Top Festivals and Events in Kampot You Shouldn’t Miss

Traveling from Phnom Penh to Kampot is a rewarding journey that takes you from the bustling capital city to the tranquil riverside town famous for its natural beauty and French colonial charm. The distance between Phnom Penh and Kampot is approximately 150 kilometers, and the trip usually takes between three to five hours, depending on your mode of transport.

One of the most popular and affordable ways to reach Kampot is by bus or minivan. Several transportation companies offer daily services, with air-conditioned vehicles and comfortable seating. Buses generally depart from the city center and arrive at Kampot town, providing an easy and scenic ride through the countryside. Travelers looking for more privacy and flexibility may prefer hiring a private taxi or SUV, which allows convenient stops for photos or refreshments along the way.

Another enjoyable option is traveling by train, operated by the Royal Railway of Cambodia. The train route offers a slower but more peaceful journey, showcasing rural landscapes, green fields, and mountain views. It is a unique and nostalgic experience for those who wish to travel at a relaxed pace.

For adventurous travelers, motorbike or car rental gives full freedom to explore at their own schedule, with the highway and well-paved roads making it a pleasant drive. Whether you seek comfort, adventure, or scenic beauty, every option from Phnom Penh to Kampot promises a memorable start to your stay in this charming coastal province.

Discover true relaxation and rejuvenation at Nibi Spa, a hidden sanctuary in the peaceful town of Kampot where natural beauty and tranquility come together to create an unforgettable wellness experience. Designed to refresh both body and mind, Nibi Spa offers a serene environment inspired by nature, with soothing music, gentle lighting, and aromatic scents that instantly calm your senses. Each treatment is thoughtfully crafted to promote healing, balance, and inner peace using high-quality natural products and traditional techniques. Guests can choose from a wide range of massages — from the classic Khmer traditional massage to aromatherapy and deep tissue options — all performed by professional and attentive therapists dedicated to ensuring your complete comfort.

At Nibi Spa, it’s not just about relaxation; it’s about renewal. The spa’s holistic approach focuses on relieving stress, improving circulation, and enhancing overall well-being. Whether you’ve spent the day exploring Kampot’s scenic countryside, the majestic Bokor Mountain, or the tranquil riverside, a visit to Nibi Spa provides the perfect way to unwind and restore your energy. Couples can also indulge in special treatments designed to create moments of connection and serenity. With its peaceful ambiance, warm hospitality, and dedication to quality care, Nibi Spa stands out as one of Kampot’s most cherished wellness destinations. Step inside, leave your worries behind, and let Nibi Spa take you on a soothing journey that refreshes your body, awakens your spirit, and renews your sense of balance in the heart of Kampot.

Located along the River about 11 km from Sokchea Kampot Hotel.

Operation Hours: 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM, or 10:00 AM Tuesday to Friday
Reservation contact +855 (0)16460110

Nestled in southern Cambodia, Kampot is a serene province celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty. Framed by rolling mountains, tranquil rivers, and golden sunsets, this charming town offers an ideal escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Its peaceful rhythm and stunning scenery make Kampot one of Cambodia’s most captivating destinations.

The Kampot River is the lifeblood of the region, winding gracefully through lush greenery and traditional villages. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises at sunrise or sunset, kayak along the gentle current, or simply relax on the riverbanks while watching local fishermen at work. The calm waters reflect the changing colors of the sky, creating a scene of pure tranquility.

Towering over the landscape is Bokor Mountain, a must-visit for its cool climate and panoramic views. The mountain’s winding roads lead to hidden waterfalls, misty forests, and the famous Bokor Hill Station—an old French colonial site that offers both history and breathtaking scenery. Nature enthusiasts can also spot diverse wildlife and enjoy peaceful hiking trails through the national park.

As the day fades, Kampot’s sunsets paint the sky in brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple. The best viewing spots are along the river or from the hilltops, where the horizon stretches endlessly.

From shimmering rivers to majestic mountains and unforgettable sunsets, Kampot’s natural wonders invite visitors to slow down, explore, and reconnect with nature’s simple beauty.

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.

Kampot Pepper is a highly regarded pepper variety grown in the Kampot Province of Cambodia. The region’s unique climate, soil, and traditional cultivation methods contribute to the exceptional quality of Kampot Pepper. Kampot Pepper farms can be found throughout the province, particularly in the foothills of the nearby Elephant Mountains.

The pepper plants thrive in Kampot’s tropical climate, characterized by a distinct rainy season and dry season. The soil in this region is rich in minerals and well-drained, providing optimal conditions for pepper cultivation.

Kampot Pepper farms typically cultivate the pepper vines using traditional methods, with careful attention paid to every stage of the growing process. Farmers often train the pepper vines to climb up wooden poles or trellises, allowing for proper air circulation and sunlight exposure.

Harvesting usually takes place during the dry season when the pepper berries are fully ripe. Workers handpick the ripe pepper berries, which are then sorted and processed. The berries are typically sun-dried to preserve their flavor and aroma before being packed for sale.

Visitors to Kampot Province can explore Kampot Pepper farms to learn about the cultivation techniques and the unique characteristics of this renowned pepper variety. Many farms offer guided tours where visitors can see the pepper vines, learn about the harvesting process, and even participate in pepper-picking activities. These tours often include tasting sessions where visitors can sample different varieties of Kampot Pepper and purchase freshly harvested pepper products to take home.

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.