Explore Kampot, Cambodia: Travel Guide & Information
Kampot is the perfect spot for travelers looking for a more relaxed experience.
The Durian Roundabout
Landmark for tourists and locals
Food Street opened on public place in Old Town
Situated between new Bus Station and Old Market
The Town
The charming town of Kampot is a quiet, peaceful place that is quickly gaining a reputation as Cambodia's number one tourist chill out.
Most Western tourists and visitors probably have no idea that Kampot is also practically synonymous with durian. That might explain the prominent setting of the Kampot durian statue, the roundabout in the center of town.
Kampot is a city in southern Cambodia and the capital of Kampot Province. The city has a population of approximately 50,000 people. The city has experienced significant growth in recent years, with an increasing number of tourists visiting the area.
It is situated at the Praek Tuek Chhu river southeast of the Elephant Mountains / Preah Monivong Bokor National Park and around 5 km (3 mi) from the Gulf of Thailand.
Kampot was the capital of the Circonscription Residentielle de Kampot under French rule and Cambodia's (Kingdom of Wonder) most important sea port after the loss of the Mekong Delta and before the establishment of Sihanoukville.
Its center is unlike most Cambodian provincial capitals composed of 19th-century French colonial architecture. The region and town are well known for the high quality pepper, which is being exported worldwide. It is also known for its Kampot fish sauce and durian.
Police : mobile Stations are near all public areas and open 24/7
Post Office : Mo - Fr : 08:00 am - 12:00 am and 02:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Museum : $2 Mo - Fr : 08:00 am - 11:30 am and 02:00 pm - 05:30 pm
Kampot: The Sleepy Town is Becoming A Hotspot
Kampot is a small, sleepy town in Cambodia that is slowly but surely becoming a hotspot. It's located on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand and has a population of around 40,000 people. Kampot offers many things to do, such as waterfalls, rivers, caves and temples.
Kampot's location on the gulf means that it receives most of its visitors from tourists that fly into the country via the nearby airport. There are also plenty of ways to get around Kampot due to its size. Visitors can take tuk-tuks, taxis or explore on foot. In total, there are four different districts within Kampot: Chamkar Mon district where you will find all the major attractions; Kandal Village which is on the opposite side of town and perfect for those looking for more rural living; Daun Penh district which is just outside of town and where you can pick up some souvenirs.
Why is Kampot a great place for travelers?
Kampot is a great place for travelers because it's easy to move around. Visitors can explore the town on foot or take tuk-tuks, taxis, etc. The four districts in Kampot make it easy for visitors to know exactly where they need to go and what they need to do while they're there.
What is it like to live in Kampot?
Kampot is a small town and it can be fairly easy to get around, but it does feel very local. There are no international brands here nor is there anything like McDonalds or Starbucks. Locals will tell you that there is a difference between Kampot and the surrounding towns. One of the best things about living in Kampot is feeling like you are part of its history.
Where should tourists go in Kampot ?
Kampot is a popular tourist destination and offers a great deal to do. The town is famous for its historic sites like the Kampot Chams, which feature beautiful views of the Gulf, as well as waterfalls and rivers. For a more rural setting, visitors can explore Kandal Village or Daun Penh district.
In town there are plenty of things to do, but if you're looking for a break from all the hustle and bustle, head to Wat Nokor district which is just outside of town. There you will find some lovely temples that offer peaceful escapes from the chaos of the busy city streets. Discovering one temple in particular is Wat Nokor (wat noh kawr), also known as Bottle Temple because it was constructed from recycled glass bottles imported from France in 1973.
The Wat Nokor temple has a large Buddha statue made out of broken glass bottles that reflects beautifully with sunlight streaming through the windows. It's worth checking out!
Boardwalk
The boardwalk starts at the new bridge and goes about 2 km south, along the old bridge and all the guest houses and restaurants, to the fitness equipment.
New Bridge
open for traffic
The connection of the two river sides through the bridge makes this road very busy.
Old Bridge
closed for cars
The preferred way to cross if you have a motorcycle, also as a pedestrian.
Fitness Equipment
free to use
In the late afternoon the stalls open and liven up the area.
Lotus Pond
A meeting point to relax.
The best time to see the pond is early morning. The flowers bloom every morning and then close when the day starts.
Lotus is also widely used in the cuisine of the region. The big leaves are used to wrap food for steaming, while the stems, seed pods and seeds are all eaten.
View to library
Clean and quiet place
Island
The islands are decorated with sculptures
Sculpture
Traditional style illustrations