Kampot province
Kampot is a particularly scenic part of Cambodia with the large limestone outcrops inland of Kampot town reminiscent of Krabi and Trang in southern Thailand, or Vang Vieng in Laos. The main town of Kampot is a somnolent spot, take a couple of good books, lounge near the river and wait for the sunset.
Kampot province is probably best known for Bokor National Park -- a worn-down, jungle covered mountain that rises up from the far side of the river in Kampot. Atop the mountain are some classic throwbacks to the French period -- a church and a casino -- if ever the two went hand in hand. Today they're both in a seriously run-down state -- the Khmer Rouge and the Vietnamese spend a long stretch shooting at each atop Bokor, with one team in the casino and the other in the church.
When you're done clamouring through shot up French casinos and churches, head down to Kep -- the beach isn't much chop, but the scenic beach-side promenade, a good range of guesthouses and hotels and hordes of holidaying Khmers make it an interesting, and certainly local experience.
There's more to see, caves, offshore islands and of course a few crab buffets, so allow yourself a few days at least to really get something out of this area.
