Kampot is a small riverside town (population of about 40,000 people) located just a few kilometers from the Gulf of Thailand.  It is in Southeast Cambodia and is the capital of the province of the same name.

Kampot’s small town ambiance and sleepy atmosphere makes it an attraction in itself.  It is a great place to relax after touring the temples of Angkor and visiting the sites at Phnom Penh.  The town’s position also makes it a gateway to many locations, being only a few hours from the capital city and Sihanoukville.  The seaside town of Kep can be reached with a short drive and Vietnam is just one hour away.

The town also serves as the gateway for Bokor National Park.  The park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna as well as Bokor Hill Station, which was built by the French in 1921.  The Elephant Mountain range presents great terrain and scenery, perfect for biking and trekking enthusiasts.   The beautiful and certainly refreshing two-tiered Popokvil Waterfall awaits at one of the tracks.

The town itself is separated by the Kampot River and connected by three bridges.  The riverfront is fairly quiet and quite picturesque with several restaurants along the riverbanks.  Because of its small size, walking around town is easy and convenient.  Cycling is also another great way to get to know Kampot.

There are also several attractions in Kampot besides the riverfront.  There is a market in the center of town, which is a great place to meet locals and to soak in the small town Cambodia atmosphere.  Phnom Sasear, 10 kilometers outside of Kampot is a small cave that houses a Buddhist shrine.  There are also several Buddhist temples across the river.  Located past these temples are salt fields and even further out are Kampot’s renowned pepper farms.  The Kampot Pepper Crab, a local dish of Kampot and Kep uses peppers from these farms and is a must try for visitors to these towns.  There are also durian plantations not too far away from the pepper farms.  One must be careful near these fruits as its smell is very unique (some may like it, some may not) and its skin contains very sharp edges.

Heading west across the river (about a 20 minute drive from the town center) is Kampot Zoo.  Not too far from the zoo is Teuk Chreu, a waterfall and popular getaway for locals.  Many picnic around the area while others enjoy swimming in its waters.  Kayaking along on the river is another great pastime one can enjoy around Kampot.

Are you ready for a memorable biking adventure?  Exotissimo’s nine day Coast to Angkor : Biking tour takes you to some of the country’s untouched area.  You will cycle through rice paddies, forest covered mountains and Cambodia’s unspoiled coastline, including a stop at Kampot on your third day.  Delicious cuisine in village homes, small-town markets and less-visited temple ruins are also part of the overall experience.  See our Cambodia tours page for other memorable trips into the country or contact us for questions or travel advice.