Cambodia · Southern Cambodia

Kampot

Riverside colonial town — pepper plantations, Bokor Hill Station + Kep crab

Kampot is Cambodia's riverside colonial town — French-era shophouses along the Kampot River, world-famous Kampot pepper plantations, misty Bokor Hill Station (French mountain retreat + abandoned casino), and Kep's crab market 30 min east. Chill Cambodia.

From Phnom Penh
3h 30m bus (~$8)
From Sihanoukville
2h bus (~$5)
Kep
30 min east — crab market
Bokor Hill
Misty mountain drive + abandoned casino

Kampot highlights

Kampot river sunset cruise

Longtail boat sunset tour with drinks — $5-10 for a 2h cruise. Firefly tours night option.

Kampot pepper plantation tour

Half-day tour of a family pepper farm — La Plantation is the popular one. Free tastings + Cambodian lunch.

Bokor Hill Station

1h drive up to 1,000m — misty pine forest + abandoned French casino + massive Wat Sampov Pram Buddha.

Kep + crab market (30 min east)

The classic Kampot crab market — grilled crab with green Kampot pepper. $8-15 for a plate.

Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay)

Small beach island 20 min boat from Kep — hammocks + fresh seafood + basic bungalows.

Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple

7th-century pre-Angkor brick temple inside a cave — active pagoda. Half-day.

Salt fields

Traditional salt production 5 km outside Kampot — free walk-through.

Getting there

No airport. Bus from Phnom Penh (3h 30m, ~$8) or Sihanoukville (2h, ~$5). Standard Giant Ibis / Mekong Express services.

Getting around

Rent a scooter $6/day (essential). Tuk-tuk $2-4 in town. Walking around Kampot centre.

Best time to visit

November-February (dry + cool). Avoid March-May (very hot). October rainy but green.

Budget per day

$15-30 backpacker · $50-100 mid-range · $200+ boutique (Villa Vedici, Ganesha Eco Farm)

Where to stay in Kampot

Frequently asked about Kampot

How do I get to Kampot?
Bus from Phnom Penh (3h 30m, ~$8) or Sihanoukville (2h, ~$5) with Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, or Vet Air.
How many days do I need in Kampot?
3-4 days — day 1 arrive + sunset cruise, day 2 pepper plantation + Kep crab market, day 3 Bokor Hill + salt fields, day 4 Rabbit Island.
Is Kampot worth visiting?
Yes — the chilled counterpoint to Angkor + Phnom Penh. Perfect 3-4 day stop between Phnom Penh + Sihanoukville islands.
When is the best time to visit Kampot?
November-February (dry + cool). Avoid April-May (40°C+). October rainy but the countryside is greenest.