What to do in Kampot, Cambodia?

Kampot, Cambodia Travel Guide Kampot is a treasure trove of a town in southern Cambodia with a unique charm. We recommend spending 3–5 days here. 1. Arrival: From Phnom Penh, you can book an orange Vet (Virak Buntham Express) bus online. The buses are comfortable, the service is excellent, and tickets cost around USD 8.8. The journey takes 3–4 hrs. You can also take the train from Phnom Penh to Kampot, which takes about 6–6.5 hrs and costs USD 8. 2. Local transport: Renting a motorbike is the most convenient way to get around. It costs USD 5 per day and requires your passport as a deposit. Remember to check the vehicle's condition and take photos as a record. Some attractions are far from the city center, so renting a car or chartering a tuk-tuk is also a good option. 3. Accommodation recommendations: Onederz Hostel costs USD 5 per night and has a swimming pool, air conditioning, clean facilities, and comfortable bedding. If you prefer a hotel, you can choose Kampot Hotel, a 2-star hotel that offers traditional Kampot cuisine and free parking. 4. Must-see attractions - Bokor National Park: The graffiti-covered French ruins on the mountain are as unique as a postmodern art exhibition. There are also beautiful temples and panoramic views of the coastlines of Sihanoukville and Kep. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, and monkeys are a common sight. - Pepper Farm Plantation: Free to visit, you can learn about pepper cultivation and taste pepper-based dishes. The pepper ice cream is worth a try. - Kampot Salt Fields: At sunrise, the salt fields resemble a mirror reflecting the sky. The first half of the year is the harvest season for the salt fields, and you can see workers harvesting salt using traditional methods. - Kampot River Cruise: Take a double-decker wooden boat and admire the coconut groves and weathered French buildings along the riverbanks. As you pass under low bridges, the boat's horn blows, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. - Crab Market: Located in Kep, fishermen bring freshly caught crabs ashore, and visitors can choose their own, ensuring freshness and affordability. 5. Food recommendations: Kampot is famous for its durian and pepper. Local restaurants offer pepper-based dishes, fish curry, and fried noodles, all worth trying. Don't forget the sweet mango sticky rice. The blue crabs in Kep are also a must-try at USD 10/kg. 6. Itinerary - Day 1: Arrive in Kampot, take a break, and explore the city center, admiring French colonial architecture such as the Old French Bridge, the Old Cinema, and the Governor's Residence. - Day 2: Visit Bokor National Park and the Pepper Farm Plantation in the afternoon. - Day 3: Visit the Kampot Salt Fields in the morning, take a Kampot River Cruise in the afternoon, and head to Kep in the evening to enjoy seafood at the Crab Market. - Day 4: Relax on Kep Beach or take a boat trip to Rabbit Island. 7. 📝Tips: Most people in Kampot don't speak English, so have a translation app ready. The mountain roads in Bokor National Park have no streetlights, so it's advisable to descend before dark. Exchange currency for riel in the city center, although US dollars are also widely accepted.