Kampot travel guide: river town, pepper and Bokor
Kampot is a laid-back river town near the coast, famous for pepper, sunsets on the river and the misty heights of Bokor National Park. Here's how to plan your stay.
In this guide
Kampot sits on the Praek Tuek Chhu river a short distance from the sea. Faded French shophouses, a riverside promenade and a slow pace make it one of Cambodia's most popular places to unwind, with plenty to do nearby when you're ready to move.
The town
The old town is small and walkable. The riverside is lined with cafes and guesthouses, and the old market building has been restored. Many travellers spend their evenings watching the sunset over the river and the Bokor mountains beyond. Around town you'll notice the large durian statue on a roundabout; Kampot is proud of its fruit.
Kampot pepper
Kampot pepper has protected geographical indication status, which means only pepper grown in the defined area under set methods can carry the name. Several farms near Kampot and Kep welcome visitors, explain how black, red and white pepper are produced and sell pepper directly. A visit is easy to combine with the salt fields and caves.
Bokor National Park
Bokor mountain rises above the town. The road to the plateau is in good condition, and the top is noticeably cooler and often misty. Points of interest include the old French hill station church, viewpoints over the coast, a waterfall that flows mainly in the rainy season and a large Buddha statue. Visit early on a clear day for the best views.
Around Kampot
- Salt fields: shallow pans where sea salt is harvested, most active in the dry season.
- Phnom Chhnork: a cave temple with a pre-Angkorian brick shrine inside.
- Secret Lake: a reservoir surrounded by countryside, good for a bicycle or scooter loop.
- Kep: half an hour away, with its crab market and Rabbit Island.
On the river
Kayaks, paddleboards and sunset boat trips are available from riverside guesthouses. Some boat trips include a chance to see fireflies in the mangroves after dark.
How long to stay
Two or three days covers Bokor, a pepper farm and a day trip to Kep, but many people stay longer.
Getting there
Buses and minivans run from Phnom Penh; a train also connects Phnom Penh and Kampot on some days. Kampot is a common stop between Phnom Penh and the islands.