Kampot Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Kampot, Cambodia with our comprehensive guide. Find the best things to do, places to stay, and where to eat in Kampot.


Introduction to Kampot

Kampot is a charming town located in the south of Cambodia, in the Cardamom and Elephant Mountains, known for its beautiful nature, colonial architecture, and lively food and drink scene. It’s a perfect destination for those who want to experience the local culture, enjoy outdoor adventures, and relax in a laid-back environment.

List of Places to Visit in Kampot

  • Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

    • Kampot Provincial Museum: A museum that showcases the history and culture of Kampot and its surrounding areas.
    • Kampot Old Market: A traditional market that offers a wide variety of local products, including souvenirs, fruits, vegetables, and seafood.
    • Bokor Hill Station: A former French colonial hill station from the 1920s, that offers stunning mountain views, and houses a big abandoned hotel and casino.

  • Natural Attractions of Kampot: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

    • Kampot River: A scenic river that offers river cruises, kayaking, and swimming opportunities.
    • Phnom Chhnork Cave: A magical cave that houses a Buddhist temple and pre-Angkorian ruins.
    • Kampot Pepper Farms: A collection of farms that grow the famous Kampot pepper, renowned for its unique, aromatic taste.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kampot

  • Bokor Hill Station Trail

    • Distance: 35 kilometers
    • Difficulty level: Moderate
    • Duration: 4-5 hours
    • Highlights: Abandoned buildings, lush nature, and stunning mountain views.

Best Things to Do in Kampot: Activities and Tours

  • River Cruise

    • Duration: 2-4 hours
    • Highlights: Enjoy the scenic beauty of Kampot River, experience local life, and dine on delicious Khmer cuisine.

  • Pepper Farm Tour

    • Duration: 2-3 hours
    • Highlights: Learn about the history and production process of Kampot pepper, taste different types of pepper, and buy pepper products.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kampot

Day Activities
1 Explore the old town of Kampot and visit the Kampot Old Market.
2 Go on a river cruise and try traditional Khmer food.
3 Hike or bike the Bokor Hill Station trail and enjoy the mountain views.
4 Visit the Kampot Provincial Museum and learn about local history and culture.
5 Take a tour on a Kampot pepper farm and taste different types of pepper.
6 Visit Phnom Chhnork Cave and discover pre-Angkorian ruins.
7 Relax on the beach or visit nearby destinations such as Kep or Sihanoukville.

Food and Drink Scene of Kampot

  • Must-Try Dishes

    • Amok: A traditional Cambodian dish made of fish, coconut milk, and spices.
    • Kdam Chaa: Fried crab with spices and vegetables.
    • Lok Lak: Stir-fried beef with salad and rice.

  • Local Beverages

    • Kampot Pepper Crusta: A cocktail that includes Kampot pepper, gin, and lemon juice.
    • Palm Wine: A sweet, fermented drink prepared from palm tree sap.

Where to Stay in Kampot: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • For Budget Travelers:

    • Ananas Guesthouse: A cozy guesthouse near the Old Market that offers clean rooms, friendly staff, and affordable prices.

  • For Mid-Range Travelers:

    • Kampot Manor: A peaceful retreat located in the countryside, offering comfortable rooms, a pool, and a restaurant.

  • For Luxury Travelers:

    • Villa Vedici: A luxurious resort with private villas, a pool, spa, and restaurant, located a short drive from Kampot town.

What to Buy in Kampot: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Kampot Pepper:

    • Where to buy: Many local markets and farms around Kampot.
    • Why buy: Kampot pepper is a famous spice noted for its unique flavor and aroma that cannot be found elsewhere.

  • Handicrafts:

    • Where to buy: Kampot Old Market.
    • Why buy: The market offers a wide variety of handicrafts such as baskets, pottery, and silk scarves, handcrafted by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Kampot

Kampot is a traditional town with a rich cultural heritage. Local customs and traditions are respected and appreciated by its inhabitants, and visitors are expected to follow suit. Cambodians are generally friendly and polite, and it’s customary to smile and be respectful of others.

Best Time to Visit Kampot

The best time to visit Kampot is from November to March when the weather is dry and cool. The temperature during these months is around 25-30°C. April to October is the rainy season, and the landscape is greener, but activities such as hiking and biking can be more challenging.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kampot

  • Do:

    • Dress appropriately, especially when visiting temples or other religious places.
    • Respect the local culture and customs.
    • Try the local cuisine and interact with the locals.

  • Don’t:

    • Show public displays of affection.
    • Touch people’s heads, especially children’s.
    • Make negative comments about the government or the royal family.

Safety and Health

  • Safety in Kampot

    Kampot is a relatively safe town, but it’s always advisable to take some precautions such as avoiding carrying valuables in public and staying in well-lit areas at night.

  • Health in Kampot

    It’s essential to take some health precautions before traveling to Kampot, such as getting vaccinated against diseases such as hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, and malaria. Drinking bottled water is recommended to avoid water-borne diseases.

Getting to Kampot: Transportation Options and Logistics

  • Airports Near Kampot

    The nearest airports are Phnom Penh International Airport, located about 2.5 hours away, and Sihanoukville International Airport, located about 1 hour away.

  • Bus Stations Near Kampot

    Buses run frequently between Phnom Penh and Kampot, and the journey takes about 3-4 hours.

  • Other Options

    Taxis, tuk-tuks, and private cars are available for hire for transport within the city.

How to Get Around in Kampot

Walking and cycling are popular ways to explore the town, and motorbikes and tuk-tuks are available for hire at affordable rates. Some hotels also provide shuttle services for their guests.

Where to Go Next from Kampot: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Kep: A relaxed seaside town known for its crab market and fresh seafood, located about 25 minutes from Kampot by tuk-tuk.

  • Sihanoukville: A lively beach resort town located about 2 hours from Kampot by bus.

  • Phnom Penh: The capital city of Cambodia, located about 2.5 hours from Kampot by bus.

Conclusion

Kampot is a charming and unique destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy outdoor adventures at scenic locations, and indulge in Khmer cuisine. With our comprehensive guide, we hope you are ready to plan your visit to Kampot with ease and excitement.

Sunset over the river. Sunset over the river. Take a boat trip up the river Take a boat trip up the river Riverside restaurant Riverside restaurant