| Position | capital of Kampot province on the Praek Tuek Chhu River, about 5 km from the Gulf of Thailand |
|---|---|
| Known for | high-quality pepper exported worldwide; also fish sauce, sea salt and durian |
| French era | capital of the Circonscription Residentielle de Kampot and Cambodia’s most important seaport before Sihanoukville |
| Old town | centered on 19th-century French colonial architecture; Cambodia has prepared a nomination |
| Uprising | an insurrection began on 17 March 1885 |
Kampot, a tranquil riverside town in southern Cambodia, offers a refreshing change of pace from the country’s busier cities. For your first time setting foot in Kampot, you might be in awe of the spectacular nature here. The towering trees combined with the vast green rice fields will make you feel like lost in another world. The colonial buildings preserved through generations is also a highlight that attracts history lovers, making it a must-visit among places to visit in Cambodia.
One of the top things to do in Kampot is explore the iconic Bokor Mountain. Located about 10km from the city, this national park is home to an abandoned French hill station, a misty jungle, and panoramic views of the coast. Bokor Mountain has a cool, fresh climate. Behind the plateau are cool streams with flows from upstream. Thanks to this stream, Bokor mountains’ flowers and plants flourish, creating a beautiful landscape painting at Bokor Mountain.
For a more relaxing experience, we suggest a Kampot tour along the serene Preaek Tuek Chhu River. Sunset boat cruises offer stunning countryside views, while kayaking and paddleboarding provide a more active way to explore the waterways. This land is also famous for durian, a signature tropical fruit in Southeast Asia. Make sure to try this fruit at a local market!
If you want to stay overnight in Kampot, free to choose from a range of options from charming guesthouses to luxurious resorts. With Absolute Asia Tours, you can book Kampot tour packages tailored to your interests, ensuring a memorable stay in this picturesque town.
The pepper town
English Wikipedia describes Kampot as a city in southern Cambodia and the capital of Kampot province, on the Praek Tuek Chhu River about five kilometers from the Gulf of Thailand and southeast of the Elephant Mountains. The region is known for high-quality pepper, fish sauce, sea salt and durian. Under the French it was the capital of the Circonscription Residentielle de Kampot and Cambodia’s most important seaport until Sihanoukville was built, and unlike most Cambodian provincial capitals its center is composed of 19th-century French colonial architecture. The government and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts have been preparing documents to nominate the old town. We have not verified the older text’s details or any tour prices.
Sources (read in English, English Wikipedia): Kampot. Last checked November 2026.
Kampot: FAQ
What is Kampot known for?
High-quality pepper, fish sauce, sea salt and durian.
Where is Kampot?
In southern Cambodia on the Praek Tuek Chhu River, about 5 kilometers from the sea.
What was Kampot under the French?
The capital of a residential circle and Cambodia’s most important seaport before Sihanoukville.
What is special about Kampot’s center?
It is composed of 19th-century French colonial architecture.
How many days do you need in Kampot?
Two nights.