Midsize Woman

If you’re looking for a slower, more affordable break from Phnom Penh, Kampot is a good bet. It’s a quiet riverside town with not much going on, which is exactly the point. Don’t expect a packed itinerary, but if you want cheap food, slow days, and a few easy day trips.

If you’re coming from Phnom Penh and need a reset, here’s what to expect, what to actually do, and how to make it work on a budget.

How to Get from Phnom Penh to Kampot

The trip from Phnom Penh to Kampot is about 150 km. You’ve got a few solid options depending on time, comfort, and budget.

1. Train: ~$8 | ~4.5 hours

Yes, the Phnom Penh–Kampot train is still running in 2025. It departs once daily, around 7:00 AM, and arrives in Kampot around 11:40 AM.

• Slower than the bus but more scenic
• Basic seats, no luxury, but more space than vans
• Tickets: ~$7–$11, book at the station or online via Easybook/Royal Railway
• Not always on time, so don’t use it if you’re tight on schedule

2. Bus: $8–$10 | ~3.5–4 hours

Buses run several times a day and are the most straightforward option. Operators include Giant Ibis, Vibol Express, and Champa Mekong.

• Most have AC and make one or two stops
• Can book online or through any guesthouse or travel agent
• Good mix of locals and travelers

3. Shared Taxi: $10–$15

Shared minivans or taxis leave when full. You pay per seat. Slightly faster than the bus, but tighter seating and often more chaotic.

4. Private Car: $40–$50 total

If you’re traveling in a group or want to leave on your own schedule, hiring a private car is easy. Most guesthouses or apps (like Grab in Phnom Penh) can arrange it.

Where to Stay

I stayed at Yellow Star Hostel, just a short walk from the train station. It’s affordable, quiet, and ideal for a few days of downtime.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly: Private rooms with AC from $12–$16. Dorms even cheaper.
• Pool and garden: Decent place to relax when it’s too hot to move.
• Helpful staff: Can arrange motorbike rental and day trips.
• Wi-Fi: Strong enough for browsing and work.

Cons:

• Dorms: Basic. If you want better sleep, get a private room.
• Not central: It’s not on the riverside, so you’ll need a tuk-tuk or a 15–20 minute walk to reach the bars and restaurants by the river.
• Mosquitoes: Bring repellent, especially during rainy months.

Things to Do in Kampot

Kampot isn’t packed with major attractions, but there’s enough to fill 2–4 relaxed days. Most people spend time walking the town, eating local food, and using Kampot as a base for short day trips.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what to do:

1. Walk the Old Town & Riverside

Start with a walk through Kampot’s center. The town still has French colonial buildings, wide streets, and a slower pace. There’s a small art scene, lots of cafes, and a growing number of co-working spaces.

• Old Market area: Not huge, but it’s the commercial hub.
• Riverside promenade: Good for evening walks. Locals play badminton and jog here.
• Coffee spots: Try Café Espresso or Simple Things for breakfast or remote work.
• Bookshops & crafts: Dorsu (for ethical clothing), Kampot Art Gallery, and some used book stores worth browsing.

2. Visit Kampot Night Market

It’s a small market near the river, mostly used by locals. Still worth checking out for a quick and cheap meal.

• Best food: grilled meats, noodles, sticky rice, Khmer pancakes
• Open from around 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
• No major shopping, but good people-watching

3. Rent a Scooter and Explore the Countryside

Renting a scooter is one of the best things to do in Kampot. It gives you access to quiet roads, palm fields, salt farms, and villages.

• Scooter rental: ~$5–$7/day
• Ride south for salt fields, pepper farms, and views
• Watch for potholes and animals on the road

4. Bokor National Park

A solid half-day trip. The road up is smooth and scenic, though steep in parts. At the top:

• Old Catholic church and abandoned Bokor Palace Hotel
• Great views (on clear days) of the coastline
• Cooler temps, bring a layer
• Can stop at Popokvil Waterfall along the way

Motorbikes can make the trip (~1 hour each way), or hire a tuk-tuk/driver for ~$20–$30 round-trip.

5. Day Trip to Kep

Kep is about 45 minutes away and makes for a perfect day trip.

• Crab Market: Fresh seafood, especially crab with Kampot pepper
• Kep Beach: Small, but nice for a dip
• Kep National Park: Short loop hike with ocean views
• Sunset spots: Sailing Club or beach road

Tuk-tuk to Kep: ~$12–$20 round-trip. Bring cash.

6. Kampot Pepper Farms

The region is known globally for Kampot pepper. Farms offer short free or paid tours.

• La Plantation is the most visited, free tours, samples, and meals cooked with Kampot pepper.
• Learn how black, red, and white pepper are processed.
• Combine with a Kep trip or ride out on a scooter

7. Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple

About 30 minutes from Kampot, this limestone cave has a small Hindu temple inside and natural formations.

• Stairs lead up to the entrance
• Local kids often offer to guide you for a tip
• Quiet, non-touristy, and interesting for an hour or so
• Bring sturdy shoes

8. Sunset River Cruise (Optional)

There are a few slow boat cruises that leave around 5 PM, cruising up the river toward the mountains.

• Cost: ~$5–$10 with drink included
• Lasts about 1.5–2 hours
• Some include firefly watching after dark
• Not essential, but a nice way to end the day

Food Recommendations in Kampot

Here are a few spots I tried and liked during my stay:

1. Burger at Yellow Star Hostel: Simple, tasty, and budget-friendly. Perfect for a quick meal after a long day of exploring.
2. Fresh Grilled Chicken and Potatoes in the Center: Found this bike stall in town serving grilled chicken that’s juicy and flavorful, with potatoes that somehow taste amazing. Definitely worth tracking down.
3. Best Coffee and Matcha at the Bike Stall: Nearby the grilled chicken spot, this small bike stall serves surprisingly good coffee and matcha great for a caffeine boost or a chill afternoon break.

When to Go

Kampot has a tropical climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons, so timing your visit depends on what you want to do.

• Dry Season (Nov–Mar): Best weather for exploring. Warm, sunny, and less humidity. This is peak tourist season, so expect more crowds and higher prices.
• Hot Season (Apr–May): Very hot (35°C+), fewer tourists, and cheaper rates. Plan activities for early mornings or late afternoons to avoid midday heat.
• Rainy Season (Jun–Oct): Frequent afternoon rains but usually clear mornings. The countryside is lush and quiet, with lower prices. Some dirt roads and day trips may be tricky in wet conditions.

Avoid major Cambodian holidays for smoother travel. Overall, Nov to March offers the most reliable weather, but Kampot’s charm is there year-round if you’re flexible.

Practical Tips for Visiting Kampot

• Bring Cash: ATMs exist but can run out. Small vendors and tuk-tuks often don’t accept cards.
• Rent a Scooter: It’s the easiest way to explore nearby pepper farms, Bokor National Park, and salt fields. Helmets are usually provided, wear them.
• Dress Light & Modest: Lightweight clothes for heat, but bring a light scarf or shirt to cover shoulders when visiting temples.
• Mosquito Repellent: Especially important in the rainy season and near water after sunset.
• Stay Hydrated: Bottled water is cheap and widely available always carry some when out on scooter rides or hikes.
• Negotiate Tuk-Tuk Prices: Agree on fares before your trip, especially for day trips to Kep or Bokor.
• Book Transport Early: Buses and trains can fill up, especially in peak season. Use Easybook or local guesthouses for reservations.
• Check Train Schedules: Trains run once daily, but can be delayed or canceled. Confirm timings a day before.
• Respect Local Customs: Greet with a smile and a polite “Som pas” (sorry) if you bump into someone. Cambodia is friendly but conservative.
• Internet & SIM Cards: Buying a local SIM card at the airport or city is easy and affordable, with good 4G coverage in Kampot.

Budget Tips for Kampot

Kampot is already affordable, but with a few small decisions, you can keep your daily spending around $20–$25 without missing out. Here’s how:

• Take the train or local bus: The train (~$8) or bus (~$8–$10) is the cheapest way in from Phnom Penh. Avoid overpaying for private transfers unless you’re in a group.
• Stay outside the riverside zone: Budget hostels like Yellow Star offer dorms for $5–$7 and private AC rooms from $12. You’ll walk more, but save a lot.
• Eat local food: Stick to street stalls or the night market. Most meals cost $1.50–$3. Western cafés can cost triple.
• Rent a scooter: For $5–$7/day, a scooter gives you access to Bokor, pepper farms, and Kep without tours or tuk-tuk costs.
• Book trips through your guesthouse: Skip online booking platforms. Hostels and local agents offer better prices for day trips and transport.
• Travel off-season: From May to October, accommodation prices drop and crowds thin out. It rains, but mostly in the afternoon.
• Split costs: Sharing tuk-tuks or meals with other travelers cuts prices fast. If you’re solo, ask around at your hostel.
• Carry cash: ATMs sometimes run dry and charge fees. Bring enough to cover at least a few days.
• Negotiate fares: Always agree on tuk-tuk prices up front. Don’t be afraid to walk away if it feels high.
• Skip unnecessary tours: Most places are easy to reach on your own if you rent a scooter or bike. Save tours for places that need context (like pepper plantations).

Final Thoughts

Kampot isn’t a flashy destination, and that’s part of its appeal. It’s a quiet town where life moves at a relaxed pace, perfect if you want to slow down after the chaos of Phnom Penh.

Don’t expect a long list of attractions or nonstop nightlife, what Kampot offers is simplicity: easy scooter rides through pepper farms, fresh seafood dinners by the river, and peaceful mornings in cafés.

If you’re traveling on a budget, it’s easy to keep daily costs low while still enjoying the laid-back vibe and natural surroundings. Whether you spend a few days or a week, Kampot is a place to recharge and experience Cambodia at a gentler pace.