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The rehabilitation of National Road 33 (NR 33), connecting Kampot province to the Cambodia-Vietnam border, has reached 62% completion as of April 2024. This 52.57-kilometer project, funded by the People’s Republic of China and supported by the Cambodian government, aims to improve connectivity across Kampot and Kep provinces, passing through Teuk Chhou, Kampong Trach, and Damnak Chang Eur districts. Safety and quality remain top priorities, with enhanced measures being implemented for smoother, safer travel. Once complete, this infrastructure project will facilitate efficient transportation and bolster regional access between Cambodia and Vietnam

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) is negotiating a public-private partnership (PPP) with Cambodian development firm AZ Builder to finalize the long-awaited Kampot International Tourist Port. AZ Builder, a subsidiary of AZ Group, has proposed an investment of $5–$10 million to bring the port into operation.

Despite the port’s construction concluding in 2022, technical issues have delayed its opening. AZ Builder’s proposed investment focuses on essential dredging to deepen the waterway, making it navigable for larger vessels.

Minister Peng Ponea emphasized that the port must meet international standards to attract tourists and that the selected private partner will be responsible for infrastructure improvements, including waterway dredging and security upgrades. The MPWT is targeting the third quarter of 2024 for initial operations, with full commercial opening anticipated by year-end.

Once operational, the port will connect Kampot with major destinations along Cambodia’s coast and facilitate international connections with nearby countries, promising to boost tourism and trade across the region.

Prime Minister Hun Manet has announced a ban on establishing new casinos in Cambodia’s Kep and Kampot provinces, except in Kampot’s Bokor Mountain, where existing gaming venues already operate. The decision, detailed in an official letter and reported by the Phnom Penh Post, aims to enhance security and public order in these popular tourist areas, while encouraging a more diverse range of investments beyond the casino industry.

Cambodia currently hosts 184 licensed casinos, with 100 of these located in coastal areas, including Bokor Mountain. This move aligns with efforts to diversify the local economy and ensure a sustainable tourism model in Kep and Kampot.

In Kampot’s Prek Tnaot community, dedicated conservation initiatives have transformed the area into a haven for marine biodiversity, drawing both attention and visitors. Thanks to these efforts, the population of rare marine mammals, including dolphins and dugongs, has noticeably grown, offering visitors a chance to observe these majestic creatures up close.

Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted the community’s efforts by sharing a video showcasing dolphins and dugongs, noting that these conservation successes now offer tourists unique sightings of these rare species. The community, spanning 1,168 hectares, is a protected zone for mangroves and marine life, including seagrass beds that shelter species like pink dolphins, seahorses, and sea turtles.

Local conservation leaders report the presence of around 15 humpback dolphins in the area, boosted by artificial reefs that encourage marine life growth. The region’s diverse dolphin populations, including humpback and Irrawaddy dolphins, are now a major attraction.

The Fisheries Administration has also implemented initiatives to protect Mekong dolphins, especially during the rainy season, when these dolphins migrate to feed. Fishermen are trained to release dolphins that may accidentally get caught in their nets, and river guards patrol to ensure dolphin safety.

As a result of these efforts, Cambodia’s Mekong River dolphin population has grown to approximately 105 individuals, with ongoing patrols and legal protections in place to sustain their habitat. These conservation measures not only protect dolphins but also help sustain fish stocks, ensuring a balanced ecosystem that benefits local communities.

Kampot, Cambodia – The 11th Sea Festival is scheduled to be held in Kampot province from December 13 to 15, 2024. Preparations for the event are being guided by Kampot Province Governor Mr. Mao Thunin, who has outlined extensive plans to ensure a joyful and organized celebration.

The Kampot Provincial Administration has engaged various stakeholders, including municipal administrations, district departments, military units, and private sector organizations, to participate in the festival’s organization and activities. The administration is urging all community members, including government bodies, businesses, religious institutions, and local traders, to actively contribute to creating a festive atmosphere.

Governor Thunin has emphasized the importance of disseminating information about the 11th Sea Festival throughout the province. Municipalities, districts, and local institutions are tasked with informing residents about the event, with expectations for widespread participation. To enhance the celebratory spirit, community members are encouraged to decorate their homes and public spaces with national flags, religious flags, and banners, aligning with the theme of the festival.

As part of the preparations, the Kampot Green Garbage Collection and Cleaning Company, along with 2 Thnou Company, have been instructed to maintain cleanliness in Kampot City by ensuring that streets are swept and litter-free from now until the festival concludes. To ensure the safety and security of both national and international visitors, the Provincial Police Commission and the Provincial Gendarmerie Command are coordinating efforts to maintain public order and traffic management during the event.

Further preparations include cleaning and decorating along major national roads leading into the province, with instructions for the Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport to tend to roadside grass and ensure that infrastructure is visually appealing ahead of the festival.

The Provincial Department of Cults and Religions is also playing a pivotal role by inviting local leaders and religious figures to assist in environmental clean-up efforts and decorative initiatives for the festival. Additionally, the health sector has been mobilized to ensure that health centers and hospitals are prepared and hygienic, enhancing the overall wellbeing of attendees.

To increase publicity for the event, the Provincial Information Department is tasked with creating video clips to broadcast information about the festival, while various entertainment activities planned by the Inter-Ministerial Commission will be promoted through media channels to generate excitement and engagement among the public.

Advertising companies within the province are urged to display festival-related billboards by November 25, 2024, to ensure that promotional materials reach a wide audience. The Provincial Department of Tourism will monitor pricing for tourism services to ensure fair practices during the festival period, and the Provincial Department of Commerce will oversee compliance with regulations to prevent any fraudulent activities.

Bokor Hill is located 42 km from the provincial town. It was erected by French colonists in 1922 during the reign of King Sisowath. Bokor was a resort location for affluent French colonists who needed a change of atmosphere.

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The reason you might have been offered so much of the spiky, strong-smelling fruit known as durian while enjoying the Teuk Chheu rapids is because of the proximity of the plantations, which line either side of the road en route.

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The town of Kampong Trach, Kampot is a small one but still offers enough attractions to the tourists. Here you would find various limestone caves and tubes in a nearby mountain. Once there was also a large cave in the center of the mountain whose roof had collapsed and thus a small enclosed jungle had been formed in the area. In the caves you would find various pagodas and caves which are excellent sightseeing attractions. Therefore, do not forget to bring a flashlight and always a pair of good walking shoes.

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When you go sightseeing in Kampot, a must visit spot is Phnom K’Chnor. Phnom K’Chnor is a cave that contains a shrine dating from pre-Angkorian dynasty and other ruins.

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The limestone caves near Kampot house exotic rock formations and Buddhist shrines. When you plan to visit these caves near Kampot, make sure that you are carrying a torch and have put on proper trekking shoes. 

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