Kampot Province, Cambodia Travel Guide

Discover Kampot Province: A fusion of colonial charm, natural beauty, and world-famous pepper in the heart of Cambodia.

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Kampot Province

Kampot Province, nestled along the serene banks of the Prek Kampot River, is a hidden gem in Cambodia. Known for its lush landscapes, colonial architecture, and laid-back atmosphere, Kampot offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical charm. As you wander through the quaint streets of Kampot town, you'll be captivated by the well-preserved French colonial buildings that tell stories of a bygone era. Nature enthusiasts will find a haven in Kampot with its proximity to the stunning Bokor National Park. The park, home to the iconic Bokor Hill Station, offers breathtaking views, misty mountains, and diverse wildlife. Whether you're hiking up to the old French casino or exploring the ancient temples, the sense of adventure is palpable. Don't miss the Popokvil Waterfalls, where you can cool off and enjoy a picnic amidst the serene surroundings. Kampot is also famous for its pepper, renowned as some of the best in the world. A visit to a pepper plantation is a must, where you can learn about the cultivation process and sample the aromatic spices. The town's riverside location makes it perfect for leisurely boat trips, especially at sunset, when the sky paints a magnificent picture over the water. The local markets and eateries offer a delightful array of Khmer cuisine, ensuring that your taste buds are as satisfied as your soul.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kampot Province.

Visit Kampot during the dry season (November to April) for the best weather conditions.
Rent a bicycle or scooter to explore the town and surrounding countryside at your own pace.
Try the local specialty, Fish Amok, at one of the riverside restaurants.
Bring a light jacket if planning a trip to Bokor Hill Station, as it can get chilly.
Don't forget to bargain at the local markets for the best deals on souvenirs and spices.

Explore Kampot Province: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Kampot Province

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Wat Sampov Pram

Discover the serenity of Wat Sampov Pram, a stunning Buddhist temple in Cambodia offering rich cultural insights and breathtaking views.

4.4

Teuk Chhou Rapids

Discover the enchanting Teuk Chhou Rapids, where adventure meets tranquility in the heart of Cambodia's stunning landscapes.

4.0

Beetle Waterfall

Explore the serene beauty of Beetle Waterfall in Krong Kampot, Cambodia, a natural paradise perfect for relaxation and adventure amidst stunning landscapes.

4.4

New Kampot Roundabout

Discover the charm of New Kampot Roundabout, a vibrant hub showcasing the essence of Cambodian culture and local life, perfect for every traveler.

4.1

Best landmarks in Kampot Province

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Bokor Hill Station

Explore a French colonial ghost town amidst breathtaking views in Bokor National Park, Cambodia. A unique blend of history and nature.

4.3

Eden Eco Village

Discover tranquility at Eden Eco Village in Kampot: riverside bungalows, free kayaks, and sustainable living await in the heart of the Cambodian countryside.

4.4

Green Cathedral

Kayak through a mesmerizing natural tunnel near Kampot, where lush greenery forms a cathedral-like archway over a tranquil river loop.

4.2

High Tide Kampot

Riverside relaxation meets animal rescue at this Kampot bar, offering stunning sunsets, affordable drinks, and a heartwarming mission.

4.5

Best restaurants in Kampot Province

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Aroma House

Discover authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors at Aroma House in Kampot - where delicious cuisine meets warm hospitality.

4.8

Simple Things

Discover Simple Things: A charming vegetarian restaurant in Kampot offering delicious meals, artisanal coffee, yoga sessions, and a tranquil atmosphere.

4.7

Lemongrass Bistro

Experience authentic Thai cuisine at Lemongrass Bistro in Krong Kampot – where flavor meets tradition in a cozy atmosphere.

4.5

L’Osteria in Kampot

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at L’Osteria in Kampot - where fresh ingredients meet traditional recipes.

4.7

Best bars in Kampot Province

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Oh Neil's Irish Bar

Discover the heart of Irish hospitality at Oh Neil's Irish Bar, where lively ambiance meets delicious cuisine on the scenic riverside of Kampot.

4.4

Rusty Keyhole Two

Experience the lively atmosphere of Rusty Keyhole Two, Krong Kampot’s beloved sports bar offering great drinks and a welcoming vibe for all.

4.3

The Green Room - Kampot

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of The Green Room in Kampot, where local culture meets a lively pub scene.

4.7

Nowhere

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Nowhere, a hidden bar in Krong Kampot, where local culture and friendly ambiance meet.

4.8

Best nightclubs in Kampot Province

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Royal Kampot KTV

Dive into the lively atmosphere of Royal Kampot KTV, a premier karaoke bar in Krong Kampot, where music and fun come together!

4.1

CoolGirl Bar

Experience vibrant nightlife at CoolGirl Bar in Krong Kampot, where cocktails, music, and a lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.

4.4

Temple Outdoor Lounge

Discover the tranquil charm of Temple Outdoor Lounge in Krong Kampot, where relaxation meets vibrant social life in a picturesque setting.

3.0

អាហារដ្ឋាន ពន្លឺ

Immerse yourself in the electrifying nightlife of Krong Bokor at អាហារដ្ឋាន ពន្លឺ, where unforgettable memories are made.

5.0

Best shops in Kampot Province

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Farm Link

Experience the rich flavors of Cambodian spices at Farm Link in Kampot, a must-visit spice store and tourist attraction.

4.4

Daily Meat

Experience local flavors at Daily Meat, Kampot's favorite grocery store offering fresh produce and quality meats.

4.3

Tiny Kampot Pillows

Explore the vibrant world of handmade pillows and local crafts at Tiny Kampot Pillows in Krong Kampot, a unique shopping experience.

4.9

Kampot Souvenirs Kampot Pepper Shop

Explore the charm of Kampot Souvenirs Kampot Pepper Shop for authentic Cambodian gifts and world-renowned Kampot pepper.

4.6

Explore Kampot Province on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Kampot Province, mapped for you.

Kampot Province Essentials

Kampot Province is accessible from Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, which is approximately 150 kilometers away. The most common way to get to Kampot is by bus or minivan, with several companies offering daily services. The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi for a more comfortable and direct trip. For those preferring a scenic route, the train service operated by Royal Railway Cambodia runs from Phnom Penh to Kampot, taking about 4.5 hours.
Within Kampot Province, transportation options include tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, and rental scooters or bicycles. Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are readily available and are a convenient way to get around town. For more freedom, renting a scooter or bicycle allows you to explore at your own pace. Car rentals are also available but less common. Public buses connect Kampot with neighboring towns and cities, but schedules can be irregular.
The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and some shops, but cash is king, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Kampot town, dispensing both Riel and US Dollars. It is advisable to carry small denominations of cash for convenience.
Kampot is generally considered safe for tourists. However, standard travel precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur, so keep your valuables secure. Areas around the riverside and the night market can get crowded; stay vigilant. Kampot town is relatively safe, but it's advisable to avoid remote areas after dark.
In case of emergency, dial 117 for police assistance, 119 for medical emergencies, and 118 for fire services. Kampot has a local hospital and several clinics for medical needs. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers health emergencies. Pharmacies in the town can provide over-the-counter medications. Always keep a copy of your identification and important contacts handy.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering pagodas. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a respectful nod or a slight bow. A traditional greeting involves placing your palms together in a prayer-like gesture. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Kampot like a local, visit the local markets, such as the Kampot Market, where you can buy fresh produce, local spices, and handmade goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about Kampot’s history and culture. Don’t miss a visit to the salt fields and pepper plantations, which are integral to Kampot’s economy. For a unique experience, take a sunset boat cruise on the Kampot River, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

When is the best time to visit Kampot Province?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Kampot Province

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Kampot Province. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloជំរាបលា
  [chomraplea]
- Goodbyeលាវលា
  [lavyaplea]
- Yesបាទ
  [baat]
- Noទេ
  [te]
- Please/You're welcomeសូម
  [sourm]
- Thank youអរគុណ
  [arkun]
- Excuse me/Sorryសូមស្រាម
  [sourmsraam]
- How are you?អ្នកសុខសប្បាយបានបំផុត?
  [neaksoksabbaybunbomphot]
- Fine. And you?ល្អបាន។ អ្នកទេ?
  [laaban. neakte?]
- Do you speak English?តើអ្នកនៅនាយខ្មែរទេ?
  [teankeanynaykhmer te?]
- I don't understandខ្ញុំមិនពាហទេ
  [knhommpenphach te]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់មើលម៉ឺនុយសូម
  [knhomchongmeulmenun sourm]
- I don't eat meatខ្ញុំមិនបរិយាយសាច់
  [knhommpenbraihsach]
- Cheers!ជម្រាលផង
  [chomreappong]
- I would like to pay, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់បង់ប្រាក់សូម
  [knhomchongbongbraiksourm]
- Help!គាំងគាំង!
  [kaamkaam]
- Go away!បើបាន!
  [beinbein]
- Call the Police!ទូរទស្សន៍មកជួប!
  [tortasornmakjup]
- Call a doctor!ទូរព៌ក។
  [topak]
- I'm lostខ្ញុំវងបិតបាន។
  [knhomvongbaetban]
- I'm illខ្ញុំមានជំងឺ។
  [knhommajchmung]
- I'd like to buy...ខ្ញុំចង់ទិញ...
  [knhomchongtoon...]
- I'm just lookingខ្ញុំសំរាប់បង្កើត
  [knhomsomrapbongkaet]
- How much is it?តើវាខ្លះទេ?
  [tevaklhte?]
- That's too expensiveវាគឺគិតសំរាប់ពិនិត។
  [vekteksomrabpinhit]
- Can you lower the price?តើអ្នកអាចបញ្ចូលតម្លៃបានទេ?
  [teankeachbongcholthmlaibun te?]
- What time is it?ពេលណានេះ?
  [pelnea ney?]
- It's one o'clockវាមួយនាទិច។
  [vamuyneatech]
- Half past (10)កន្លះទិច។
  [knlahneatech]
- Morningព្រឹក
  [proek]
- Afternoonល្ងាច
  [leangchaa]
- Eveningល្ងាច
  [leangchaa]
- Yesterdayម្សិល
  [msul]
- Todayថ្ងៃនេះ
  [thainey]
- Tomorrowស្អែក
  [saek]
- 11
  [1]
- 22
  [2]
- 33
  [3]
- 44
  [4]
- 55
  [5]
- 66
  [6]
- 77
  [7]
- 88
  [8]
- 99
  [9]
- 1010
  [10]
- Where's a/the...?នៅឆ្ងាញ់នេះ?
  [naychnhaaneh?]
- What's the address?អាសយាល៉ុបអ៊ិនសេស?
  [asyalobinseh]
- Can you show me (on the map)?តើអ្នកអាចបង្ហាញខ្ញុំនៅលើផែនទីបានទេ?
  [teankeachbonghangknhomnaleapenhtei bun te?]
- When's the next (bus)?នេះមួយរយបេ្រតដែល?
  [neymuoyraaybaatdeul]
- A ticket (to ....)សំបុ៏រត។
  [sombot]

History of Kampot Province

The history of Kampot Province dates back to ancient times, with early settlements emerging in the pre-Angkorian era. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited by the Funan Kingdom around the 1st century AD. These early societies were known for their complex irrigation systems and trade connections with India and China, laying the groundwork for Kampot's later development.
During the Angkorian period (9th to 15th centuries), Kampot Province became an important part of the Khmer Empire. The province's strategic location along the coast and its fertile lands made it a significant contributor to the empire's economy. Temples and ruins from this period, such as Phnom Chhnork, offer glimpses into the region's rich cultural heritage.
In the late 19th century, Kampot became a vital port under French colonial rule. The French influence is still evident today in the town's architecture, with colonial-era buildings and broad, tree-lined boulevards. The Bokor Hill Station, a mountain resort built by the French in the 1920s, stands as a testament to this period, offering panoramic views and a sense of historical grandeur.
After gaining independence from France in 1953, Kampot experienced significant changes. The province was affected by the Cambodian Civil War and the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Many residents suffered during this tumultuous period, and the region's infrastructure was heavily damaged. Despite these challenges, Kampot has since rebuilt and recovered, preserving its historical sites and cultural traditions.
Today, Kampot Province is experiencing a cultural renaissance. The town of Kampot has become a popular destination for tourists, known for its pepper plantations, salt fields, and vibrant arts scene. The annual Kampot Writers & Readers Festival celebrates the region's literary and artistic contributions, drawing visitors from around the world. This blend of historical richness and modern creativity makes Kampot a unique and compelling destination.