Back in the pre‑COVID days, travelers came through Kampot for a night or two, hit a pepper farm, maybe headed to Bokor and Kep, and continued on to Vietnam. However, COVID gave Kampot a new start and the town has more to offer than ever before.
These Days Kampot has a Whole New Vibe
After COVID, the Cambodian government chose Kampot as a tourism development hub. Streets are paved and pedestrian‑friendly, the notorious rainy-season flooding has ended, riverside walkways have been developed and a tourism port, offering boat rides directly to Koh Rong, is open for business. A giant clock and a seahorse statue by the riverfront now greet visitors and, at night, the city streets light up and a colorful fountain light show takes place on the river at 7pm. Nightlife is flourishing, with a ton of events happening every day.
It’s no longer a pass‑through destination. After Siem Reap, Kampot probably has more to do than any other Cambodian town.
Best Things to Do in Kampot: Activities, Tours & Day Trips
The sleepy little river town has had a surge of tourist-related activities in recent years. Kayaking, windsurfing, horseback riding, rock climbing, exploring caves, jungle hikes to waterfalls, bike tours, and walking tours have all been developed on top of the classics of Bokor Mountain, pepper farms, salt fields, and Kep. There is easily a week’s worth of activities to fill your day, and in the evening Kampot offers some of the best restaurants in Cambodia. Europeans have flocked to Kampot recently and the restaurant scene has boomed, bringing authentic Greek, Italian, Indian, and many other international cuisines to town.
If you’re looking for a more Khmer experience, there’s a big selection of cooking classes in town, with our favorite being at Lucky Kitchen.
And you’re not limited to the city. Day trips abound. Spend a day in Kep eating the famous crab or explore the stunning limestone cliffs of Kampong Trach. You could relax for a day or two on Kampot’s nearby Rabbit Island, or venture up the bizarre landscape of Bokor Mountain
Wellness & Yoga in Kampot: Chill Out After Exploring
Despite the rapid growth, Kampot has kept its mellow vibe. The town has several yoga and spa retreats, as well as a number of different daily yoga classes. Vegetarians and vegans won’t miss out, with restaurants like Deva Café, Cambodhi, and Simple Things offering amazing plant-based dishes inspired by local ingredients.
Do something worthwhile.
Cambodia is still recovering from its difficult past. There are a number of NGOs and charities you can help support while you’re here, while getting the chance to immerse yourself with the local people and culture.
Red Road Foundation invites volunteers into their rural eco‑school where they teach basic subjects, build organic gardens, upcycle waste, and mentor students toward brighter futures.
The Chumkriel Language School offers English classes and community programs serving over 400 students, with volunteers warmly welcomed to teach or help in outreach projects like hygiene education and school lunches.
Back by the river, High Tide Dog Shelter provides a sunny riverside bar where you can cuddle rescued pups, swim with them, or help out at feeding time while sipping local craft beer, knowing all the proceeds will be going to help support the dogs.
And you can treat yourself while doing good at Banteay Srey Spa, a women‑only traditional Khmer spa and homestay that offers a full day of relaxation and reinvests earnings into supporting rural Khmer women.
How Long Should You Stay?
If you only have one day, you’re going to have to pick and choose. Most tuktuk drivers will offer the “Grand Tour”, rushing you around the highlights that Kampot has to offer. End the day with Jason’s Free Walking Tour of Kampot’s Old Town where you’ll learn about the city’s fascinating history. A two- or three-day Kampot itinerary will give you a chance to visit Bokor, Kep and either a Countryside Tour on bicycles or maybe some kayaking in the Green Cathedral followed up by chilling on the river at one of the many riverside restaurants and bars. But, you’ll need four or five days to really take advantage of everything the town has to offer.