Visit Kampot: The Complete Guide

Kampot is a charming riverside town in Cambodia known for its relaxing atmosphere, scenic landscapes, and French colonial architecture. This destination has become a popular choice for visitors seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of Cambodia’s larger cities.

It offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors seeking a more relaxed and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Therefore, let us – Hanoi Voyages – assist you in having the best journey with useful sharing!

The best weather to visit Kampot

Kampot, located in southern Cambodia, has a tropical wet and dry climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The weather can be quite pleasant all year, but it’s important to plan your visit based on your weather preferences and the activities you want to participate in.

Dry Season (November to April): These months from November to February are considered the coolest and driest period in Kampot. Temperatures are comfortable, ranging from around 22°C to 30°C. This is an excellent time for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and exploring the countryside. However, the weather starts to heat up in March and April, with temperatures often reaching into the high 30s°C. It can be quite hot during the daytime, making outdoor activities less comfortable.

Wet Season (May to October): The wet season in Kampot experiences heavy precipitation of rainfall for most of its duration. Rainfall is more frequent, and the humidity levels rise. While it’s still possible to visit during this time, outdoor activities may be limited due to the rain.

So the best time to visit Kampot for outdoor activities and pleasant weather is during the dry season, from November to February. The cooler temperatures make it comfortable for exploring, hiking, and cycling.

Things to do in Kampot

Visit a Kampot Pepper Farm

Kampot is well-known for producing high-quality pepper. Foodies will appreciate the opportunity to visit black pepper farms, where guides will take you through various stages of black pepper forests and allow you to sample the spicy products along the way. The best part is that the tours are free of charge, with no pushy salespeople! Pepper farm tours are a popular activity.

After the tour, take a seat in the on-site restaurant for some extremely fresh dishes with black pepper straight from the vine.

Kampot River

The Kampot River is breathtakingly beautiful, with winding turns through lush jungle and mangroves, is clean enough to swim in, and provides breathtaking sunset views.

Exploring and having fun in the river is definitely one of the best Kampot activities.

You can also enjoy sunset views on the Kampot River. It is famous for its breathtaking sunsets. Find a riverside spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting beautiful hues across the water.

Bokor Mountain

Bokor Mountain is located near Kampot in southern Cambodia. You’ll need to drive or hire transportation to get to the mountain. The road to Bokor Mountain is winding and can be steep in places, so bring a reliable vehicle or join a guided tour.

Bokor Hill Station

The Bokor Hill Station was built in the early 1920s during the French colonial era. It was a haven for French colonialists seeking to escape the heat and humidity of the lowlands.

The station features several historical buildings, including an old casino, church, and hotel, which are now mostly abandoned and in a state of decay. Exploring these structures offers a glimpse into Cambodia’s colonial history.

Bokor National Park

Bokor National Park is a famous park in Cambodia. The main attraction in Bokor National Park is the old French Colonial houses. You can book a day trip at one of the tourist offices or explore the 140,000 hectares by motorbike. With the roads being in good condition, driving by yourself is simple.

Some of the highlights of the park include The Ruins of The Black Palace, The Old Catholic church, Le Bokor Palace Hotel and Casino, Wat Sampov Pram, The Lok Yeay Mao Monument and the chance to spot wild tigers and elephants.

The entrance fee for the Bokor National Park is 0.5 USD and can be paid at the bottom of the hill.

Take a trip day to Kep

Kep Beach, situated about a 30-minute drive from the nearby town of Kampot, is a serene and picturesque destination known for its relaxed atmosphere, fresh seafood, and beautiful coastline. You can get to Kep by bus, taxi, or motorbike rental from Kampot, Phnom Penh, or other major cities. This is a place you should do when you visit Kampot.

You can spend some time sunbathing, swimming, or simply relaxing on the beach. The calm waters make it suitable for swimming, and the gentle sea breeze adds to the peaceful ambiance.

Furthermore, you should visit the Crab Market. Kep is famous for its crab market, where you can savor some of the freshest and most delicious crab dishes in Cambodia. The market is a short walk from the beach, and you can choose from various seafood stalls and restaurants.

Go Kayaking on the Kampot River

Rent a kayak and paddle along the Kampot River to explore at your own pace. Kayaking is a relaxing way to discover the river’s peaceful stretches and admire the surrounding countryside. You can rent kayaks from local operators in Kampot.

You can become a pioneer of the 30 km Kampot River on your very own kayak for as little as 2 USD per hour depending on where you rent.

Visit the salt fields

Another place you must visit is the salt fields. Take a trip to the salt fields outside of Kampot, where you can observe the traditional salt-harvesting process and the expansive salt flats.

On your way to Kep, you will find a number of rice paddies that are currently being used as salt fields. The salt fields are typically active during the dry season, which lasts from November to April. This is the peak of the salt production process. During the wet season, there may be less activity as the fields are inundated with water.

You’ll be able to see the different stages of salt production. This includes filling salt pans with seawater, gradually evaporating the water to leave behind salt crystals, and finally collecting the salt by local workers.

Explore Kampot’s cave temples

There are several caves waiting to be explored when you visit Kampot. You can explore Phnom Chhnork Cave, with a 7th-century temple inside.

The first thing you’ll come across is a small cave, with a ladder that goes up and into the cave above. You can enter if you want but it may be best to pay one of the older male guides here rather than one of the kids. Otherwise, continue walking up to your right until you see a large staircase leading up to the Phnom Chhnork Cave temple.

Kampot Market

Similar to Battambang, there is a Night Market in Kampot. Stroll through the bustling Kampot Market to experience the daily life of the locals. The market has been renovated and reopened for business.

It’s fun to look around with so many stalls selling everything. Find a souvenir, buy some clothes, or simply enjoy the local food and drinks.

Restaurants in Kampot

Rikitikitavi

This riverside restaurant is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. You can sample some of the finest local Khmer dishes as well as excellent international food prepared with fresh ingredients. The relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views of the river make it a great spot for dining.

Ecran Noodles

This simple eatery right in front of the river is one of the most popular restaurants for its handmade noodles and delicious dumplings made fresh in front of you. Everything on the small menu is made with great care and flavourful fresh ingredients, giving it an outstanding flavor that stays with you. The hand-pulled noodles can be enjoyed in an aromatic soup or fried separately, and both the vegetable and pork dumplings come in fried and steamed varieties.

Veronica’s Kitchen

Veronica’s Kitchen, perched on the river’s edge, has an easygoing and friendly vibe that allows you to unwind at any time of day. This is one of Kampot’s best terrace restaurants, with an enviable sunset view and excellent Khmer cuisine. The affordable food and drinks, authentic Cambodian dishes, and great atmosphere make this place special.

Epic Arts Cafe

This cafe not only serves great coffee and snacks but also supports local artists with disabilities. The menu includes sandwiches, salads, and vegan options. You can choose from an extensive range of dishes with special options like vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian. The bagels, cakes, brownies, corn fritters and coffee are really good, as is everything else on the menu. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy some art.

Where to stay in Kampot

Best hotels in Kampot

Kampot Sweet Boutique

Kampot Sweet Boutique offers accommodation with free bikes, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center. Among the various facilities are a garden, a restaurant, as well as a bar. It provides certain units with pool views, and rooms are fitted with a balcony.

Rainforest Hotel by NSUN

Situated in Kampot, 4.7 km from Kampot Pagoda, Rainforest Hotel by NSUN features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center and a garden.

The Square Kampot Hotel

The Square Kampot Hotel features accommodation with a fitness centre, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. The hotel has a terrace and city views, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire is available at this 3-star hotel.

Best bungalows in Kampot

Eden Eco Village

It offers a truly local experience and a chance to get off the beaten path in Kampot. Eden Eco Village is located in a Cham fishing village, an area many travelers don’t usually see when they come to Kampot.

The bungalows at Eden Eco Village were built using renewable building materials. All bungalows on the property overlook the river, some on the water’s edge and others on stilts, with patio doors opening up to the river.

Samon Village

This budget-friendly option is located right on the Kampot River, giving it a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Modeled after a traditional Cambodian village, the bungalows at Samon Village are basic with no hot water. To be honest, Cambodia is already hot, you probably won’t miss the hot water. If you’re not picky about amenities, the rustic bungalows are charming.

Champa Lodge

Champa Lodge is located on the Kampot River, about 20 minutes outside of Kampot city. The property is near a Cham fishing village, farming communities, Buddhist Wats, and Cham Mosques. Champa Lodge is a unique and peaceful place to stay in Kampot to soak in the laid-back vibes.

How to get to Kampot

Phnom Penh to Kampot

By Bus

There are multiple bus companies that operate daily services between Phnom Penh and Kampot. The journey typically takes around 3-4 hours a ticket costs 11 USD, depending on traffic conditions.

By Taxi

You can also hire a taxi or arrange for a private car transfer. This option allows for a more comfortable and convenient journey, especially if you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage.

It cost you between 30 USD and 50 USD and takes approximately 3.5 hours.

By Train

You can take the train to get to Kampot, which takes nearly 5 hours but costs only 6 USD. The best part about traveling by train is that you get to see a lot of Cambodia’s beautiful countryside. If you choose this option, book your tickets at the train station.

Sihanoukville to Kampot

By Minivan

A minivan will cost you 6 USD and will take around 2.5 and 3 hours depending on how good the roads are and the amount of traffic.

By Taxi

If you’re looking for a bit of comfort during your trip, then a private taxi is your best option. The journey will take approximately 1.5 hours in total and will cost about 45 USD.

Siem Reap to Kampot

By Bus

Traveling by bus from Siem Reap to Kampot takes at least 11 hours, but you won’t lose so much time as you travel by night. Taking a bus is the cheapest with costs 15 USD.

By Taxi

If you’re looking for a bit of comfort during your trip, then a private taxi is your best option. The journey will take approximately 9 hours in total and will cost about 150 USD.