Top 15 Must-Visit Attractions in Kampot, Cambodia

The picturesque town of Kampot is effortlessly charming and offers a harmonious blend of tranquil days along the river and scenic drives through its rustic surroundings. With relatively minimal tourism influence, Kampot’s pristine beauty facilitates a reconnection with nature through activities such as rock climbing, river excursions, and jungle expeditions.

Kampot possesses a substantial historical narrative, having functioned as a provincial capital during French colonial governance. Contemporary visitors have the opportunity to navigate a motorbike through numerous deserted French colonial mansions and churches, reminiscent of adventure tales. Overall, Kampot presents a unique Cambodian experience, ideal for those who appreciate natural adventures and historical exploration.

Let’s delve into the top activities to engage in while visiting Kampot:

1. Experience an ATV or Dirt Bike Adventure

The verdant jungles of Kampot are interlaced with a labyrinth of red dirt roads eagerly awaiting exploration. The most exhilarating way to discover this region is via robust off-road vehicles.

Navigate through rice paddies using all-terrain vehicles, ascend steep mountain paths on a motorbike for panoramic city views, and engage with the wilderness riding ATVs that will certainly raise your adrenaline levels.

All tours from Off-Road Kampot feature a local guide knowledgeable about the area and focused on safety. You can customize your excursion with experts at Adventure Rider Asia, allowing for either day trips or extended 1-2 week journeys.

2. Enjoy Kite Boarding

The first and sole IKO (International Kite Boarding Organization) accredited kite boarding school is conveniently located in Kampot. Villa Vedici is the destination for those aspiring to soar above the Kampot River.

Villa Vedici provides kite boarding lessons for novices, outings for seasoned adventurers, and equipment rental for experienced boarders seeking independent exploration.

Whether attending solo or participating in group activities, families can also feel encouraged to enroll children for professional lessons with reliable instructors.

3. Visit La Plantation Pepper Farm

An interesting fact: Kampot’s primary export is black pepper. Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to tour black pepper farms where knowledgeable guides will walk you through various phases of black pepper cultivation and allow you to sample the products along the journey. Impressively, these tours are complimentary, without aggressive sales tactics.

Following a brief tour, visitors can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant featuring exceptionally fresh dishes made with pepper freshly harvested. Additionally, local prices apply for those wishing to purchase black pepper as a souvenir.

Be sure to bring your camera, as the farms present stunning scenic views.

4. Discover the Kampot River

Embodied by its enchanting winding paths through verdant jungles and mangroves, Kampot River boasts waters clean enough for swimming and offers breathtaking sunset vistas.

The most thrilling method of exploration entails strapping into a high-speed jet boat tour that accelerates along the river at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, featuring exhilarating 360-degree turns that provide ample excitement.

Tour prices commence at approximately $15. In addition to an adrenaline-infused adventure, this experience allows patrons to engage with the Kampot river ecosystem and witness local fishermen displaying their big, toothless smiles as your boat whirls past.

5. Experience Bokor National Park

Bokor National Park offers more than just thick foliage, chirping birds, and flowing streams; it is also home to grand abandoned French colonial structures and eerily deserted churches, imparting a ghost town atmosphere to the jungle.

Remember to bring your camera to capture the stunning Buddha statue and incredibly picturesque views of Cambodia’s winding valleys.

The journey into Bokor National Park features well-maintained roads and captivating scenery that will prompt frequent photo stops.

For those confident on motorbikes, this is an excellent means to explore; alternatively, hiring a tuk-tuk or consulting your hotel for arranging a mini-van is advisable.

6. Enjoy Paddle Boarding

The peaceful waters of Kampot River create an ideal setting for paddle boarding. Beginners need not worry, as SUP Asia provides lessons in a conducive environment for learning.

Spend an hour or two paddling down the river, surrounded by diverse wildlife, and take a refreshing dip in the water. For those seeking an authentic adventure, SUP Asia also offers 2-3 day excursions into local fishing communities to experience Cambodian culture firsthand.

7. Taco Tuesday at Karma Traders Kampot

Relaxing sunsets from the rooftop bar, enhanced by live music from global artists, and delicious tacos make Taco Tuesday at Karma Traders Kampot an unmissable experience. The venue features a swimming pool, guest accommodations, and friendly animals to interact with. It’s a delightful spot not to be overlooked.

Unable to attend on Tuesdays? Do not fret. Enjoy happy hour each day at the rooftop bar with a scenic view of Bokor Mountain from 5-7 pm, and don’t hesitate to engage the amiable expat bartenders, who can provide valuable insights about motorbike rentals or suggest further travel destinations following Kampot.

8. Embark on a Scenic Drive to Kep

A pleasant ride along the oceanfront highway offers a wonderful way to spend the day. The journey to Kep is smoothly navigable, even for novice riders, as traffic is manageable and the directions straightforward.

Upon arriving in Kep, park your bike and unwind in one of the many gazebos adorned with hammocks. Local vendors will visit, offering the well-known Kampot Pepper Crab and refreshing beverages. Set up beneath your hammocks for a charming picnic with friends, enjoying the soothing ocean breeze and much-needed shade.

Take time to explore the modest seaside market, where fresh fish is grilled and dried squid is offered on a stick. Let your feet sink into the man-made beach and simply relax.

9. Visit Arcadia Water Park Guest House

Located along the river, this guest house is perfect for a fun-filled day where patrons can remain in their swimsuits, enjoy chilled beers, dive straight from the deck into the clear waters, participate in beer pong tournaments, and socialize with fellow travelers from around the globe. What more could one ask for?

Moreover, enjoy access to a floating platform showcasing a three-meter diving board, an inflatable blob that launches adventurers into the air, a substantial waterslide, rope swings, inner tubes, and additional water features. Every visit at Arcadia provides a thrilling experience.

Choose to stay overnight or visit for $7 per day to join in on the aquatic festivities.

10. Kayak on the River

Depending on the rental service chosen, you can navigate the extensive 30-kilometer stretch of Kampot River using a kayak for as little as $2 an hour. Numerous guesthouses and shops around Kampot provide kayak rentals as well as guided tours.

Visit Greenhouse Guest House, where staff will assist you in mapping out an optimal kayaking route that may include mangrove areas, rapids, birdwatching opportunities, and serene vistas. Samon Village Kampot also offers competitive half-day and full-day rental rates and is conveniently located close to the town and multiple guesthouses.

Deciding between the two options will primarily depend on convenience.

11. Dine at the Night Market

Make your way towards “The Big Durian” roundabout intersection, where numerous food stalls entice visitors with an array of street food options. Indulge in grilled Khmer delicacies served on a stick, enjoy comforting noodle soups, and savor delectable desserts like mango sticky rice.

With plastic tables and chairs conveniently available, you and your companions can leisurely sample dishes while mingling, creating a perfect dining experience.

In addition to food, you’ll discover stalls purveying clothing, footwear, hammocks, souvenirs, and more. You could easily spend hours wandering through and honing your bargaining skills.

12. Challenge Yourself with Rock Climbing at Climbodia

For those intrigued by adventure sports that defy gravity, consider rock climbing in Cambodia. Seasoned instructors at Climbodia will guide you during a 35-meter top-rope ascent leading to a cliffside summit with astonishing views of salt flats, Bokor Mountain, and, on clear days, even the distant Phu Quoc in Vietnam.

For those seeking more daring experiences, Climbodia also provides abseiling tours, allowing participants to descend 30 meters into a cavern guided only by a headlamp.

Available year-round, these tours last approximately four hours and are remarkably affordable, typically around $40.

13. Explore Local Villages via Motorbike

Some of the most gratifying experiences in Kampot arise from simply selecting a direction and allowing your motorbike to guide you. Head towards Nut Hill (Phnom Dung), Fishing Island (Koh D’tray), or the impressive salt fields of Kampot to immerse yourself in stunning landscapes.

You will find local shops offering petrol and beverages intermixed with authentic Cambodian eateries celebrating welcoming hospitality. Travel slowly along the red clay roads as you enjoy the scenery, encountering cheerful Cambodian farmers and relaxed water buffalo, with local children who often express excitement upon seeing you.

The terrain can be bumpy, thus it is advisable to ride with one person per motorcycle.

14. Visit Epic Arts Café

Fuel your caffeine cravings while supporting a worthy initiative at this NGO-operated café and art gallery. Epic Arts Café strives to enhance employment prospects for people with disabilities within Kampot and generates funds to support local art initiatives.

Visitors will find that many staff members are deaf, encouraging direct communication through menu checkboxes or the use of basic Cambodian Sign Language.

Indulge in various delectable offerings, such as Banana & Coconut Pancakes, Mango Salad with Grilled Tuna, or Bacon Paninis among other delicious options.

15. Enjoy a Spa Day at Banteay Srey

Attention gentlemen, this establishment is female-only. Banteay Srey provides training to Khmer women, many of whom originate from challenging backgrounds, in spa services, aiding their pursuit of better life quality.

Savor traditional Khmer massage therapies, steam treatments, facials, and additional spa services aimed at fostering connections among women. Furthermore, participate in daily yoga sessions followed by refreshing fruit juices to rejuvenate.

As you nourish your body, empower local women and girls to shape their destinies! Following activities like rock climbing, motorbiking, and river swimming, your body will undoubtedly crave some tender loving care.