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The Safari Resort Kampot Cambodia

Bringing your pet away is something that we all love to do, but finding the right place that balances beauty, relaxation, fun and price is pretty tough. Over the weekend we visited two pet friendly places in kampot Cambodia.

We loved one, called The Safari situated on the lake shore in the picturesque Kampot Province in Cambodia, Southeast Asia, the other, not so much, which was located in Kirirom National Park.

And Soga loved it too. By the end of our days there he was worn out and ready to fall fast asleep. Perfect!

Cambodia Pet Friendly Resort — A bit of fun with Soga at The Safari in Kampot

Getting To Kampot From Phnom Penh

You will most likely coming to Kampot from Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, and if so, you more than likely have hired a van, or car to transport you (especially as it’s tough as hell to take your dog on a bus).

Click this Link to get the directions from Phnom Penh to Kampot, The Safari.
PLEASE CALL THE RESORT WHEN YOU GET TO KAMPOT, Google Maps Isn’t 100% Accurate!

Directions Phnom Penh To Kampot — We 100% recommend calling the resort when you get to Kampot so they can properly direct you!

Getting to The Safari is no joke either, this place is a hidden gem, and when I say hidden, I mean it. You will get lost!

But, luckily the owners of The Safari are super friendly and helpful and once you keep in contact with them you will find the place (eventually).

The Safari Resort Kampot Cambodia — The Safari in Kampot – You will love this place

And boy, it’s so worth the travel.

It takes about 2.5 hours from Phnom Penh by car, going through highway and country road along with dirt track and beautiful scenery.

But then you arrive, a bit tired, and maybe a bit grumpy after your journey, but that is going to change super quickly.

The Safari Kampot

Upon opening the door of the car at The Safari Kampot, Soga leapt out and made himself at home. It is definitely a place to roam and let him be free – water to jump in, open space to run, and places for us to relax too.

So, what can I say about The Safari….

Safari Resort Pet Friendly Tents Kampot — What can I do now?

Well, it’s not a safari, to start, but there is lots of space both inside and outside of the resort to let your furry friend wander about.

The Safari is a very cool resort (I suppose you would call it glamping) that comprises of excellent yurt like tents that can sleep up to 5 people, and a couple of pets.

The owners said that the night before we came there was a party with about 60 people, so if you want to get away with your wyork crowd or just a huge bunch of friends it might be worth giving the guys here a shout.

Glamping in Kampot Cambodia — A total of only 6 yurt style tents at The Safari

The tents are super-comfortable, so nicely laid out and they overlook the beautiful lake and mountains, making waking up and sunrise all the more special.

pet friendly camping Kampot — Camping with Soga in Kampot

They are set around a central area, where at night time they light a big bonfire, where you can sit and relax, or talk with fellow guests.

Soga finding his way around The Safari Cambodia — Soga and Ly

The bed is nice as you can see, tastefully made, comfortable and warm and cozy. There is a little bit of art inside, and a set of drawers where you can put your clothes, if you plan on staying for a few days, or if you just feel like it.

Facilities At The Safari Kampot

The Safari has shared bathroom and shower rooms for males and females, with running water and also big blue buckets of water if the shower is a bit weak for you.

They also have free towels, shampoo and body wash.

So once we got settled in and Soga had been fed and watered, it was time to see what we could do about the resort and surrounding areas.

Things To Do At The Safari Kampot

Canoeing At Safari Kampot

There are some fun things to do at The Safari, like a bit of canoeing with your friend, a cool carved from a coconut tree boat, that takes a little getting used to, and can be a bit of a new experience for your pet, but once they feel safe with you they’ll love it. Soga needed a hug a few times before he settled down.

I hear there are leeches in the water of the canoe pond so best not to let your pet go swimming in this pond.

Canoeing At Safari Kampot — It kind of feels like exploring a new land

A little bit down the road from the resort there is another place with more tents and Soga loved there. The geese didn’t like him too much though… ahahha.

Lake swimming At Safari Kampot — Soga playing at the lake near The safari

Relaxing in a hammock

If relaxing is what you are after then grab yourself a hammock, sit down, and watch the sun coming down over the lake.

I spent most of my time in this when I wasnt out playing with Soga, I brought my Kindle and was able to get a few chapters of my book read, which was bliss.

Relaxing in a hammock Kampot — It really is this lovely

Happy times kampot cambodia — Happy times at The Safari Kampot

dog friendly kampot — Ly and Soga spending some happy times together

relaxation resort kampot — Just being lazy is sometimes a great thing

After you have relaxed for a while it’s time to explore the surrounding areas…

Grab A Bicycle At The Safari

Getting on a bike (free at the resort) and peddling out along the dusty roads with Soga was so much fun, he loved it, and because he is a city dog he never really has seen cows (which took him by surprise to be honest).

local country roads kampot cambodia — Soga was a bit wary of the big cows

There are a lot of locals about and are super friendly, but also the local dogs seem to want to come and play. A few are quite teritorial so make sure to just go past them quickly and the barking will cease.

cycling in kampot cambodia — The roads are mostly empty and easy to run or cycle along

Happy pet things to do kampot — a really lovely area in Kampot Cambodia

Campfire At The Safari In Kampot

Night time is pretty wonderful at The safari, they really put in a lot of effort with lovely lighting all over the resort ground, and a great campfire that you can it around and relax and toast some marshmallows.

campfire at kampot cambodia — The campfire is lovely at nighttime

beautiful resort kampot cambodia — Nice resort lighting at The safari

luxury tent kampot cambodia — Romantic Nighttime At The Safari Kampot

Eating At The Safari

What we did was bring our own food, and we are glad we did. We went to the local market in a place called Chhuk, which is about a 20 minute drive from the resort.

You can check out the market here.

https://goo.gl/maps/kR7EXVdQEyuR4BQL8

Chhuk Market Kampot — Psar Chhuk (Chhuk Market) Kampot

You can pick up all you need from here, we grabbed some tasty beef and crab and prawns, it cost us about $10 and was super tasty.

eating at kampot cambodia — Bad pic ALERT!

And the best part is… For the $10 that we paid ($5 each) we got our own private cook, who did all the preparing of the food, cooking and serving… it was really wonderful.

Sunrise Over The Lake In Kampot

Sunrise In Kampot — Sleepy Soga waking up

My favorite thing about The Safari was morning time and the free coffee that I got delivered while sitting in the hammock, it was pure bliss. I was actually happy, all the hustle and bustle of the city had faded away, and it was just peaceful.

Sunrise coffee time at The Safari Kampot

How Much Does The Safari cost?

During normal times (not holiday season) it cost us $45 per night, room only. If you want to have breakfast and dinner the total would be $89 per night for two people.

Should You Visit The Safari?

From a pet owners point of view, 100%, from a non-pet owners viewpoint, I’d say 100% also. It’s a nice place, fun,. relaxing, and worth the drive from Phnom Penh.

Extras

Some extra pics…

Some vintage car action with the now flowerpot Jaguar XJ6

Imagine waking up from a perfect sleep, rolling over and peering out the window of your lovely little guesthouse and actually feeling happy for a change; welcome to Trat Town in Thailand, a hidden gem, a stop over for most, but a real treat for those who take the time to stay a few days.

Trat Town in Thailand — Old Postbox In Trat Town

Trat is best known as the stop over town for those looking to hit the Islands of Koh Chang and Koh Kood, both a must visit, each for different reasons. If you are going to Koh Chang after you can check out accommodation here.

Koh Chang Island Trat Thailand — End Of White Sand Beach Koh Chang Trat

But, sadly, what most people miss out on is the beauty that is this quiet little town of Trat…

Trat Town Thailand Has Charm — Old Abandoned Buildings Add To The Character Of Trat Town

With happy smiling people, great food, eery back alleys and canal walks and such great food, you will find it hard to say no to the choices on offer, if you just look!

A bit of Trat Town Graffiti – there isn’t much

Trat Thailand — Trat Town in Thailand is a wonderful place to spend a few days

Located a short 350 KM from Bangkok, grabbing a minibus will get you here in about 5 hours, and you will have landed in what is known as the Gateway To Eastern Thailand, bordering Cambodia along the Cardamon Mountain Range.

Getting To Trat Town

There are many ways that you can get to Trat, depending where you are coming from, whereas I come into Trat mostly from Thailand, I have also taken minibuses from Bangkok and also flown in, so the options for you are good.

Getting To Trat By Bus

Coming from Bangkok Thailand is the most common way that people come to Trat, and the easiest way to get from Bangkok is from Ekamai (Eastern bus terminal for Bangkok) bus station, where you can get a lovely air-conditioned bus every hour of the day from 6am until about midnight.

Getting to Trat from Bangkok by Bus - Ekamai — Ekamai Bus Station in Bangkok will bring you to Trat

The trip is really cheap, just 169 baht for the first class air-conditioned bus. Just take that, don’t bother with second or third class, and also don’t go on the big crazy looking buses, they are stupidly expensive for what they are and super annoying.

Flying To Trat Thailand

You can also fly into Trat, by Bangkok Airways straight from Bangkok, but in all honesty, the first class bus is far better and obviously cheaper.

Bangkok to Trat by Air — Flying is always a bit of fun

By Car To Trat

If you have enough cash to rent a car and driver, then you most likely are not reading this, and I don’t recommend driving on a motorbike from Bangkok to Trat as the roads are pretty crazy at some points.

If you are just passign through Trat and not stopping off (which would be a travesty) then you are most likely going to the Islands…

Ferries To The Islands Of Trat Province

Going to the islands is a great experience in itself, and getting on one of the ferries between 7.30 am and 4.30 pm is a great bit of fun.

The trip takes about 30 minutes, and sometimes in the evening is completely empty, so you can wander around the ferry and do your old Titanic moment if you please.

The seats aren’t first class, but you are on a trip to paradise islands, I’m sure you can handle it for a short trip.

If you have decided to stay in Trat then you are going to need a nice relaxing place to stay.

Where to stay in Trat

For me, I was lucky enough to stumble upon my home away from home when I first ventured to Trat about 2016. The place I found was perfect for me, called Ban Jai Dee, a beautiful little guesthouse one street behind the market area, on a quite little road, both at day and night.

There are so many guesthouse and hotels to choose from in Trat, and the best place to find them is on bookin g .com

Ban Jai Dee Guesthouse Trat Thailand — Such a lovely warm place to stay in Trat Town

There are many other guesthouses catering for a small budget, and while they are pleasant enough they don’t meet the standards of Ban Jai Dee.

Ban Jai Dee Trat Thailand

Run by a lovely Thai lady, Ms Poo, and her daughter, you will feel so comfortable and safe once you enter. Let the hours drift away in the lovely wooden (immaculately clean) bedrooms, with just the necessities that are needed.

Guesthouse in Trat Thailand — Ban Jai Dee Guesthouse Trat Thailand

Rooms come with a nice bed, two good pillows, blankets in case you get cold, all are Fan rooms, and the sheets are spotlessly clean.

Bedroom in Ban Jai Dee Trat Thailand — The rooms are spotlessly clean in Ba Jai Dee Guesthouse Trat

No TV or Air Con, but come on… you’re on holiday, do you really need to doom box playing?

I have stayed in many other places in Trat throughout my time but none come close to Ban Jai Dee as a great all-round guesthouse in Trat Town.

Ban Jaidee Guesthouse Trat Town Thailand — Put your feet up and relax

Once you have settled in to your guesthouse you are going to want to maybe go and grab some food to eat, or a coffee.

Guesthouse Ban JaiDee Trat — A lovely quirky charm awaits you in Ban Jaidee

For the coffee, grab one at your guesthouse, or there is a Cafe Amazon and 7-11 near most places.

Cafe Amazon Trat Town Thailand — Enjoy a coffee and Thai tea at Cafe Amazon – Only 45B

Morning and day time eating in Trat

For food, if you arrive in the morning or daytime then you will want to head to the Trat Indoor market where you can get a feast of Thai home/market cooking for about $1.25, or 40B.

eating food in Trat Thailand — Delicious Pad Thai for 40 Baht at the indoor market

You won’t be let down by portion size either, and in case you didn’t know it already, Thai people love food, they seriously don’t mess around when it comes to food, no matter where you go to eat.

Indoor market Trat Town — Some locals getting their fill at the indoor market for breakfast

So for 40B, you can get a delicious meal, able to fill the hungriest of bellies, from Pad Thai, to soups, and chicken rice to crispy pork. Simply delicious.

Trat Morning Fish market — Get some of the super fresh morning fish catch at the morning wet market in Trat town

There are a plentitude of small shops selling all types of Thai dishes down many streets, and even cooked bananas that are pretty good with a hot black coffee. These bananas are super cheap about 10B for 5 of them.

Trat Town Indoor Market — Selling goods at Trat Indoor Market

So with your hunger at bay and the energy starting to appear the next thing you want to do is get out and start exploring this lovely little town.

What To Do In Trat Thailand

Rent a bicycle in Trat

The best way around Trat town is surely by bicycle, although it is fun to get out on a motorbike too, but best if you already have experience as Thai roads can be daunting if you have never been on a motorbike before.

Motorbike Rental Trat Town — Rent a motorbike in Trat Town Thailand

If your guesthouse doesn’t have a bicycle then go out and find one, go to the next guesthouse, or rent one from near the central market area.

Things to do in Trat — Lots of lovely country roads around Trat Town

Trat Town and surrounding areas are made to be seen by bike, to enjoy the quiet streets, and country roads, to venture out, and see what you can find.

The Town itself is so small, quaint and quiet, so exploring it on your bicycle will be a treat, so make sure you check out:

The indoor market

(where you can just park your bike at the entrance for free, no worries at all)

Thana Charoen Rd

With it’s cool ghostly vibe at nighttime, and also the Artists Place, an artists creation, including restaurant, guesthouse and gallery all rolled into one, a pretty cool place to grab a beer or coffee.

Thana Charoen Road Trat Thailand — Thana Charoen Road at night

Thana Charoen Road Trat — Thana Charoen Road Sign

NOTE: Traffic is relatively quiet in Trat Town but do be aware that you should wear a helmet if you can get one and also you will be driving on roads that do have crazy drivers now and again.

Thana Charoen Road Trat Wall Art — A bit of Thana Charoen Road Art

Around Trat Town

Cycle To The Coast in Trat

There are so many places on offer, from lakes and wet lands to coast and countryside…

Just make sure you pack your sunscreen, a long sleeve top, preferably a hat with a peak for under your helmet and a big bottle of water.

Get these things in order and go explore. There are country roads aplenty and the coast isn’t too far away with its beautiful mangrove forest and crab fishing villages.

Trat Fishing Village — Trat Fishing Boats

Trat Mangroves

Venture into Trat Province mangroves forest for a bit of a spooky walk into nature. I cycled here by bike, and took about 45 minutes of a cycle from the center of Trat Town.

Mangroves on Trat Coast — The start of the mangroves

Trat Mangroves — Beautiful Mangrove Walkway in Trat Thailand

Trat Mangrove Forest — The erry Mangroves of Trat

Trat Mangroves Thailand — Murky waters in the Trat Mangrove Forest

When you venture into the mangroves you come across a huge scenic deck that you can climb to give you great views over the mangrove forest, which will show you how large it is, simply breathtaking.

Grab a book and site down on the top floor for a bit of relaxation, it’s lovely.

Eating In Trat Town

Eat at the day market

This is a treat not to be missed, most don’t bother with this option, but wow, you will miss out if you don’t. The food is super cheap as mentioned above, and the array on offer is enough to fill the pickiest of eaters.

hainanese chicken rice trat market — hainanese chicken rice

You can also do shipping for some much needed necessities like, toiletries, flip flops, light clothing and if you so need it, the biggest machetti that you can possibly want.

Eat at the night market

A favorite of everyone, with so much on offer you won’t ever go hungry for a couple of dollars at the Trat Town Night Market.

It is probably the highlight of Trat for many travellers as this is probably the extent of what they experience in this great little town.

And there are worse places you can only experience, believe me, this place is great!!

I normally go for a mix of fruit, pineapple, and papaya, and pork satay skewers…

Followed by some noodles or if I’m feeling I need a sugar rush then some of the local sweet delicacies…

I love the pumpkin custard, but that’s just me, there are a load of other dishes on offer, and quite surprisingly, the Gingko bean features in a lot of the sweet dishes, tasty and good for the brain.

Eat at the little road food shops

Ever feeling a bit peckish as you are cycling then fear not, just stop at any of teh side street food shops for a feast of deliciousness, the food is great, plentiful and cheap, and will have you nursting with energy ready for the next leg of yoru cycling adventure.

The noodle soups are a special favorite of mine, with everything from locally caught seafood to pork, chicken and beef.

Pork Noodle Soup Trat Town — Pork Noodle Soup

Relax in Trat Town

Well you are on holiday so why not enjoy it and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life by just stopping!

Stop for a while, let your mind wander to nothing, or grab a book, sit on park bench, drink a tasty coffee and eat some biscuits.

What to do in Trat Thailand — Take a walk along the canal in Trat Town, and grab a seat and relax

Trat is open to all, and if you have the time to relax and bit and explore you will be rewarded by a location that will keep on giving without asking for anything in return apart from a friendly smile and a bit of your precious time.