Backpackers are famous for turning unheard-of places into hotspots. It’s a blessing and a pity at the same time, but it’s because of these modern-day explorers (us included) that we get to know about amazing places like Kampot.
Nestled along a scenic riverbank, Kampot became popular for its serene atmosphere, colonial architecture, and its world-renowned pepper. The quiet town is now booming with expatriates and locals alike who decided to live and explore the area.
Also read: 3 Days in Siem Reap – The Perfect Itinerary
As you wander through the streets here, you are immediately struck by the well-preserved French colonial buildings and the smell of delicious food.
Don’t be surprised if you get constantly asked about different secret waterfalls by other tourists – amazing adventures surround the town and new hidden gems are always being discovered around here.
In this post, we will explore some of the best things to do in Kampot, helping you make the most of your visit to this incredibly serene destination!
Pro tip: if you prefer to have more flexibility during your time in Cambodia, we recommend the most authentic way of travel in the country: renting and driving your very own Tuk-Tuk with TukTuk Rental! For a special discount, use our code “wheretoflow” when booking.
1. Explore Bokor Hill Station
Ruins of a 1920’s station built by the French over the mountains of Cambodia, consumed by the jungle and some orange mold worthy of being an extra in The Last of Us?! That’s Bokor Hill Station.
Today, visitors can explore the ruins of this colonial military outpost, which includes a grand hotel, church, medical center, as well as the old royal residence. The hill station is also a popular destination for nature lovers, as it is surrounded by a national park with lush forests, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Getting to Bokor Hill is relatively easy, as it is situated just one hour from the center of Kampot. The road leading up to the hill is well-conserved and offers a scenic drive with plenty of greenery and wildlife (including lots of monkeys!). You can usually see everything in half a day and there’s no entrance fee to visit the complex.
Read all about it on our Bokor Hill Station – A Guide to Kampot’s Forgotten Land post!
2. Kayak the Green Cathedral
The Green Cathedral (or Green Loop) is a 3 km stretch of an inland waterway offshoot of the Tuek Chhu River. Its name comes from the branches of palm trees forming a tunnel over the water, creating a natural vaulted ceiling reminiscent of a European cathedral.
The best way to visit it is by renting a kayak. Padding through the Green Cathedral takes about 1 to 2 hours for the entire loop.
Kayaks are available for rental from nearby hotels and guesthouses like Bopha Prey Kampot, The Hideaway-Kampot, Champa Lodge, and Meraki Kampot. All located around a 10-minute ride from the city center.
🚣♂️ You can rent a kayak for around 6 USD an hour for non-guests (cheaper if you’re a guest).
4. Visit a Pepper Farm
Just like you can’t go to Italy and not have a pizza, or to Sri Lanka and not try their tea, you can’t go to Kampot and not try their pepper! Considered to be one of the world’s finest, this very aromatic spice is native to Cambodia and has a history traceable back to the 14th century.
One of the best ways to learn more about it is by visiting a Pepper Farm. You will get a chance to learn about the cultivation and production process of pepper and even try a selection of the different types produced on the farm.
Some popular pepper farms include La Plantation, Sothy’s Pepper Farm, and BoTree Farm. Each farm offers a unique experience, varying from guided tours and cooking classes, to pepper tasting sessions.
Tip: Joining a guided tour is the easiest way to visit the farms. It might cost a bit more than going independently, but transportation and itinerary are taken care of for you.
5. Relax by the Kampot River
Kampot River, also known as Prek Toek Chhou River, is a tranquil place to spend the day. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the river at your own pace, or simply relax on the banks and enjoy the scenery.
There are several riverside restaurants and cafés where you can sample local cuisine while watching the sunset. For a truly unique experience, consider staying at one of the many floating guesthouses on the river.
Tip: Some of the popular riverside restaurants and cafes in Kampot include Rikitikitavi and Beach Park Kampot. Not by the riverbank but close to it is the Simple Things restaurant – our fave!
6. Phnom Chhgok Cave Temple
Located around 12 km from Kampot is Phnom Chhgok Cave Temple: a cave nested atop a limestone karst that houses an ancient temple from the 7th century, from a pre-Angkorian era known as the Funan period.
The small temple is built against the cave wall and around a stalactite and is quite the sight! There are sometimes locals around the entrance offering you a guided tour for a small amount of money. They’re great, just make sure to always agree on a price beforehand.
🎟️ There is an entrance fee of around one dollar for foreigners to visit the temple.
To get here, most travelers rent a motorbike in Kampot and use Google Maps for navigation. You can expect a 45-minute scenic ride, with the Cambodian countryside unfolding around you. To reach the temple, you’ll need to climb roughly 200 stone steps up to the cave.
7. Kep Beach Day Trip
Kep, once a hotspot in the 1950s and 60s, was once known for its opulent colonial mansions and exclusive beach clubs. Although it lost much of its glitz and glamour during the civil war, it is slowly regaining its popularity again. A day trip from Kampot to Kep is an exceptional way to experience the laid-back side of Cambodia.
How to Get to Kep
🛺 The tuk-tuk journey between Kampot and Kep takes about 35 to 45 minutes, costing around $10 to $12 for two people.
🛵 If you can drive, renting a motorbike is a good and cheap option. You can rent a motorbike in Kampot for about $4 to $7 per day.
⛵ Another option is to take the Crab Shuttle, a boat service available at $9,50 one-way (and $13,50 return trip). The boat ride takes about two hours, departing at 9:30 AM from Kampot to Kep and returning from Kep at 3:30 PM.
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8. Climb Phnom Sorsia
Phnom Sorsia is a Buddhist hillside complex home to several natural caves. The most notable cave is the White Elephant Cave (Rung Damrey Saa), named after a stalagmite resembling an elephant head, which you can reach by a series of slippery steps. The path winds down, up, and eventually out through a hole on the other side of the cave.
Another must-visit here is the Bat Cave. Teeming with bats, you’ll see (and hear) them fluttering overhead. The circuit around the Bat Cave ends near a hilltop stupa, offering impressive views of the surrounding landscape.
🛵 Phnom Sorsia is easily accessible from NH33, located 13,5km southeast of Kampot. Look for a sign reading ‘Phnom Sorsia Resort’ and follow the dirt road through the rice fields to reach the hill.
9. Visit the Salt Fields
Some might say salt is what Kampot is really known for, not pepper. We’re not here to agree or disagree, but the fact remains: the salt produced in Kampot is the one that gets shipped to the entire country.
The salt fields stretch across much of Kampot’s coastline and consist of large paddy-like areas where the ocean water accumulates and then evaporates, leaving a thick layer of raw salt coating the ground. Workers then carefully collect and process it before shipping it to the rest of Cambodia.
There are easily accessible salt pans along the road to Kep and to Phnom Duong Beach.
🌤️ The best time to visit is during the dry months of January to April, as this is when salt cultivation occurs. During these months, you can witness the entire process of salt production.
Also read: Koh Rong – The Ultimate Guide to The Maldives of Cambodia
10. Experience the Night Market
The night market in Kampot is known for its lively atmosphere: it’s filled with music, illuminated with colorful lights, and surrounded by charming colonial-era buildings. Once known as Marché de Nuit, it has evolved from a local shopping area into a tourist hub.
The market features a wide array of products and services, including local handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs. The main attraction, however, is the food! Make sure to try some Khmer BBQ with fresh fruit juices.
Where to Stay in Kampot
Kampot is quite a small city and most hotels are located only a short walk from the main road.
