The Cambodia Coastal Visitors Guide 52nd

kampot/ kep

43

Salt Pans Salt is another of Kampot’s important products. Vast salt pans (salt fields) stretch across much of the coastline south and southeast of Kampot and are usually included in most countryside tours out of Kampot and Kep. The salt pans consist of large areas of hardpack ground divided up into paddy like pans. Ocean water is pumped into the pans from canals, then allowed to evaporate, leaving a thick layer of salt coating the ground. Workers rake the salt carefully into piles, collecting and moving it to storage. There are easily accessible salt pans along just east of Kampot town along the road to Kep. The road south from Kampot to Phnom Duong beach also passes through salt pans. The salt field only operate in the dry season. Kampot River Trips & Sunset Cruises Bay River are available, including regularly scheduled daily cruises and charter tours to the rapids, sometimes including jugle trekking as well. The most popular and easiest cruises are the late afternoon ‘Sunset Cruises’ for drinks and sunset on the river and early evening ‘Firefly Cruises’ to see the swarms of fireflies that dance along the river and jungle’s edge. Most guesthouses and tour operators in town can arrange cruise tickets for you. You can also get info and tickets at the cruise boats that sit riverside opposite the Rikitikitavi hotel most of the day. Going the other way, downriver trips from Kampot to the ocean let you explore beaches and sand spits near the river’s mouth and do a bit of ocean swimming. Some tour operators can supply basic fishing gear. For some- thing a bit furthes afield The Crab Shuttle offers a daily 2.5 hour boat shuttle between Kampot and Kep via Rabbit Island, (See page 86 for more.) Various sorts of river trips out of Kampot up the Kampong

Phnom Kbal Romeas (Phnom Sla Ta'aun) is compar- atively plain, but contains a few interesting structures and is base to Climbodia . Look for the huge rock bal- anced in a hole in the ceiling. A few old shrines, hidden deep inside the hill and many stalactites. Excellent views from the top. Caving at Phnom Kbal Romeas: Climbodia offers caving and rock climbing. Securely placed Via Ferratas take you deep into the belly of the hill, abseil- ing down a labyrinth of caves. All skill levels. Tel: 095-581951 www.climbodia.com Cave at Phnom Sasear , also known as the ‘White Elephant Cave.’ Located next to a colorful pagoda. The stairs up the side of the outcropping provide a beautiful view of the countryside, especially during the wet season. The cave contains a shrine at the base of a limestone formation, allegedly resembling a white elephant. Rabbit Island veloped except for some rustic bungalows and a couple of beach shack restaurants. Secluded white sand beaches dot the edges of the island, backed by a hilly coconut palm interior. Most services are near the west side beach. The surrounding waters are relatively clear and warm, offering some snorkeling opportunities around the rocks. Coral is scarce but colorful fish abound. You can stay on the island or just make a day trip of it. Arrange a boat trip to the island through your guest- house in Kampot or Kep or just go to the Koh Tunsay Boat Dock in Kep town. Boats are almost always available. A round-trip trip to/from the island runs $25 for the whole boat, so bring some friends to split the cost. The round-trip price is the same whether you stay a few hours or a few days. Tour operators in Kep offer day packages starting at about $7/person inclusive. Rabbit Island (Koh Tunsay) is a small tropical island located about 30 minutes south of Kep by local boat. The island is unde-

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