What to do in Kampot, the City of Pepper
Located 148 km southwest of Phnom Penh, Kampot is a peaceful town nestled at the foot of Bokor Mountain. Known for its world-famous Kampot pepper plantations and scenic surroundings, it is one of Cambodia’s must-visit destinations. Here’s a guide to the top things to see and do during your stay in Kampot.
Explore Kampot’s City Center
With a unique blend of French and Khmer architectural heritage, Kampot’s downtown and the area along the Teuk Chhou River are rich in colonial-era buildings. As you wander through the streets, you’ll come across weathered old shop houses, some in ruins and others abandoned, as well as former government buildings.
To delve into the town’s history, consider exploring on foot or renting a bicycle. Don’t miss landmarks like the National Bank of Cambodia, which survived destruction by the Khmer Rouge, or the old royal cinema, now transformed into the Old Cinema Hotel.
Visit the Kampot Provincial Museum
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Curious about Kampot’s past? Head to the Kampot Provincial Museum, formerly the French governor’s mansion. Today, the museum houses a permanent exhibition retracing the history of Kampot and its province. You’ll find a collection of artifacts, stories, and historical photographs offering insight into the region’s cultural evolution.
Tour a Kampot pepper plantation
No trip to Kampot would be complete without visiting one of its famous pepper plantations. A true point of national pride, Kampot pepper is widely regarded as one of the finest peppers in the world. It holds Geographical Indication (GI) status, making it Cambodia’s first GI-certified agricultural product.
To learn more about the pepper production process and taste different varieties (black, white, green…), visit Sothy’s Pepper Farm or La Plantation, both offering free guided tours with tastings.
See Kampot’s salt fields
Besides pepper, the Kampot region is also known for its local fruits (durian, coconut, mango, etc.) and salt production. Just five minutes from the town on the road to Kep, you’ll find the expansive Kampot salt fields, a stunning landscape of pristine salt pans.
To better understand the salt-making process and purchase local products, visit the Salt Exhibition Center, which combines a working farm, a small museum, and a shop.
Explore Bokor National Park (Preah Monivong National Park)
Formerly a French colonial hill station, Bokor National Park, also known as Preah Monivong National Park, is located on a plateau approximately 1,000 meters above sea level. Built in the 1920s, it served as a summer retreat for French colonists, featuring a casino, Catholic church, and town hall. The site was later repurposed by the Cambodian elite, including the royal family, before being abandoned again.
Today, the park is one of Cambodia’s largest protected areas, offering hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and historical ruins. Don’t miss Popokvil Waterfalls, a multi-level cascade where you can cool off with a swim.
Kayak or boat along the Prek Teuk Chhou River
The Teuk Chhou River winds its way from north to south through Kampot, flowing past lush forests, traditional villages, and mountains in the distance. It’s a perfect setting for a kayaking adventure or a boat excursion.
Rent a kayak to navigate through the mangroves and discover the peaceful rhythm of rural life, passing stilted wooden houses and dense tropical vegetation. If you prefer, hop aboard a traditional wooden boat and cruise the river at sunset for an unforgettable golden-hour experience.
Visit the cave temple of Phnom Chhnork
Perched on a hillside among rice fields northeast of Kampot, Phnom Chhnork is a Hindu cave temple dedicated to Shiva. It dates back to the 7th century, during the Funan era. Inside the cave, you'll find stalactites surrounding an ancient brick sanctuary.
For the best lighting and fewer visitors, visit in the late afternoon. Don’t forget to look up—you might spot bats roosting in the cave’s ceiling!
Florine Dergelet