Kampot pepper (Khmer: ម្រេចកំពត, mrech Kampot; French: poivre de Kampot) is a highly regarded black pepper cultivar grown in Cambodia’s Kampot Province. Historically known as Indochinese pepper during the French protectorate era, it derives its modern name from its cultivation region.
Certified as a geographical indication (GI) product in Cambodia since 2010 and in the European Union since 2016, this status ensures that only pepper from Kampot and Kep provinces can be labeled “Kampot Pepper,” preserving its quality and authenticity.
There are two primary varieties:
Small Leaf Variety (កំចាយ, kamchay)
Big Leaf Variety (lampong or belantoeung)
In 2016, Cambodia produced 11,819 tonnes of black pepper, with Kampot contributing significantly, although most production came from Tbong Khmum. Vietnam, in comparison, is the largest global producer with 155,000 tons in 2014.
The rise in market prices for pepper has led to new plantations in Cambodia, raising concerns about deforestation due to large-scale farming.
Kampot pepper’s distinctive flavor and high quality make it a prized ingredient worldwide. Its rich history, spanning centuries of cultivation, along with strict GI standards, ensure its status as a symbol of Cambodian agricultural excellence and heritage.
The Water Festival this year falls on November 7-9. But with Cambodia set to host the ASEAN summit and related meetings in the same week this month, the festival are not being celebrated in Phnom Penh, though some provinces have been holding celebrations since October.
Known locally as Bon Om Touk, the festival takes place in late October or early November to mark the end of the monsoon season as well as the change in flow of the Tonle Sap River.
The second day of the festival aligns with the date of the full moon on the Khmer lunar calendar month of Katdoek (or Kartika in Sanskrit), which is said to be when the long-cycle rice crop is ready for harvest.
The festival usually features dragon longboat races on its first day. Royal boat races have been held in Cambodia since at least the time of King Jayavarman VII to celebrate the victory of the Khmer navy over Cham invaders from the Champa kingdom in a large boat battle on the Tonle Sap Lake.
During the Longvek period of the 16th and 17th centuries, King Ang Chan I appointed Ponhea Yat as the “earth-guardian” in Kampuchea Krom’s Bassac district and he organised the navy into three groups to defend the region from invasion by the Da Viet kingdom under ruler Mac Dang Dung.
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.
Kampot Provincial Museum
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.
Kampot Pepper
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.
Sunset River Cruise in Kampot
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.
Kampot Salt field
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.
Kampot is a small riverside town in southern Cambodia, yet it holds a unique charm that draws travelers from around the world. Though modest in size, Kampot offers a complete and memorable travel experience. Nestled between the Elephant Mountains and the Teuk Chhou River, the town boasts stunning natural landscapes, colonial-era architecture, cultural richness, and a laid-back atmosphere that sets it apart from Cambodia’s busier destinations. In addition to these attractions, Kampot is also a province famous for its wide variety of tropical fruits. Walking through Kampot’s town center, you’ll find quiet streets lined with charming French colonial buildings, cozy cafés, art galleries, and local boutiques—offering both a nostalgic feel and modern comforts. The river, slow and scenic, lies at the heart of the town’s identity. Many guesthouses, hotels, and restaurants are set along the riverside, offering spectacular views, romantic sunsets, and peaceful mornings that invite visitors to relax and recharge.
For those who love nature, Kampot is a gateway to many outdoor adventures. A trip to Bokor Mountain reveals a mysterious mix of misty forests, an abandoned French hill station, a giant Buddha statue, and panoramic views that stretch all the way to the coast. The mountain air is cool and refreshing, and the journey to the top is as rewarding as the destination itself. Nearby, the Teuk Chhou Rapids offer a serene escape where visitors can relax in hammocks above the flowing water or take a refreshing swim. Kampot is also home to some of Cambodia’s most prized agricultural treasures. The world-renowned Kampot pepper—celebrated for its distinctive aroma and flavor—is cultivated in the nearby countryside. Visitors can tour pepper farms to learn about the traditional growing process and sample different varieties, including black, red, and white pepper. Equally impressive are the salt fields, where local workers continue to harvest salt using time-honored methods. These fields, especially during sunrise and sunset, offer not only a picturesque view but also a window into the daily lives of the people who live and work there.
Beyond its natural and agricultural appeal, Kampot’s culinary scene is diverse and delicious. From traditional Khmer dishes like fish amok and Kampot pepper crab to Western comfort food and vegan café fare, the town caters to every palate. The night market and riverside food stalls add vibrant local flavor, serving everything from grilled seafood to tropical fruit shakes. For culture enthusiasts, Kampot does not disappoint. The town has a small yet lively arts scene, with occasional live music, exhibitions, and cultural workshops. You can visit historic temples, explore the Kampot Provincial Museum to learn more about the region’s history, or take a short trip to Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple, where an ancient brick sanctuary lies hidden inside a limestone cavern.
What truly sets Kampot apart is its slow and peaceful rhythm. Life here moves at a gentle pace, allowing visitors to fully unwind and immerse themselves in the serene surroundings. Whether it’s taking a yoga class by the river, riding a bicycle through the tranquil countryside, or enjoying a sunset cruise with a cold drink in hand, Kampot offers the perfect setting for relaxation. It also serves as an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions such as Kep—a coastal town famous for its crab market and seafood—or Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay), just a short boat ride away.
Despite its small size, Kampot offers a well-rounded mix of experiences. Its friendly community, welcoming expat population, and growing selection of eco-lodges and boutique hotels make it a destination suited for everyone—from solo travelers and couples to families and retirees. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion, or culinary delights, Kampot truly has it all. It is a perfect example of how small places can offer big experiences, and it continues to win the hearts of those who take the time to explore its quiet magic.
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.
The Kroma, a traditional Cambodian scarf, is more than just a piece of cloth—it’s a powerful symbol of Khmer identity, culture, and everyday life. Woven from cotton or silk, the Kroma is typically checkered in patterns of red and white, blue and white, or black and white, though modern variations come in many colors. This versatile garment has been worn by Cambodians for centuries and serves multiple practical and cultural purposes. It can be used as a head covering to shield from the sun, a towel, a face mask for dusty roads, a belt, a baby carrier, or even as a hammock for infants. Farmers wear it while working in the fields, monks drape it over their shoulders, and city dwellers carry it as a sign of national pride. Beyond its function, the Kroma also holds cultural significance, often appearing in traditional dance performances and as a meaningful gift to visitors. Its enduring presence in both rural and urban areas highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of Cambodian people. Whether bought at a local market in Siem Reap or woven by hand in a rural village, the Kroma is a timeless piece of Khmer heritage that connects the past with the present, offering travelers not just a souvenir, but a meaningful glimpse into Cambodia’s rich cultural fabric.
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.
