Kampot★★
Kampot — Colonial Charm and the Best Pepper in the World
Kampot is Cambodia's most charming town and a must-visit for anyone looking for more than temples and beaches. The small town (approx. 40,000 inhabitants) on the Kampot River has preserved its French colonial charm: pastel-colored shop houses with balconies, shady boulevards, and a laid-back atmosphere reminiscent of a sleepy Mekong town.
Highlights
- Kampot Pepper: The most famous pepper in the world! Black, white, red, and fresh green pepper, grown on plantations in the hills around Kampot. The best plantations for visitors:
- La Plantation: The most professional tour. Free guided tour (45 min.), tasting, restaurant, shop. 18 km north of Kampot. 8 USD for the deluxe tour with lunch.
- Sothy's Pepper Farm: Family-run, personal, authentic. Free guided tour, pepper from 5 USD/100g.
- Boat Trip on the Kampot River: Sunset cruise (2h, 5–8 USD). Past mangrove forests and fishing villages, with beer and snacks on board. One of the most relaxing experiences in Cambodia.
- Old Town: The French colonial architecture around the old market and the riverside promenade. Many buildings have been lovingly restored and house cafés, boutiques, and galleries.
- Bokor Hill Station (Preah Monivong): An abandoned French mountain station at 1,080 m altitude, 32 km west of Kampot. Built in 1922 as a summer retreat for colonial rulers, abandoned and decayed — ghost town atmosphere. The old Bokor Palace Hotel (1925) stands as a ruin in the fog. Next door, a modern casino complex (bizarre contrast). Day trip from Kampot: 15–20 USD by moped or 30 USD by Tuk-Tuk. Entrance: free.
Practical Information
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrival from Phnom Penh | Bus 3–3.5h (6–10 USD) |
| Arrival from Sihanoukville | Bus 2.5h (5–8 USD) |
| Accommodation | Guesthouse from 8 USD, boutique hotel 25–60 USD |
| Moped Rental | 5–8 USD/day |
💡 Tipp
Kampot is the perfect place to slow down — stay at least 2 nights. The sunset boat trip on the river is a must (5–8 USD). And bring enough Kampot pepper as a souvenir: 100g cost 5–8 USD on the plantation, three times as much in Europe. The red pepper is the most exclusive.
