The Magic Sponge

Epic Arts Café is 55 m east of The Magic Sponge — about 1 minutes on foot. It is the closest place to the hotel under “cafés & bakeries”.

The next two places under “cafés & bakeries” from The Magic Sponge are The Bookshop, Kampot (419 m) and Douceurs de Kampot (430 m), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

Epic Arts Café sits in Kampot's Sangkat Kampong Kandal area, open daily from 7am to 6pm. It is a café with a purpose: run as a social enterprise, it provides employment and training for people with disabilities, and this ethos shapes the whole experience, from an order form system at the tables to a menu of fresh, house-made food. Visitors mention paninis, bruschetta, bagels made in house, a BLT, and a carrot cake that comes up often enough to count as a house favourite, alongside cheesecake and coffee.

Reviews are consistently warm, with guests returning day after day during their stay in Kampot. The recurring themes are freshness, generous or fair portions, and a calm, unhurried atmosphere. Staff are repeatedly described as friendly, attentive and well organised, and several visitors note that knowing their spending supports training and job opportunities for people with disabilities in Kampot adds a sense of purpose to an otherwise ordinary breakfast or lunch stop. No complaints or caveats surface in the feedback, which reads as unusually settled for a café of this size.

It works well for breakfast or a relaxed lunch rather than an evening visit, given the daytime hours. The order-form style of service means it is worth taking a moment to look over the menu rather than expecting table service in a rush. It suits travellers who want a quiet, dependable spot to return to more than once while based in Kampot, and those who like knowing their coffee and pastry come with a clear social mission behind them.

• 55 m from the hotel — about 1 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 1,583 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Sunday: 7:00 A

Ciao is 83 m north-west of The Magic Sponge — about 1 minutes on foot. It is the closest place to the hotel under “restaurants”.

The next two places under “restaurants” from The Magic Sponge are Simple Things (347 m) and Greenhouse ( restaurant & coffee ) (419 m), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

Ciao is a small, homely Italian restaurant in the Kampot countryside, run from the owner's own house rather than a conventional dining room. Diego, the Italian owner and sole cook, makes pasta entirely by hand using an old-school manual machine, with herbs and other ingredients coming from the surrounding farmland. The menu runs to dishes like gnocchi, ravioli, and pasta with pesto, all prepared to order on a patio setting that looks out over the fields.

Visitors are consistent in praising the authenticity of the pasta, several calling it the best they've had outside Italy, and many mention returning a second time during a single stay in Kampot. Diego himself comes up repeatedly as warm and welcoming, and guests appreciate that everything is cooked fresh rather than pre-made. The trade-offs mentioned are a wait for food since one person handles the cooking, portions some found on the smaller side, and a remote location that makes arranging a Grab back into town difficult. Cash only is also noted.

Given the setup, this suits travellers happy to plan ahead rather than drop in on a whim: having your own scooter is recommended over relying on a taxi app, and it is worth checking the opening hours before setting out, since the restaurant closes on Sundays and operates only for lunch and early afternoon during the week. It is a good stop for anyone in Kampot wanting a break from Khmer food, or for slow, homemade Italian cooking in a quiet countryside setting, though it is not the place for a quick or highly formal meal.

• 83 m from the hotel — about 1 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 317 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

J55M+587, Kampot 070101, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: 12:30 – 6:00 PM
• Tuesday: 12:30 – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 12:30 – 6:00 PM
• Thursday: 12:30 – 6:00 PM
• Friday: 12:30 – 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 12:30 – 6:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Bali Massage Kampot is 316 m west of The Magic Sponge — about 4 minutes on foot. It is the closest place to the hotel under “spa & wellness”.

The next two places under “spa & wellness” from The Magic Sponge are Golden Hands Massage & Spa (436 m) and Nibi Spa (7.4 km), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

A massage spa in Kampot offering a range of treatments including traditional Khmer massage, foot and leg massage, and four-hand sessions, with complimentary tea served alongside. The space is set up for walk-in and booked appointments, with therapists working individually or in pairs depending on the treatment chosen.

Most visitors come away impressed, singling out particular therapists by name and describing the Khmer massage and four-hand sessions as well executed and reasonably priced, with the synchronized four-hand work drawing repeat praise. The complimentary tea and friendly staff are mentioned as a nice touch. That said, the reviews are not uniform: a couple of visitors found the room cold or the air conditioning poorly maintained, and one described the experience as underwhelming for a specific problem area, noting that pressure and technique did not meet expectations despite trying to communicate through gestures. Oil use appears to carry an extra charge, which caught at least one guest off guard.

Given the mixed but largely positive feedback, this suits travellers looking for an affordable, no-frills massage stop in Kampot rather than a luxury spa experience. It is open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, making it easy to fit in after a day out or before dinner. Guests wanting a specific technique or pressure level should communicate clearly beforehand, since a language barrier has occasionally led to mismatched expectations. Those sensitive to cold rooms might ask about the air conditioning setting in advance. Overall it works well for those after a relaxed, wallet-friendly session, particularly if requesting Leak or the Dilan and Sopheak pairing for four-hand massage.

• 316 m from the hotel — about 4 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 354 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

38-58 Street 724a, Kampot, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday:

Simple Things is 347 m west of The Magic Sponge — about 4 minutes on foot. It is among the three closest places to the hotel under “restaurants”.

The next two places under “restaurants” from The Magic Sponge are Ciao (83 m) and Greenhouse ( restaurant & coffee ) (419 m), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

Simple Things sits in Kampot's Old Market area and serves vegetarian and vegan cuisine. The restaurant is open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM, offering a relaxed dining space with straightforward, plant-based cooking. Visitors describe the aesthetic as simple and thoughtfully decorated, with a considered music playlist that contributes to the atmosphere. Portions are large across the menu.

Guests consistently praise the vegetarian and vegan options, with the vegan burger, crispy tofu wrap, and rice bowls drawing repeated mention. A long-term vegan traveller noted this as a standout meal after months in Southeast Asia. The brinjal starter and various rice-based dishes receive specific endorsement. Service is described as friendly and attentive. One reservation: the tofu wrap disappointed at least one visitor, who found it flavourless and compared it to a salad sandwich—though they returned to try other dishes, suggesting the issue may not be systematic.

The restaurant works well for vegetarians and vegans spending time in Kampot, and for anyone seeking meat-free meals in a convivial setting. Portions mean dishes suit sharing or work as substantial solo meals. It functions as a breakfast, lunch, and dinner destination, though hours suggest it closes on Sundays. The Old Market location is central to Kampot's tourist quarter, making it easy to reach on foot.

• 347 m from the hotel — about 4 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.7 out of 5 by 765 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

Old Market, Street, 54, Kampot, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday:

Greenhouse ( restaurant & coffee ) is 419 m north-west of The Magic Sponge — about 5 minutes on foot. It is among the three closest places to the hotel under “restaurants”.

The next two places under “restaurants” from The Magic Sponge are Ciao (83 m) and Simple Things (347 m), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

Greenhouse is a small restaurant and café in central Kampot serving traditional Khmer dishes alongside breakfast items and coffee. The space is decorated with colorful walls and art, created and run by the owner. The menu includes curries, noodle dishes, rice plates, and items like granola, pancakes, and toast, with drinks noted as strong and generously poured.

Visitors consistently praise the atmosphere and the owner's friendliness and hospitality. The food quality is described as excellent, with affordable prices and generous portions. Some guests mention the experience of painting their names on a mural wall. However, service can be uneven: food sometimes arrives slowly or at different times within a group, and occasionally items from orders have been missed, though the owner makes quick corrections. One visitor found the 30-minute wait notable.

The restaurant is open Monday through Tuesday only (9 AM to 9 PM or 9:30 PM respectively) and closed the rest of the week, so check hours before visiting. It sits on a quiet street and tends to be quieter during the day. The affordable prices and casual, welcoming atmosphere make it a good fit for travellers wanting an unhurried meal and a chance to meet the owner, though those prioritising fast service should manage expectations.

• 419 m from the hotel — about 5 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.7 out of 5 by 134 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

17 , Kampot, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: Closed
• Friday: Closed
• Saturday: Closed
• Sunday: Closed

The Bookshop, Kampot is 419 m north-west of The Magic Sponge — about 5 minutes on foot. It is among the three closest places to the hotel under “cafés & bakeries”.

The next two places under “cafés & bakeries” from The Magic Sponge are Epic Arts Café (55 m) and Douceurs de Kampot (430 m), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

The Bookshop in Kampot is a combined café and bookstore occupying a two-level space on Street 722. Downstairs serves as a café paired with a souvenir section, while upstairs functions as a relaxed reading area. The shop stocks new and second-hand books in English, French, and Khmer, and operates a book exchange service where visitors can swap titles they have brought with them. The outdoor patio faces Street 722 with minimal traffic noise.

Visitors consistently praise the coffee and the friendly staff. The banana bread and red tea latte are specifically mentioned as standouts. The book selection across multiple languages draws repeat visits, and the upstairs seating area is described as a calm spot to read, study, or play games. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. One note: the upstairs books show visible wear from humidity, and new books are wrapped in plastic for protection, though this packaging does not entirely prevent age marks on the stock itself.

The café opens daily from 8 am to 7 pm. It works well for travellers wanting a quiet afternoon with coffee and a read, or those hunting for second-hand English-language books. The book exchange makes it practical for extended stays. The outdoor seating and breeze make late afternoon a popular time. Bring a book to swap if you plan to pick up used titles.

• 419 m from the hotel — about 5 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 103 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

56 street 722, Kampot, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Sunday: 8:00 A

Douceurs de Kampot is 430 m west of The Magic Sponge — about 5 minutes on foot. It is among the three closest places to the hotel under “cafés & bakeries”.

The next two places under “cafés & bakeries” from The Magic Sponge are Epic Arts Café (55 m) and The Bookshop, Kampot (419 m), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

Douceurs de Kampot is a French-owned cafe on Street 724 in Kampot serving baked goods, pastries, quiches, and a wide range of hot and cold drinks. The display cases hold a rotating selection of cakes including carrot cake, tiramisu, lemon cheesecake, lemon meringue tart, and black forest cake, alongside savoury items like baguettes and panini. The interior is air-conditioned and decorated in a homely style. The drinks menu covers coffee, tea, bubble tea, and milk tea, with soy milk available for vegan customers.

Visitors consistently praise the quality of the baked goods and fresh ingredients, particularly the baguettes, quiches, and cakes. The coffee and tea receive strong marks. Staff are noted as friendly and attentive, willing to adjust orders and accommodate requests. Some guests mention that prices are reasonable. A loyalty programme offers a keychain after multiple drink purchases. With over 180 reviews, the cafe has built a reputation as a reliable stop for lunch or an afternoon snack, though it draws enough traffic that queues are possible during peak times.

The cafe operates daily from 8 AM to 9 PM, making it accessible for breakfast, lunch, or an evening dessert. It works well for travellers seeking familiar French-style pastries, a comfortable air-conditioned space, or vegetarian and vegan options. It sits near other cafes on the same street, so it is easy to find and part of the local cafe cluster.

• 430 m from the hotel — about 5 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.6 out of 5 by 185 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

Street 724, Kampot, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Sunday: 8:00 A

Golden Hands Massage & Spa is 436 m west of The Magic Sponge — about 5 minutes on foot.

The next two places under “spa & wellness” from The Magic Sponge are Bali Massage Kampot (316 m) and Nibi Spa (7.4 km), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

A massage and spa house in Kampot offering aromatherapy, facial, and traditional Khmer massage in private treatment rooms, with tea or lemon tea served on arrival and again at the end of the session. Reviewers describe a clean, fragrant interior with a calm, almost Bali-like décor, and staff who greet guests warmly, sometimes beginning treatments with a foot-cleaning ritual. Rooms have adjustable air conditioning, and the overall setting is described as spotless and peaceful.

Guests are consistently positive about the quality of the massages, with several calling their session among the best they have had and returning for a second visit during their stay. The Khmer massage and aromatherapy-and-face treatment both draw specific praise, and one visitor mentioned falling asleep mid-treatment. A recurring practical plus is that the spa accepts card payment, unusual for Kampot. The one discordant note concerns front-desk service: one guest reported a billing dispute handled poorly, with a staff member reacting with visible irritation rather than resolving the mistake calmly, though the same reviewer still praised the massage itself. Another minor gripe was the pillow-elevated headrest on the massage bed, which one visitor found less comfortable than a face-hole design.

The spa is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, so it works for both an afternoon break and an evening wind-down. It suits travellers looking for a relaxing, well-kept spot with attentive treatment quality, and is worth booking again if you enjoyed your first visit, as several guests did. Given the one report of a front-desk mix-up, it is worth checking your bill before paying, though this does not appear to reflect the general standard of service.

• 436 m from the hotel — about 5 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 109 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

726 Street 735, Kampot, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Su