Teuk Chhou Rapids: A Peaceful Escape Near Kampot

1. Introduction

Tucked away just a few kilometres from Kampot town, Teuk Chhou Rapids is a serene natural spot that offers a refreshing escape from the heat and hustle of everyday life. Set along the Teuk Chhou River, this peaceful location is renowned for its gentle flowing waters, lush greenery, and the soothing sounds of nature, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking relaxation, scenic beauty, or a quiet day out.

Popular among both locals and tourists, Teuk Chhou is ideal for picnicking, swimming, or simply unwinding by the riverside with friends and family. The area is lined with bamboo huts and shaded resting spots, creating a laid-back atmosphere where you can spend hours doing tiny and enjoying every minute of it.

Despite its simplicity, Teuk Chhou Rapids leaves a lasting impression. Its natural charm, easy access from Kampot town, and affordability make it one of the most enjoyable day trips in southern Cambodia. Whether you're an adventure traveller, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family with kids, this riverside retreat has something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before visiting, from how to get there and the best time to go, to what to expect and local tips to make the most of your visit.

2. Where are the Teuk Chhou Rapids Located?

Teuk Chhou Rapids are located about 8 to 10 kilometres north of Kampot town, in southern Cambodia. The rapids are nestled along the Teuk Chhou River, surrounded by rural landscapes, small farms, and forested areas, offering a scenic and peaceful journey even before you arrive. Although the area is slightly off the main tourist trail, it’s very easy to reach and makes for an excellent half-day or full-day outing.

3. Transportation Options to Teuk Chhou Rapids

🚌 Kim Seng Express:(Phnom Penh to Kampot)

• Departure Times: Multiple daily departures, including morning and afternoon options.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
• Fare: Around $8 USD per ticket.
• Booking: Tickets can be purchased at the bus station or online through platforms Kimseng Express.

📍 Departure Location in Phnom Penh

Kim Seng Express buses typically depart from their Phnom Penh station, which is located near Olympic Market. It's advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.

🚐 Arrival in Kampot

In Kampot, the bus will drop you off at the KimSeng Express Kampot Station, conveniently situated for easy access to local accommodations and attractions.

🛵 Scooter or Motorbike (Most Popular):

• Cost: $5–$7 per day (rental in Kampot)
• Travel Time: 15–20 minutes
• Why Choose It: Ideal for independent travellers who want flexibility to explore nearby areas like Bokor Mountain or Kampot Pepper Plantations.
• Tip: Drive carefully, the road is mostly paved but can be dusty or uneven in parts.

🚖 Tuk-Tuk:

• Cost: $6–$10 round trip (depending on distance and negotiation).
• Travel Time: 20–30 minutes
• Why Choose It: Great for couples or small groups who prefer not to drive. Tuk-tuk drivers often wait and take you back when you're ready.
• Tip: Agree on the price before starting the trip and get the driver’s number if they’re not waiting.

🚗 Private Taxi or Car:

• Cost: $15–$30 round-trip.
• Travel Time: 15–20 minutes.
• Why Choose It: Comfortable and air-conditioned a good choice for families, older travellers, or groups with more luggage.
• Tip: Book through your hotel or a local travel agency to avoid overpaying.

🚴 Bicycle:

• Cost: around $2–$8 per day (rental in Kampot).
• Travel Time: 30 - 45 minutes.
• Why Choose It: A scenic and eco-friendly option for active travellers.
• Tip: Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Bring water and sunscreen. Each mode of transport offers a unique experience. Choose the one that best fits your comfort level, budget, and how much time you want to spend exploring the countryside around Kampot.

4. Best Time to Visit Teuk Chhou Rapids

The best time to visit Teuk Chhou Rapids is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During these months, the weather is generally sunny and pleasant, with low humidity and minimal rainfall, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities like swimming, picnicking, or simply relaxing by the riverside. The water level in the rapids is moderate and safe, making it perfect for families with children or anyone looking for a peaceful day in nature. Mornings are especially serene, offering cooler temperatures and fewer visitors, while late afternoons provide a relaxing atmosphere as the sun begins to set.

Although the rainy season (from May to October) brings more intense greenery and a fuller river, it can also lead to unpredictable weather and stronger currents. However, on days with light or no rain, the area remains beautiful and worth a visit, especially for nature lovers and photographers. It’s best to avoid visiting during or right after heavy rainfall, as conditions can be slippery and less safe. Weekends and public holidays tend to attract more local families and groups, making the area livelier but potentially crowded. For a more tranquil experience, try visiting on a weekday morning when the setting is calm, quiet, and truly in touch with nature.

5. Activities You Can Enjoy at Teuk Chhou Rapids🌟 Top 10 Things to Do in Teuk Chhou Rapids:

Looking for a mix of nature, adventure, and local culture? Teuk Chhou Rapids and the surrounding Kampot countryside offer a range of fun, relaxing, and unique activities. Here are the top 10 things to do during your visit:

🛶 Go Kayaking at Teuk Chhou Rapids:

If you’re looking for a peaceful yet active way to enjoy the natural beauty of Teuk Chhou, kayaking on the river is a perfect choice. The calm stretches of the Teuk Chhou River provide an ideal setting for both beginner and experienced kayakers to paddle through tranquil waters, surrounded by lush greenery, birdsong, and the gentle sound of flowing rapids.

🏞️ What to Expect:

Kayaking here offers a unique perspective of the area, away from the crowds and closer to nature. As you paddle along, you’ll pass by local fishing spots, bamboo picnic huts, and occasional groups of water buffalo cooling off near the banks. It’s a slow-paced, meditative experience that allows you to really soak in the peaceful countryside.

🎒 What to Bring:

• Quick-drying clothes or a swimsuit
• Waterproof bag for your phone or valuables
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water bottle
• Sandals or water shoes (the riverbed can be rocky)

💡 Tips:

Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to kayak; it’s cooler, quieter, and great for photography. Always check the weather, especially during the rainy season when currents may be stronger.Some guesthouses and local operators near the rapids rent out kayaks for an hourly or half-day rate (typically $5–$10).

Whether you’re seeking quiet reflection or just want a break from lounging in a hammock, kayaking at Teuk Chhou Rapids adds a memorable and refreshing adventure to your trip.

🍳 Join a Local Cooking Class:

If you want to take more than just memories from your visit to Teuk Chhou Rapids, why not learn how to cook authentic Khmer cuisine? Joining a local cooking class is a fantastic way to dive into Cambodian culture, meet locals, and pick up new culinary skills that you can take home.

🚂 Ride the Bamboo Train: If you want to take more than just memories from your visit to Teuk Chhou Rapids, why not learn how to cook authentic Khmer cuisine? Joining a local cooking class is a fantastic way to dive into Cambodian culture, meet locals, and pick up new culinary skills that you can take home.

🧺 Enjoy a Riverside Picnic:

Just outside Kampot, Teuk Chhou Rapids offers the perfect setting for a peaceful riverside picnic. Surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle sound of flowing water, you can relax on a picnic mat or rent a shaded wooden hut. Bring your own food or enjoy fresh local dishes from nearby vendors. Whether you're lounging with friends, dipping your feet in the water, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, it's an ideal way to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

🎣 Experience Traditional Fishing:

Enjoy the local life by trying your hand at traditional fishing along the Teuk Chhou River. Whether using simple bamboo rods or handmade nets, this peaceful activity lets you connect with nature and local culture. It’s a relaxing way to spend your time by the water, and if you're lucky, you might even catch something fresh to cook or share!

🧗 Try Rock Climbing:

For adventure seekers, the limestone cliffs around Teuk Chhou offer exciting rock climbing opportunities. With routes suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers, you can scale scenic walls while enjoying views of the lush countryside. Local tour operators in Kampot often provide guided climbs, equipment, and safety support, making it a thrilling addition to your riverside getaway.

🚵 Take a Mountain Biking Adventure:

Explore the beautiful countryside around Teuk Chhou Rapids on a mountain bike! Ride through lush trails, rustic villages, and scenic riverbanks while enjoying fresh air and stunning views. Whether you’re a casual rider or an experienced biker, the varied terrain offers something for everyone. Rent a bike in Kampot and embark on an active day immersed in the natural surroundings.

🐒 Visit Teuk Chhou Zoo (Optional Stop):

The Teuk Chhou Zoo is a private zoo located in Kep, about 2.5 km from the provincial town. Situated in Thmei Village, Prey Thom Commune, the zoo is home to a variety of animal and plant species.

The zoo features a diverse range of animals, including tigers, elephants, various species of monkeys, snakes, deer, sun bears, otters, and more. It’s a wonderful place to spend a fun-filled afternoon with your family, especially for children who often enjoy the experience. The entry ticket includes a small additional fee for those who wish to drive their cars through the zoo. Admission also grants access to the nearby national park. Once inside, visitors can even take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Teuk Chhou River.

6. Entrance Fees at Teuk Chhou River

Outside of town is Tuek Chhou, a swimming spot popular with Cambodian youth and families. It’s an easy 1.5-hour bicycle ride away, or you can reach it by moto or tuk-tuk. Once there, you can swim, relax in the hammocks, or enjoy the picnic facilities, which are available for a dollar or two. Food vendors sell the usual snacks as well as a few Kampot specialties, such as local-style num banh chok.

Locals often refer to Tuek Chhou as a waterfall, but it’s actually a series of rapids that, during the dry season, aren’t very rapid at all. There’s an “entrance fee” of about $1 for foreigners, though it’s unofficial and can usually be negotiated.

You’ll have an even more relaxing and enjoyable experience here when visiting with a local guide, who can show you the best spots and share stories about the area.

7. Nearby Attractions-Teuk Chhou River

Located near the Teuk Chhou River, the Teuk Chhou Zoo is an Asian-style mini zoo that displays a variety of local and exotic animals. Set among lush gardens and fruit plantations at the foot of the Elephant Mountains, the zoo sits on the west bank of the Teuk Chhou River, about 12 km northeast of Kampot (or roughly 8 km from the main Teuk Chhou rapids).

Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the zoo is home to a diverse range of fauna, including tigers, a pair of playful young elephants, lemurs, and gibbons. The peaceful, green surroundings make it a pleasant stop for families or anyone exploring the Teuk Chhou area.

8. Final Thoughts

A visit to the Teuk Chhou River is one of the best ways for travelers to experience the fresh and peaceful beauty of Kampot. Surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle sound of flowing water, this place offers a natural escape for anyone seeking rest and relaxation. It’s a wonderful spot to unwind, release your stress, and breathe in the calm atmosphere. The best part is, you don’t need to spend much to enjoy it.

Whether you come for a refreshing swim, a quiet picnic by the river, or simply to enjoy the scenery, Teuk Chhou has something for everyone. The local people are friendly, the air feels clean and cool, and the simple joy of being close to nature will leave you feeling recharged.

If your heart is searching for peace and simplicity, don’t forget to include Teuk Chhou River in your journey. The smiles you share with your family, friends, or loved ones here will become the most meaningful part of your trip. Sometimes, the best travel experiences come not from luxury, but from the quiet beauty of nature, and Teuk Chhou River captures that perfectly.