5 things to do in Kampot, Cambodia

During a 3 week trip through Cambodia late last year we spent 4 days exploring the sleepy riverside city of Kampot. Situated 150 km from the capital Phnom Penh, Kampot attracts visitors with its low key charm and famous salt and pepper plantations. This stop turned out to be one of our favourites from our entire trip in Cambodia which was somewhat surprising. Read on for the best things to do in Kampot including some great foodie spots and of course, where to find great coffee.

Jump in a tuk tuk for an interesting 22km ride out of the city to La Plantation. The drive is an experience in itself and should cost you around $10-15 USD return from the city. You’ll drive through the countryside, pass through local villages and pass by Secret Lake, a beautiful expanse of water with very little else around. Although it’s not really a secret anymore, you’d still have to be pretty unlucky to find anyone else there at the same time as you.

Kampot pepper is pegged as the best pepper in the world by top chefs, some refusing to use anything but. There are many plantations in the area but La Plantation seems to be one of the more popular to visit. They’re well set up for visitors offering free tours of the farm, pepper tastings (that’ll blow your socks off) and even cooking classes. The entire area is absolutely beautiful so allow plenty of time to enjoy it. Also, make sure to try some of the dark chocolate and black pepper ice cream, you won’t regret it!

If you’re a coffee lover like us then you simply have to pop over to this great little Australian style cafe. The cafe sources and grinds local coffee beans, serving a range of espresso based drinks and happens to be some of the best coffee we had in the whole country. Their breakfasts are also a cut above the rest with everything from pancakes and huevos rancheros to eggs benedict and daily specials that you simply cannot turn down.

The riverbank that runs alongside the city is full of boats offering sunset tours for as little as $5 USD. The ‘cruise’ is very basic, the boats are far beyond their best and comfort is not high on the priority list. However, for the price (which will include a beer or two!) it is a great experience and a fantastic way to get out onto the river without spending too much.

The cruise takes a couple of hours and goes up the river and back including a stop to pull over and see the fireflies. This part was a little underwhelming compared to the stunning sunset but all in all it’s a great way to spend an evening without breaking the bank.

For a rather unusual and much more local experience, head slightly out of the centre of town up to the Bokor night market. You won’t find many other tourists here but what you will find is locals enjoying an evening of food, drinks and maybe even a movie set up on a projector. From clothing stalls and a swimming pool to riverside food stands and local beers, this night market is a little different to what you may have experienced before.

The main town of Kampot is fairly small and can easily be explored by foot or by bike. Spend an afternoon wandering around the town taking in everything from the rather unusual durian roundabout to the markets and the French Colonial National Bank of Cambodia. Also make sure to stop at the Lotus pond situated just south of the main centre of town. This large and really quite pretty pond is well worth a visit.