What to expect in Kampot and Kep
Kampot and Kep are two colonial Cambodian towns only a 30-minute tuk-tuk ride from each other. Choosing the chilled town of Kampot puts you on the banks Praek Tuek Chhu River, whilst staying Kep means that you’re only minutes from the beach.
Some people choose to stay in both, others decide which vibe suits them more, but at the end of the day activities in the area can be done from either Kep or Kampot.
No matter which town you pick, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable time exploring Bokor National Park, learning how some of the best pepper in the world is grown and getting lost in the nearby cave network.
Top tours in and around Kep and Kampot
- Explore and exercise on this countryside bicycle tour for $25
- Tick off lots of cool spots in Kampot and Kep in one day for $27
- Half-day tour exploring Bokor National Park for $36
#1 Step back in time in Bokor National Park
When you think of national parks, images of untouched nature and wildlife probably spring to mind. Whilst Preah Monivong Bokor National Park (Boker National Park for short) does have this, one of the most fascinating aspects of the park is what humans have left behind.
Your journey into Bokor National Park begins with a winding, snake-like 42km drive from Kampot. The perfectly paved road has become popular with driving enthusiasts who want to take on the road’s hairpin corners backed by spectacular views.
It’s almost hard to keep your eyes on the road with how picturesque the views of the coastline and nature are.
Bokor Hill Station is a memory from an era time forgot
The highlight for many people is Bokor Hill Station, a location that tells a plethora of stories, those of prosperity, abandonment and violence.
Bokor Hill Station originally began at the hands of the French as a luxury resort and getaway exclusively for the elite. Some of the most iconic sites here include the huge Le Bokor Palace Hotel and Casino, the Old Catholic Church and the Black Palace which was one of the residential palaces of King Sihanouk.
When Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953, things quickly declined. Everything was abandoned and left to nature.
That was until it became a refuge and hideout for Khmer Rouge soldiers until the early 1990’s. Now what remains are remnants of the past and an eerie ambience that can be felt as you wander around the abandoned buildings.
Top tip: Make sure to bring a sweater or something warm to wear. You’ll be at a higher altitude where temperatures are normally lower.
Other things to see in Bokor National Park
Opposite the Black Palace is Lok Yeay Mao Monument, a 29 metre statue of a mythical goddess and protector in Cambodian belief. It’s only a quick stop in your journey through the national park, but still worth it!
Popokvil Waterfall
If you want to work up a sweat, hiking to Popokvil Waterfall is the perfect way. It’s 5 km from Bokor Hill Station, so a decent distance, but one that is filled with beautiful scenery along the way and maybe some red squirrels and macaques if you’re lucky!
The waterfall is nice, probably not the best waterfall you’re ever going to see in Cambodia, but the water rushing off the natural two-tier fall structure is very soothing, especially after the hike.
You can take a refreshing swim in the shallow pool situated at the bottom, so don’t forget to bring swimwear!
Do bear in mind that during the dry season (October-April), there won’t be much to see of this waterfall.
How to visit Bokor National Park
The two best ways to visit Bokor National Park is by renting a moped and exploring it at your own pace or joining a guided tour where all transportation is arranged for you.
Kampot is much closer to the national park than Kep is, so we recommend visiting from Kampot if you’re staying there. From here it’s just under a 1-hour drive to the Bokor National Park.
There are plenty of places to rent a moped for the day in Kampot. It will cost you around $4-5 for the day, plus you’ll have to pay an additional $0.50 to enter the national park on a moped. Once you’re in, there’s a car park near the main attractions where you can leave your bike and explore on foot.
Even though the roads up to Bokor National Park are pretty great, we get that not everyone feels comfortable riding a scooter in Cambodia. If that’s the case, a tour might be the best option.
On this 5-hour tour you’ll get to visit all of the main attractions in Bokor without having to give a second thought about any logistics.
#2 Learn how pepper is harvested at La Plantation
Thanks to the favourable climate in the Kampot area, this region has a reputation for producing some of the best pepper in the world. The high exposure of sun combined with a sea breeze, the quality of the land, and rainfall during the rainy season makes it an outstanding area to grow pepper.
La Plantation is a sprawling, organic pepper farm that offers free guided walks through a section of their 22,000 Kampot pepper posts. The farm goes beyond producing some of the best pepper in the world, and also focuses on providing a sustainable livelihood to hundreds of Cambodians and promoting eco-friendly farming practices.
When you arrive at La Plantation, a guide will explain the history of the farm and how they grow and harvest pepper, spices, and local fruits and vegetables.
Once you feel like a pepper pro, it’s time to take it to expert level with a pepper-tasting session that will teach you how to recognise the different flavours of pepper.
Guided tours are free and are available in English, French and Khmer, but tips are always appreciated!
Join a Cambodian cooking class
Want a glimpse into a traditional Cambodian kitchen? La Plantation also offers cooking classes everyday at 11am where you can learn how to cook a delicious Cambodian dish with fresh ingredients, and flavour your dish with the best-ranked pepper in the world.
With the chef’s help you get to choose fresh ingredients from Kampot market, and after you’ve cooked your Cambodian dinner, you’ll get to eat the local dish at a lakeside pavilion.
The course costs $30 including pick-up, or $25 if you arrange your own transport to the farm.
How to visit La Plantation
La Plantation is open every day from 09:00 to 18:00. The easiest way to visit the farm is by renting your own motorbike.
Alternatively, they also offer a return trip from Kampot to the farm for $7 per adult and $3 per child. La Plantation’s website has all the information you need.
If you’re short on time and want to combine a number of sites around Kampot and Kep in one day, join this adventure-packed tour. Alongside visiting La Plantation, you’ll also explore Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple, salt fields and Brateak Krola Lake (the secret lake).
Tick off lots of cool spots in Kampot and Kep in one day for $27
#3 Eat the freshest seafood at Kep Crab Market
Kep is well-known for its crabbing industry. So it comes as no surprise that there is a whole market dedicated to crabs here.
It’s impossible to miss the market as the scent of crabs, shrimp, squid and fish being slowly cooked wafts through the air, enticing you in.
Visiting Kep Crab Market is a whole experience! First you need to choose your seafood, and then choose the chef to cook it.
How does Kep Crab Market work?
The market can be busy, and the process uncertain, but it’s simple really. You find a vendor selling the seafood that you want. You then haggle over the price. Always make sure to haggle as they’re likely to start at atleast double the price you should be paying. To give you an idea, 1kg of crab should cost between $7-10.
Once you’ve sealed the deal, tell your seafood vendor, or new friend depending on how the haggling went, that you want the seafood to be cooked.
At this point, they’ll take you to the cook that they normally use. It normally costs around $2-3 for the food to be cooked. We’d recommend getting your crab stewed in a delicious Kampot pepper sauce to really utilise the incredible local produce.
Stalls are ready to serve your freshly-baked crab from 9:00 till 22:00.
Top tip: you can actually watch the sunset from the market. Can life get much better than devouring some of the freshest crab you’ve ever tasted whilst watching the sunset?
#4 Explore Phnom Kampong Trach Cave
Set foot on purple-tinged soil, swim in a secret lake, greet the huge Sleeping Buddha, and take in the gorgeous limestone formations in Phnom Kampong Trach Cave.
The cave starts at the foot of a rocky mountain, where you can admire the Chinese-Vietnamese and Khmer pagodas that are almost 800 years old!
In the cave itself, you’ll find a beautiful large reclining Buddha statue amongst several smaller statues on top of the purple-tinged soil. You’ll also be surrounded by some pretty incredible limestone rock formations.
There’s also another cave 10 km away called the “Swimming Cave” with a small swimming pool inside.
How to visit the Phnom Kampong Trach Caves
The Phnom Kampong Trach cave is near the border of Vietnam, about a 45-minute drive from Kep and a 1-hour drive from Kampot.
Whether you’re coming from Kampot or Kep, it’s easy to find a tuk-tuk to take you. The ride will cost you between $5-$20, depending on your haggling skills, and will take you through beautiful countryside.
The entrance fee is $1. Bring shoes that can get wet and a sarong to cover your knees as Kampong Trach is a place of worship for local people.
#5 Watch fireflies dance on a river cruise
Always wanted to see fireflies? How about witnessing these incredible creatures dancing in the dark whilst gliding down a river! Sounds good?
There’s no guarantee that you’ll see them, but you can increase your chances by visiting when there’s a new moon. If you do catch a glimpse of these fantastic creatures, the magical glow against the dark night’s sky is really something.
Most tours will leave before dusk, so you can watch the stunning sunset as the reflection on the water turns different shades of yellow, red and purple. The tour usually lasts for around 2 hours. Captain Chim’s River is one of the most popular tours, charging only $5 per person including a drink.
More in a party mood? Check out Flying Dragon to join their party boat. Or, you can make your own party and book a private boat for $35.
Top tip: Put on insect repellent, or wear long sleeves and pants to protect you from mosquitos.
#6 Experience the hustle and bustle of Kampot Market
Want to find a bargain at the busiest place in town? Kampot Central Market will certainly satiate your desire for an excitingly chaotic shopping trip!
There you can check out all the little passageways filled with colourful sarongs and kramas, fill your basket with souvenirs, and try delicious Cambodian and French dishes.
From fresh produce to clothes, jewellery, and household goods, you can find almost everything in this market. You will see goods spread out on the floor, carts bursting with crops, and finger foods sold on motorbikes.
From downtown, it only takes 5 to 10 minutes to walk to the Kampot Market, and stalls are open from 8am to 5pm. Be prepared for the heat and flurry of people, but it’s the only way to fully experience a local Khmer market.
#7 Explore Kampot by bicycle
Using a bicycle to get around the streets of Kampot is one of the best ways to get around, but have you considered using it to explore the countryside too?
You can do this by yourself or join a guided tour. Renting a bike for the day will cost less than $5, but what you miss out on is the local knowledge and hidden gems that tourists usually don’t get to see.
This fun 4-hour bicycle tour allows you to see Kampot from a local perspective with Cambodian students by your side who have lived in Kampot their whole lives. Along the way you’ll get to explore lotus farms that are usually out-of-bounds for tourists, try homemade delicacies and inhale some fresh country air.
Explore and exercise on this countryside bicycle tour for $25.
#8 Watch the sunset at the salt fields
You can’t have salt without pepper, and that’s exactly the case in Kampot. You’ll find some of the best pepper in the world, and you’ll also find a lot of salt. In the southwest of the city are salt fields which are actually a great spot to watch the sunset. As the sun sets, it reflects off the water and produces a brilliant glow across the salty water.
During the day, you can go and watch the workers as they prepare clay fields and leave the salt water to evaporate.
You can also visit the salt fields as part of this multi-activity tour of the area, which also includes La Plantation, Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple and Brateak Krola Lake (the secret lake) for $27.
#9 Be enchanted by the White Elephant Cave
The White Elephant’s Cave set within Phnom Sorsia hill is a popular spot due to its enchanting cave systems. The reason for its name? The limestone formations resemble a white elephant head that glitters under the low light that pours in from a small opening above.
It’s honestly an unforgettable sight!
How to visit the White Elephant Cave
The cave is pretty easy to get to. It’s about a 45-minute trip from both Kampot and Kep, and a one-way tuk-tuk ride will cost around $5.
Once you’re there, you’ll see a stairway leading up to a colourful temple. At the top, just turn left and you’ll be at the White Elephant Cave. Be sure to wear long sleeves and pants because Phnom Sorsia is considered a holy place.
#10 Be a big kid at Arcadia Hostel and Waterpark
Let your friends catapult you into the blue sky on the huge water blob, and spend your day chilling at the bar or on the floating platforms.
The waterpark is part of the Arcadia Hostel, and it’s a great place to have fun with friends. And once you’ve exhausted yourself from all the backflips and frontflips, you can rent kayaks or inflatable tubes and float peacefully down the river. As you’re floating, keep an eye out as you pass by the local villages and the natural beauty all around you.
Trek to a waterfall
There are also a few trails around Arcadia. The treks can take you to a 14-metre waterfall, to temples built within vast plantations, or to a mountaintop pagoda. You’ll meet locals along the way, ascending or descending with their crops and livestock.
Top tip: Make sure to fill your bag with food and water because there aren’t many stores in the area.
If you’d rather stay dry, there are ping pong and pool tables, dart boards and volleyball courts to use — and a climbing wall if you are bold enough.
How to get to Arcadia Hostel
You can find the Arcadia Waterpark in the heart of the jungle, just 15 minutes from Kampot. Entrance is free for guests staying at the hostel and $7 for everyone else. A tuk-tuk can take you to the park from the centre of Kampot for only $5, and it’s open from 9:00 to 18:00.
#11 Relax at Kep Beach
Rinse all the heat and stress away at Kep Beach. Walk on the fine sand, go for a refreshing swim and treat yourself with freshly-caught seafood.
Sounds like a pretty good way to spend your day right? Along the beach you’ll find small beach huts where you can hide from the sun and keep your belongings for an extra fee. For hungry travellers, food stalls, cafes and restaurants are just across the street.
This 1 km coastline near the tip of the Kep peninsula is a favourite Khmer holiday spot, so expect a lot of people, especially on the weekends.
The beach is located in the centre of Kep, and is about a 40-minute tuk-tuk drive ($8) from Kampot.
#12 Hop on over to Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island)
Nowadays it’s rare to find easily accessible islands that remain largely undeveloped. Rabbit Island is a small slice of paradise measuring on 2 km in size.
And thanks to the lack of development, Rabbit Island has kept its peaceful and remote aura. There are no high-rise buildings spoiling the lush green scenery, nor will you find much in the way of modernisation — everything you see is authentically Khmer.
If you have an afternoon or a day to spare in Kep, then why not visit Rabbit Island? Although, if you’re limited on time and want to visit the best paradise islands in Cambodia, we recommend heading to the islands further north, around Sihanoukville.
Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Rong are phenomenal whereas Rabbit Island only has a small strip of beach that doesn’t compare to the other two islands.
How to visit Rabbit Island
Exactly what we love to hear, Rabbit Island is super easy to visit and takes around 20-40 minutes. You can take a boat from the Koh Tonsay Ferry Terminal in the eastern part of Kep. One-day return tickets are $7 if you book through your accommodation, or $20 for the whole boat which can hold 8-10 people.
If you fall in love with the island and want to stay the night, there are a small number of beach chalets on the west side of the beach. These typically start from $10 per night.
#13 Surround yourself with nature at Kep Butterfly Garden
Discover a paradise in Kep Butterfly Garden. Here you can see colourful butterflies, stroll through rich gardens and reconnect with nature.
If you want to take a break from the busy streets of Kep, simply take a tuk-tuk or a motorbike to Kep Butterfly Garden for around $7-10. It’s located in a quiet and beautiful valley near Kep National Park, so the journey there is already part of the experience.
In this beautiful garden, you will find a dome that houses different species of butterflies. Outside are neatly-trimmed plants and trees, swings, benches, gazebos, and a view of surrounding farms.
Rounding it up
Now you’ve picked the best things to do in Kampot and Kep, it’s time to start ticking off that bucket list. Not sure how to plan your trip? Our Kampot and Kep guides is here to help! You’ll find out how long to stay in each city, where to eat, how to get around and more. Happy planning!
Kate is a travel content creator, writer and founder of Stay Wild Travel, a tour company running group trips for women beyond your typical destinations. Her full-time travels have taken her to almost 60 countries, and she doesn’t intend to stop anytime soon.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
