What to do in Kampot: Things To Reach The Flavorful Adventure

What to do in Kampot - The renowned province of Cambodia. Kampot, which is close to the verdant Elephant Mountains and the well-known Bokor Hill station, offers peace and quiet in contrast to the bustling Sihanoukville in the province's northern region. Discover the top ten things visitors to Kampot must not miss.

Where is Kampot?

This province is in the Southwest of the nation and has an 80-kilometer stretch of coastline that borders the Gulf of Thailand. Kampot, the name of the famous province, is situated close to the base of the famed Bokor Hill Station and the lush, verdant Elephant Mountains. In the northern part of the province, close to congested Sihanoukville, you could discover peace. So, what to do in Kampot?

The most well-liked day trips from Kampot are probably to Kep Beach, Rabbit Island, Bokor Hill Station, and the countryside. Pre-Angkorian ruins and caverns, jungle treks, bicycle tours, river cruises, island excursions, fishing excursions, deserted beaches, pepper plantations, bamboo train rides, and some breathtaking rural scenery are just a few of the other attractions in the Kampot region. 

When is the best time to visit Kampot?

The winter months are the peak season in Kampot (November - January). This is a lovely time of year in terms of warmth, but it is also busier and more costly than normal. The months of March through May are the warmest of the year and should be avoided. The monsoon season arrives in the middle of the year, bringing heavy rain and afternoon thunderstorms.

The best time to visit Kampot is after the monsoon season (September-October) when the rice fields are green, the temperatures are mild, and it is less congested.

Best time to visit Kampot

Where to stay in Kampot?

• Budget: Some hostels have mixed and single-sex dormitories, common outdoor areas, and a rotating schedule of excursions and activities.
• Mid-range: Hotels are conveniently positioned across the city. Breakfast is given each morning on the airy terrace off the upper rooms. The staff is wonderful. Guests can borrow bicycles for free.
• One of Cambodia's trendiest boutique hotels, set in a restored classic cinema theatre.
• Luxury: Well-appointed bungalows designed in the traditional Khmer style are also available.
• Riverside bungalows: On the other side of the river, some options are owned by a family homestay-style housing. There are bungalows with views of the water and a spacious lawn. Ideal for families.

What to do in Kampot: Top things travelers should not miss

1. Cross The Ancient French Bridge

Kampot's historic French Bridge, also known as Entanou Bridge, was erected during the colonial period in the 1920s. The Khmer Rouge cruelly demolished its massive steel arches, but the bridge was eventually repaired, and portions of its original structure were recreated.

A regular flow of walkers, motorcycles, and bicycles crosses the bridge that connects the Kampot riverbank to Thvi, a residential district on the opposite bank. Duck behind the Kampot Tourist Office for a fantastic view of the action. Tuk-tuks and vehicles are not permitted to enter the bridge; instead, they must use the rebuilt bridge, which is located another 500m up the road.

2. The Colonial Architecture Of Admire Kampot

Kampot's French government, like those of Battambang and Phnom Penh, lavished lavish architectural monuments on its central region. The most spectacular colonial structures in Kampot are found along the river south of the Old Market area. The brick-colored Red Cross Kampot Branch, the National Bank of Cambodia, and the Kampot Provincial Museum have all been appropriately restored.

You can't get inside because it's still a government facility, but security officers stationed outside are eager for you to take photographs through the fence or the open gate. Come after 5 p.m., when the bank shuts, to avoid vehicles parking in front.

Old Temple Phnom BokorKampot Province

3. Kayak Green Cathedral

The most beautiful part of the Praek Tuek Chhu River is located 5 kilometers north of Kampot, where the river naturally twists to accommodate thickets of jungle vegetation and mangrove swamps. The Green Cathedral is a lovely still-water loop where you may paddle your kayak leisurely.

4. Where to buy Kampot pepper - Take a tour

Kampot peppercorns are famous across the world for their exceptional flavor. Pepper has been commercially grown in Kampot since the 13th century. By the 1920s, this region of Cambodia supplied nearly all of the pepper used in France (an estimated 2,600 tons)! The sector has witnessed a rebirth in recent decades, and pepper growing is now a successful enterprise.

Read more: Best things to buy in Cambodia

Young woman on a black pepper farm in Kampot pepper tour

5. Explore The Cave Temples Of Kampot

Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple is a 7th-century Hindu temple located on the outskirts of Kampot in a limestone cave. After arriving at the location through a bumpy ride, you must walk or cycle across fields to reach the cliffs where the caves are hidden. Although there is no official admission price, you may be charged a few bucks to enter. The cave is beautifully illuminated.

6. Climbodia Will Get You High

If you enjoy confined spaces, Climbodia provides caving and climbing guided trips for all skill levels, from beginner to experienced. The Discovery Tour, which lasts four hours, combines basic rock climbing, abseiling, and caving to show you the area's unusual rock formations.

7. Explore The Local History At The Kampot Provincial Museum

The museum is housed inside the Old Governor's Mansion, located south of the Old Market on the river's edge. It has been magnificently restored, like the National Bank next door, with its plasterwork, historic floor tiles, and wooden shutters all brought back from the edge. There is a good deal of material in English for overseas travelers. The most fascinating exhibitions focus on Kampot's colonial past and previous population.

How to get to Kampot?

From Phnom Penh to Kampot

To get from Phnom Penh to Kampot, you can flight or take a bus, a private taxi, or a train.

• By flights:

From Phnom Penh to Kampot by the calculated flying distance from Phnom Penh to Kampot is about 83 miles (133 km).

• By car:

If you want to go by car, the driving distance between Phnom Penh and Kampot is 148 km.

Taxis From Phnom Penh to Kampot: If you’re looking for some comfort during your trip, a private taxi is your best option. The journey will take approximately 3 hours in total and there is some absolutely stunning scenery along the way.

On average, a private taxi from Phnom Penh to Kampot will cost in the region of $50 (that’s usually the quote from Phnom Penh airport to Kampot). You’ll have the option of stopping for toilet breaks, coffee, and even sightseeing if you wish.

The better service for travelers is car pick-up services. The drivers will pick you up from your hotel, the airport, or any other convenient location. Please contact us to book a safe, reliable taxi driver from anywhere in Cambodia.

Private drivers take care of the luggage 

• By bus:

Buses from Phnom Penh to Kampot have many bus companies offering economy and VIP buses.

Generally, an economy bus ranges from $4-$6 on average and sits roughly 50 people, which takes 4.5 hours.

From Sihanoukville to Kampot

The flying distance from Phnom Penh to Kampot is about 133 km. If you want to go by car, the driving distance between Phnom Penh and Kampot is 148 km.

To get from Sihanoukville to Kampot, you can either take a bus, a private taxi, or a train. If you’re looking for some comfort during your trip, a private taxi is your best option. The journey will take approximately 1.5 hours in total and cost about $45.

From Siem Reap to Kampot

To get from Siem Reap to Kampot, you can either take a bus, a private taxi, or the train. If you’re looking for comfort during your trip, a private taxi is your best option. The journey will take approximately 9 hours in total and cost about $150.

From Battambang to Kampot

Battambang province is located about halfway between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

• By air:

If you are traveling by air, you can take a flight from Battambang to Kampot. The journey by flight takes about 1-2 hours. The distance between the two cities is approximately 60 kilometers. There are several airlines that operate between Battambang and Kampot. You can get Domestic flight Booking easily.

View from an airplane landing at Siem Reap Airport - Cambodia

•  By road:

The easiest way to get from Battambang to Kampot is by road, which takes about 4-5 hours. The distance between the two cities is approximately 200 kilometers. There are several bus companies that operate between Battambang and Kampot.

• By water:

If you are traveling by water, you can take a boat from Battambang to Kampot, which takes about 8-9 hours. The distance between the two cities is approximately 400 kilometers. There are several boat companies that operate between Battambang and Kampot.

Planning a journey to Cambodia like a tourist? And what to do in Kampot? The e-Visa is a practical and effective choice for entrance permits, even though it might not be appropriate for regular visitors. Get your Cambodia e-Visa to avoid the bother of in-person Cambodia e-Visa applications and travel to Cambodia for the tantalizing journey that is waiting for you there.