KAMPOT
Kampot is a charming riverside town in southern Cambodia, known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful colonial architecture, and stunning natural attractions including lush mountains and pepper plantations. The region is also famous for its unique Kampot pepper and the production of durian, a distinctive Southeast Asian fruit.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Kampot is during the dry season, which typically lasts from November to April. This period experiences less rainfall and more sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
How to Get There:
The nearest airport is in Sihanoukville, about 2 hours away by car. From Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, Kampot is about a 4-5 hour drive. Buses and mini-buses are available from both locations. Once in town, tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are common modes of transportation, and bicycles or motorbikes can also be rented for self-guided exploration.
Health and Wellness:
Pharmacies are available in town for basic medical needs. For serious conditions, it's best to go to Phnom Penh or seek medical evacuation. Tap water isn't safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available.
Top 10 Attractions:
Bokor National Park: Home to an abandoned French hill station, this national park offers stunning views, hiking trails, and a giant statue of Lok Yeay Mao, a revered legendary figure.
Phnom Chhnork Cave Temple: A 7th-century brick temple within a massive cave. The temple remains in excellent condition and the cave offers impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Kampot River: A scenic river that's perfect for a leisurely boat ride. Enjoy the lush greenery and spot local wildlife.
Kampot Provincial Museum: A great place to learn about the history and culture of Kampot province.
French Colonial Architecture: Wander the streets of Kampot to appreciate the well-preserved French colonial architecture.
Old Catholic Church: An eerie yet beautiful abandoned church atop Bokor Mountain in Bokor National Park.
Salt Fields: Visit the salt fields where local people extract salt from seawater. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from January to April.
Kep Beach: A short ride away from Kampot, this beach is perfect for a relaxing day trip.
Kampot Traditional Music School: Learn about traditional Khmer music and support a good cause at the same time.
Durian Roundabout: A large durian statue in the middle of a roundabout, celebrating Kampot's status as the durian capital of Cambodia.
Top 10 Activities:
River Cruises: Take a relaxing cruise along the Kampot River, with many operators offering sunset cruises.
Pepper Plantation Tours: Visit places like La Plantation or Starling Ridge Plantation to learn about the production of Kampot's world-renowned pepper.
Cooking Classes: Learn how to make traditional Khmer dishes. Many classes include a visit to a local market to learn about local ingredients.
Climbing and Rappelling: Climbodia offers unique climbing experiences and discovery tours inside a cave.
Rent a Bicycle: Explore Kampot at your own pace with a rented bicycle, a popular way to get around the town.
Yoga Classes: Check out Banteay Srey Spa or Simple Things Yoga for a relaxing yoga class.
Kayaking: Rent a kayak and paddle along the Kampot River, a calm and beautiful waterway.
Visit Kep Crab Market: Head to nearby Kep and visit the bustling crab market, where you can have fresh seafood cooked to order.
Hiking: Bokor National Park and Phnom Kampong Trach Cave offer great hiking opportunities.
Massage and Spa Treatments: Try a traditional Khmer massage or other spa treatments at Banteay Srey Spa.
Shopping:
Kampot Market: A traditional Cambodian market where you can find a variety of goods from fresh food and spices to clothing and handicrafts. It's an excellent place to get a feel for local life.
Old Market Street: This street is lined with small shops selling antiques, handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs. It's a great place to find unique gifts.
Kampot Pepper Shops: Visit one of the many shops selling Kampot's world-famous pepper. It makes a great gift for food-lovers back home.
Bookshops: There are a couple of bookshops in Kampot where you can find a selection of English books. Examples include Epic Arts Café and Bookish Bazaar which also sells locally made art and crafts.
Art Shops: Check out places like The Kampot Art Gallery for local artwork. Buying art from local artists is a great way to support the community and bring home a unique souvenir.
Entertainment:
Movie Nights: The Ecran Movie House is a small independent cinema that shows a selection of international and Khmer films. They also host "Kampot Picture Show", a free community cinema event.
Kampot Arts and Music Association (KAMA): They host a variety of cultural events, including live music performances, art exhibitions, and workshops.
Kampot Readers and Writers Festival: If your visit aligns with this annual event, you can enjoy a series of readings, workshops, and cultural performances.
Nightlife: Kampot has a relaxed nightlife scene with a few bars and pubs where you can enjoy a drink and meet fellow travelers. Rikitikitavi and The Fishmarket are popular choices.
Kampot's culinary scene is a delightful blend of traditional Khmer cuisine and international influences. Here's a deeper look into some food and drink options:
Local Cuisine
Kampot Pepper Crab: This is a must-try dish, typically made with fresh crab stir-fried with the world-renowned Kampot pepper. It's best enjoyed at riverside seafood restaurants.
Amok: A traditional Cambodian curry, usually made with fish, coconut milk, and a blend of Khmer spices, then steamed in banana leaves. It's a staple dish that's found in most restaurants.
Kep Crab Market: While technically in Kep, a nearby town, the fresh seafood in this market is worth the short trip. Here, you can select your own crab or other seafood and have it cooked on the spot with Kampot pepper.
Restaurants
The Rusty Keyhole: Known for its succulent BBQ ribs, this riverside restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists. It also serves a variety of Khmer and Western dishes.
Epic Arts Café: This cafe provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities. They serve a variety of Western and Asian dishes, delicious cakes, and great coffee.
The Fishmarket: This restaurant offers a fusion of Cambodian and Western cuisines. They're well-known for their seafood dishes, especially those using locally sourced crab.
Vegetarian/Vegan Options
The Simple Things: This restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, including salads, sandwiches, smoothie bowls, and homemade desserts.
Coffee and Drinks
Café Espresso: This Australian-style café is known for its excellent coffee. They roast their own beans and offer a variety of brew methods.
Rikitikitavi: Their rooftop bar offers stunning river views and a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and beers.
Local Produce
La Plantation: A pepper farm where you can taste and learn about the famous Kampot pepper. They also offer a variety of pepper-based products to take home.
Starling Ridge Plantation: Another great place to learn about Kampot pepper. They also produce palm sugar and fruit preserves.
Itineraries:
Itinerary 1:
2 Days of Nature and Adventure in Kampot, Cambodia
Day 1:
Morning: Start your day early with a trip to the Kampot Market, where you can immerse yourself in local life. Grab breakfast at one of the food stalls.
Afternoon: Head out for an adventurous day at Climbodia, where you can try rock climbing, caving, and rappelling. After an action-packed afternoon, relax with a leisurely kayak ride down the Kampot River.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Fishmarket, which serves a fusion of Cambodian and Western cuisines.
Day 2:
Morning: Spend your morning exploring Bokor National Park. Visit the abandoned French hill station and enjoy the stunning views.
Afternoon: Take a trip to one of Kampot's famous pepper plantations, such as La Plantation, to learn about the production of Kampot's world-renowned pepper.
Evening: Wind down with a sunset river cruise, then have dinner at a riverside restaurant like Rikitikitavi.
Itinerary 2:
3 days of Culture and Relaxation in Kampot Region
Day 1:
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Kampot Provincial Museum to learn about the region's history and culture. Then, take a stroll through the town to appreciate the French colonial architecture.
Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Khmer cooking class, where you can learn to make local dishes like Amok.
Evening: Visit The Pond or The Magic Sponge to enjoy some live music. Try their food and drinks as well.
Day 2:
Morning: Visit the Phnom Chhnork Cave Temple for a unique cultural experience. Then, head to the Salt Fields to see how local people extract salt from seawater.
Afternoon: Participate in a workshop at the Kampot Traditional Music School or KAMA (Kampot Arts and Music Association).
Evening: Have a relaxing evening at Banteay Srey Spa, where you can try a traditional Khmer massage or other spa treatments. End your day with dinner at a vegetarian restaurant like The Simple Things.
Day 3:
Morning: After breakfast, make a trip to nearby Kep. Start by visiting the bustling Kep Crab Market where you can select your own seafood and have it cooked on the spot.
Midday: Spend some leisurely hours at Kep Beach. It's a great spot to relax, take a swim, or just enjoy the sun. You could also consider taking a boat to the beautiful Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay) from Kep's shore.
Afternoon: Take a tuk-tuk ride up to Kep National Park. It offers a moderate loop trail with lovely views and a lush, green landscape.
Evening: Return to Kampot and enjoy an evening river cruise, which often includes the opportunity to see fireflies. Finish your day with a meal at one of Kampot's riverside restaurants. Try the Rusty Keyhole for its famous ribs, or for a vegetarian option, go to The Simple Things.
Accomadations:
Luxury Accommodations
Rikitikitavi: This is a highly-rated boutique hotel located on the riverfront. It offers spacious, comfortable rooms with modern amenities and balconies with river views. The hotel has an excellent restaurant and a rooftop bar that's perfect for watching the sunset.
Villa Vedici: Located on the riverside, this property offers luxurious rooms and private villas, some with private balconies. Facilities include a large swimming pool, restaurant and bar, and it offers a range of activities like river cruises and kayak rentals.
Mid-range Accommodations
Kampot Riverside Hotel: Located right on the riverfront, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with a good balance of price and luxury. It has a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the river and also offers bicycle rental for guests.
Kool Kampot: This is a relatively new guesthouse located on the riverfront. It offers spacious rooms, a relaxed atmosphere and a rooftop lounge area with a bar. The staff are known for their friendly service and helpful travel advice.
Budget Accommodations
Arcadia Backpackers Hostel: This is a popular spot for backpackers due to its affordable price, friendly atmosphere, and unique amenities. It's located a little outside the town on the riverside and features a water park with a waterslide, rope swing, and Russian swing into the river. They also offer dormitory and private rooms.
Mad Monkey Kampot: This hostel offers a mix of dormitory and private rooms, a social atmosphere with regular events, and has a swimming pool and bar. It's located within walking distance of the town center.
