Phnom Kampong Trach

Phnom Kampong Trach — Quick Facts

What is it?

nature — A Limestone Karst Riddled with Caves

Where?

Kampot , Cambodia

Entry Fee

Informal — around $1 (4,000 riel) or a donation at the wat; no fixed government ticket

Opening Hours

Dawn to dusk

Time Needed

1–1.5 hours

Best Time

Dry season mornings, before the midday heat makes the climb uncomfortable

Don't Miss

The cave-enclosed reclining Buddha, reached through a natural skylight opening in the rock

What to See at Phnom Kampong Trach

The Reclining Buddha Cave

A short scramble up natural stone steps leads into a chamber lit by a hole open to the sky, where a reclining Buddha statue rests beneath the rock. The play of natural light through the opening makes this one of the more atmospheric small shrines in southern Cambodia.

The Swimming Cave

About a 10-minute walk from the main shrine cave, a second cave encloses a still, deep-green lake. Swimming is possible (and popular with local visitors), though the water can be cool and the rock entry slippery.

The Karst Itself

Phnom Kampong Trach rises abruptly from flat rice paddy in every direction — a single limestone tower rather than a range, visible for kilometres before you reach it. The contrast with the surrounding farmland is part of the appeal.

How to Get to Phnom Kampong Trach

The hill sits about 38km east of Kampot town, near the Kampong Trach district centre on the road toward the Vietnam border (close to Kep as an alternative starting point).

From Kampot: Tuk-tuk or moto-taxi, around 45 minutes to an hour each way
From Kep: Closer — around 20–25 minutes by moto
Combine with Kep: Easily paired with a Kep Crab Market visit on the same day

Best Time to Visit

Visit in the morning — the climb and caves can get hot and still by midday, and morning light works best for photos through the cave skylight.

Practical Information

No fixed government ticket; bring small riel notes for an informal fee or donation
Wear shoes with grip — the cave steps are uneven and can be damp
Bring a torch/phone light for the darker corners of the cave system
Very little tourist infrastructure on site — this is a low-key local sight, not a developed attraction

Nearby Attractions

Kep’s crab market and Rabbit Island, plus Kampot’s Bokor Mountain and Tek Chhouu Waterfall, all sit within an hour’s drive, making this a natural stop between the two towns.