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Kamloops

Kamloops is a city of 98,000 people (2021, 114,000 in the metro area) in the central interior of British Columbia. It is billed as the Tournament Capital of Canada. It has hosted Strauss Canada Cup of Curling, Skate Canada, World Fly Fishing Championships, Tim Horton's Olympic Qualifying Bike Race, and World Junior Hockey Championships.

Understand
"Kamloops" is the anglicised version of the Shuswap word "Tk'əmlúps", meaning "meeting of the waters"; it is where the North Thompson and South Thompson rivers join to form the Thompson. Shuswap is still spoken in the area by members of the Tk'emlúps Indian Band. Kamloops is also where rail and road routes across the Rockies meet; the Trans-Canada Highway and CPR rail route come from Calgary via Banff while one branch of the Yellowhead Highway and the former CNR route come from Edmonton via Jasper.

Industries in the Kamloops area include ranching, some forestry, and a copper mine (in Logan Lake). Royal Inland Hospital is the city's largest employer. Thompson Rivers University serves a student body of over 25,000 including a diverse international contingent mainly from Asian countries.

History
In 1811 David Stuart, sent out from Fort Astoria, a Pacific Fur Company post, spent a winter there with the Secwepemc people. Alexander Ross established a post there in May 1812 - "Fort Cumcloups". See fur trade for background information.

The gold rush of the 1860s and the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which reached Kamloops from the West in 1883, brought further growth, resulting in the City of Kamloops being incorporated in 1893 with a population of about 500. The logging industry of the 1970s brought many Indo-Canadians into the Kamloops area, mostly from the Punjab region of India. In 1973, Kamloops annexed Barnhartvale and other nearby communities.

Climate
The January mean temperature is −2.8 °C (27 °F). That average sharply increases with an average maximum temperature of 4.3 °C (40 °F) in February. The temperatures drop below −10 °C (14 °F) about 20 days per year.

Summers are warmer than in many places at lower latitudes, with prevailing dry and sunny weather. Daytime humidity is generally under 40% in the summer, sometimes dropping below 20% after a dry spell, which allows for substantial nighttime cooling. Occasional summer thunderstorms can create dry-lightning conditions, sometimes igniting forest fires which the area is prone to.

Kamloops lies in the rain shadow leeward of the Coast Mountains and is biogeographically connected to similar semi-desert areas in the Okanagan region, and a much larger area covering the central/eastern portions of Washington, Oregon and intermontane areas of Nevada, Utah and Idaho in the US.

By train
Train stations at the north end of Kamloops. While there is an old train station in downtown Kamloops, it is now a steakhouse and no longer serves passenger trains. The Rocky Mountaineer train passes through here on its way to and from Banff and Lake Louise, but does not stop.

By car
Both major highways in western Canada pass through Kamloops. Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) comes from Vancouver, passes through the Fraser Valley to Hope, then up the Fraser Canyon to Lytton, and through Cache Creek to Kamloops. East of Kamloops it goes through Salmon Arm, Revelstoke, the Rogers Pass and Golden in BC, then on to Banff and Calgary in Alberta.

Highway 5 (South Yellowhead Highway) leads to Kamloops from Jasper and Edmonton. This road is a branch; the main Yellowhead Highway (#16) runs east-west from Prince Rupert through Edmonton to Portage la Prairie. Highway 5 is not part of the signed Trans-Canada Highway system.

Highway 5 (Coquihalla Highway portion of Yellowhead Highway) provides a much quicker route from Vancouver to Kamloops (4 hr by car). This freeway takes you through Hope and Merritt; it is considerably less scenic than the Trans-Canada route. The downside of the high-altitude road is that it can become dangerous in the winter as sudden weather changes may make the road icy, snow covered or impassible. Check the road conditions before you set out.

By bus

 * Daily between Kamloops and Vancouver with stops in Merritt, Hope, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and Surrey. Travel time to Kamloops from Vancouver is 4.5-4.75 hours, from Abbotsford is 3.25 hours, and from Hope is 2 hours.
 * Daily between Kamloops and Kelowna with stops in Chase, Sorrento, Salmon Arm, Enderby, Armstrong, and Vernon. Travel time to Kamloops from Kelowna is 2.25-3.25 hours (some trips do not make all stops), from Vernon is 1.5-2.25 hours (some trips do not make all stops), and from Salmon Arm is 1 hour 20 minutes.
 * Between Kamloops and Prince George with stops in Savona, Cache Creek, Clinton, 70 Mile House, 100 Mile House, Lac La Hache, Williams Lake, Quesnel, and Hixon. Travel time to Kamloops from Cache Creek is 50 minutes, from 100 Mile House is 2.25 hours, from Williams Lake is 3.25 hours, from Quesnel is 5 hours, and from Prince George is 6.5 hours.
 * Between Kamloops and Prince George with stops in Savona, Cache Creek, Clinton, 70 Mile House, 100 Mile House, Lac La Hache, Williams Lake, Quesnel, and Hixon. Travel time to Kamloops from Cache Creek is 50 minutes, from 100 Mile House is 2.25 hours, from Williams Lake is 3.25 hours, from Quesnel is 5 hours, and from Prince George is 6.5 hours.

Inter-city buses stop at the Petro Canada truck stop:

See

 * Kamloops is also well-known for its public art including numerous pole carvings and murals.
 * Kamloops is also well-known for its public art including numerous pole carvings and murals.
 * Kamloops is also well-known for its public art including numerous pole carvings and murals.
 * Kamloops is also well-known for its public art including numerous pole carvings and murals.
 * Kamloops is also well-known for its public art including numerous pole carvings and murals.
 * Kamloops is also well-known for its public art including numerous pole carvings and murals.
 * Kamloops is also well-known for its public art including numerous pole carvings and murals.
 * Kamloops is also well-known for its public art including numerous pole carvings and murals.

Do

 * Climb -- While not as popular among the rock climbing crowd as Squamish or Penticton, there are several areas that offer climbing in the Kamloops area. Climbing information can be found in a free online guide available at CLIMBKamloops.ca.
 * Ski -- Sun Peaks is a 45-minute drive north of Kamloops along Highway 5.
 * Golf (approximately 11 18-hole courses, with "Tobiano" being the latest opened June 2007)
 * Mountain bike -- With the hilly and mountainous terrain that varies from wide open to thickly wooded, Kamloops is one of the more popular locations for mountain bike riding in western Canada.
 * Go fishing
 * Golf (approximately 11 18-hole courses, with "Tobiano" being the latest opened June 2007)
 * Mountain bike -- With the hilly and mountainous terrain that varies from wide open to thickly wooded, Kamloops is one of the more popular locations for mountain bike riding in western Canada.
 * Go fishing

Learn

 * Thompson River University 3.jpg

Sleep
There are a range of lower end and mid-range chain motels in Kamloops, particularly on Columbia St West (exit 369 if heading east on Hwy 1, Summit Dr exit 370 if heading west).

Go next

 * Vancouver is approximately 355 km (220 miles) to the south west via Hwy 5. There are trains, flights from the Kamloops airports, as well as two major highways connecting the two cities.
 * Sun Peaks - an alpine ski resort 50 km north of Kamloops.
 * Cariboo-Central Coast, BC's cowboy country and dude ranch region is a one-hour drive west of Kamloops

title: Kamloops


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Kamnik

Kamnik is a town in Central Slovenia. Once a rival to Ljubljana and Kranj for economic dominance of Carniola, today's Kamnik (Stein in German) is a sleepy suburb of Ljubljana, with a population of just over 14,000 (2018).

Understand
While there is some modern sprawl to the south, the medieval Old Town (Staro mesto) has been wonderfully preserved and makes this town well worth a visit.

Orienting yourself in Kamnik is easy enough. Most medieval buildings line the pedestrian street of Šutna, and its northern end lie Mali grad and the city square of Glavni trg. To the east runs the Kamniška Bistrica river and across it are the ruins of the Old Castle.

You can get further information, leaflets and a map of the municipality in the, which also has a computer for internet access (payable) and offers high quality maps of the municipality (which includes most of the surrounding mountains, free of charge) and rents out bikes.

By plane
Kamnik is 15 km away from Ljubljana's Brnik Airport. A taxi costs around €25.

 * Airport Taxi, +386 41 670216, taxibrnik@gmail.com.

By train
SŽ has hourly commuter services from Ljubljana, taking about 40 minutes. There are three stations in Kamnik, with being the closest to the Old Town. There are no services on weekends or holidays.

By bus
Kam-Bus runs frequent services from Ljubljana (€3) and some limited direct services to other points nearby. The is at the edge of the old town, and there's a map to orient yourself as you exit. On weekdays, buses leave every 15-30 minutes from 05:00 until 24:00 and take just under an hour. On weekends, services are reduced to once per hour.

By car
Kamnik is accessible via highways A1 (Maribor - Ljubljana), exit Domžale, and A2 (Villach (Beljak)/Jesenice/Ljubljana), exit Vodice. Parking is payable and mostly time-limited in the very center, but if you go somewhat outside, you may park for longer, at some places even for free.

Get around
The town of Kamnik is easily covered on foot. The municipality spans wider and covers many of the mountainous areas around (nearly up to the Austrian border or around 20 km north to south and about 25 km east to west). Most settlements and places within the valleys are accessible by public bus, the network is operated by KamBus, please be aware that services are regular and reliable but not frequent. Biking is quite popular amongst the sporty people (you can rent bikes at the tourist information). Most areas are easily accessible by car, although parking is not always easy.

The mountains are great for hiking, Slovenia's biggest Alp Velika Planina is accessible via. Mountain roads are mostly service roads only, closed to public traffic.

Old Town
It roughly covers the area from the southern end of Šutna (pedestrian zone), over glavni trg, up to medvedova ulica in the northern part of the city center (including some of the side roads) and offers many very nice historic buildings.

Do

 * Go hiking or biking in the Alps, some of the options are:
 * If you want to go skiing or biking in a park, head to Krvavec (which is in the neighboring municipality, Cerklje na Gorenjskem).
 * Go hiking or biking in the Alps, some of the options are:
 * If you want to go skiing or biking in a park, head to Krvavec (which is in the neighboring municipality, Cerklje na Gorenjskem).
 * If you want to go skiing or biking in a park, head to Krvavec (which is in the neighboring municipality, Cerklje na Gorenjskem).
 * If you want to go skiing or biking in a park, head to Krvavec (which is in the neighboring municipality, Cerklje na Gorenjskem).
 * If you want to go skiing or biking in a park, head to Krvavec (which is in the neighboring municipality, Cerklje na Gorenjskem).
 * If you want to go skiing or biking in a park, head to Krvavec (which is in the neighboring municipality, Cerklje na Gorenjskem).

Work
While Kamnik is rather small, it is home to a small but very friendly coworking scene, in KIKštarter at the southern end of the former chemical/explosive plant (address: Fužine 9, next to the cultural center). Possibilities for employment are rather rare, if you look for them, rather head to Ljubljana as the next bigger city.

Buy
The passing of time has not left Kamnik untouched, and many local shops, especially in the pedestrian area have closed. However, from time to time, new shops open. And there still are some small shops the central area, which extends somewhat south further down from Šutna and around Glavni trg, to some extent also north on Medvedova. On the side roads, there are some shops that are not obvious from the main roads.

The food market at operates on Tuesdays and Saturdays, starting at 07:00 and running up to 14:00 in winter, 17:00 in summer (i.e. April through September) and, although small, offers a good choice of delicious local products.

Supermarkets are easily available at most parts of the city and are two shopping malls in the south of the city ( and ).

Eat

Out of the town centre:

In Duplica (the rather industrial/commercial southern part of the town):

On Velika Planina and Mala Planina:
 * The huts mentioned in the Sleep section also offer food!

Drink
Cafés:

Café-bars:

Pubs:

There are local craft beer breweries: Maister and Mali grad

Outside of the town centre

Camping: Mountain huts: On mala planina (easily accessible from velika planina):

Connect
The There are no internet cafes in town. However, some cafes offer free Wi-Fi (e.g. Majolka, see eat section).

Go next
Cities: Nature and sports and to some extent history of the region:
 * Ljubljana - Slovenia's capital and cultural and economic centre
 * Kranj - the third out of the formerly three competing cities of the region (Kamnik, Ljubljana, Kranj), now also mostly a suburb to Ljubljana, but having a nice location and a great old city centre
 * Maribor - the second bigger city in Slovenia, nicely located at the Drava river, European Capital of Culture 2012, with a very nice city core
 * Celje – Slovenia's third biggest city, dating back to Hallstadt era and showing settlement also in Roman times, it is still home to a nice old town while being similarly sleepy as Kamnik, can be reached by a slow but nice drive through one of the two valleys heading Eastwads
 * Škofja Loka - another of the somewhat bigger cities in Slovenia having a great Medieval old town
 * Cerklje na Gorenjskem (West of Kamnik) with Krvavec (one of the more notable mountains, home to a ski resort in winter and bike park in summer) is "just over the hills"
 * Luče the municipality just north-north-east of Kamnik which has some nice mountains and smaller sights (such as for example a very old, still operational water mill)
 * Solčava/Logarska Dolina (North of Kamnik and Luče), often also dubbed the Green Valley, is the last valley in Slovenia south of the Austrian border in the region. Near in kilometers but some passes and hence quite some time away. Old farms and village cores are worth seeing.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Kamnik


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Kampala

Kampala, the City of Seven Hills, is the capital city of Uganda and is, by a very large margin, the largest city in the country. Secondary to it is Jinja to the east and Entebbe to the south. Kampala is in the south central part of Uganda, near the northern shores of Lake Victoria.

Understand
The people of Kampala, and Ugandans in general, are very kind, friendly and approachable.

Kampala, with a population of approximately 1.7 million, and 6.7 million in the metro area (2019), is by far the largest city in Uganda. Although a smaller city with less suburban sprawl than Nairobi or Lagos, the traffic jams and pollution can be every bit as bad. If you are travelling around the city, plan your days carefully to avoid spending many hours in the city traffic.

Uganda, as the recipient of massive amounts of Western aid money, hosts many non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Most of these are based in Kampala, so there is an established expat scene in the city.

Climate
A facet of Kampala's weather is that it features two annual wetter seasons. While the city does not have a true dry season month, it experiences heavier precipitation from August to December and from February to June. However, it is between February and June that Kampala sees substantially heavier rainfall per month, with April typically seeing the heaviest amount of precipitation at an average of around 169 millimetres (6.7 in) of rain.

Heritage
The Kasubi Tombs, the site of the burial grounds for four kabakas (kings of Buganda), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site partially damaged by fire in 2010.

By plane
When coming to Kampala by air, you will actually arrive in the city of Entebbe, 35 km (22 mi) southwest of Kampala.

You can get from Entebbe airport to Kampala:

 * By Private Hire taxi (approx USh 75,000 one way)
 * By the Pineapple Express - Via Kampala and Jinja - (US$10-22) - http://www.entebbejinjashuttle.com/
 * By the Airport express bus. http://entebbeairportexpress.com USh 30,000 has ten trips per day both ways.
 * By Boda-Boda/shared taxi (matuta) (approx USh 7000 one way), this requires you to get the short distance (4 km) from the airport to Entebbe city on a Boda-Boda =USh 3500. you will need to walk from the airport to the airport gate to get a Boda-Boda. then Matuta from Entebbe to Kampala =USh 3500.
 * By hotel shuttle (e.g. if you have a reservation with Sheraton ask for their shuttle - USh 39,000 added to your hotel bill, for one-way trip if shared -chances are very high there are other hotel guests arriving on your flight).

By rail
Discussions on improving the railway service within Uganda has dragged on for years, with the the massive project to build a new semi-high speed railway from neighboring Kenya stalled. However as of 2024 some progress on renovating the 100 year old metre-gauge network has been made. Passenger services are still limited to commuter trains from Namanve, in the eastern suburbs of Kampala, and from Port Bell. The national operator Uganda Railways Corporation has promised to launch intercity trains, but nothing has materialized so far.

Get around
There are three methods of public transport: boda-bodas, matatu and special hires.

By boda-boda
The fastest and most dangerous method is the boda-boda: motorcycles that you see all over the city. You won't be in Kampala long before being propositioned by a boda driver. If you're not interested, a simple 'no' will get them to leave you alone. You can get most anywhere on the back of one for USh 2000-5000, but make sure to agree on the fare before the ride begins.

Boda-bodas are extremely dangerous as their riders will do whatever it takes to get you to your destination quickly. Expect to dart in front of and against traffic and even though crowds of pedestrians when necessary. Boda-boda accidents account for most of the hospital visits and traffic fatalities in Kampala; you have been warned!

Boda-bodas got their name from the bicycle taxis that operated at some of the busy border crossing points. Buses had to discharge their passengers at the exit border control, who then had to walk to the entry border control. The distance across no man's land at some borders can be considerable. Hence the bicycle taxis would cry "boda-boda" (a corruption of the English "border to border") to the weary travellers. These bicycle taxis can still be found in most smaller Ugandan towns, however, in Kampala they have been replaced by motorcycles. Boda-bodas charge USh 3000-5000 for trips within Kampala (foreigner price; correct at July 2011). It is almost impossible to get anywhere for under USh 2000, and longer trips may run you up to USh 7000.

In-app Boda-Boda rides around Kampala are focusing more on passenger safety with the introduction of the mobile App-Based motorcycle transport service providers who are trained, more professional and have helmets for passengers. The rides are ordered in the app and fares are shown before confirming the request. Most service providers allow payments via the app or cash payments. These app-based boda-boda service providers in and around Kampala include SafeBoda, Uber, Bolt,

By matatu
Matatus are a series of minibuses that follow relatively pre-set routes all over the city and many other parts of the country. Confusingly, they are known as taxis in Uganda. It might be a bit confusing in the beginning how to use the matatus to efficiently get where you want to go, but it's not so difficult.

Their routes usually go between the city centre and some suburb. The majority of matatus to/from the suburbs leave/finish inside or around the

Some, e.g. those going along Ggaba road to Kabalagala, Kansanga, Bbunga, Ggaba and Munyonyo, leave inside the

This can be hard to find since that's basically inside a shopping mall. Other matatus leave directly from the streets around the old taxi park or farther away up to Kampala road, and some leave from the

Although that park is mainly reserved for matatus and larger buses going further out to all corners of Uganda and neighbouring countries.

Matatus will stand in the park until they are full, something that normally takes less than 15 minutes, but can take over half an hour (or even over one hour late at night or on Sundays). Matatus that leave the area around the park are hence full, which makes it difficult to hop on a matatu at other places in the city centre. Unless you're very lucky, you'll have to go to where the matatus start in order to leave the city centre.

Each matatu has a driver and a conductor. Don't be frightened if you can't understand what they're saying. Ask one of them for your destination and you'll be told yes or no. When you get in, expect to be squeezed. Each vehicle is licensed to carry 14 people, but they will pack in as many will fit (and their belongings). If you don't like this it's a good idea to sit in the back of the vehicle, since usually the squeezing is limited to the first 2 rows. Once the matatu starts moving people can get off at any time. When you reach your destination, tell your conductor "Stage" and they will stop the van.

Whenever a matatu has empty space the driver will go slowly and honk repeatedly. If you want to get on, just make some gesture and it will slow further down and shout out the destination, just shout your destination as response and they will pick you up if it's along the way. There are often also a number of further staging points along the way where the driver will again stop and wait until they can fill the vehicle. This can take a few seconds or several minutes; just be patient. In some cases drivers won't take you if you only go relatively short distances, since that will mean they'll risk losing money if they can't fill your place quickly once you're dropped. You pay the conductor when you exit, although some people give the conductor money while the vehicle is moving so that he can make change ahead of time. The normal fare is USh 500-1,500 per person when driving into the city (November 2015).

Going with a matatu is generally cheap, safe, slow and nice. Ugandans are often happy to start up a conversation or help you out, and if the conductor tries to overcharge you or make you take an inefficient route, passengers are likely to point that out to you and scold him. People also complain if a driver takes too long to wait for passengers or drives recklessly and will even collectively quit the van in protest if a driver drives too badly.

By special hire
If you aren't up for the thrill of the bodas and don't have time for a matatu, taxis, also called special hires, are readily available at most central locations. A few taxis have meters, but most have not. Be sure to agree on the fare before you get in the car or you may be in for a nasty shock. Don't be afraid to haggle either; most destinations can be reached for USh 15,000 or 20,000.

Yellow taxi company is reliable, offering 24-hour service, phone +256 713 133 331, with fixed prices: USh 10,000 for trips within Kampala; USh 60,000 for trips to/from the airport. Prices as of December 2010. They also have an allocated single taxi rank space outside Nakumat.

Ride hailing apps like Bolt and Uber work in Kampala.

Car rental
Several agencies offer car rental, with or without driver. While self-driving in Kampala may not seem tempting, car rental is a great option to explore the rest of the country. Upon request, most businesses can get you safely out of Kampala before handing over the keys.

By city bus
Large city buses that run on fix routes. This mode of transport is still limited but some buses run along Jinja Road, which has some designated bus stops. All the city buses start at Constitutional square on Kampala road. The fare is USh 1000.

One city bus goes to and from Constitutional Square past Acacia mall, and one bus goes to and from Constitutional Square past Lugogo Mall.

Inside the city

Lake Victoria Beaches
Remember there is a risk for shistosomiasis in the Great Lakes of Africa.

Farther away
Both Entebbe and Jinja can be easily reached from Kampala in around an hour in reasonable traffic, so day trips to these cities and the activities surrounding them are possible from Kampala. Most excursions and safaris farther away will involve overnight stays. The closest real safaris are in Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Mburo National Park, about 4 hours away.
 * Go for a safari in one of Ugandas national parks or game parks listed at Uganda.

Around Entebbe

 * Excursion to Entebbe to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where you can watch chimps being fed, which is even more entertaining than it sounds. Boats leave from near the zoo at 9AM and 1PM, price is US$70, for 4-hour round trip.
 * Visit the Zoo, beaches and Botanical Gardens in nearby Entebbe, (40 min. on Boda motorcycle taxi, USh 15-20,000).

Around Jinja

 * Bungee jump dipping your head in the headwaters of the Nile, near Jinja.
 * Jet-Boating on the Nile, up and down some of the smaller rapids.
 * Do an ATV safari along the headwaters of the Nile, driving through various small towns.

Buy
Large parts of Uganda are well suited for agriculture and as a result Kampala has some very large and diverse food and agriculture markets. Traditional handmade tools, arts and crafts are also big. However there are also several large western style malls and supermarkets (e.g. Shoprite from South Africa, Carrefour from France. If you're in the market for souvenirs, check out the Exposure Africa Crafts Village on Buganda Road or the slightly larger Uganda Arts & Crafts Village behind the National Theatre, near the Garden City complex. Also on Buganda Road across the street from the craft market you find a number of tailors if you are looking to have clothes sewn. And if you're tired from shopping the (upscale) cafe 1000 Cups of Coffee is a relaxing Mzungu hangout.

Supermarkets

 * Senana shopping centre and hypermarket Buganda road central Kampala. Open 08:00-19:00. Has large supermarket and department store.
 * Senana shopping centre and hypermarket Buganda road central Kampala. Open 08:00-19:00. Has large supermarket and department store.
 * Senana shopping centre and hypermarket Buganda road central Kampala. Open 08:00-19:00. Has large supermarket and department store.

Eat
There are a number of dining options in Kampala ranging from the cheap and local to the very fancy (and very expensive).

Budget
Everywhere you go you'll see signs for little hole-in-the-wall restaurants (including some called "pork joints"). Most of these places don't have menus, so you'll have to ask what's available. Common options include meat (usually beef), rice, beans, Matoke (steamed green bananas, served mashed). Common dishes that can be found in most of the city restaurants and in the country side are fish and chips, and chicken and chips. These meals vary in servings and will cost between USh 4500-9000. Be sure to ask the price ahead of time so that you don't get surprised later on. Prices are typically USh 500 per item, but can vary. Sodas and bottled water will cost more too. Matoke with groundnut sauce can be delicious!

For a street snack, the famous "Rolex" is very enjoyable. It is made out of a chapati (kind of a pancake) wrapped around an omelette, with cabbage and tomatoes. Expect to pay USh 700-1000. Other street food includes roast chicken, goat and beef. This is usually served with chips or a salad or both. Pricing is per piece USh 2000-4500. If you are looking for something healthier but still want to enjoy the experience of roadside eating, the best bargain is with roasted corn or maize. The white maize is slow roasted on a charcoal grill and is available for USh 500-600 per cob. Freshness is guaranteed as maize is a common plant found throughout Uganda. Usually the vendors will have a stall close to a source of maize plantation.

 * Govindas, ovo-lacto vegetarian, in Dewinton Road near Nakumat, offers thali at USh 15000 at lunchtime, and a full menu of Indian dishes. Popular with local Indian community. hey also serve vegetarian pizzas and sandwiches.  A reasonable variety of Indian Sweets is available too.
 * Makere University Food Technology department, offers a tasty "local food" lunch, at USh 7000.
 * Makere University Food Technology department, offers a tasty "local food" lunch, at USh 7000.

Mid-range
Jinja Road is a good place for a variety of meals.

 * Garden City. The food court at this shopping center offers a wide variety of options including Lebanese, Italian, Indian, and more. There are particularly good masala dosas served in the food court. Unlike a traditional food court, you order from a menu and a waiter brings food to your table. There is a good Indian restaurant named Nawab on the roof of Garden City, and a steak restaurant that's quite good.
 * Cafe Javas, Oasis Shopping Plaza (next to Garden City) Expat and local hangout. Flawless service. Great breakfasts and wonderfully rich coffee. Free wireless internet. Opens at 6AM and stays open late.

Splurge

 * Paradise: Sheraton Kampala. Features a variety of Indian and continental dishes. Main course range from USh 20,000 to 40,000. The wines includes South African and a number of European selections, ranging from USh 40,000 to 150,000.
 * Serena Hotel: just down the hill from the Sheraton. A variety of South Asian and African dishes prepared with flair. A complete meal for two will run to about USh 200,000, excluding alcohol.
 * Khana Khazana, this is one of the best (more expensive) Indian restaurants: It is on Acacia Avenue, up from the Protea Hotel, in Kololo.
 * Mamba Point: this is one of the best (more expensive) Italian places. The address is 22 Akil Bua Road-Nakasero: 031-256-3000. Be sure to go to the Italian restaurant on Akil Bua Road, not the pizzeria on Lumumba Avenue although it is one of the best in town.
 * Kayali Restaurant & Lounge, 7a Yusuf Lule Rd. Some little victuals. +256 787 205949
 * Fang Fang Chinese Restaurant: one of the best Chinese places. There are two in Kampala: one with an attached hotel (nearer to the Sheraton) and open to outdoors (so don't forget to wear insect spray). They keep two white rabbits that hop on the grass in the main patio area and will put up with children petting them if you feed them a carrot or cucumber. The second Fang Fang is in central Kampala at Communications House; they have indoor seating and a roof terrace.
 * Fang Fang Chinese Restaurant: one of the best Chinese places. There are two in Kampala: one with an attached hotel (nearer to the Sheraton) and open to outdoors (so don't forget to wear insect spray). They keep two white rabbits that hop on the grass in the main patio area and will put up with children petting them if you feed them a carrot or cucumber. The second Fang Fang is in central Kampala at Communications House; they have indoor seating and a roof terrace.

There are many Indian restaurants in Kampala, like Haandi on Kampala road, Masala chat and Govinda on Dewington Road, Khana Khazana and Khyber Pass Speke Hotel behind NSSF, and Indian Summer in Tankhill Parade.

Drink
Drink only bottled water - spring water brands like Rwenzori and Blue Wave can be trusted - or tap water that has been boiled/treated appropriately.

Alcohol
If you feel like going out, go out, you should be safe, just exercise common sense. Ugandans are very sociable. Kampala's nightlife centers around the neighborhoods Bukoto and Kabalagala. Several clubs are also in the Industrial area (e.g. along 1st/6th Street) and along Kampala Road plus Acacia Avenue. Popular clubs are Club Silk, Venom Club, Club Amnesia, Casablanca, Cayenne Restaurant and Lounge, the Mask Lounge Club and Ange Noir. Going out clubbing in Kampala can be very expensive.

Uganda does, however, have a serious drink problem with the UN saying it has the highest alcohol consumption rate in the world, much of this is sold on backstreets, hence official figures don't rate it so highly. Don't let this put you off, the city is still safe even with this undesired tag.

Budget

 * Tagy Hotel Plot 6b Martin Road. single/double rooms with own bathroom. USh 30,000/40,000.
 * Tagy Hotel Plot 6b Martin Road. single/double rooms with own bathroom. USh 30,000/40,000.
 * Tagy Hotel Plot 6b Martin Road. single/double rooms with own bathroom. USh 30,000/40,000.
 * Tagy Hotel Plot 6b Martin Road. single/double rooms with own bathroom. USh 30,000/40,000.
 * Tagy Hotel Plot 6b Martin Road. single/double rooms with own bathroom. USh 30,000/40,000.
 * Tagy Hotel Plot 6b Martin Road. single/double rooms with own bathroom. USh 30,000/40,000.
 * Tagy Hotel Plot 6b Martin Road. single/double rooms with own bathroom. USh 30,000/40,000.
 * Tagy Hotel Plot 6b Martin Road. single/double rooms with own bathroom. USh 30,000/40,000.
 * Tagy Hotel Plot 6b Martin Road. single/double rooms with own bathroom. USh 30,000/40,000.
 * Tagy Hotel Plot 6b Martin Road. single/double rooms with own bathroom. USh 30,000/40,000.
 * Tagy Hotel Plot 6b Martin Road. single/double rooms with own bathroom. USh 30,000/40,000.
 * Tagy Hotel Plot 6b Martin Road. single/double rooms with own bathroom. USh 30,000/40,000.
 * Tagy Hotel Plot 6b Martin Road. single/double rooms with own bathroom. USh 30,000/40,000.
 * Tagy Hotel Plot 6b Martin Road. single/double rooms with own bathroom. USh 30,000/40,000.
 * Tagy Hotel Plot 6b Martin Road. single/double rooms with own bathroom. USh 30,000/40,000.

Backpacker hostels
All of the backpacker hostels in Kampala set prices in US dollars at USh 3750 to one.

Mid-range

 * Protea Hotel Kampala, Kololo. 35 km from Entebbe Airport, the brand new Protea Hotel Kampala offers 4-star luxury and 5-star service. 59 rooms and 11 suites, all en-suite and air-conditioned; restaurant, bar, satellite television, air-con. Close to gym, tennis and squash courts, etc. Also includes a business centre, wireless internet throughout, currency exchange, 24-hour room service and Reception.
 * Fang Fang Hotel on Ssezibwa Road in Kampala has clean rooms, air-con available, hot running water, a great Chinese restaurant on the premises (with nice garden seating), and is not overpriced. Recommended. Centrally located near UWA offices.
 * Golf Course Apartments, in Kololo. Not to be confused with pricier Golf Course Hotel which is fairly nearby. Very comfortable apartments around £100 per night. Offers swimming pool, gym, sauna, tennis court, garden. Kitchens fully equipped for self-catering. Daily maid service, cleaning, laundry. Pleasant green environment away from traffic noise. Discounts for certain NGOs and other organisations reduce rooms to $80 per night. Stays of one month or more prices reduce to US$1800 (non discount) or £1525 (discounted). Prices correct December 2010.
 * Speke Hotel, City Center, in City Center. One of the earliest hotels in Kampala, and very different from the upscale Speke Resort in Munyonyo. It is on a busy street where prostitutes ply their trade at night. The rooms are clean with wooden floors and clean toilets, AC, free Wi-Fi, but it tends to be spartan, and isn't posh by any stretch. The hotel has a pizzeria, Indian restaurant (Khyber Pass), A pub/bar Rock Garden Cafe. There is an Crane Bank ATM inside the hotel (may work, but most international cards will need to use the Barlays a few minutes walk away). Prices start from around US$120 per day.
 * Fang Fang Hotel on Ssezibwa Road in Kampala has clean rooms, air-con available, hot running water, a great Chinese restaurant on the premises (with nice garden seating), and is not overpriced. Recommended. Centrally located near UWA offices.
 * Golf Course Apartments, in Kololo. Not to be confused with pricier Golf Course Hotel which is fairly nearby. Very comfortable apartments around £100 per night. Offers swimming pool, gym, sauna, tennis court, garden. Kitchens fully equipped for self-catering. Daily maid service, cleaning, laundry. Pleasant green environment away from traffic noise. Discounts for certain NGOs and other organisations reduce rooms to $80 per night. Stays of one month or more prices reduce to US$1800 (non discount) or £1525 (discounted). Prices correct December 2010.
 * Speke Hotel, City Center, in City Center. One of the earliest hotels in Kampala, and very different from the upscale Speke Resort in Munyonyo. It is on a busy street where prostitutes ply their trade at night. The rooms are clean with wooden floors and clean toilets, AC, free Wi-Fi, but it tends to be spartan, and isn't posh by any stretch. The hotel has a pizzeria, Indian restaurant (Khyber Pass), A pub/bar Rock Garden Cafe. There is an Crane Bank ATM inside the hotel (may work, but most international cards will need to use the Barlays a few minutes walk away). Prices start from around US$120 per day.
 * Golf Course Apartments, in Kololo. Not to be confused with pricier Golf Course Hotel which is fairly nearby. Very comfortable apartments around £100 per night. Offers swimming pool, gym, sauna, tennis court, garden. Kitchens fully equipped for self-catering. Daily maid service, cleaning, laundry. Pleasant green environment away from traffic noise. Discounts for certain NGOs and other organisations reduce rooms to $80 per night. Stays of one month or more prices reduce to US$1800 (non discount) or £1525 (discounted). Prices correct December 2010.
 * Speke Hotel, City Center, in City Center. One of the earliest hotels in Kampala, and very different from the upscale Speke Resort in Munyonyo. It is on a busy street where prostitutes ply their trade at night. The rooms are clean with wooden floors and clean toilets, AC, free Wi-Fi, but it tends to be spartan, and isn't posh by any stretch. The hotel has a pizzeria, Indian restaurant (Khyber Pass), A pub/bar Rock Garden Cafe. There is an Crane Bank ATM inside the hotel (may work, but most international cards will need to use the Barlays a few minutes walk away). Prices start from around US$120 per day.

Stay safe
Kampala is a relatively safe city. It is fairly safe to walk or take matatus around some areas at night, but don't take unnecessary chances. Kampala is not safe to walk around in after dark, especially if you are a white. It is assumed that all whites have money. It is also not safe to drive around, day or night, with your windows down or unlocked. Someone could reach in through the window and take your cell phone right out of your hand or open the door and take your laptop right off your lap.

Air pollution is among the worst in the world, so again, keep your windows up, doors locked and set your car button to circulate the air and not take in external air, especially if you are following a diesel powered MV.

Boda-boda motorcycle taxis are notoriously dangerous, but are sometimes so convenient it's difficult not to use them. If you do decide to use them regularly consider buying a helmet (they are not provided by the driver). Although it defies logic at first glance, you might want to consider taking a boda-boda in which the driver does not have a helmet. Drivers without helmets tend to drive slower, and as they never have helmets for the passengers, this means that you are a bit safer. With the introduction of the in-app Boda-boda riders, you can ride safer on a motorcycle in Kampala.

Don't plan on using your credit card. If it is accepted, there is a good chance of fraud. Safer is withdrawing money from ATMs using your Mastercard or Visa-card. Many ATMs take Mastercard or Visa card. Ecobank, Equity bank, Stanbic are the banks that takes MasterCard branded cards. Barclays Bank Uganda has a fee at all its ATMs for all overseas banks cards.

To stay safe, also be aware of the many prostitutes in Rock Garden at Speke Hotel. There are several stories about guys being duped, drinking beers laced with rohypnol, ending up short on cash, cell phones, credit cards and bank cheques.

Internet
In May 2013, the Sheraton Hotel had unsecured Wi-Fi. Although the connection is not particularly fast or the signal strong on the ground floor or first floor buffet breakfast restaurant, "executive floor" 4 has a strong and fast connection and comfortable sofas to the left of the lift. There's a good 360-degree view of the city from the rooftop at stop 11 of the elevator.

Internet cafes
From USh 1000 per hour.

 * Linking Worlds (Quality Shopping Village) 1000 m from Entebbe Road with a fast internet connection
 * KayeNet internet cafe  is a chain of Internet cafes at the following locations:
 * (Nakulabye) Beauty House, Plot 494 Makerere Hill Rd, Mengo, opposite Chez Johnson Hotel.
 * (Nalubwama arcade) Nalubwama arcade, 1st floor- shop f1-2, Ben Kiwanuka street, opposite old taxi park.
 * (Wandegeya) Plot 151, Bombo Rd, Wandegeya, opposite Stanbic bank, above Kookee supermarket.
 * (Market Street) Energy Centre Building, Level 3, Shop 36, Market Street, Nakasero.

Radio

 * BBC World Service can be heard on FM radio 101.3MHz in central Kampala.

TV
Satellite TV is widely available in bars, hotels, restaurants, etc. Stations available include Al Jazeera, BBC World News, CNN.

Embassies and Consulates

 * 🇪🇬 Egypt
 * 🇷🇴 Romania
 * 🇸🇪 Sweden
 * 🇺🇸 United States
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Go next
Any place in Uganda can be easily reached from Kampala in less than one day. Most popular destinations can be reached in less than half a days driving time, however if you use public buses, allow for some hours waiting time before the bus leaves, and sometimes the bus will get stuck in traffic when trying to leave Kampala. Many safari tour companies operate out of Kampala and drive their customers to the national parks, but it is also possible to arrange trips in Fort Portal for example (or go with your own car of course).
 * Jinja, one source of the Nile and amazing whitewater rafting can be reached in around one hour.
 * Fort Portal, in the vicinity of the popular Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Kibale Forest National Park and the Rwenzori National Park, can be reached in around 4 hours.
 * Kabale, Lake Bunyonyi and the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be reached in around 5-6 hours.
 * Driving to Gulu takes 4-5 hours by bus.
 * Murchison Falls National Park also takes about that time to reach.
 * Tororo, Mbale and Mount Elgon National Park can be reached in a couple of hours to less than half a day.
 * Furthermore, it used to be possible to reach Ssese Islands from Port Bell in Kampala with the MV Amani, but that service seems suspended and the main ferry from Entebbe, MV Kalangala, is in prolonged repairs.
 * Equator line: just go to the New taxi park and get on Kampala-Equator mini buses (USh 7000) or the Kampala-Masaka Mini buses (USh 12000). The final stop of Kampala-Equator mini buses are few meters away from the Equator line. They make u turn and head back to Kampala. It is 1.5-hour drive from Kampala. The equator line is just before the town of Kayabwe. There is water flow demonstration (a hoax) for (USh 10,000). All the mini bus drivers know when and where you should get off.

Matatus and larger buses out of Kampala leave mainly from the new taxi park. A few may still also leave from the old taxi park. There are many companies (almost 100) that run larger tour buses that leave from numerous bus terminals/stations surrounding the new taxi park, or for buses going east into Kenya at De Winton Road. You can take buses of differing sizes and quality going to all major cities in Uganda and to Juba (South Sudan, min. 12 hr), to Malaba, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nairobi and Mombasa in Kenya, and to Kigali (Rwanda); amongst others. Sometimes there are more or less direct buses to Tanzania (like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi and Bukoba), but those lines do not seem very profitable since companies pop up and disappear quickly (TZ is not so nice with border fees/customs/trade/immigration/etc. so there is less demand for travel there combined with higher costs).

In general bus operators, schedules, prices and routes change constantly, so information found on the internet will often be out of date. If you want to go somewhere it is best to try to find a phone number where you can confirm departures or just ask around where buses going there and there leave, and go there early in the morning. Keep in mind that some companies will consistently employ bad drivers, and accidents do happen, so it is worth using a company that has a good reputation (some of which should be listed below). Also, while the minibuses (matatus) are relatively safe when traveling in Kampala's crowded and slow moving traffic, they are generally considered relatively unsafe on the fast roads in the countryside populated by heavy trucks and buses. Bigger buses are safer, especially since at least some of them are run by larger companies that care about their reputation and are better regulated/monitored by the government. An up to date list of bus routes going east is this. An older but more comprehensive list of bus routes out of Kampala is here.

Major bus terminals/parks and companies for leaving Kampala

 * Matatus and larger buses going everywhere!
 * bus 1. Jinja, Mbale, Soroti, Lira.
 * bus 2. Gulu,
 * bus 3. Masaka Mbarara Kabale, Kisoro,
 * De winton Road, near National Theatre, is the place to get buses to/from Kenya and Tanzania.
 * Modern Coast Express. have Three buses a day to/from Kisumu and Nairobi. From Nairobi you can travel onward to Mombasa, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza.
 * Mash Poa have three buses a day to/from Nairobi. From Nairobi you can travel onward to Mombasa. Mash Poa also have one bus a day from Kampala to Kigali.
 * Simba Coaches have four buses a day to/from Nairobi.
 * Mainly for going north, like Gulu and Juba.
 * Trinity express and Jaguar Coaches have buses to/from Kigali Rwanda.
 * Mainly for going north, like Gulu and Juba.
 * Trinity express and Jaguar Coaches have buses to/from Kigali Rwanda.

title: Kampala


text:
Kampar

Kampar is a town in Perak, Malaysia.

Get in
Train - there is a train station in the outskirts of town

Bus - the bus station is in the middle of town with buses coming from Ipoh, Tapah, Teluk Intan, Malim Nawar and the towns along the way. Some express buses also make stops here.

Car - follow the Federal route 1. If you are using the PLUS Expressway, you need to exit the Expressway at Tapah (south of Kampar) or Gopeng (north of Kampar)

Get around
Train - take a train to Ipoh if you can wait.

Bus - buses take you North bound to Kuala Dipang, Gopeng, Simpang Pulai, Ipoh; South bound to Temoh, Tapah; to coastal town of Teluk Intan passing by Mambang Diawan, Ayer Kuning; to nearby town of Malim Nawar

See

 * The new UTAR (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman) is just outside the town, next to KTAR (Kolej TAR)
 * Visit the old Chinese temple
 * Drive up the windy road up the slope to the hospital ground for a good view of Kampar town
 * Drive (or trek) up to the Kampar waterfalls
 * Kinta Tin Mining (Gravel Pump) Museum
 * ReFarm Kampar

Do

 * Gua Tempurung (caving)
 * Westlake Garden, place to exercise and relax. The picturesque 2.02ha landscaped park overlooks a huge lake with the distant hills as its backdrop. Open to the public between 7am and 7pm daily free of charge. It has a jogging track, children’s playground and a man-made waterfall and fish pond.

Eat
Kampar if renowned as a food paradise for lovers of Chinese food

Kampar is the origin of Claypot Chicken Rice, Kampar Chicken Biscuit (different from the Bidor Chicken Biscuit), Kampar Bread Baked Curry Chicken

Chinese restaurants - the famous 3: Yau Kee (previously Chat Kee), Kam Ling and Restoran Jia Kampar

Food to try: Claypot Chicken Rice Bread baked curry chicken Kampar fishball noodles Kampar beefball noodles Kampar porkball noodles Chee cheong fun Kampar fried kuey teow Beef tendon noodles Lo shi fun

title: Kampar


text:
Kamphaeng Phet

Kamphaeng Phet (กำแพงเพชร) is a city in Lower Northern Thailand with around 30,000 citizens. Its historical park with ruins of 14th- to 16th-century temples, city fortifications and Buddha statues is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns".

Understand

In the lower north of Thailand on the bank of the Ping River, Kamphaeng Phet is about halfway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. To its east are riverine plains while the western areas are made up of high mountains lush with forests where a number of national parks have been established.

Areas along the river bank at present-day city used to host several ancient towns which played a major role as strategic front-lines since Sukhothai was the kingdom's capital down through the times of Ayutthaya and early-Rattanakosin (Bangkok) eras. The name Kamphaeng Phet actually means "wall as hard as diamonds".

Kamphaeng Phet declined in importance and was an ordinary, smallish provincial city until the establishment of the historical park and its listing as a World Heritage site in 1991. Still, unlike its well-known neighbour Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet is largely ignored by tourists. This is why the city has barely any offerings geared to the needs of international travelers. Some may view this as a drawback, but those looking to experience authentic, upcountry Thailand, are coming just to the right place.

Kamphaeng Phet is a "banana capital". Its local speciality are "egg bananas" (kluai khai in Thai), whose fruit are only about 10 centimetres (4 inches) long, almost oval shaped (hence the name) and much more aromatic then the run-of-the-mill long, bent banana varieties sold in most non-tropical countries. Kamphaneng Phet Province exports bananas worth 200 million baht each year.

By plane
The closest international airports are Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, 370 and 340 km from Kamphaeng Phet, respectively. Flying to the regional airports of Phitsanulok or Sukhothai only makes sense if you are picked up or rent a car there, as public transportation from these airports to Kamphaeng Phet is inconvenient and very slow.

By train
Kamphaeng Phet is not connected with the rail network. The closest train station is in Phitsanulok, from which it's a nearly three-hour bus ride to Kamphaeng Phet.

By bus
The most usual way to get in, is by bus. Buses from Bangkok's northern terminal (Mo Chit) and from Chiang Mai arrive about hourly. There are also some overnight connections. The ride from Bangkok takes five to six hours and costs 204 or 263 baht, depending on the class of coach. Most buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Uttaradit, Mae Sot, Sawankhalok or Sukhothai stop in Kamphaeng Phet and may be used (ask at the counter).

Non-AC regional buses from Phitsanulok run hourly, from 05:00 to 18:00. For just 100 km, they take nearly three hours due to frequent stops and detours to villages along the way. A ticket costs 59 baht.

From Sukhothai you may either get on a bus towards Bangkok and hop off at Kamphaeng Phet, which takes some 1½ hours and costs around 70 baht (though passengers who book all the way to Bangkok may be preferred) or take the more rustic songthaew (converted pickup with passenger benches on the bed) that departs whenever there are enough passengers, takes up to 2½ hours and costs 60 baht.

The government-owned Transport Company's used by most intercity buses is somewhat inconveniently located, about 2 km outside the city centre, on the other bank of Ping River. From there, irregularly running songthaews, tuk-tuks, or motorcycle taxis (if available) take you to the city centre. Preferably, you ask your hosts to arrange a pickup. Wintour buses on their way from Bangkok to Sukhothai (or back) instead stop at the close to the city centre.

By car
Kamphaeng Phet is conveniently accessible via Route 1 (Asian Highway 1), about halfway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. It is a four to 4½ ride from either city. From Sukhothai it takes just over one hour, from Phitsanulok 1½ hours via decently paved roads.

Get around
Kamphaeng Phet lacks an actual public transportation system. The city is not well prepared for tourists. There are no regular taxis, and even tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, or rickshaws are pretty rare. Reddish-brown painted songthaews (i.e. converted pickups with benches on the bed) cruise through the city, between the bus terminal and Big C shopping mall. Their departure times are irregular. Other songthaew lines connect with the surrounding province, departing either from the bus terminal or the large day market in the city centre. It may be difficult to find out where exactly they are going without speaking Thai. They do not have exact departure times either, but go whenever there are enough passengers for a certain destination.

To be independent and be able to do individual excursions to the hinterland, it is best to arrive with a hired car (e.g. from Phitsanulok) or to rent a motorbike (e.g. at Three J Guesthouse or Praepimpalai Resort).

Most distances within the city centre can be covered on foot. Moreover, Kamphaeng Phet is relatively bicycle-friendly (at least, in comparison to most Thai cities). While there are no designated bike paths, traffic on the roads is quite minimal, and there are quite a lot of green areas. To discover the historical park, the bicycle is just about the ideal means of transportation: it is a little too far to walk, while you cannot see that much from inside a car. Some guesthouses lend or rent out bikes to their guests. Another rental location is right at the entry to the historical park (Khet Aranyik)—30 baht per hour, mountain bikes for 50 baht.

Historical Park

Kamphaeng Phet's Historical Park of temple ruins, Buddha statues, old walls and forts from the 14th to 16th centuries is part of the UNESCO World Heritage and the town's main sight. It consists of three separate parts. Admission to either the "inner district" or Khet Aranyik costs 100 baht each. A combined ticket for both sections is 150 baht. The walls, forts and the sights of Nakhon Chum can be accessed without ticket. The zones that are surrounded by fences are open daily 08:00-18:00.

Temples

Museums

 * Next to the Thai House Museum is a banana orchard, officially named the "Centre for Collection of Banana Varieties" (ศูนย์รวมสายพันธุ์กล้วย), growing banana plants of more than 150 different breeds.

Other

Do

 * Stroll, jog or cycle along the palm-lined on the bank of Ping River (Rim Ping, ริมปิง); enjoy a foot massage (200 baht/hr); relax at Sirichit Park (สิริจิตอุทยาน) which offers free outdoor gym machines, a children's swimming pool, a tennis court and lots of stalls selling snacks and refreshments. You can cross the bridge to the quaint little island in the middle of the river (Ko Klang Maenam Ping, เกาะกลางแม่น้ำปิง).

Festivals and regular events

 * Nop Phra Len Phleng festival on Makha Bucha, i.e., full moon in late-February or early-March, commemorates the donation of a Buddha relic to the city of Nakhon Chum (one of the precursors of Kamphaeng Phet) by king Li Thai in 1357. An inscription which describes a procession in honour of this relic is one of the oldest documents of local history. The tradition was revived in 1983 and since then a great pageant is held annually. The city is decorated several days beforehand. Nop Phra means to 'pay respect to the Buddha', Len means 'play' and Phleng is 'song'. This sums up the programme of this festival pretty well: apart from the religious parade (with attendees in historic costumes), cultural performances like dance and plays are staged. Moreover there is a light and sound show in the historical park and a large fair where regional products are peddled.

 * Thai kite festival Cha-kang-rao (February to March), traditional kite competition at Sirichit Park

 * Banana Festival on ten days around Sat Thai, i.e., new moon in late-September, celebrating and promoting the province's best-known product. There are different parades and contests, including the selection of a banana queen, and of course lots of opportunities to taste bananas and krayasat, a local sweet made from puffed rice, toasted sesame, peanuts and sugar.

 * Loi Krathong on November's full moon, like in most Thai cities the festival of lights in honour of the river goddess is celebrated in Kamphaeng Phet, too. There is a parade with floats shaped like oversized krathong (i.e., decorated floats made from banana wood and leaves), a competition for the most beautiful krathong as well as the selection of a beauty queen and different cultural programmes. Most activities are centered around Sirichit Park at the bank of Ping River.

 * Food fair and noodle festival (1-3 December), Noodle dishes are the favourite food of many locals, so an annual fair was established around this theme with many food stalls offering local products around Sirichit Park.

Buy
Kamphaeng Phet is famous for a small, round, sweet and aromatic banana variety called "egg bananas" (Thai: kluai khai).

 * There are several 7-Elevens around the town, one of them next to the main roundabout (next to bodhi tree and clock tower).
 * There are several 7-Elevens around the town, one of them next to the main roundabout (next to bodhi tree and clock tower).
 * There are several 7-Elevens around the town, one of them next to the main roundabout (next to bodhi tree and clock tower).
 * There are several 7-Elevens around the town, one of them next to the main roundabout (next to bodhi tree and clock tower).
 * There are several 7-Elevens around the town, one of them next to the main roundabout (next to bodhi tree and clock tower).

The city has branches of all Thai banks. ATMs can also be found at the bus terminal and Big C.

Eat
Apart from the local "egg bananas", local specialties include "grass jelly" (Chao Kuai, เฉาก๊วย), served on ice as a dessert or refreshing snack.

There are dozens of small restaurants, but only very few are attuned to foreign guests. English menus are pretty rare. The night market (starting 17:00) is particularly good for cheap and varied eats, having countless stalls serving ready-to-eat or made-to-order dishes. It is on Tesa 1 between Bamrungrat and Soi 14. During the day Ton Pho Market between Tesa 1 and Rachadamnoen, first soi south from Kamphaengphet/101 is a good bet for food.

Another popular meal is Mu kratha (หมูกระทะ), offered at several open-air restaurants in town. Guests come in groups and take different ingredients (mostly pork) from a buffet to cook them on a small barbecue or in a hot pot at their tables (somewhat comparable to a raclette or fondue meal).

While a handful of restaurants are open until around midnight much of the town shuts up pretty early, between 20:00 and 21:00; even the night market is winding down by that time. Bear this in mind when planning your dinner.

Mid-range

 * There are branches of the usual chains (KFC, MK, Pizza Company, etc.) at Big C Supercenter.

Cafés
Like any Thai town with more than a handful of people, Kamphaeng Phet has been overrun with cafes serving a wide range of espresso-based beverages. Most also have a selection of cakes.

There are at least three cafes on Wichien/Rachavitee. Starting from Rachadumnoen heading towards 3J Guesthouse, look on the south side of the road...

Vijit 2 has two cafes within 200 m heading south from Wichien, the first in a (09:00-20:00, espresso, 30 baht, air-con, free Wi-Fi) and the next,  (espresso, 40 baht, air-con, free Wi-Fi) about 50 m further on. Both are on the east side of the street and also serve cakes.

Nightlife

Sleep
Note that some resorts are in Nakhon Chum, on the opposite bank of Ping River. They may be cheaper, but you can only go by car or bicycle (3 km on a not-so-idyllic road) to downtown.

Budget

Mid-range

Nearby

Go next

 * Tak, 70 km northwest, 1:10 hr by Chiang Mai-bound buses or songthaew (half-hourly), in Tak you can transfer to Mae Sot at the Burmese border
 * Sukhothai, 80 km north, 1½ hours by bus or songthaew – the former Siamese capital is another, even more comprehensive historic town from the same era as Kamphaeng Phet
 * Phitsanulok, 100 km northeast, 2–3 hours by local bus – trade city and transportation hub, several temples and a huge golden Buddha statue
 * Nakhon Sawan, 120 km southeast, 1:45 hr by Bangkok-bound buses – near Bueng Boraphet wetland and bird reserve, notable for its many water lilies
 * Phichit, 120 km east – the town is the setting of a legend about the crocodile king, illustrated by a crocodile park

title: Kamphaeng Phet


text:
Kampinos National Park

Kampinos Forest National Park (pl: Puszcza Kampinoska) is in Mazovia, Poland. The Kampinos Forest National Park protects the beautiful and wild primeval forest, with elks, lynx and bison breeding.

Flora and fauna
Primeval forest, with elk, lynx and bison

By car
The park is situated just north west of Warsaw.

By bus
Bus journeys from Warsaw will take approximately 30 minutes on the 210 suburban route to Sieraków. Get the metro to Młociny, the northern terminus, and board the bus from there.

Fees and permits
The entrance to the park is free of charge.

title: Kampinos National Park


text:
Kampong Cham

Kampong Cham is the seventh largest city in Cambodia, but a relatively small city. It has yet to be heavily visited like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. It carries with it plenty of colonial French charm, and has a genuine "wild west" feel to it. Most travellers who do find themselves in Kampong Cham are in transit to elsewhere in the country, but those who choose to spend at least a couple of days in the provincial capital will enjoy the laid back atmosphere and quaint charm.

Understand
It is the capital of the province of the same name. Most of the 41,000 residents of the city (2010) are ethnic Khmer, but there is a sizeable Cham minority in the province's towns, including a disproportionately high number of Muslims and Christians.

Because there is little foreign investment and no large scale tourism, this city is very poor, with few modern buildings, though not lacking in French architecture from the colonial period. However, with the completion of a modern two-lane bridge across the Mekong, the city has begun a slow recovery from decades of decline. The people of Kampong Cham are, like all Cambodians, very friendly and open to engaging with tourists.

If projects seem to be improving the state of things here (relative to other Cambodian cities), it may be because Prime Minister Hun Sen and former Phnom Penh Governor Chea Sophara came from this province and the current governor is the PM's brother.

Get in
Kampong Cham has road links to major Cambodian cities, including Phnom Penh. The highway between Kampong Cham city and the capital Phnom Penh runs along the Mekong, and buses frequent this route daily, so you should have no trouble getting between the two cities.

By car
Hwy 7 from Kampong Cham to Skun is in excellent condition and one of the best in Cambodia. Shortly after Skun however, the quality declines dramatically with frequent potholes and unpaved stretches. There is an alternative route to Phnom Penh east of the Mekong.

When travelling from Siem Reap, it may be worth going via Skun due to the better quality of the road instead of the Rte 71 short-cut.

By bus
To get from Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham, there are several bus options. The standard rules for buses apply here. Try taking an early bus, to avoid arriving close to or after dusk, when your choice of accommodation will be limited. The telephone numbers listed here are for locations in Phnom Penh.

 * Sorya, . Approximately US$5, with buses leaving throughout the day at 06:45, 07:45, 09:00, 10:00, 11:30, 13:15, 15:00, and 16:00. Typically a 3-4 hr trip.
 * GST, . Also US$4.50, but only leaving twice daily, at 09:00 and 15:00 with a 3-4 hr trip.
 * Capitol (air-con), 08:15 and 14:00, 3 hr, US$6

When departing from Kampong Cham, bus stations tend to be found near the roundabout on the main road in the city centre. One is southwest of the roundabout, on the right side. You buy your ticket at the counter.

 * Bus Hoh Wa Genting, . Approximately 7,000 riel, with buses leaving throughout the day at 07:30, 08:10, 09:00, 10:00, 12:30, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 for a 3-4 hr trip.
 * GST Express, at the west end of the boulevard,
 * Rith Mony, on Hwy 7 about 200 m from the Mekong bridge roundabout, has buses to a couple of destinations including Kratie and Phnom Penh. It is generally a bit cheaper than other bus companies but the buses are also a bit older.
 * Capitol, US_4, runs two daily buses leaving Kampong Cham, from near Hwy 7 one block west of the Mekong bridge roundabout. Departing at 08:00 and 14:00 with a 15-minute break. Also takes about 3 hr.

Most minibuses and other non-bus transport leaves from or stops for a short time at the petrol station at the roadside of Hwy 7 close to the Mekong bridge roundabout.

Taxis are a less popular and more expensive method, costing about US$10–15 one way. These do, however, offer more comfort and speed than a bus usually does, but make sure the vehicle's air conditioning is functional before getting in.

Trucks are also an option, but with much less comfort than buses or taxis, and are not advised.

By boat
Update January 2024: there are no longer boats covering the route between Phnom Phen and Kampong Cham. They cancel this service aboit 5 years ago due to lack of customers. Can still book a very expensive private boat from Phnom Phen to KC, but will cost no less than 150$

 * Slow boats don't have a pier, but simply land on the muddy river bank north of the bridge. Buy your tickets (for approximately 12,000 riel to (Kratie) underneath the huge cigarette advertisement. You can sit either on the roof or inside. You're in for a noisy, crowded ride. Get on the boat 1 hr prior to departure. To Kratie it takes about 5-6 hr, with both boats departing throughout the day.

 * There are fast boats on the riverside road, 20 min north on Hwy 7. These are more comfortable. As a result of the competition with road transport, however, there are no scheduled boats going to Kratie and Stung Treng anymore. Occasionally, there might be a fast boat doing the run. To Kratie costs 20,000 riel and takes 3-4 hr.

Get around
The city centre is easily walkable and is found north of the highway. A couple of hotels and Western-style restaurants cluster around the river front and couple of streets further east, is the central market area.

Most of the sites worth seeing are however outside the city, so you're going to need some form of motorized transport.

By motorcycle
An increasing number of visitors to Cambodia are buying their own motorcycles and then reselling them when they leave the country (or return home), and this is a great way to see Kampong Cham. Smaller 110 cc bikes are the ones seen driven by practically every Khmer in the city, while the larger 250 cc bikes are more often driven by foreigners or expats. The smaller bikes are cheaper, but less suited for long-distance travel and are more susceptible to theft. It's your call, though most travellers end up buying 250 ccs. If you choose to buy a 250 cc, expect to pay anywhere from US$500–2,500, depending on the age of the bike.

Vietnam does not admit anything larger than 150 cc, but this will likely change in the near future. There are very few places to rent a motorcycle in Kampong Cham. A few are available from the Mekong Hotel (US$6) or Lazy Mekong Daze (US$5). Both are on the river front to the north of the bridge.

By taxi
There are plenty of motodops offering their service for travel not only within the city, but to outlying areas of the province. For a scant US$4, you can be shown the temples at Nokor Wat, the endless jackfruit fields, and other attractions near the city. If your driver takes you to stalls or shops to purchase souvenirs, he will be receiving commission off of whatever you choose to buy. As usual, bargain with your driver. It's okay to set a price beforehand, but sometimes best to agree on the price afterwards.

There are tuk-tuks in Kampong Cham, but as the city is not nearly as heavily visited as others in Cambodia, such as Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, there won't be many of these, but if you arrive by bus there will be plenty waiting at the bus station.

By bicycle
Some of the larger hotels and guesthouses (such as the KC River hotel, LBN hotel, Phnom bros hotel and Mekong Sunrise) have bicycles for hire. They're a good way to get to Wat Nokor and Phnom Pros/Phnom Srey as well as around the city, or for making a day tour to Wat Hanchey. Be sure to always lock your bike to a tree or leave it with someone trustworthy.

See
Kampong Cham isn't chock full of tourist attractions, but its colonial charm and atmosphere will endear itself to you. There are a few temples to see in the area, and one of the country's mass graves.

Do
Kampong Cham is a sleepy provincial capital, and as such there isn't a whole lot to actually do, and those seeking plenty of activities to keep themselves occupied will become bored within a day.

Buy
Kampong Cham features a few markets, but the best is the one the locals use. It features all sorts of food, ranging from standard mangoes and other fruits, to pig heads and live fish. As with all other food places in the area, use common sense when buying here, as there are health hazards to the unsuspecting Westerner. It's just down the road from the Mekong Crossing restaurant, but stalls only open during daylight hours. Some food and juice stalls stay open until late, around 21:00.

 * Cambodia Public Bank (5-7, Ph Angduong, coming from the bridge turn right at the roundabout from where it is about 200 m) exchange money and has an ATM accepting Visa, MasterCard and Maestro. This is the last ATM when heading north until Pakse in Laos.
 * Canadia Bank, not to be confused with Canada, this bank is wholly Cambodian-owned. This particular branch doesn't take baht, and exchanges money at a slightly poorer rate (approximately 4,000 riel to the US dollar) than you'll get at your guesthouse or on the street. They will cash traveller cheques and offer free advances on MasterCards. Best to avoid unless you need to replenish your supply of US dollars.
 * Acleda Bank (31-33, Ph Khemarak Phomin) also has an ATM but doesn't yet accept international cards. They can change dollars and Thai baht only, but they accept traveller's cheques. Western Union services are also available.
 * Money changers are available throughout the city, particularly in and around the markets - look out for packets of money on display. They will give you a slightly better rate than the banks but you have to ask around for the best deal. Some of them do also change other currencies than dollars such as Thai baht and Vietnamese dong. Occasionally, other western currencies are changed as well but expect a poor rate. It is not possible to change Lao kip.
 * Internet cafes, there are a couple of Internet cafes around town, especially on Ang Duong St between the market and the bridge over the Mekong. The going rate is 2,500 riel per hour.

Eat
The Western-style restaurants cluster at the river front. Budget travellers can get a variety of local foods in the food market just south of Psar Thom. At the north end of Psar Thom are a couple of local restaurants. Beware of hygienic conditions though. Self-caterers find fresh fruit and vegetables at the market, other ingredients can often be found in the surrounding shops. Flour is hard to get.

Drink
All the Western restaurants on the river front also serve beer and often cocktails, have happy hours, and often offer discounts.

 * Riverside beers, in the late afternoon and early evening, food and drink stalls set up shop here opposite the Mekong Hotel right on the river front. Trees line the side of the road, making it a great place to pitch up a hammock, crack open a bottle of Angkor beer, and strike up a conversation with any of the motodop drivers who will congregate here (of course they'll be asking you what your plans are and where you're going the next day). Beers are 2,000 riel a pop, and any of the stands will stay open as late as you want to sell drinks to you.
 * Fresh sugar cane juice is sold on every corner in the city centre area. Some of the sugar cane presses are engine-driven, others require manually turning the wheel. It's fun to watch and makes a refreshing drink. Try out a few vendors since the taste is always a bit different (about 1,000 riel a glass).

Sleep
There are hotels and guesthouses offering decent accommodation options. Although a large number of guesthouses can be found around town, the decent places are concentrated at or close to the riverside. For US$5 you can get a fan room of a comfortable size with TV and private bathroom with water. There are many more guesthouses than mentioned here, especially near the market. They are sometimes, but by no means always, cheaper than a fan room in a hotel but offer tiny and dull rooms in some cases more often rented out by the hour than by night. They are rather a last resort if everything else is fully booked or if you are really on the cheap of the cheap.

Go next
Since many travelers who pass through here are on their way north to Kratie and other areas, the best thing to do is to simply hop on a bus to wherever it is you are going. If you have your own transportation, just get out and drive. Hwy 7 is in good condition all the way up to the border with Laos.

 * Phnom Penh

Two wheels

 * Bicycle and motorbike, Kratie is about a 100-km ride from Kompong Cham along the Mekong. It is mostly a dirt road in good condition so it is possible even by bicycle to reach Kratie in one day. Otherwise stop in Chlong for the night. Take Rte 223 north out of Kampong Cham up to Stung Trang (Preaek Barang), then take the ferry over the Mekong (1,500 riel) and continue along Rte 338. It should also be possible to first cross the bridge in Kompong Cham and take Rte 338 from there but this stretch of road is in a very bad condition (although the first few kilometers are smooth) and not recommended.

Border crossing to Vietnam
The border from Trapeang Phlong in Cambodia to Xa Mat in Vietnam is open to international tourists. On the Cambodian side you have to organise your own transport either all the way from Kampong Cham or take first a Kratie bound bus to Krek and then a motorbike for the remaining 14 km to the border. On the Vietnamese side there are regular public buses running to Tay Ninh a few hundred metres from the border. Visas are not available at the border and the formalities may take a while. People in Kampong Cham may tell you that this is not an international border.

title: Kampong Cham


text:
Kampong Speu

Chbar Mon, previously Kampong Speu (also spelt Kampong Spoe), is the main town of Kampong Speu Province in the Cardamom and Elephant Mountains region of Cambodia.

Understand
Kampong Speu town is about 40 km from the outskirts from Phnom Penh. Kampong Speu Province is in western Cambodia between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. It's flatter regions are quite nondescript, but the area towards the Cardamom Mountains is well worth a visit.

title: Kampong Speu


text:
Kampot

Kampot is a relaxed riverside town in southeast Cambodia. It is the durian capital of Cambodia, a gateway to Bokor National Park, and is near popular farms growing well-known Kampot pepper. It is also a popular sex-tourism destination.

Understand
Kampot's main draw is its relaxing riverside setting. While there is a sizable town (population approximately 40,000) set back from the river, most tourists will spend most of their time enjoying the river. Most tourist businesses are scattered along the riverside promenade or are within one or two blocks of it. The riverside's main reference points are the "old bridge", a mongrel of various styles and temporary parts thrown together after its breaching in the Khmer Rouge days, and the French-built market building, which is being restored. Back from the river, the town is centered on the bizarre "durian roundabout" featuring a huge statue of a durian. From where the buses drop passengers, walking down the wide boulevard leads towards the river and the French-built market.

Kampot in the 2020s has grown to attract a certain crowd, namely older white men from various western countries, and the town has developed to serve this market. You might call them sex pests, and they are everywhere. Girl bars have sprung up along the boulevards. If you are male and foreign, expect to be catcalled on the street in the evening. It is still a charming river town with fantastic architecture, but not quite the family or young persons' destination it once was. It has a Starbucks now.

By road
The trip Phnom Penh-Kampot (148 km) can take 2½-5 hr depending on traffic and road conditions (Feb 2020).

From Ha Tien, Vietnam: As of 2024 May, online e-Visas is not accepted at Prek Chak International Border Check Point, so you will have to pay US$35, for an on-arrival visa. Visa touts will ask for US$38 to expedite the process but it's no faster as you will still need to x-ray baggage and scan fingerprint.

Travel agencies in Ha Tien including ones right by Ha Tien ferry port, can arrange minibus to Kampot for US$19. Process: Vietnam minivan takes you to Prek Chak border at which point you cross the border on foot, then on Cambodian side switch to a Cambodian minivan to continue journey, ending at Champa Mekong Travel and Tours agency on street 724 Kampot. Total trip distance about 47 km.

By bus
All of the buses, with the exception of Giant Ibis, end at the central Kampot bus station which is about 150 m from one of the main guesthouse streets in Kampot. Walk to the Salt Workers Monument and take the first turn to the left.

From Phnom Penh:
 * Ekareach Express - about five buses a day from Phnom Penh.

 * Hua Lin buses depart at 07:00 and 12:00 from their bus station on St 182 near Olympic Market via Kep to Kampot.

 * Sorya (air-con) buses depart at 06:45, 07:30, 09:30, 12:45, and 13:45 from their bus station next to Central Market. In the high season (Oct-May) there may be an additional bus at 09:30. The bus travels to Kampot via Kep and the trip takes about 3 hr. The fare is US$5.

 * Paramount Angkor Express buses depart at 07:30 and 13:30 from their bus station near Olympic Market. The bus travels directly to Kampot (does not go via Kep) and the trip takes about 3 hr. The fare is US$5
 * Giant Ibis buses depart at 08:00 and 14:45 from St 106 next to the Night Market on Riverside. This company promotes itself as a luxury service. Tickets are US$8 and the bus arrives at the Durian Roundabout (approximately 300 m from the bus station) in Kampot. After Kampot the bus continues to Kep.
 * Capitol (air-con), 07:30 and 13:00

 * Kampot Express uses 12 seat Hyundai Starex mini buses. They provide an 08:00 and 13:00 service on weekdays with an additional 16:30 service on Saturday and Sunday. Buses are based at St 215 in Phnom Penh at the Sokimex petrol station. The trip taking about 2½ hr depending on the traffic leaving Phnom Penh. The fare is US$8 and additional baggage fees may apply.

 * M.T.T. (call/text TOM on mobile: +855 16 994161) daily air-con vans serving all most destinations twice, plus Trat, Thailand

While there is no difference in the fares charged for locals and foreigners on the Phnom Penh-Kampot route, fares generally increase for everyone during major public holidays/celebrations.

From Sihanoukville:

Take a shared taxi, minibus or bus. Most taxis depart from the traffic pickup point next to the market. The 2-hr drive should cost US$5 to US$8 per person in a shared taxi. Bus operators can help arrange a minibus with pickup at your guesthouse. Shared taxis are generally cramped, with up to 7 passengers: 4 in the back, 2 in the front passenger seat and one next to the driver.

Driving from Sihanoukville to Kampot on a rented scooter can be fun, but if road conditions are poor may take 3½ hours or more.

By taxi
Many guesthouses in Phnom Penh can arrange a private taxi. Expect to pay between US$35-50 for the whole taxi with the trip taking about 2½ hr. Prices will generally be higher during major public holidays and you will almost certainly be quoted a higher price if you attempt to negotiate the fare yourself with one of the taxis at Phnom Penh airport.

There are also shared taxis (US$5-8 per seat) that regularly ply the route between Phnom Penh and Kampot and your guesthouse/hotel should be able to arrange a seat for you. If you want to make your own arrangements, taxis generally depart from Psar Damkor. A shared taxi, generally a Toyota Camry, on this route will normally carry eight people (including the driver) so if you are a large Westerner, have a lot of luggage or have issues with your personal space, you might want to book two seats (thus double price), preferably at the front of the taxi.

By train

Connections from:
 * Phnom Penh – 07:00, 3¾ hr, US$9
 * Takeo – 08:40, 2 hr, US$7
 * Kep – 10:20, ½hr, US$4
 * Sihanoukville – 14:00, 2 hr, US$6

By boat
The Crab Shuttle is a converted local fishing vessel which sails between Kampot and Kep (trip time 2 hr 20 min). It leaves Kampot at 09:00 from the riverside in front of Rikitikitavi Hotel. It departs Kep at 15:00 from the pier to Rabbit Island to be back in Kampot by sunset.

Get around
Getting around Kampot is easy on foot or on a bicycle, given the town's small size and flat terrain. Or, hire a motorcycle (100-125 cc scooter or 250 cc dirt bike, from US$5 per day) or bicycle (from US$1 per day) from hire shops near the durian traffic circle, or from just about any guesthouse or tour shop.

You can hire a tuk-tuk or a taxi using the PassApp app on your phone. (As of 2023, Grab isn't used by drivers in Kampot like it is in Phenom Penh). Unless you somehow have a Cambodian ABA Bank account, you'll be paying cash. Exact change helps but good luck with that.

It used to take about 2 hr by motorbike from Kampot to the Ha Tien border with Vietnam. The scenery is beautiful. If you start early you can catch the 10:00 ferry to Phu Quoc Island. The border procedure is hassle-free.

See
The most impressive sights in Kampot are the river and surrounding hills, which grandly frame views from the riverside promenade. Kampot retains many of its colonial buildings and there are many interesting old structures in various states of repair. The two cinemas stopped screenings long ago but the buildings represents a charming, art deco vision of the future. The market, an angular structure similar to Battambang's, is undergoing renovation.

 * Also to be experienced is the fresh seafood (especially the crab with local Kampot pepper) and beaches at Kep (25 km, 25-45 minutes east of Kampot by moto or shared taxi) which makes a fun day trip. Although the beaches are not as nice as those in Sihanoukville (one small brown sand beach and more rocky), it is quiet and during the week you will likely be the only visitors. Fishing boats can also be taken out to Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island), approximately 45 min from the mainland.

 * Cham Fishing Village, about 2 km out of town past the Governor's Residence on the road that runs along the east bank of the river. Seems to be undergoing road and bridge upgrading for the new swamp-side housing estate at the end of this road. Has a great view of the Cham fishing village across the river on the island.

 * Salt Fields, some are a kilometre out of town on the Kep road. You will see the fields off to your right (leaving Kampot) and there are a number of access roads.

 * Funky Statues, the Big Durian, the Vietnam Friendship Monument, the 2000 Roundabout, the Salt Workers Monument. Be sure to get your jump-shot photo in front of the hairy nuts.

 * The Two Old Cinemas, Art Deco design and both have been out of regular service for some time however the one on the old bridge road does show the occasional Khmer-made horror movie. One of the cinemas has been converted into a modern hotel. If you are an Art Deco enthusiast, the Tourist Information building, about 400 m up from the Salt Workers Monument, is also worth a look.

 * The Old Bridge, now closed to heavy traffic as its structural integrity is questionable. It is still open for motorcycles, bicycles and foot traffic. It is very picturesque with light bulbs at sunset.

 * The Colonial Railway Station, the rail line through Kampot has been restarted and is running to Sihanoukville and Phonm Penh. Head out of town on the Phnom Penh road and take the last turn to your right before you come to the rail lines. The station is sign posted and approximately 1.5 km out of town.

 * The Kampot Traditional Music School for Orphaned and Disabled Children, across the road from the Acleda Bank building and adjacent to the park that runs down to the Old Market. The school holds occasional concerts. There is a notice board outside the building advising dates and times. It is possible to attend music rehearsals (M-F) if you make an appointment. Tel: +855 33 932992 (Field Manager: Mr. You Chhuy)

 * The Old Prison was demolished in 2018. Now there are new apartment complexes in its place.

 * The 2000 Olympic Stadium, in the centre of town behind the Durian Roundabout. Classic Khmer-style stadium and the grounds are often used for fairs or live music concerts during public holidays.

 * The New Market, large, well stocked with just about everything that an average Khmer family could need (have a look at the section behind the fish mongers for examples of local produce) and well worth a wander around.

 * Tada Waterfall (14 km north west of Kampot), a waterfall and swimming hole on a small stream. US$1 entry fee per person for locals and foreigners.

 * Get out of town, head out of Kampot for 1 km in any direction and get off the main roads and you are in rural Cambodia. Some of the local cottage industries include palm sugar and wine making, basket weaving and furniture making using liana and rattan. Kep is just half an hour away by tuktuk or scooter.

Do

Kampot has a relaxed and sleepy atmosphere apart from the droves of motorbike riding school children that flock here when school is in session. It is a great place to go and just soak up the atmosphere and catch your breath for a couple of days.

Do Kampot Province by dirt bike: Ride enduro style through the Elephant mountains, take on the hill climb up Bokor or relax.

Buy

Banks & ATMs
It can be hard to find someone who will accept a hundred-dollar bill in Kampot. Consider withdrawing $90 when you go to an ATM.

ATMs aren't hard to find. There are a few near the durian roundabout, for instance.

 * Canadia Bank is at the traffic circle (Durian roundabout). These ATMs do not work with some bank cards, for example, ING Bank cards.
 * Acleda Bank is on Old Market Rd near Central Bus Stand.
 * ABA Bank is also on the old market Rd near the central bus stand.
 * ABA and Acleda Banks also run more single ATM booths spread around the town.

Eat
Kampot is famous for pepper and durian, both grown at farms in the area which you can visit. Kampot pepper is of course used to flavor food here and is also sold at shops and makes a good souvenir. Durian is in season in April and May; if you buy durian in Kampot in the winter, it will be imported.

A delicious breakfast found in Kampot is Koh Kor Num Pain, a thick beef stew served with French bread.

Halal food is easy to find.

Drink
Kampot has the best teuk rleuek (fruit shake) in Cambodia. Visit any of the numerous vendors on the main avenues in the evening.

Sleep
There are many guesthouses in Kampot, mostly in the US$5 and up price bracket. It is best just to have a look at the rooms. In the city most of the guesthouses are along "Guesthouse Street". There are also a number of guesthouses just outside of town across the bridge and along the river front.

Budget

Riverside

Mid-range

Connect
Internet access is available downtown for 3,000 riel/hour. Free access is available at most guesthouses and restaurants; the quality may differ.

Go next

 * Bokor National Park - a historic colonial hill station and nice views on a sunny day
 * Ha Tien (Vietnam) - Motorbike drivers usually ask for US$10-15 for a ride to the border, but you can also get a motorbike taxi directly to Ha Tien for US$9 (around 2 hr). Some of the roads are not paved, but you will get to see some nice rural areas on the way. There are taxis leaving for the border around 09:00 for US$6 per person.
 * Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. Minivan US$18 (Feb 2020) — a minivan takes you to the border at Ha Tien, the driver guides you through immigration procedures for both countries, then hands you over to another driver who takes you to the ferry terminal where you will be given your ferry ticket (included).
 * Kep - another resort town 25 km east, famous for seafood, motorbike for US$3. A tuk-tuk will cost US$10 one-way (about 1 hour), or US$20 roundtrip with the driver waiting a couple of hours (Feb 2020). You can visit the salt plant and a proper plantation en route.
 * Sihanoukville - Cambodia's best-known beach resort. Big bus, minivan or Sihanoukville's G'day Mate Western-run van service. From Kampot, Champa Mekong Travel and Tours runs minivan 3x daily (0830, 1030, 1330hr), $10USD from their office in Kampot to their Sihanoukville office ("Champa Tourist Bus") next to the shipping port, which is not close to the city centre. The route is Kampot - Prey Nob - Stueng Hav - Sihanoukville, 101km duration 2h30min.

title: Kampot


text:
Kamshet

Kamshet is a village in South Maharashtra, India.

title: Kamshet


text:
Kanab

Kanab is a small town in the Canyon Country region of the state of Utah, in the United States of America. It is famous for its past use as a backdrop for many famous western movies as well as a good base for exploring the surrounding area. It is also well known as the home of Best Friends Animal Society. Destinations within driving distance include Zion National Park and the north rim of the Grand Canyon as well as Las Vegas.

Get in
There is not a bus route or trail route going through Kanab, but there is a small airport. You can fly into Las Vegas (4- to 5-hour drive) or Salt Lake City (an over 5-hour drive) on the major airlines. Some commuter airlines serve St. George, Utah (an over 2-hour drive).

Get around
Walking to the shops and movie theatre on Main Street is a popular pastime for tourists. The "Gazebo" on the church lawn, directly across the road from the theatre, hosts live entertainment most summer nights. Walking down the road past most of the hotels is the Kane County Office of Tourism and next door is the Crescent Moon Theatre. The Adobe Fitness Center is across the highway from the theatre. Most things tourists want are right on the main road within walking distance.

Do

 * Action Photo Tours Small group photography tours to stunning locations in Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Grand Staircase Escalante, and the Vermilion Cliffs. Professional photographic instruction is included on all trips. Most of our destinations are well off the beaten path and we'll get you there for the best light and the best photos.
 * Action Photo Tours Small group photography tours to stunning locations in Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Grand Staircase Escalante, and the Vermilion Cliffs. Professional photographic instruction is included on all trips. Most of our destinations are well off the beaten path and we'll get you there for the best light and the best photos.
 * Action Photo Tours Small group photography tours to stunning locations in Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Grand Staircase Escalante, and the Vermilion Cliffs. Professional photographic instruction is included on all trips. Most of our destinations are well off the beaten path and we'll get you there for the best light and the best photos.
 * Action Photo Tours Small group photography tours to stunning locations in Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Grand Staircase Escalante, and the Vermilion Cliffs. Professional photographic instruction is included on all trips. Most of our destinations are well off the beaten path and we'll get you there for the best light and the best photos.
 * Action Photo Tours Small group photography tours to stunning locations in Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Grand Staircase Escalante, and the Vermilion Cliffs. Professional photographic instruction is included on all trips. Most of our destinations are well off the beaten path and we'll get you there for the best light and the best photos.
 * Action Photo Tours Small group photography tours to stunning locations in Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Grand Staircase Escalante, and the Vermilion Cliffs. Professional photographic instruction is included on all trips. Most of our destinations are well off the beaten path and we'll get you there for the best light and the best photos.
 * Action Photo Tours Small group photography tours to stunning locations in Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Grand Staircase Escalante, and the Vermilion Cliffs. Professional photographic instruction is included on all trips. Most of our destinations are well off the beaten path and we'll get you there for the best light and the best photos.
 * Action Photo Tours Small group photography tours to stunning locations in Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Grand Staircase Escalante, and the Vermilion Cliffs. Professional photographic instruction is included on all trips. Most of our destinations are well off the beaten path and we'll get you there for the best light and the best photos.
 * Action Photo Tours Small group photography tours to stunning locations in Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Grand Staircase Escalante, and the Vermilion Cliffs. Professional photographic instruction is included on all trips. Most of our destinations are well off the beaten path and we'll get you there for the best light and the best photos.

Buy

Kanab is a good place to stock up on supplies for camping. There are two small grocery stores, several c-stores and a sporting goods store just off the main road.

Drink
Of course, you're not going to Kanab for the nightlife, but if you're ready to belly-up, head across the border on 89 to the Buckskin Tavern in Fredonia (Arizona), "the longest bar in Arizona," and the only bar for miles. The Rocking V also has cocktails.

There is a state liquor store in town, located next the police station and across the road from the Kane County Tourism Center.

Sleep
Kanab has a variety of accommodations from ranches and western-motif B&Bs to Holiday Inn and Super 8 Motels. Most of the hotels are located on the main road, Highway 89.

Go next

Kanab lies in the southern reaches of Canyon Country in Utah. Here are some of the nearby highlights:
 * Zion National Park. A 29-mile drive northwest through Mount Carmel Junction on US-89 and UT-9. Utah's most popular National Park with incredible scenery, like 2000- to 3000-foot cliffs.
 * Cedar Breaks National Monument. Northwest on US-89, UT-14 and UT-148. This monument sits on top of a natural amphitheater carved out of red rock.
 * Bryce Canyon National Park. Located northeast of Kanab on US-89 and UT-12. Beautiful redrock and strange formations, like hoodoos.
 * Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. A huge wilderness area northeast of Kanab. You can access it east on US-89 or from Glendale.
 * Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park A fun state park near Kanab.
 * Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell are to the east on US-89, near the town of Page, Arizona.

Other attractions in the area include:
 * Pipe Spring National Monument. To the southwest in Arizona on US-89A then west on AZ-389. A Mormon settlement at a spring in the middle of the desert.
 * The North Rim of the Grand Canyon, which sees far fewer visitors than the South Rim. South of Kanab on US-89A then AZ-67.

title: Kanab