Exploring Kampot: Top Attractions Near Sokchea Kampot Hotel

Welcome to Sokchea Kampot Hotel, where luxury meets tranquility in the heart of Kampot.

Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of our hotel, where every detail is designed to provide you with a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Relax and unwind in our well-appointed rooms, meticulously designed to offer the utmost comfort and convenience for our guests. Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains from your private balcony, and let the tranquil ambiance of Kampot wash over you.

Rest easy knowing that modern amenities such as air conditioning, a safety deposit box, and a flat-screen TV are readily available in every room, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Stay connected throughout your visit with complimentary WiFi available throughout the property. Whether you’re catching up on emails or sharing your Kampot adventures with loved ones, our reliable internet service ensures you’re always connected.

Conveniently located near popular attractions such as the Kampot Provincial Museum and Kampot Train Station, our hotel makes it easy for you to explore the rich history and culture of Kampot. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the picturesque Teuk Chhou Rapids are just a short drive away, offering a refreshing escape into nature.

Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, Sokchea Kampot Hotel offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience for your stay in Kampot. We look forward to welcoming you and ensuring you have an unforgettable experience with us.

Khmer New Year, or Choul Chnam Thmey, is one of the most significant and joyous celebrations in Cambodia, marking the transition to the new year according to the traditional Buddhist calendar. In 2025, the festival will take place from April 14 to 16, bringing families, communities, and visitors together for three days of vibrant festivities, cultural traditions, and religious ceremonies. The celebrations begin with Maha Sangkran, the first day when people clean their homes, wear traditional Khmer clothing, and visit pagodas to offer prayers and seek blessings for the new year. The second day, Veareak Vanabat, is dedicated to acts of charity, as families donate food and essential items to monks, the elderly, and those in need, reflecting the spirit of kindness and generosity that defines the holiday. The final day, Veareak Leung Sakk, is marked by Buddha bathing ceremonies, symbolizing purification and renewal, and is a time for families to gather, share meals, and engage in traditional games and celebrations. Across Cambodia, cities, towns, and villages come alive with joyful activities, including cultural performances, music, and traditional games such as Chol Chhoung and Bos Angkunh, which bring communities together in playful competition. The highlight of Khmer New Year in 2025 will be the Angkor Sankranta Festival in Siem Reap, a large-scale cultural event hosted at Angkor Wat and other key locations, where visitors can experience traditional dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, and culinary showcases that celebrate Cambodia’s rich heritage. As one of the most anticipated festivals of the year, Khmer New Year is a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewal, where people honor their ancestors, strengthen family bonds, and welcome the future with optimism and joy. Whether in the bustling streets of Phnom Penh, the historic temples of Siem Reap, or the tranquil countryside, the spirit of the festival unites Cambodians in a shared expression of culture, happiness, and national pride.

Jasmine Spa Kampot is a charming and peaceful wellness retreat located in the heart of Kampot town, making it one of the nearest and most convenient spas for guests staying at Sokchea Kampot Hotel. Nestled along Dragon Street, the spa offers a relaxing garden atmosphere and beautifully designed treatment rooms, allowing visitors to unwind from a day of exploration or long travels. With a warm welcome and professional therapists, the spa creates a calming environment where guests can fully embrace rest and rejuvenation.

Jasmine Spa Kampot provides a wide range of treatments to suit every guest’s preference. Their services include Khmer traditional massage, aromatherapy oil massage, foot reflexology, facial treatments, body scrubs, manicure and pedicure, and waxing. Each therapy is carried out with great care and attention, using quality products to ensure relaxation and wellness. Whether you are seeking to relieve muscle tension, improve blood circulation, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment, this spa delivers a satisfying experience for both body and mind.

From Sokchea Kampot Hotel, getting to Jasmine Spa Kampot is easy and quick. It is just around five to ten minutes away by Tuk Tuk or motorbike, traveling through Kampot’s charming quiet streets toward Dragon Street. Guests can also enjoy a leisurely walk if they prefer, as the spa is located less than a kilometer from the hotel.

For inquiries or reservations, Jasmine Spa Kampot can be contacted at +855 12 226 447 or +855 15 262 447. A visit to this spa promises soothing comfort and the perfect break during your stay in Kampot.

The Kampot Salt Fields are located in Kampot Province, Cambodia, near the coastal town of Kampot and the neighboring province of Kep. These salt fields are renowned for their traditional salt production methods, which have been passed down through generations.

The salt fields are typically made up of vast expanses of shallow, rectangular basins filled with seawater. The process of salt production begins during the dry season when the seawater is directed into the basins through a series of canals and channels. As the water evaporates under the hot sun, it leaves behind a layer of salt crystals on the basin’s surface.

Workers then carefully rake the salt crystals from the basins and pile them up to dry further in the sun. Once dried, the salt is collected, sorted, and packed for distribution to local markets or for export.

Visitors to the Kampot Salt Fields can observe this traditional salt-making process and learn about the significance of salt production in the region’s economy and culture. The salt fields also offer picturesque views, especially during sunrise and sunset, making them a popular destination for tourists exploring the Kampot Province. Additionally, many tours in the area include visits to the salt fields as part of their itinerary, providing visitors with insight into Cambodia’s rural life and traditional industries.

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.

Tucked away in southern Cambodia, Kampot is a charming riverside town that captivates visitors with its blend of colonial-era architecture, tranquil natural surroundings, rich culture, and laid-back lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both, Kampot offers something for every traveler. Before packing your bags, it’s essential to know what to expect, how to get there, what to do, and how to make the most of your visit to this peaceful destination.

Getting There

Kampot is located approximately 150 kilometers southwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. The journey by road takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic. The most common ways to reach Kampot include bus services, private taxis, or minivans. Several transportation companies like Giant Ibis, Virak Buntham, and Kampot Express offer daily departures from Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, and Kep. For those arriving internationally, the nearest airport is Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), followed by a scenic road journey to Kampot.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Kampot is during the dry season, which typically spans from November to April. This period offers pleasant weather with clear skies, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The rainy season, from May to October, can also be rewarding if you enjoy lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, and don’t mind occasional showers. Be mindful of potential flooding during heavy rains, particularly if exploring rural or riverside areas.

Where to Stay

Kampot offers a wide range of accommodations, from riverside bungalows and boutique guesthouses to modern hotels and eco-lodges. A standout mid-range choice is Sokchea Kampot Hotel, which offers a comfortable stay in a tranquil setting, blending traditional French Colonial architecture with modern amenities. Located conveniently for both exploring the town and relaxing by the mountain and river scenery, it’s ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.

Getting Around

Getting around Kampot is straightforward. The town center is compact and walkable, especially the area near the river. For exploring the countryside or more distant attractions, motorbike rentals and tuk-tuks are widely available. Motorbike rentals start at about $5–7 per day. Bicycles are also a popular choice for a slower-paced exploration. If you’re not comfortable riding, tuk-tuks and taxis can be hired for half-day or full-day tours at reasonable prices.

Things to Do in Kampot

Despite its small-town charm, Kampot offers a wide range of attractions and activities:

• Bokor Mountain National Park – A must-visit, featuring the haunting ruins of Bokor Hill Station, a historic Catholic church, the iconic statue of Lok Yeay Mao, and dramatic panoramic views over the Gulf of Thailand. The scenic winding road to the top is a highlight for riders.
  

• Kampot Pepper Farms – Internationally famous for its aromatic pepper, Kampot is home to several farms like La Plantation and Sothy’s Pepper Farm. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about traditional pepper cultivation and taste the different varieties.

• Kampot River – The river is the town’s heartbeat. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, ziplining at Lomhae Dong Prek, or relaxing on sunset cruises. Many riverside cafés and lodges provide perfect spots to unwind with stunning views.

  

• Salt Fields – Kampot’s salt production is a unique industry to observe. Visit during the dry season to see workers harvesting salt in the traditional way across shimmering salt pans.

• Caves and Countryside – Discover limestone caves like Phnom Chhngok, which houses a 7th-century brick temple inside, or Phnom Sorsia with its “White Elephant Cave.” Surrounding villages and rice paddies offer a serene glimpse into rural Cambodian life.

• Kep and Rabbit Island – A short drive from Kampot, Kep is known for its crab market and quiet beaches. From Kep’s pier, catch a boat to Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay) for a relaxed beach day or overnight stay in simple bungalows.

• Kampot Old Town & Night Market – Stroll the colonial-era streets filled with French-style architecture, quirky shops, art galleries, and riverside cafés. The night market, though small, comes alive with local food, crafts, and music in the evenings.

Food and Drink

Kampot’s culinary scene is diverse and delightful. From classic Khmer dishes like amok (coconut curry fish) and lok lak (marinated beef) to Western favorites, there’s no shortage of flavors. The iconic Kampot pepper crab is a local specialty not to be missed.

Recommended spots include:

• Epic Arts Café – A social enterprise supporting people with disabilities, offering great food in a welcoming atmosphere.

• Café Espresso – Popular among expats and travelers for its excellent coffee and hearty breakfasts.

The town also boasts a selection of riverside bars and live music venues, perfect for a laid-back evening. Happy hour deals and open-mic nights are common, especially on weekends.

Culture and Local Etiquette

Kampot locals are known for their warmth and friendliness. Tourism is growing but still modest compared to places like Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Modest dress is encouraged, especially when visiting temples or rural villages. A few simple Khmer phrases like “Sua s’dei” (hello) and “Aw kun” (thank you) go a long way. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service.

Currency and Budget

Cambodian Riel (KHR) is the official currency, but US dollars are commonly used. Small denominations are helpful in markets and with tuk-tuks. Kampot is budget-friendly — travelers can get by on $30–50 per day, including meals, transport, and accommodation. Mid-range or luxury stays may cost $60–100+ daily.

Safety and Health

Kampot is generally safe, with low crime rates. Still, use common sense — don’t leave valuables unattended, especially at night. Wear helmets if riding motorbikes and use bottled or filtered water. Local pharmacies can handle minor issues, but for serious medical needs, Phnom Penh offers better facilities. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Final Tips

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi is reliable in most hotels and cafés. For mobile data, local SIM cards from Smart or Metfone are inexpensive and widely available.

• Electricity: Cambodia uses 230V and plugs of types A, C, and G. Bring a universal adapter if needed.

• Eco-Friendly Travel: Respect the environment. Reduce single-use plastics, avoid disturbing wildlife, and support local businesses.