Kampot is a charming riverside town in southern Cambodia, famous worldwide for its fragrant Kampot pepper. It offers a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful countryside, the nearby Bokor National Park, caves, river sunsets and easy access to Kep and the coast.
Tourism Places in Kampot
Kampot Riverfront
Relaxed riverside promenade with cafés, colonial buildings and sunset views — the heart of town life.
Kampot Pepper Plantations
World-famous PGI Kampot pepper. Plantation tours, tastings and farm experiences for green, black, red and white pepper.
Bokor National Park & Hill Station
Mountain plateau (~1,000 m) with cool air, old French hill-station ruins (church, casino, hotel), Popokvil Waterfall and coastal viewpoints. ~1 hour from town.
Caves
- Phnom Chhnork — Limestone cave with an ancient brick temple inside
- Phnom Sorsia (White Elephant Cave) — Cave shrines and formations
River activities
Sunset cruises, kayaking, paddleboarding and seasonal firefly boat trips on the Kampot River.
Salt fields & Tek Chhou
Traditional salt pans near the coast; Tek Chhou reservoir and riverside area for swimming and picnics.
Other
- Easy day trip to Kep (crab market, beach, national park)
- Cooking classes featuring Kampot pepper
- Colonial architecture walk
How to Go
About 3–3.5 h from Phnom Penh by bus, minivan or private car. 30–40 min from Kep. Buses also link to Sihanoukville.
Where to Stay
Riverside boutique hotels and guesthouses (e.g. Rikitikitavi), garden resorts and budget hostels. French-colonial-style and modern options along the river and in town.
Where to Eat
Seafood, Kampot pepper crab, Khmer and Western riverside restaurants. Riverfront dinner with a view is a highlight.
Practical Tips
- Rent a motorbike or hire a driver for pepper farms, caves and Bokor.
- Plan at least one sunset river cruise or riverside dinner.
- Combine with Kep for a 2–4 day coastal trip.