Backpacking Southern Cambodia 15/41: Plangb or Khmer Hop Fish Kampot

Backpacking Southern Cambodia 15/41: Plangb or Khmer Hop Fish Kampot

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia, taking friends on an adventure in Kampot Province, Cambodia, a quiet and peaceful corner that I love and want to introduce. Kampot is not only famous for durian or pepper but also has a unique story about an unusual fish calledPlangb, or what Khmer people call Hop FishThis is a local delicacy that is interesting and can only be found in this area.

Before diving into the story of Plangb, let me tell you a bit about Kampot Province. This province is located in the southeast of Cambodia, not far from the coastal province of Kep. Kampot is a peaceful town with friendly people and a simple lifestyle. You can enjoy walking along the CHHOU River, also known as the Kampot River, which flows through the heart of the town, creating a lively yet calm atmosphere.

Getting to Kampot is easy. I recommend taking an air-conditioned bus from Phnom Penh, which takes about 4-5 hours. Buses run twice daily, morning and afternoon. Tickets can be easily booked through hotels in Phnom Penh. For those seeking more adventure, traveling from Kampong Som or Sihanoukville is also an option.

Plangb, the unusual fish of Kampot

Now to the highlight of this trip: the “Plangb” or Hop Fish in Khmer. This freshwater fish is found only in the rivers and canals of this area. I tried Plangb at the Kampot morning market. It has firm flesh with a mild, naturally sweet flavor. It is fried crispy on the outside and tender inside, or some places cook it as a spicy curry in the southern Khmer style, blending fresh herbs and spices into a perfect dish.

If you want to learn more about Plangb, I recommend visiting the riverside local communities in Kampot. Here, traditional fishing methods are used, and sometimes locals invite tourists to learn simple fishing techniques and taste freshly prepared Plangb dishes made by the villagers.

Lifestyle and Kampot Morning Market

I usually start my day at Kampot’s morning market. It’s not large but full of life and local food. Besides Plangb, there are Khmer dry noodles and traditional snacks that I really like. If interested, you can try the original Khmer dry noodles recipe I reviewed before.Click to read about Khmer Dry Noodles in Kampot ProvinceSure thing

The morning market has many smoothie stalls. Here, smoothies are called “Tuk Kalok,” which have a special recipe including egg yolk blended with various fruits. The taste is sweet and creamy, a unique flavor I had to try several times. There is also a delicious chicken rice porridge stall served with famous Kampot black pepper, which I wrote about in an article.Kampot PepperKampot black pepper has a unique aroma that enhances the flavor of dishes excellently.

Peace and Nature in Kampot

Visiting Kampot reminds me of the rare peace found away from big cities. The riverside atmosphere is perfect for relaxing, strolling, or taking a romantic boat ride to watch the sunset. For those interested, I recommend the sunset river cruise I previously suggested.Sunset River Cruise on the Kampot RiverGuaranteed to impress

There are also interesting natural attractions such asPhnom Chhnork Cavewhich is not far from the town center, easy to reach, and well-lit inside. It also features ancient sites and abundant nature to explore.

Summary of Experience and Advice from mr.hotsia

For me, backpacking in southern Cambodia at Kampot is not just about eating Plangb or Hop Fish but learning about local life, enjoying unique local food, and experiencing rare tranquility nowadays. Kampot suits those who love simplicity and slow travel to truly feel the local essence.

If you want to try this experience, don’t miss visiting Kampot Province and tasting Plangb at markets and local restaurants, as well as fresh fruits like the famous Kampot durian.Kampot DurianThere are many other great things waiting for you to discover.

Follow travel stories and food reviews in Kampot, plus fun travel clips, on my YouTube channel.Backpacking Southern Cambodia 15/41: Plangb or Khmer Hop Fish KampotIf you like serious, grounded travel styles like this, don’t forget to keep following me, mr.hotsia.