KAMPOT & KEP
Kampot and Kep offer a tranquil escape on Cambodia’s southern coast, famous for their colonial-era charm, lush pepper plantations, and delectable seafood. This subregion perfectly blends old-world serenity with unique coastal and mountain landscapes.
This area provides a historical and culinary journey, from Kampot’s riverside promenade and decaying French villas to Kep’s legendary crab market and the cool heights of Bokor Mountain. It is a haven for foodies and explorers alike.
Most Popular Attractions
Riverside & City Core Attractions:
Old Bridge (Entanou Bridge): A distinctive, partly French colonial-era bridge that provides a classic view of the Kampot River and surrounding mountains.
Kampot Provincial Museum: Housed in a French colonial building, it offers a glimpse into the region’s history, culture, and famous pepper industry.
Durian Roundabout: The iconic city symbol, featuring a large durian sculpture, a nod to one of Kampot’s most famous products.
Kampot Town’s Colonial Architecture: The streets are lined with beautifully faded French shophouses and villas, especially along the riverfront.
Preah Monivong National Park Entrance: The gateway to Bokor Mountain, marking the start of the scenic drive up the winding road.
Kep Beach: A picturesque, white-sand beach known for its laid-back atmosphere and calm waters.
White Horse Statue (Kep): A landmark that overlooks the ocean, said to be a symbol of good luck and welcome.
Kep National Park Entrance: The starting point for beautiful hiking trails that offer stunning views of the coastline and surrounding islands.
Culinary & Local Attractions:
Kep Crab Market (Phsar Kdam): The bustling, essential attraction of Kep, where local fishermen sell fresh blue swimmer crab and other seafood daily.
Starling Farm (Kampot Pepper): One of the region’s premier pepper plantations, offering tours and tastings of the world-renowned Kampot Pepper.
La Plantation: A large, popular pepper farm and spice garden offering detailed tours on the pepper’s cultivation and production process.
Salt Fields: The vast, shimmering salt evaporation fields, particularly photogenic during the dry season and at sunset.
Fish Sauce Factories: Small, local production facilities along the coast, offering a traditional Cambodian culinary experience.
Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple: A natural cave housing a 7th-century brick temple dedicated to Shiva, accessible via a short hike.
Nature & Mountain Attractions (Bokor Mountain):
Bokor Hill Station (Old Casino): The eerie, grand ruins of a 1920s French luxury resort, a striking symbol of the area’s colonial past.
Popokvil Waterfalls: Seasonal waterfalls located in the national park, offering a cooling, scenic spot (best viewed during the rainy season).
Wat Sampov Pram (5 Boats Pagoda): A scenic Buddhist pagoda on the peak of Bokor Mountain, offering panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand.
Black Palace (Damnak Sla Khmao): The former summer residence of King Sihanouk, now a decaying but historically significant structure.
The Big Buddha (Lok Yeay Mao Statue): A massive, seated statue of a protective spirit, a modern landmark on the mountain road.
Coastal & Island Attractions:
Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island): A small, undeveloped island off the coast of Kep, known for its pristine beaches, swimming, and simple bungalows.
Sunset Cruises on the Kampot River: Boat trips that depart in the late afternoon, offering stunning views of the sunset over the river and the Cardamom Mountains.
Teuk Chhou Rapids: A popular local swimming spot just outside Kampot, where a small river cascades over rocks (best during the wet season).
Activities & Experiences
Take a Pepper Plantation Tour: Visit one of the iconic farms (like La Plantation or Sothy’s) to learn about the history and cultivation of the world-famous Kampot Pepper, with tastings included.
Hike or Cycle up Bokor Mountain: Explore the lush Bokor National Park, visiting historic sites like the eerie old French Hill Station casino, the Catholic Church, and the waterfalls, all while enjoying spectacular coastal views.
Enjoy a Sunset River Cruise: Take a leisurely boat trip on the Kampot River (Prek Tuek Chhu) at dusk, often including views of fireflies lighting up the riverbank’s mangrove trees.
Explore the Kep Crab Market: Experience the vibrant, fresh seafood market in Kep, where you can buy live blue swimmer crabs and have them cooked instantly with the famous green Kampot pepper.
Relax on Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay): Take a short ferry trip from Kep to this idyllic, laid-back island known for its quiet, sandy beaches and rustic bungalows.
Go Kayaking through the Green Cathedral: Rent a kayak and navigate the serene, narrow waterways surrounded by dense, interlocking mangrove trees outside of Kampot town.
Visit the Salt Fields: Take a tour of the flat, coastal plains where sea salt is harvested during the dry season, an essential part of the region’s economy.
Discover the Caves of Phnom Chhngok: Explore the atmospheric limestone caves, which house a 7th-century brick temple dedicated to Shiva. It’s often reached via a scenic tuk-tuk ride through rice fields.
Learn Khmer Cooking: Participate in a cooking class to master classic Cambodian dishes like Amok Trey (steamed fish curry) or Lok Lak (sautéed beef).
Swim at the Kep Beach and Walk the Promenade: Enjoy the small, developed beach in Kep town and stroll along the scenic promenade, admiring the iconic giant Blue Crab Statue.
Try Rock Climbing: Test your skills on the limestone cliffs and bluffs around the Kampot region, with local outfitters offering guided climbs for various levels.
Local Tips & Transport
Tuk-Tuks & Motodups (Moto-taxis): These are the primary ways to get around within town and for short excursions. Always agree on a price with the driver before you start the journey. For longer trips, hiring a tuk-tuk driver for the whole day is a popular, cost-effective option.
Motorbike/Scooter Rental: Renting a scooter is the best way to explore the areas between Kampot and Kep, and for independent travel up Bokor Mountain. Be sure to check the bike’s condition and wear a helmet.
Bicycles: Kampot town is small and flat, making it perfect for cycling. Many guesthouses offer free or cheap bicycle rentals, which are great for exploring the riverfront and nearby salt fields.
Intercity Buses and Taxis: Both Kampot and Kep are well-connected by road to Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Shared taxis and mini-vans are a quicker alternative to large buses for travel between the two coastal towns.
Road Quality: While the main roads are good, many roads leading to the plantations, caves, and other off-the-beaten-path locations are bumpy and unpaved (especially during the rainy season).
The Crab Market Experience: The Kep Crab Market is a must-do, but be prepared to haggle politely for the best price. A tip for first-timers: select your live crabs from the floating baskets and then have a nearby vendor boil/steam them for you with the famous green pepper sauce.
Bokor Mountain Fees: Be aware that there is usually a small entrance fee to enter the Bokor National Park (often included if you hire a guide/driver). The weather at the top of the mountain can be significantly cooler and foggier than in the towns below, so bring a light jacket.
Khmer Language: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases—such as Suosdey (hello), Arkoun (thank you), and Somtos (sorry/excuse me)—will greatly enhance your interactions with locals.
Respectful Attire: When visiting pagodas or other religious sites, remember to dress conservatively: cover your shoulders and knees. Always remove your hat and shoes before entering a temple building.
The Power of Pepper: Kampot Pepper is a Geographical Indication (GI) product. To ensure you are buying the authentic, high-quality product, purchase directly from a certified farm or a recognized vendor in town.
Hidden Gems:
- The Old French Bridge (Bridge of a Thousand Lies): Located in Kampot, this historic, partly bombed-out bridge is a popular spot for photography, especially at sunset.
- Phnom Sar Sear: A collection of small hills and caves near Kampot with a large pagoda on top, offering incredible panoramic views over the rice paddies and the Gulf of Thailand.
- Kep’s Abandoned Villas: Wander through the ruins of the modernist villas built during Cambodia’s “Golden Age” in the 1960s. They are scattered throughout the hills and offer a fascinating, albeit slightly melancholic, look into the past.
- Teuk Chhu Rapids: A popular local picnic spot outside Kampot where you can rent inner tubes to float in the river, particularly fun during the wet season when the water levels are higher.
Top Restaurants
Trob Ma’am Restaurant [$3-$7] – A cozy, authentic Kampot eatery specializing in traditional, home-cooked Khmer meals and local favorites like the famous Kampot Pepper Crab.
Phum Chas [$3-$7] – A rustic restaurant nestled in Kampot’s rural landscape, offering traditional Khmer dishes made with fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms and markets.
Khmer Root Café [$4-$8] – Located outside the main town on the shores of Brateak Krola Lake, this spot serves fresh Khmer cuisine with beautiful views and a cooking course option. Try the Massaman Curry.
Ecran Noodles [$2-$5] – A popular, no-frills noodle house in Kampot known for its hearty bowls of hand-pulled Chinese noodles (fried or in soup) and delicious dumplings.
Vanna Restaurant & Bar [$5-$10] – A relaxed restaurant in Kampot, right in front of the river, offering a menu that showcases both traditional Khmer and Western dishes with a modern flair.
Srey Pov Seafood Restaurants [$5-$12] – One of the more authentic seafood shacks at the Kep Crab Market, famous for its Crab with Green Kampot Peppercorns and other fresh Khmer seafood dishes.
Chankiri Restaurant [$4-$9] – Located in Kep, this restaurant offers authentic Cambodian cuisine using fresh local ingredients, perfect for enjoying Khmer flavors.
Khmer Hands Art Cafe [$4-$9] – Part of a local resort/training center, this spot serves quality local dishes and Western classics in a welcoming environment in Kep.
Srey Leak Restaurant [$3-$7] – A family-friendly spot in Kep specializing in authentic Cambodian flavors and traditional local food.
Rattanak Restaurant (Crab Market) [$5-$12] – Located directly in Kep’s Crab Market, this restaurant is a great spot for the freshest possible seafood and local flavors right by the ocean.
Chhay Chhay Seafood [$5-$12] – A great local option in Kep’s Crab Market cluster known for its fresh seafood delights, including the signature pepper crab.
La Cantine [$2-$5] – A simple, old-school local food stall often found near markets or local guesthouses, serving classic, affordable Khmer street food staples.
Nom Banh Chok Kdam Stalls [$1-$3] – Not a single restaurant, but morning market stalls or small local eateries around Kep that serve the rare and refined Khmer-style crab noodles.
Madam Papaya Salad [$2-$4] – A highly-recommended local food stall in the main cluster of food stalls in Kampot, famous for its flavorful papaya salad, duck lok lak, and layered curries.
Arvi Restaurant [$4-$8] – A good option for authentic Khmer cuisine from a chef with experience, providing classic dishes in Kampot.
Kampot Seafood & Pepper [$8-$15] – Known for its fusion of fresh seafood and the famous Kampot pepper, offering dishes like succulent Kampot grilled prawns.
Holy Crab [$10-$20] – Arguably the highest-regarded non-shack spot on the Crab Market strip in Kep, known for its superb stir-fried crab with green peppercorns and other Asian-inspired seafood.
Kimly Seafood Restaurant [$8-$15] – A classic, must-visit seafood spot right by the Crab Market in Kep, popular for its authentic taste of the region’s renowned blue crab.
Kampot Curry House [$4-$8] – A good budget option in Kampot for those craving Cambodian curries, offering spicy and creamy broths.
Kun Kimsea Crab Fried Rice [$3-$6] – A humble eatery located amidst Kampot’s markets, serving up flavorful crab fried rice.
Bokor Mountain Lodge [$5-$12] – Located in an old French Colonial-era building on the Kampot riverfront, serving a variety of Khmer, Italian, Thai, and fresh crab dishes.
Little Garden Bar [$5-$10] – Situated on the Kampot riverfront, this open-air garden spot offers a good selection of Western and Khmer food, with popular dishes like the “Pork Volcano.”
Rikitikitavi [$8-$15] – A popular Kampot riverside restaurant with a lovely rooftop, serving a wide selection of Western and Asian dishes prepared by a professional chef.
Tertúlia [$7-$15] – Serving authentic Portuguese food in Kampot, including fish and seafood dishes like Bulhao Pato clams and the slow-cooked seafood cataplana.
Atelier 1945 Kampot Pepper Artisans [$10-$20] – A gourmet bistro in Kampot that elegantly blends French bistro cuisine with modern approaches to traditional Asian dishes, focusing on local pepper.
L’Osteria in Kampot [$7-$15] – A delightful Kampot restaurant known for its authentic Italian cuisine, including wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta.
Twenty Three Bistro [$8-$15] – An unassuming Kampot bistro combining French and Khmer influences, offering dishes like braised pork belly, cheddar soufflé, and Kampot pepper-infused cuisine.
Auberge du Soleil [$10-$20] – A hotel restaurant in a French colonial building in Kampot, offering a mix of Cambodian and French dishes like beef tartar and Khmer coffee.
L’Epi D’Or [$3-$7] – A fantastic bakery and cafe in Kep, famous for its real French baguettes, croissants, and patisseries—a lingering influence of French colonization.
Italian Corner [$6-$12] – A highly-regarded spot in Kep for authentic Italian cuisine, with a reputation for very good gnocchi and other classic dishes.
Martini bar restaurant [$6-$12] – Another spot in Kep offering authentic Italian cuisine, crafted with love and tradition.
Laundry Cafe Burger Bar [$5-$10] – A popular Kampot spot known for its delicious burgers, including a BBQ chicken burger and a bacon cheeseburger.
Bella’s Pizza [$6-$12] – A pizza spot in Kep offering authentic flavors and stunning coastal views.
The Wave – Kep West Restaurant [$10-$20] – Offering exquisite flavors and stunning ocean views in Kep with a focus on international and contemporary cuisine.
Deli’s Kep [$5-$10] – A lovely spot in Kep for coffee, yummy croissants, and other delicious meals with views of the Gulf of Thailand.
Simon’s Tandoori Indian Restaurant [$5-$10] – A favorite Indian spot in Kampot, serving excellent butter chicken, chicken vindaloo, and garlic naan.
Aroma House [$4-$8] – A popular Middle Eastern/Mediterranean restaurant in Kampot serving a variety of kebabs, shawarmas, and veggie dishes.
Z-bar [$5-$10] – A popular bar and restaurant on the Kampot river with a beautiful sunset view, known for Western and Asian dishes and a relaxed atmosphere.
Kep Lodge Restaurant [$8-$15] – The restaurant at Kep Lodge offers both Western and Khmer cuisine in a nice setting with great views.
Led Zep Cafe [$5-$10] – A quirky, music-themed cafe in Kep that offers good food and a relaxed atmosphere, often featuring Western comfort dishes.
La Parenthèse Restaurant [$10-$20] – An exquisite French cuisine spot in Kep, known for its culinary artistry and serene ambiance.
Aux fondues jardin [$10-$20] – A unique restaurant in Kep that specializes in fondue, a popular Swiss/French dish, great for sharing.
Pippali Hotel & Restaurant [$15-$25] – An upscale Kampot dining establishment on the riverfront, combining modern elegance with traditional Khmer flavors and innovative dishes.
Knai Bang Chatt Resort Restaurant [$20-$40] – The dining experience at this luxury resort in Kep is often highly praised for its refined cuisine and beautiful beachfront setting.
Sailing Club [$15-$30] – A great spot in Kep for sunset drinks and very nice seafood and international cuisine, often cited as serving one of the best steaks in the country.
Kampot River Bungalows Restaurant [$10-$20] – Many riverside resorts upstream from Kampot town have upmarket, quiet restaurants with beautiful river views and quality food.
Kep Sur Mer Restaurant [$10-$20] – An oceanfront restaurant in Kep where fresh seafood meets stunning coastal views, offering a more refined experience than the shacks.
Saravoan Kep Hotel Restaurant [$15-$25] – The dining spot at this hotel offers an exquisite menu, perfect for a quality meal in a comfortable and scenic setting.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Rikitikitavi Rooftop Bar (Kampot): A chic rooftop bar located in the heart of Kampot town on the riverside, famous for its fantastic river and sunset views. They offer a refined selection of classic and custom cocktails.
Green Room Kampot (Kampot): A classic and cozy establishment in Kampot town known for its simple, good drinks and a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere. It’s the kind of place you plan to stay for one and end up staying for hours.
Mad Monkey Rooftop Sunset Bar (Kampot): Located on the rooftop of the Mad Monkey Hostel on Riverside Road, this bar is an easygoing, social hotspot for backpackers. It’s the perfect spot for sunset cocktails and socializing before the night moves on.
The Sun Ra Space Bar (Kampot): Situated opposite the 2000 Roundabout, this is the venue for KAMA, a not-for-profit arts organization. It features quality cocktails, groovy art, and original live music in a relaxed setting.
Bar Red (Kampot): One of the most popular bars in Kampot town, this spot draws a crowd for its excellent Western/Indian food, friendly service, and frequent live music, which creates a warm, buzzing atmosphere.
Home Sweet Home (Kampot): A cozy bar right next to the Kampot River, a short walk from the Old Market. They serve a variety of delicious cocktails and often host a lively party night on Mondays and Thursdays.
Players Billiards, Games and Sky Bar (Kampot): Near the Old Bridge in Krong Kampot, this venue is a fun mix of competition and relaxation, offering pool tables, arcade games, and an open-air sky bar with good views.
Nowhere (Kampot): A favorite among travelers and locals, this bar is known for its relaxed vibe and prime river views, making it an excellent, casual spot to grab an ice-cold beer or cocktail.
O’Neill’s Irish Bar (Kampot): For those seeking a proper pint and a familiar feel, this Irish Pub on Riverside Road offers cold Guinness, pub food, and a relaxed environment, occasionally featuring live acoustic sets.
Botanica (Kep): Located in Kep, this tranquil spot is known for its beautiful garden setting. While Kep is generally a quiet area, this bar is a favored location for a quiet, quality drink that might turn into a later affair.
The Sailing Club Restaurant (Kep): Part of the Knai Bang Chatt resort, this venue offers stunning, unobstructed ocean views right on the water in Kep. It’s an ideal, upscale spot for enjoying a cocktail at sunset.
La Maison Roof Bar (Kep): A great spot in Krong Kaeb for a more exclusive feel, this rooftop bar offers lovely views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a refreshing drink.
Veranda Natural Resort (Kep): Known for its beautiful setting, this resort’s bar/restaurant often features live music and is a great option for a relaxing drink while enjoying the serene atmosphere of Kep.
Saravoan Kep Hotel Restaurant & Bar (Kep): Discover the beauty of the Kep coast with an exceptional view while enjoying their selection of drinks. It’s a great spot to relax and take in the sea air.
Chez Pierre Blues Club (Kep): Located in Krong Kaeb, this venue provides a soulful essence with live blues music, offering a unique cultural and musical experience compared to the typical backpacker bars.
Madi House and Music Bar (Kampot): Right in the heart of Kampot, near the Old Market, Madi Bar is one of the town’s go-to late-night spots. It’s known for a mix of live bands and DJs and is one of the few places where people genuinely stay to dance until the early morning.
Levels Entertainment Bar (Kampot): A unique late-night spot in the heart of Kampot that caters to gamers. It offers a fully stocked bar alongside over 1000 video games and board games, making it a great place to hang out and socialize until late.
Banyan Tree Guesthouse Bar (Kampot): Situated upriver from town (about 2km), this spot offers a full bar with cocktails and open decks over the river. It has a chill-out atmosphere during the day and turns into a lively party in the evening, with live music every Friday night.
Dragon Club (Kampot): An old-school discotheque in Kampot that is popular for those looking to dance to techno music fueled by cheap drinks. It’s a lively nightclub option in the town’s center.
Nelly’s Bar (Kampot): Known for its affordable, locally-inspired cocktails and relaxed, inviting atmosphere, this bar in Kampot is a favorite with backpackers and tourists for a late-night session that can stretch until 6:00 AM.
Naga House (Kampot): Located by the river, this spot is airy and offers plenty of seating and a house boat, hosting popular parties, especially on Saturdays. It was one of the first nightclubs in the Kampot scene.
Fun Pub (Kampot): Situated in Krong Kampot, this pub is a casual spot offering a lively ambiance and is a good place to meet people and enjoy a memorable night out with decent drink selection.
CoolGirl Bar (Kampot): A trendy late-night spot in Krong Kampot for cocktails, music, and an unforgettable experience, popular with both tourists and expats.
សួន សមុទ្រ KTV (Kep): A KTV (Karaoke) bar in Krong Kaeb, offering a classic Asian nightlife experience where guests can sing and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere.
Blue Dragon KTV (Kep): Another karaoke bar in Krong Kaeb that promises a lively and entertaining time, focusing on fun and a group-friendly environment for a late-night activity.