The Ultimate Kampot Penh Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Kampot, Cambodia? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

Kampot is a small riverside town located in southern Cambodia, known for its colonial architecture and laid-back atmosphere.
The town has a population of around 40,000 and is the capital of Kampot Province.
Renowned for its pepper plantations, Kampot is famous for what many consider to be the best pepper in the world.
Kampot International Tourism Port (KITP) opened April 2025, connecting Cambodia to Vietnam/Thailand via high-speed ferries (40 mins to Phu Quoc Island). Expected to handle 1M+ tourists annually.
Nickname: The Riverside Retreat.

Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US dollars are widely accepted.
Spoken Languages: Khmer, with French and English commonly spoken in tourist areas.
Best time to visit: November to February during the dry season when the weather is cool and pleasant, though expect more tourists. March to May gets hot, but it’s less crowded. Monsoon season runs from June to October with heavier rains.
Arriving via airport: The nearest international airport is Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS), about 115 km away. From there, travelers can hop on a share taxi for KHR 70,000-90,000 per seat to Kampot.
Local buses from Phnom Penh take around 3-4 hours and cost approximately KHR 10,000-15,000.
Ferries to/from Kampot Port to Phu Quoc, Vietnam are running daily (KHR 25,000 one-way). No visa required for Cambodians or international travelers visiting Phu Quoc under 30 days.

Riverside: A popular area with plenty of guesthouses, boutique hotels, and eateries offering views of the river.
Old Town: Close to the market, this area has a mix of budget accommodations and charming colonial architecture.
Bokor Hill Resort: Located outside of town, it offers a unique getaway with access to the Bokor National Park and stunning views.

Motorbike rental is the most popular way to explore Kampot and costs around KHR 5,000-10,000 per day (KHR 10,000-20,000/day for newer automatic models).
Tuk-tuks are available for hire, with typical fares ranging from KHR 1,000 to KHR 5,000 for short distances, although longer trips may cost KHR 10,000-15,000.
Bicycles can be rented for about KHR 2,000-5,000 per day for exploring the scenic countryside and pepper plantations.

Drinking age is 18, and nightlife revolves around relaxed riverside bars and local eateries.
Popular spots include Oscar’s on the Corner for cocktails and socializing and the Kampot Night Market for a taste of local street food and shopping.
A good selection of venues hosts live music, notably at The Magic Sponge (Magic Sponge also hosts Wednesday pub quizzes).
Epic Arts Café: a social enterprise spot with deaf staff. Silent discos every Friday.
Looking for a quiet night? The Flower Café offers a laid-back atmosphere with board games and book exchanges.

La Plantation – Explore one of Kampot’s famous pepper farms with guided tours that offer tastings (costs around KHR 15,000).
Bokor National Park – Visit the remnants of a French colonial resort and enjoy hiking trails amid stunning scenery.
– Park entry: KHR 2,000 for motorbikes, KHR 5,000 for cars.
The Old Durian Market – This market is a vibrant spot where you can experience local culture and taste durian, king of fruits.
Secret Lake (15km north) – Swim in freshwater lakes surrounded by jungle (free entry, KHR 5,000 kayak rentals)
Veal Pouch Waterfall – 3-tier cascade with natural pools (KHR 3,000 entry)
KITP Observation Deck – Panoramic Gulf of Thailand views (free access).

Pepper Farm Tour: La Plantation’s new 2 hour tasting tour (KHR 30,000 includes lunch)
Bokor Mountain Adventure: Half-day guided tours (KHR 52,000) visit abandoned casino, Catholic church & waterfalls.
Sunset Kayaking: Rentals along Riverside now KHR 10,000/hr with waterproof phone cases included.

Phu Quoc Island: Daily ferries (KHR 25,000), return same day with Vietnamese e-visa.
Bokor Highlands: Cooler climate zone with new zipline adventure park (KHR 75,000 full course).
Kep Crab Market: 25km east – famous pepper crab lunches (KHR 15,000/plate).

Take a stroll along the Kampot River promenade for beautiful sunset views.
Explore the streets of Old Town, enjoying the blend of French colonial and traditional Khmer architecture.
Walk through the stunning pepper fields surrounding Kampot, especially scenic during the harvesting season from November to March.

Local street food is a must-try; enjoy delicious items like kuy teav (noodle soup) and various grilled meats.
Popular local eateries: Rikitikitavi, The Rusty Nail, and Kampot Pepper Restaurant serve authentic Khmer cuisine.
Tipping: 10% is appreciated in restaurants; just round up in casual places.

Kampot’s black pepper is world-famous; be sure to sample it during your visit, whether at restaurants or spice plantations.
– Tip: Try Kampot pepper crab at night market Stall #23 (KHR 8,000) – locals’ best-kept secret.
Visit the daily markets for fresh local produce and experience the local vibe.
Volunteer opportunities: Teach English (2+ week commitments) or join beach cleanups through GreenHouse Cambodia.
Avoid unlicensed boat tours on Kampot River – 3 operators were shut down in Jan 2025 for safety violations.
Dangerous areas: be cautious when traveling at night, as some areas may be poorly lit. It’s a good idea to keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days (to experience new ferry links, national park hikes, and pepper farm immersion)