Sihanoukville To Kampot With Detailed Travel Options and Useful Tips

Traveling from Sihanoukville to Kampot is a short but rewarding journey that many visitors use to shift from busy beaches to slower riverside life and countryside scenery. It fits easily into Cambodia itineraries and works well for budget-minded travelers.

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Overview Of Sihanoukville To Kampot

Half a day’s journey links Sihanoukville and Kampot through southern Cambodia, roughly 100 kilometers apart. Beach seekers land in Sihanoukville first, drawn by nearby islands and coastal stretches. From there, it makes sense to drift inland toward Kampot, where riverside walks and local flavors take center stage. The journey links up without detours, saving time on the road. That smooth shift draws both new arrivals and those passing through after weeks on the move. Travelers often choose buses, minivans, or personal vehicles for the trip.

How Far Is It From Sihanoukville To Kampot?

About 100 to 105 kilometers or so separates Sihanoukville from Kampot, give or take a few, along National Road 3 that stretches cutting across from shore to interior regions down south. Paved entirely, it sees steady traffic. Around three or four hours covers most trips, with brief pauses along the way. Crowds tend to favor moving between November and April (as the peak time to visit Sihanoukville), drawn by clearer paths. Dryer conditions mean fewer delays, and ferry schedules hold steady. Getting through to Kampot feels easier than almost effortless.

How To Travel From Sihanoukville To Kampot?

Travelers usually pick one of several options below to go between these cities. Some prefer doing it on their own; speed matters to some, and comfort draws others. Each path fits a different need.

3.1. By Motorbike

A stretch of road links Sihanoukville to Kampot, roughly 100 to 105 kilometers long. Most riders spend between three and four hours moving, if they do not pause along the way. Travelers aiming straight ahead will take National Road 3. Traveling by light of day works fine, yet knowing how traffic moves helps, along with going slow enough to stay safe. Fatigue gets worse in heat, so stopping now and then makes sense. Before heading out from Sihanoukville, check that the tank is full of fuel; running low later brings trouble.

Aspect	Details
Route Option 1	Sihanoukville → National Road 3 → Kampot. That path gets you there quickest – most buses stick to it. Fuel stops pop up every so often, making refills easy while moving between the two towns.
Route Option 2	Sihanoukville → Veal Renh → Kampong Trach → Kampot. Towns along here stay low-key, lived-in. Travelers choosing quiet over speed often pick this way.
Route Option 3	Sihanoukville → National Road 4 (short section) → connect to Road 3 → Kampot. This way links up smoothly when coming from Sihanoukville’s east. Junction spots might slow you down with busier crossings.
Distance	Around 100 to 105 kilometers separates the locations, varying slightly with path choice. The entry spot into Kampot affects the total length a bit.
Travel Time	Expect three to four hours in the saddle. New riders usually lean toward the longer end once rest stops are factored in.
Road Conditions	Smooth stretches appear alongside rough patches, depending on recent weather. After heavy rains, parts of the route are slow travel.
Suggested Stops	Veal Renh: Fuel up here. This spot offers a break plus warm meals from small-town kitchens along the road. Prey Nob area: A stretch near Prey Nob offers a spot to pause under cover. Some little stores sit there, good for water or something to eat. Kampong Trach outskirts: Limestone bluffs rise beside hushed roadways, a calm stretch just ahead of Kampot’s busier lanes.

3.2. By Bus or Minivan

Travelers heading from Sihanoukville to Kampot usually find that buses or minivans work best when they want things simple. Daily rides leave regularly, so timing works out naturally. Booking happens online, at guesthouses, or local travel shops around town. Some companies meet travelers at a bus station or their own office in Sihanoukville. Others offer hotel collection, but only if your place is close to downtown. Arriving in Kampot, vans usually stop at the agency location or another main spot. From there, a brief tuk-tuk ride takes you onward when necessary.

Vehicle Type	Price (USD)	Travel Time	Notes & Practical Tips
Standard Minivan (12–15 seats)	8 to 12 USD	3 to 4 hours	Most people go this way. When vans leave Sihanoukville, they might stop a few times to collect others-it slows things down. Room for bags is tight; that means backpacks beat big suitcases every time.
VIP / Tourist Minivan	12 to 18 USD	3 to 3.5 hours	Fewer people on board means extra space for your legs, unlike regular vans. With set departure moments plus fewer pulling over along the way, the journey feels calmer and easier to plan around.
Local Bus (limited availability)	7 to 10 USD	3.5 to 4.5 hours	Buses show up less often than vans here. The chairs are simple, yet there’s more room for bags. Since pickup spots can sit beyond downtown, give yourself added minutes to get to the stop.

3.3. By Private Car

When time counts, picking a private ride between Sihanoukville and Kampot just works better. What stands out most? It’s reliable. Instead of waiting through several stops like shared shuttles, a private ride skips the detours across Sihanoukville. You arrive directly at your chosen lodging in Kampot, no extra walk needed. Luggage piles up less when two or three share the cost. Couples hauling bags, parents with kids, it balances out in the end.

Vehicle Type	Estimated Price (one-way)	Estimated Travel Time	Notes & Tips
4-Seater Sedan	Around $60 to 80	2.5 to 3.5 hours	Travelers going alone or in pairs with small bags find this works well. Moving between hotels feels smooth, since the route sticks close to plan – stops stay few unless asked. Most people like how simple it stays.
7-Seater SUV	Around $75 to 100	2.5 to 3.5 hours	Families with kids often need room. When traveling back from islands, that cabin space helps, especially when loaded down with towels, coolers, or big suitcases.
10–12 Seater Minivan	Around $95 to 140	3 to 4 hours	Families on the move find this setup works well when staying in one vehicle matters. Room for bags means less hassle at stops, keeping everyone fed and together without delays.

3.4. By Train

One way to move between Sihanoukville and Kampot is by rail, though the timing is prone to delays. This route belongs to Royal Railway Cambodia’s southern track, stretching from Sihanoukville through Kampot all the way to Phnom Penh. Speed isn’t its strength, yet the journey stays smooth without bumps from highway congestion. On certain days, the service only operates, with few departures, while delays sometimes happen. If timing works out, passengers get a reserved spot, extra space compared to minibuses, plus a hushed trip.

Sihanoukville to Kampot by Royal Railway Cambodia southern track

Aspect	Details
Route	Sihanoukville Station → Kampot Station → onward to Phnom Penh. Though passengers often pause there, the journey doesn’t end in Kampot; it’s just one point along the southern route.
Distance	Some 105 kilometers stretch along the railway linking Sihanoukville to Kampot.
Travel Time	Most trips take between four and a half to six hours, though exact timing shifts with each train’s schedule and how long it stops along the way. Rainy months tend to bring more wait times than usual.
Seat Types	Soft seat (AC) is the most practical choice for this short route. Hard seats are cheaper but can be hot and crowded. Sleeper berths may appear on some services but offer little advantage for this distance.
Estimated Price	Folks often pay around $6 to $8, though what you spend can shift based on where you sit, plus how you book.
Stations & Access	Just beyond the main part of town lies Kampot Station. Once you step off the train, it is roughly ten to fifteen minutes by tuk-tuk to reach lodgings near the riverbank.
Practical Notes	Stay ready with your own drinks and food; supplies on board are limited. Plans might shift if delays happen, so stay loose about timing. Best used when getting there right away isn’t required.

Recommended Stops Along the Way

Not long, this path still gains from small pauses now and then. Some spots stand out, tasting nearby dishes, or peeking past big settlements into southern stretches of Cambodia.

Veal Renh

A third of the distance between Sihanoukville and Kampot brings you to Veal Renh. This spot often draws visitors needing fuel, something cool to drink, or basic food by the road. Small eateries and street vendors line the area, faster and less costly than places built for tourists. A stop here lets people move their bodies after sitting too long, look at maps again, and take things slower instead of pushing ahead nonstop.

Prey Nob

Folks passing through often find Prey Nob just right when they need rest under cover and quick supplies. Not far off the highway, this spot offers small stands where people buy food, fresh fruit, or drinks. You won’t see polished tourist spots, only everyday scenes most visitors miss. Taking time to pause here keeps travel smooth, saves miles, and breaks long drives naturally.

Kampong Trach

Down near Kampot sits Kampong Trach, just eight kilometers out from the town center, lies Phnom Chhnork Cave. This limestone hollow holds within it a 7th-century brick temple, quietly standing through the centuries. Away from crowded beaches, this patch breathes slower, almost hushed, compared to what came before. As you draw closer to town, the land flattens, and fields open wide. For anyone nearing Kampot by midday, it makes a natural last break.

Tips For Traveling From Sihanoukville To Kampot

Might seem quick on paper, yet this hop often drags when timing falls flat, or rides misalign. What follows leans into real choices – ones that steady the trip, make it behave.

Few choose it, yet the dawn from Sihanoukville works best. Mornings work fine or just past noon. Going later raises the chances of reaching Kampot when it’s already night.
Spending a spare evening in Sihanoukville makes sense if you are island hopping or still finishing a few things to do in Sihanoukville. Ferry hiccups can mess up tight connections, and a single extra night cushions the risk when boats run late.
Most travelers prefer buses or minivans, skipping several hotel stops – they arrive in Kampot sooner. Skipping extra pickups saves noticeable time.
Fuel up early, since gas stations grow fewer once you ride past the shore. Rest when you can, because quiet roads are more spaced out inland.
Morning departures might fit better if planned early, since timing decides whether train trips succeed. Missing a date could mean waiting much longer, making it wise to review arrival times ahead of leaving.
Few places to stay are right in the middle of Kampot, so when you arrive in the late part of the day, check where exactly your lodging is located. Some places require a short ride from central drop zones, so clarity helps avoid delays after dark.

Final Thoughts

Traveling from Sihanoukville to Kampot feels smoother when seen as its own experience. Though the stretch isn’t long, how you move shapes your mood upon reaching Kampot. For those who like things predictable and well-organized, Seni World offers help with Cambodian travel routes, schedules, and reservations. Booking through us means stepping into Kampot alert and free to wander.

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