Kampot

Kampot is a relaxed riverside town with approximately 40,000 residents, offering colonial architecture, pepper farms, and access to Bokor National Park. The town is known as the durian capital of Cambodia and famous for its Kampot pepper. Most tourist businesses cluster along the riverside promenade within one or two blocks of the river. The main landmarks include the old bridge and the durian roundabout featuring a huge durian statue.

Kampot is walkable or bikeable given its small size and flat terrain. Bicycle rental starts from US$1 per day, motorcycles (100-125cc scooter or 250cc dirt bike) from US$5 per day, available near the durian traffic circle and most guesthouses. Tuk-tuks and taxis can be hired via the PassApp app. Motorbike trips to Ha Tien border take about 2 hours with beautiful scenery.

Kampot retains many colonial buildings including two Art Deco cinemas (one converted to a hotel) and an angular market building under renovation. The Old Bridge, closed to heavy traffic but open for motorcycles and foot traffic, is picturesque at sunset with light bulbs. The Cham Fishing Village is about 2km out past the Governor's Residence. Salt Fields lie along the Kep road. The Kampot Traditional Music School for Orphaned and Disabled Children holds occasional concerts.

Boat trips up the Kampot River are popular, with options ranging from sunset cruises (US$5) to kayak tours (US$9) or daily kayak rental (US$7). Stand-up paddleboarding is available at SUP Asia (4.5km upriver). Bokor Mountain day trips cost approximately US$10 with lunch included. Kep beaches are 25km east (25-45 minutes by moto), and fishing boats go to Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island).

Durian season peaks in April and May; if buying durian in winter, it will be imported. The wet season (roughly May-October) brings waterfalls but harder animal spotting. Cooler climate makes Bokor Mountain more pleasant during dry season.

Most guesthouses are in the US$5-10 range, concentrated along "Guesthouse Street" and near the river. Budget dorms start at US$3 per person. Riverside bungalows and upscale options like Villa Vedici and Rikitikitavi offer higher-end stays from US$20-53.

Kampot is famous for pepper and durian grown at local farms. Kampot pepper (US$12-25/kg depending on type) is a popular souvenir. Local specialty Koh Kor Num Pain is a thick beef stew with French bread. The town has excellent teuk rleuek (fruit shakes) and numerous riverside restaurants. Halal food is readily available.

Kampot has developed as a sex tourism destination attracting older foreign men, with girl bars along the boulevards. Female travelers and families may find the atmosphere less comfortable than in the past. Otherwise a generally safe town with normal precautions.

Internet access downtown costs 3,000 riel/hour. Free Wi-Fi is available at most guesthouses and restaurants, though quality varies. Mobile data via local SIM cards provides the most reliable connectivity.

Bokor National Park is a historic colonial hill station with views. Kep, 25km east, is famous for seafood and quiet beaches (moto US$3, tuk-tuk US$10). Ha Tien in Vietnam is about 2 hours by motorbike (US$9). Phu Quoc Island is accessible via minivan to the border plus ferry (US$18). Sihanoukville is Cambodia's main beach resort reachable by minivan (US$10, 2.5 hours).