Les Manguiers
by the TopOfHotel team
Les Manguiers is a stay in plain wooden bungalows set in a riverside mango orchard, with the calm and the wide-open space for families and nature lovers to fully unwind — it wins on atmosphere, the riverside setting, and outdoor activities rather than room luxury.
Les Manguiers is a stay in plain wooden bungalows set in a riverside mango orchard, with the calm and the wide-open space for families and nature lovers to fully unwind — it wins on atmosphere, the riverside setting, and outdoor activities rather than room luxury.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
Picture several wooden bungalows spread out under the shade of mango trees on the bank of the Kampot River, each one spaced far enough apart to feel private. Open the door and you find a green garden with the river stretching out to Bokor Mountain beyond — that is the charm of Les Manguiers. There are several room types and sizes here, from simple budget rooms to roomier family bungalows, decorated in a rustic style that blends into the surroundings, built mainly from wood and local materials in warm, easy tones. It feels more like staying at a friend's garden house than a standard hotel room. Many bungalows have a balcony or a hammock to lean back and catch the river breeze, and you wake to birdsong and rustling leaves instead of town traffic. If you like a stay that is simple, close to nature, and calm rather than formula luxury, you will probably fall for this place from the moment you walk into the garden.
Food and amenities
The heart of a stay here is the wide-open riverside space, which has more to do than you would expect. The property has kayaks and paddle boats to borrow and take straight out onto the Kampot River; late afternoon, when the sun softens, is the popular time to paddle out for the Bokor Mountain view, and some guests head out to see fireflies along the water in the evening. There are bikes to borrow for exploring the area or riding along the river to watch village life. The standout for families is the grass football and volleyball fields for kids and adults to run around on, plus a spot where children can swim in the river. With this much space, kids have the freedom to play while adults relax. For food, the property's riverside restaurant serves both Khmer and Western dishes in an open, easy setting looking out over the water, and many reviews call dinner or a cold drink while the sun slips behind the mountain the most relaxing, best-value part of the day. There is Wi-Fi in the common areas, and the team will help arrange trips or call a tuk-tuk when you need one.
Location and getting there
Les Manguiers sits on the north side of the new bridge in Kampot, on the riverbank in an area that is still natural and quiet, about 10 minutes north of the old town by car. Being outside town like this is both the draw and the thing to weigh up — the upside is a calm, shady, private riverside garden where you wake to the river and Bokor Mountain instead of shophouses and traffic, which suits anyone who wants to escape the bustle and slow down close to nature. From here it is easy to get around Kampot, including Bokor National Park up the mountain, the famous Kampot pepper farms, old caves, and the beaches at nearby Kep. Getting into the old town to wander the market, find a restaurant or cafe, or stroll the riverfront means a few minutes by tuk-tuk or a ride on one of the property's bikes. It is also easy to reach if you are coming from Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville. In short, if the heart of your trip is riverside calm and wide-open outdoor space used as a base for nature day trips, this location fits well.
Things to know before booking
To help you decide, here it is straight. First, location — as lovely as the riverside setting is, this place is outside town, about 10 minutes north by car and too far to walk in. Every time you want the market, a restaurant, or the old-town riverfront you have to take a tuk-tuk or ride a bike, so anyone who wants a stay where everything is walkable may find it less convenient than being in town. Second, this is a very plain bungalow guesthouse that leans rustic and natural. Some bungalows are fan-only with no air-con, there is no pool (though you can swim in the river), and the amenities are not as complete as at a resort or a newer hotel — check the room type carefully when you book if air-con matters. Third, because it really is set in a riverside garden, there are seasonal bugs and mosquitoes, so bring repellent, and at times a room or its fittings may look worn with age. Anyone expecting everything to be spotless will need to adjust a little, in exchange for the atmosphere, the calm, and the wide space you rarely find in town.
Our take
After reading through plenty of real guest reviews, Les Manguiers is a stay that sells its mix of a calm riverside mango orchard, wide-open outdoor space, and a full slate of nature activities with real character, which is why it has sat near the top of Kampot's bungalow stays for so long. If the trip in your head is bringing the family to let the kids run in the garden, swim in the river, paddle a kayak or ride a bike to take in the Bokor Mountain view, then close the day with a riverside dinner at sunset, this is the choice that will let you unwind and get close to nature. But if you are after a stay where everything in town is walkable, air-con in every room, or a pool and resort-style amenities, this may not be your match. Overall we give it 8.7/10, best for families, easygoing couples, and nature lovers who would rather wake up to the river and a green garden than to in-town convenience.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- The setting is a shady mango orchard right on the Kampot River, with bungalows spread out and spaced for privacy. They open onto views of the river and Bokor Mountain, with a quiet, natural feel you cannot get in town.
- Plenty of outdoor activity for nature lovers: kayaks to paddle on the river, bikes to explore the area, and evening paddles out to see fireflies along the water.
- The wide space suits families especially well, with grass football and volleyball fields for kids to run around and a safe spot where they can swim in the river.
- There are several room types at different prices, from simple budget rooms up to family bungalows, so it works for couples, families, and groups of friends traveling together.
- The riverside restaurant serves both Khmer and Western dishes with a good view. Guests praise sitting with a drink and watching the river in the evening as relaxing and good value.
- It sits outside town, about 10 minutes north by car, too far to walk in. Every time you want the market, a restaurant, or the old-town riverfront you have to take a tuk-tuk or ride a bike, which may not suit anyone who wants to walk to everything.
- This is a very plain bungalow guesthouse, with rooms kept rustic and close to nature. Some bungalows are fan-only with no air-con, there is no pool, and the amenities are not as complete as at a resort or a newer hotel.
- Because it really is set in a riverside garden, there are seasonal bugs and mosquitoes, and at times a room or its fittings may look worn with age. Anyone expecting everything to be spotless will need to trade that for the atmosphere and space you get instead.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Kampot
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Insider Tips
- Take a kayak out onto the river early in the morning or wait for late afternoon — that is when the light is soft, the air is cool, and the Bokor Mountain view looks its best for photos and for unwinding.
- If you are traveling with kids or as a family, ask the team for a bungalow near the lawn and the river swim spot, so it is easy to let the kids play while keeping them in view.
- Keep a tuk-tuk number handy or rent a bike for trips into town, since the place is about 10 minutes out, and bring mosquito repellent because you are in a riverside garden.