Best Things to Do in One Day in Kampot

A Sunset River Cruise in Kampot is a popular activity that allows visitors to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Kampot River while witnessing a breathtaking sunset. Kampot River and its picturesque surroundings. The river is flanked by lush greenery, and you’ll have the opportunity to admire the natural beauty of the area as you cruise along. Sunset River Cruises in Kampot are known for their relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.

You’ll have the chance to unwind and enjoy the tranquil surroundings as you cruise along the river. The highlight of the Sunset River Cruise is, of course, the sunset itself. As the sun begins to set on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the river, you’ll have a front-row seat to this breathtaking natural spectacle. The colors of the sky change from hues of orange to pink and purple, creating a magical ambiance.  Many Sunset River Cruises in Kampot offer complimentary drinks and refreshments onboard. You can sip on a refreshing beverage as you soak in the views and enjoy the sunset.

The stunning sunset and scenic views along the Kampot River provide excellent opportunities for photography. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, you’ll want to capture the beauty of the sunset and the surrounding landscape.  Some Sunset River Cruises may include live music or entertainment onboard, adding to the overall ambiance and enjoyment of the experience. Sunset River Cruises in Kampot typically last for around 1-2 hours, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience without it feeling rushed.

Overall, a Sunset River Cruise in Kampot offers a memorable and enchanting experience that allows you to witness one of nature’s most beautiful phenomena while enjoying the serene beauty of the Kampot River. It’s a perfect way to unwind and create lasting memories during your visit to Kampot.

We are incredibly honored to receive the Travelers Review Award 2025 from Booking.com! This recognition is a true testament to the dedication of our team at Sokchea Kampot Hotel and, most importantly, to the trust and support of our wonderful guests. We sincerely thank each and every guest who took the time to share their experiences and reviews on Booking.com. Your kind words and valuable feedback inspire us to continuously improve and provide the best hospitality possible.

At Sokchea Kampot Hotel, we are committed to offering warm and welcoming stays, ensuring every guest enjoys a peaceful retreat by the beautiful riverside of Kampot. Whether you visit for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or simply a relaxing escape, we take great pride in delivering exceptional service and unforgettable moments.

This award motivates us to strive for even greater excellence in the years to come. Thank you again to Booking.com for this prestigious recognition and to all our guests for making this achievement possible. We look forward to welcoming you again soon and creating more memorable experiences together!

Kampot has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Angkorian period when it was an important trading hub. Over time, it played a significant role in Cambodia’s maritime trade due to its strategic location near the coast.

During the French colonial era (1863–1953), Kampot became a key commercial center. The French built roads, bridges, and colonial-style buildings, many of which still stand today. The town was also famous for its high-quality Kampot pepper, which gained international recognition.

In the 1970s, during the Khmer Rouge era, Kampot, like much of Cambodia, suffered greatly. Many historical buildings were abandoned, and the region’s economy declined. However, in recent decades, Kampot has revived, becoming a top destination for travelers looking to experience its unique blend of history, nature, and culture.

Top Things to Do in Kampot
1. Explore Bokor National Park
Bokor Hill Station, built by the French in the 1920s as a hill retreat, features abandoned colonial buildings, including the old Catholic church and the Bokor Palace Hotel. The park offers stunning views, waterfalls, and rich wildlife.

2. Walk Through the Old Colonial Town
Take a leisurely stroll through the old town, where you can see well-preserved French colonial buildings, such as the Kampot Provincial Hall and the Old Market.

3. Visit a Kampot Pepper Farm
Kampot pepper, once prized by French chefs, remains a symbol of the town’s agricultural heritage. Farms like La Plantation and BoTree offer guided tours where you can see the traditional growing and harvesting process.

4. Take a Sunset Cruise on the Kampot River
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the river, where you can admire mangroves, mountains, and fireflies at night.

5. Discover the Salt Fields
Kampot’s salt fields are a reminder of Cambodia’s traditional salt production methods. The best time to visit is during the dry season when workers harvest salt by hand.

6. Take a Day Trip to Kep
A short drive from Kampot, Kep was a popular French seaside resort in the early 20th century. Today, it’s famous for the Kep Crab Market, where you can enjoy fresh seafood.

7. Visit Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple
A fascinating cave with a 7th-century brick temple inside, Phnom Chhngok offers history and adventure in one stop.

8. Try Outdoor Activities
Kayaking or paddleboarding on the river.
Cycling through the countryside to see traditional Cambodian villages.
Tubing along the river for a relaxing afternoon.

Where to Stay in Kampot
For Comfort and Relaxation: Sokchea Kampot Hotel
A peaceful hotel with modern amenities, ideal for honeymooners, families, or those looking for a quiet retreat.
Offers a range of accommodation from Single Rooms to Family Rooms.

Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Kampot River, Sokchea Kampot Hotel serves as the perfect gateway to exploring one of Cambodia’s most charming provinces. Kampot is known for its laid-back atmosphere, French colonial architecture, and breathtaking natural scenery. From this ideally located hotel, travelers can easily access the region’s top attractions that showcase both its cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Just a short drive away lies Bokor National Park, a must-visit destination offering cool mountain air, lush forests, and historical landmarks such as the old French hill station and the atmospheric Bokor Palace ruins. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the coast and spot rare wildlife along scenic hiking trails. For those seeking a taste of local life, a trip to the Kampot Pepper Plantations reveals the secrets behind Cambodia’s world-famous pepper, often praised by top chefs worldwide.

Another highlight is the Kampot River, where travelers can kayak, take a sunset cruise, or simply relax along its peaceful banks. Nearby, the Kep Beach and Crab Market offer a seaside escape with fresh seafood and ocean breezes, just a short journey from the hotel.

After a day of exploration, guests can return to Sokchea Kampot Hotel to unwind in comfort, enjoying modern amenities and warm Cambodian hospitality. Whether you’re drawn by nature, culture, or cuisine, exploring Kampot from Sokchea Kampot Hotel promises an unforgettable and authentic Cambodian experience.

La Plantation was founded in 2013 by a French-Cambodian couple, Nathalie and Guy Porré, who were deeply inspired by Cambodia’s cultural richness and agricultural potential. After discovering the deep heritage of Kampot Pepper once prized by chefs around the world — they made it their mission to revive and protect this iconic spice through ethical and sustainable farming.

What began as a small project turned into a flourishing agro-tourism destination, one of the most respected pepper farms in Cambodia and across Southeast Asia.

🌿 Discover La Plantation: The Heart of Kampot Pepper Culture

When visiting Kampot, one experience that truly captures the soul of the region is a visit to La Plantation — a world-renowned pepper farm and agro-tourism destination. Nestled among the lush green hills just outside Kampot city, La Plantation isn’t just a pepper farm — it’s a living story of tradition, sustainability, and the unforgettable taste of Kampot Pepper, Cambodia’s culinary treasure.

🫚 What Makes La Plantation Special?

La Plantation is one of the leading producers of certified organic Kampot pepper — a product recognized globally with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), much like Champagne in France or Parma ham in Italy. But beyond growing premium pepper, La Plantation offers visitors an immersive experience into Cambodia’s spice culture.

🌱 Guided Tours: From Farm to Flavor

Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or simply curious, La Plantation welcomes you with free guided tours in English, Khmer, or French. During the tour, you’ll learn:

• How Kampot pepper is planted, harvested, and sun-dried by hand
• The differences between black, red, white, and green pepper
• Sustainable farming practices that protect the local ecosystem

You’ll walk through the vibrant pepper gardens, see local workers in action, and gain a deep appreciation for the hard work behind each tiny peppercorn.

🧂 Taste the Difference: Kampot Pepper Tasting

One of the highlights of any visit is the pepper tasting session. Here, you’ll get to:

• Sample the various types of Kampot pepper each with its unique aroma and flavor
• Try their famous fresh salted green pepper crunchy, mildly spicy, and incredibly addictive
• Discover other exotic spices grown on-site like turmeric, long pepper, and galangal

Many visitors are surprised to learn how nuanced pepper can be it’s not just “hot”; it’s floral, fruity, herbal, and earthy all at once.

🍽️ Khmer Cuisine Meets French Flair

La Plantation also features a charming on-site restaurant and spice bar, where you can taste local Cambodian dishes with a gourmet twist all enhanced with their freshly harvested spices. Popular menu items include:

• Beef Lok Lak with Kampot black pepper sauce
• Pepper ice cream (yes, it’s delicious!)
• Fresh tropical fruit juices and cocktails infused with local herbs

Cooking classes are also available for those who want to take a deeper dive into Khmer cuisine.

❤️ A Commitment to Community & Sustainability

La Plantation is more than a tourist destination. it’s a community-driven project. Founded by a French Cambodian couple, the farm:

• Provides stable employment to over 100 local workers
• Supports a local primary school and offers scholarships
• Rescues and restores traditional Khmer wooden houses for use on-site
• Is certified organic and actively promotes sustainable farming

By visiting, you’re directly supporting local farmers and helping preserve Kampot’s cultural and agricultural heritage.

🧭 How to Get There from Sokchea Kampot Hotel

La Plantation is about 25–30 minutes from Kampot town. Here are your options:

• Tuk-tuk: A scenic countryside ride
• Shuttle or private car: We can help arrange transport for you — just ask at our front desk!
• Motorbike: For the adventurous traveler

Make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a camera the views over the rice fields and mountains are stunning.

🌟 Don’t Miss This Unique Kampot Experience

A visit to La Plantation is more than a farm tour . it’s a journey into Cambodia’s rich agricultural tradition, local flavors, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re staying a few days or a week in Kampot, this is one of the must-do experiences we highly recommend.

Traveling from Kampot to Koh Rong in Cambodia offers a scenic mix of land and sea transport, and you have several good options to choose from. Here’s a breakdown of how to get there, how long it’ll take, and what it will cost.

Traveling from Kampot to Koh Rong is a memorable journey that connects Cambodia’s peaceful riverside town with one of its most beautiful islands. The trip usually involves two stages — traveling from Kampot to Sihanoukville by land, then continuing by ferry to Koh Rong. Travelers can choose from several options depending on their budget, time, and comfort preference.

The most common way is by bus or minivan. Shared transportation departs daily from Kampot to Sihanoukville, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours. The ticket price usually ranges from US $10 to $12 per person. Once in Sihanoukville, passengers can catch a ferry to Koh Rong at the main pier. Several ferry companies operate daily services to the island, with a travel time of around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Ferry tickets cost between US $15 to $20 each way, depending on the operator and boat type.

For more comfort and flexibility, travelers may hire a private taxi or car transfer from Kampot directly to Sihanoukville or even to the ferry pier. This convenient option takes about 2 hours and costs between US $45 and $80, ideal for families or groups who prefer privacy and a smoother ride. Some travel agencies in Kampot also offer combined packages (land + ferry) starting from US $35 to $40 per person, saving time and effort when planning connections.

During high season, a direct ferry from Kampot to Koh Rong is occasionally available, operated from Kampot International Tourism Port. The boat ride takes around 2 hours and costs approximately US $25 per person — the most scenic and relaxing route, as you’ll cruise directly to the island without needing a land transfer.

Whichever option you choose, the journey from Kampot to Koh Rong promises a mix of adventure, comfort, and breathtaking scenery — leading you from tranquil riverside charm to the tropical paradise of Cambodia’s coastline.

Please feel free to contact our Team for more information. E-mail: reservation.kampot@sokcheahotel.com, Tel: +85561763456, WhatApps: +85592801179