khmer Rouge, the cave is a sacred place of worship for local people and also a popular tourist attraction today. A number of Buddhist or Khmer pagodas and shrines can be found at the entrance and amongst the caves., including a huge reclining Buddha statue. The construction time of the Buddhist shrines are believed to date as far back as 800 years ago.
Location
The cave is about 35 kilometres northeast of Kep town and 38 kilometres east of Kampot town. Sihanoukville International Airport is located about 120 kilometres east of Kampong Trach.
Opening Days and Hours
The cave is open 24 hours daily.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance fee costs USD 1 per person.
How to Get There
Visitors traveling from Kampot to Kep can take Road No. 33 until the roundabout with a White Horse statue – turn left going to Kampong Trach. Visitors can hire a tuk-tuk or motorcycle with driver to get to the cave from Kampong Trach.
Suggested For
This attraction is suitable for families with children, backpackers, young couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers.
Time to Spend
Half a day is enough to explore the cave.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The best time to visit the cave is before nightfall, since in the darkness, the cave and its surroundings may be unsafe for visitors.
Activities
- Cave exploration
- Swim in cave lakes
Food
Visitors are advised to bring water and snacks with them when visiting this attraction. Otherwise, you can travel to the nearest town, Kep, where you can find proper dining options such as cafés and restaurants.
Nearby Attractions
- Kampong Trach Mountain Resort: The mountain resort is fairly nearby and takes just a few minutes to reach.
- Kampong Trach Market: This market is located in Kampong Trach and 2.5 kilometres away from the cave, which is less than 10-minutes’ drive.
Stay
In spite of having fewer options than other destinations in Cambodia, Kep still offers pretty decent accommodation options such as budget dorms, guesthouses, and luxury hotels.
Good to Know
Similar to most attractions in Cambodia, you will find many children offering to be your tour guide at the entrance of the cave, who will ask for a small fee for their service. Bring a torchlight and ample insect repellent with you. A good pair of sturdy shoes will ensure that you can move around easily and safely inside the cave.
