Cave and Caverns


There are many caves in and around Kampt and kep-both natural and engineered. A one million-year old roof-collapse at a cavern next to ated a breath-taking open-air hidden oasis and is only accessible throught a narrow cave tunnel. Head out on Road 33 toward Phnom Penh and turn Left just after Kampong Trach town before you read the small concrete bridge (30km from Kep). 4km back on the left before Kampong Trach is Phnom Salei. 326 step to take you to the top, but they are worth if for the unparalleled views of the countryside. Phnom Sorsir (or white elephant cave) has serveral caves to explore, with a path winding its way up to the hill-top stupa and lovely views of Bokor mountain. From Kep city, turn right at the sign-posted wat archway 1.5km from the white horse toward Kampot. From Kampot, turn left 1.5km before the white horse.From Kep city, turn right at the sign-posted wat archway 1.5km from the white horse toward Kampot. From Kampot, turn left 1.5km before the white horse. Further up the road (8km from the white horse toward Kampot) is Phnom Ch'nork, with Pre-Angkorian ruins set in a limestone cave and brick structures dating back to the 6th century ancient state of Funan. That's like older than Muhammad. For those with thirst for more adventure, Climbodia tours, just out of Kampot is for you. They offer caving, rock-climbing, via ferrata and abseiling, and have over twenty climbing routes ranging from very easy to extremely hard options for all levels of fitness. Half or full day tour-packagee can be arranged with the passionate and experienced operator. Visit www.climbodia.com for details. sensible footware and torch are a must when exlporing the region's caves, and be aware of broken stairways, low ceilings and slippery rocks. At the more ppular spots you may be able to rent out a flash-light attached to chatty young guide or three who will helpfully oint oit the internal cave formations' resemblance to anything from turtles to tea-pots. A small donation will suffic.