Kampot Travel Guide 2026: Pepper Farms, Bokor National Park, Kep, River Sunsets, Costs & Tips

Kampot, in southern Cambodia near the Gulf of Thailand, is a laid-back riverside town known for its faded French colonial buildings, sunsets over the Praek Tuek Chhu River, and its world-famous Kampot pepper, one of the first Cambodian products with protected geographical indication status. Framed by the mountains of Bokor National Park, Kampot is ideal for slowing down: cycling through salt fields and pepper plantations, kayaking or paddleboarding on the river, exploring caves and Buddhist temples, and visiting the abandoned Bokor Hill Station, built by the French in the 1920s. Just 25 km away, the seaside town of Kep is famous for its crab market, and boats sail to Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island). This Kampot travel guide covers the best time to visit, top places with booking tips, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, entry rules and practical tips.

Best Time to Visit Kampot

Dry season (November–April): The best time to visit, with sunny days and temperatures of about 25–33°C. Pepper harvest is roughly February to May.

Rainy season (May–October): Afternoon rain, lush landscapes and fewer visitors; Bokor can be foggy.

Events: Kampot Writers and Readers Festival (check if held) and Khmer New Year (April).

Top Places to Visit in Kampot

1. Kampot Pepper Farms

Visit plantations such as La Plantation or Sothy's Pepper Farm to learn how green, black, red and white pepper are grown and processed, and taste the famous pepper.

Booking tip: Countryside tours combine pepper farms, salt fields and caves. Book a Kampot countryside tour on GetYourGuide

2. Bokor National Park and Hill Station

A mountain plateau about 1 hour away, with the ruins of the French Bokor Palace Hotel, an old Catholic church, the Lok Yeay Mao statue, a waterfall and sweeping views. Large modern developments, including a casino, have changed the area.

Booking tip: A guided tour includes transport and history of the hill station. Book a Bokor National Park tour on GetYourGuide

3. River Sunset Cruise

Cruise the Praek Tuek Chhu River at sunset, often with fireflies after dark.

Booking tip: Many cruises include drinks and swimming stops. Book a Kampot sunset cruise on GetYourGuide

4. Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Paddle along the river past mangroves and fishing villages.

Booking tip: Rent from riverside guesthouses or join a guided tour. Book kayaking in Kampot on GetYourGuide

5. Kep and the Crab Market

A sleepy seaside town with a lively crab market, where you can eat crab cooked with fresh Kampot pepper, colonial villa ruins and Kep National Park.

Booking tip: Day tours combine Kep with pepper farms. Book a Kep and Kampot tour on GetYourGuide

6. Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island)

A small island off Kep with simple bungalows, beaches and hammocks, reached by boat in about 20–30 minutes.

Booking tip: Boat trips from Kep run daily. Book a Rabbit Island trip on GetYourGuide

7. Phnom Chhnork and Cave Temples

A cave temple with a 7th-century pre-Angkorian brick shrine, reached through rice fields.

Booking tip: Tuk-tuk tours often include caves and salt fields. Book Kampot tours on GetYourGuide

Also worth visiting: the salt fields, the Durian Roundabout, the Old Bridge, Secret Lake, Kampot Provincial Museum, and the Royal Railway station.

Suggested 3-Day Kampot Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the old town, the riverfront and a sunset cruise.

Day 2: Bokor National Park.

Day 3: Pepper farm, salt fields, caves, and crab for dinner in Kep.

Kampot Food Scene

Try Kep crab with Kampot pepper, fish amok, lok lak with pepper sauce, nom banh chok and fresh seafood. Kampot has many international cafés and restaurants thanks to its expat community.

Classic Southern Cambodia Route

Kampot is part of a popular southern route: start in Phnom Penh, visit the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, then head south to Kampot and Kep for a few relaxed days, before finishing on the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem via Sihanoukville. The route can be done by bus, private taxi or train, and takes about a week to ten days.

Cambodian Etiquette

Cambodians are warm and welcoming. Greet people with the sampeah, pressing your palms together in front of your chest with a slight bow. Remove your shoes before entering homes and temple buildings, and dress modestly at religious sites. Monks are highly respected: women shouldn't touch them or hand objects directly to them. Avoid touching anyone's head, and don't point your feet at people or Buddha images. Bargaining is normal in markets, but keep it friendly. Tipping isn't compulsory but is appreciated, especially for guides and drivers.

Practical Planning Notes

Bring sunscreen and a hat for bike rides. Kampot's riverside guesthouses rent kayaks, paddleboards and bicycles, making it easy to plan your days without a tour. Expect a slow pace: many cafés and restaurants open late in the morning, and the town is at its best around sunset, when locals gather along the river promenade. A day trip to Kep is easy by tuk-tuk, but staying a night lets you enjoy its quiet seaside atmosphere. Kampot is small and easy to explore by bike, scooter or tuk-tuk. Many guesthouses are along the river outside town, so arrange transport. Bring cash in US dollars and riel, as cards are less widely accepted. In the rainy season, roads to some sights may be muddy. Kampot pairs well with Kep and Phnom Penh, and the coastal road continues to Sihanoukville.

Cambodia in Brief

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian kingdom of about 17 million people. Before the civil war, Kampot pepper was prized by French chefs; production collapsed under the Khmer Rouge and has been revived since the 1990s.

Where to Stay in Kampot

• Old town: Guesthouses and boutique hotels in colonial buildings.
• Riverside: Bungalows and eco-lodges with kayaks.
• Kep: Seaside resorts and villas.
• Bokor: Mountain hotels and resorts.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Kampot here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Cambodia

Kampot has no airport. The nearest are Phnom Penh's Techo International Airport, about 3 hours away, and Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS), about 1.5–2 hours away. Search and compare cheap flights to Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville to find the best fares.

By Bus and Train

Buses and minivans connect Kampot with Phnom Penh (about 3 hours), Kep and Sihanoukville. The Royal Railway runs between Phnom Penh, Kampot and Sihanoukville; check the schedule.

Getting Around

• Bikes and scooters.
• Tuk-tuks.
• Boats: On the river and to islands.

Travel Costs in Kampot

Cambodia uses the Cambodian riel (KHR), but the US dollar is widely used.

Visa Rules

• Visa: Most visitors need a tourist visa. An e-visa costs about US$30, applied for on the official website, or a visa on arrival costs US$30 in cash at international airports. Stays are limited to 30 days.
• e-Arrival card: Complete the free e-Arrival form online within 7 days before arrival.
• Passport: Valid for at least six months.

Local Tips for Kampot

• Bring cash.
• Use insect repellent near the river.
• Buy pepper directly from farms.
• Staying connected: A travel eSIM or local SIM works well. Get your Cambodia eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Pepper farm tours.
• Bokor National Park trips.
• River cruises and kayaking.
• Kep and Rabbit Island trips.

Browse and book the best tours in Kampot here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kampot

What is Kampot pepper?
A high-quality pepper grown in the Kampot and Kep provinces, with protected geographical indication status. It's prized for its aromatic flavour and comes in green, black, red and white varieties.

How far is Kep from Kampot?
About 25 km, roughly 30–40 minutes by tuk-tuk or scooter.

Is Bokor National Park worth visiting?
Yes, for its cool climate, views and abandoned French hill station, though modern development has changed the atmosphere.

How do I get from Phnom Penh to Kampot?
By bus or minivan in about 3 hours, or by train on the Royal Railway.

Do I need a visa for Cambodia?
Most visitors need a visa (e-visa or visa on arrival, about US$30) and must complete the e-Arrival form.

Kampot's slow riverside charm, world-famous pepper and easy day trips to Kep and Bokor make it the perfect place to pause on a Cambodia itinerary — rent a kayak, catch a sunset cruise, and save room for crab in Kep.