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Kampot

It's not hard to see why travelers become entranced with Kampot (កំពត). This riverside town, with streets rimmed by dilapidated shophouse architecture, has a dreamy quality; as if someone pressed the snooze button a few years back and the entire town forgot to wake up. The Kompong Bay River – more accurately an estuary – rises and falls with the moons, serving as both attractive backdrop and water-sports playground for those staying in the boutique resorts and backpacker retreats that line its banks upstream from the town proper.

Eclipsed as a port when Sihanoukville was founded in 1959, Kampot also makes an excellent base for exploring Bokor National Park, the neighboring seaside town of Kep, and the superb cave-temples and verdant countryside of the surrounding area. A growing expat community is contributing to new cultural developments and more culinary variety.

Explore Kampot

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Kampot.

  • Cave

    Phnom Chhnork

    Phnom Chhnork is a short walk through a quilt of rice paddies from Wat Ang Sdok, where a monk collects the entry fee and a gaggle of friendly local kids…

  • Farm

    La Plantation

    This sprawling organic pepper farm offers free guided walks in French, English and Khmer, explaining how several varieties of pepper are grown, harvested…

  • Museum

    Kampot Provincial Museum

    This tiny museum, inside the finely preserved French colonial-era Old Governor's Mansion, traces the history of Kampot and the outlying area. The…

  • Cultural Centre

    Kampot Traditional Music School

    During set hours, visitors are welcome to observe traditional music and dance training sessions and/or performances at this school that teaches children…

  • Cave

    Phnom Sorsia

    Phnom Sorsia is home to several natural caves. From the parking area, a stairway leads up the hillside to a gaudy modern temple. From there, steps lead…

  • River

    Tek Chhouu Rapids

    Popular with locals, these modest rapids at the end of Tek Chhouu Rd northwest of Kampot are surrounded by food stalls and picnicking platforms. A tuk tuk…

  • Bridge

    Old French Bridge

    Destroyed during the Khmer Rouge period, Kampot's old French bridge was later repaired in a mishmash of styles. It is now open to motorbikes and…

  • Historic Building

    Old Market

    Kampot's Old Market building, with its art-deco-style concrete facade, was constructed during the 1930s. Various shops, travel agencies and cafes rim both…

  • Landmark

    Durian Roundabout

    Kampot is famed for its durian, so what could be more fitting than a giant durian monument in celebration of the Marmite of fruit?

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Kampot.

  • Activities