Kampot, Cambodia
Kampot is a charming riverside town in southern Cambodia known for its colonial architecture, laid-back atmosphere, and proximity to natural attractions like mountains, caves, and pepper plantations. It is a popular destination for travelers seeking a mix of history, culture, and nature.
Tourist Attractions:
Bokor National Park
- Description: A vast national park located in the Elephant Mountains, offering a cool climate, hiking trails, and stunning views. Within the park, you’ll find the eerie ruins of the Bokor Hill Station, including a former French colonial church and casino.
- Entrance Fee: $1.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Highlights: Spectacular views, Popokvil Waterfall, old French ruins, and a cool escape from the heat.
- How to Get There: About 37 km from Kampot, accessible by motorbike or tuk-tuk.
Kampot Pepper Plantations
- Description: Kampot is famous for its world-renowned pepper, considered one of the best in the world. Visiting a pepper plantation gives you insight into the cultivation process and the importance of Kampot pepper in Cambodian cuisine.
- Entrance Fee: Free (for most tours, though some plantations offer paid tours).
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Highlights: Learning about pepper cultivation, tastings, and buying pepper directly from the source.
- How to Get There: Several plantations are located 15-30 km from Kampot, accessible by tuk-tuk or motorbike.
Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple
- Description: A natural limestone cave with a hidden pre-Angkorian temple inside. The cave is surrounded by lush greenery and rice fields, making the journey there scenic.
- Entrance Fee: $1.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Highlights: Exploring the cave, the ancient brick temple inside, and scenic views of the countryside.
- How to Get There: Located about 8 km outside Kampot, accessible by tuk-tuk or motorbike.
Kampot River (Preaek Tuek Chhu River)
- Description: The river is the heart of Kampot, where you can relax, take a boat ride, or go paddleboarding. It’s a perfect spot for sunsets.
- Entrance Fee: Free (boat tours vary in price, around $5 to $10 per person).
- Opening Hours: Always open.
- Highlights: Riverside walks, sunset cruises, kayaking, and the relaxed vibe.
- How to Get There: Located in the center of Kampot, easily accessible on foot or by bicycle.
La Plantation
- Description: One of the best-known pepper farms in Kampot, La Plantation offers detailed guided tours that explain the history and cultivation of Kampot pepper, along with tastings.
- Entrance Fee: Free (optional tours cost around $5 per person).
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Highlights: Learning about organic pepper farming, tastings, and a picturesque setting overlooking the countryside.
- How to Get There: Around 18 km from Kampot town, accessible by tuk-tuk or motorbike.
How to Get Around:
- Tuk-tuks: Widely available and affordable for short distances or day tours to nearby attractions.
- Motorbike Rentals: Popular for exploring Kampot’s outskirts and nearby attractions. Rentals are affordable, and roads are generally easy to navigate.
- Bicycle Rentals: Ideal for exploring the town and surrounding countryside at a leisurely pace.
- Walking: Kampot’s compact city center is easy to explore on foot, especially along the riverfront and around the colonial district.
Popular Local Food:
- Kampot Pepper Crab: A must-try dish made with fresh crabs stir-fried in Kampot pepper sauce, highlighting the region’s famous spice.
- Fish Amok: A traditional Khmer dish made of steamed fish in a coconut curry, often served in a banana leaf.
- Lok Lak: A popular Cambodian dish of marinated beef stir-fried with lime and pepper, often served with rice or fries.
- Nom Banh Chok: Cambodian rice noodle dish with green curry and fresh vegetables.
- Prahok Ktis: A creamy, fermented fish dip served with vegetables, typical of Cambodian cuisine.
Top Nightlife Spots in Kampot:
Rikitikitavi
- Description: A popular riverside bar and restaurant with a relaxed vibe and excellent views of the river. It’s known for its cocktails and Western-Cambodian fusion menu.
- Happy Hours: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with 2-for-1 cocktails.
- How to Get There: Located on the Kampot riverfront, accessible by walking or tuk-tuk.
- Entrance Fee: Free.
The Fishmarket
- Description: A stylish bar and restaurant housed in a former fish market building by the river. It offers live music and a wide range of cocktails.
- Happy Hours: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM with drink specials.
- How to Get There: Located near the Old Bridge on the riverfront, accessible by walking or tuk-tuk.
- Entrance Fee: Free.
Banyan Tree
- Description: A relaxed riverside venue offering live music, cold drinks, and a chill atmosphere. It’s a favorite for backpackers.
- Happy Hours: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM with discounted beer and cocktails.
- How to Get There: Located a bit outside the city center, easily accessible by tuk-tuk.
- Entrance Fee: Free.
Mad Monkey Hostel & Bar
- Description: A well-known party spot, part of the Mad Monkey Hostel chain. It features a lively rooftop bar with frequent events and parties.
- Happy Hours: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM with discounted drinks.
- How to Get There: Located in Kampot town, accessible by walking or tuk-tuk.
- Entrance Fee: Free for hostel guests; entrance might be charged for events.
Kampot offers a unique mix of nature, culture, and laid-back living. From exploring the stunning Bokor National Park to tasting Kampot’s famous pepper, this riverside town has something for every traveler. The nightlife is relatively low-key compared to bigger cities, but Kampot has no shortage of cozy spots to enjoy a drink along the riverfront.