Dang Tong District: countryside east of Kampot town

Where Dang Tong sits

Dang Tong is a district of Kampot Province in southern Cambodia. The earlier version of this guide put it roughly 20 km east of Kampot town, and described a landscape of forest, rolling hills and flat farmland. That mix of terrain is what you will notice if you head out from the riverside: the town's guesthouses and cafés fall away quickly and the road runs through villages and fields.

The district is not a place with a big town centre or a nightlife scene. Treat it as a day trip from Kampot, or as a quiet overnight if you want to be out of town.

The waterfall and the outdoors

The main draw mentioned for the district is the Dang Tong waterfall, where water drops over a series of rocks into a pool, surrounded by forest. Paths lead through the trees, and the pool at the bottom is used for a cool-off swim.

Tip: water levels in Cambodian falls change a great deal between the dry and rainy seasons, so ask a local before you go if the flow matters to you. Wear shoes with grip, as rock and wet leaves are slippery.

Guided treks through the forest and hill country are also said to be available, with views over the surrounding landscape. Arrange these locally and agree the route and price beforehand.

Villages, temples and homestays

The district is made up of traditional Khmer farming villages. The old guide mentions a village near the waterfall where visitors can arrange homestays and see weaving or traditional dance. Treat these as things to ask about on the ground rather than fixed, scheduled attractions, since small village programmes often depend on the day and the season.

There are also older temples and ruins in the district. Dress modestly at any pagoda (covered shoulders and knees), take your shoes off where others do, and ask before photographing monks or people in their homes.

Some guesthouses and resorts in the area are described as built with local materials in an eco-minded style. Expect simple, rural lodging rather than town-style facilities.

The ten communes

Dang Tong District is divided into ten communes:

• Angk Romeas
• Damnak Sokram
• Dang Tong
• Khcheay Khang Cheung
• Khcheay Khang Tboung
• L'ang
• Mean Ritth
• Srae Chea Khang Cheung
• Srae Chea Khang Tboung
• Totung

If you are looking for a specific village or address, knowing the commune name helps a lot when asking a tuk-tuk or moto driver.

Getting there and what to bring

From Kampot town the drive is about 30 minutes by road. Buses are mentioned, but for a day around the district a private driver, tuk-tuk or a rented scooter gives you much more freedom. From Phnom Penh, plan on a drive of around two hours to Kampot area, then the short hop onward; if you are coming from Siem Reap or Sihanoukville it is realistic only with extra travel time.

• Light, comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes.
• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
• Water, snacks and some cash, because amenities are thinner than in town.
• A few Khmer phrases, which go down well in villages.