Travel Options from Phnom Penh to Kampot

Traveling around Kampot is simple and enjoyable, especially when starting from Sokchea Kampot Hotel, located near the heart of the charming riverside town. Kampot’s compact size makes many attractions easy to reach on foot. If you enjoy scenic strolls, walk to nearby landmarks like the Night Market, Big Durian, or Seahorse Statue in just a few minutes. Walking around town also lets you soak up the relaxed atmosphere and spot hidden cafés, shops, and local life.

For longer distances or exploring beyond the town center, bicycles are a popular choice. You can rent one for just a few dollars a day, and ride along flat streets or out toward salt fields, pepper farms, and the Kampot countryside.

If you prefer quicker or more flexible transport, tuk-tuks and moto-taxis are widely available. These three-wheeled vehicles can be hired for short trips in town or for full-day excursions like Bokor Mountain or Kampot pepper plantations. Negotiating the price before your trip helps ensure a fair fare, and ride-hailing apps such as PassApp can provide fixed pricing and convenience.

For complete freedom, renting a motorbike gives you the ability to explore further attractions at your own pace. Always wear a helmet and follow local traffic rules for safety.

No matter how you choose to travel, starting from Sokchea Kampot Hotel lets you access all of Kampot’s best experiences—whether through walking, biking, tuk-tuk, or scooter—making your visit smooth and memorable.

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

Kampot, a charming riverside town in southern Cambodia, offers a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences. Here are some things to do in Kampot:

1. Explore Bokor National Park: Take a trip to Bokor Mountain, where you can explore the national park’s lush rainforest, visit the old French hill station, and see the abandoned buildings, including the Bokor Palace Hotel.
2. Cruise along the Kampot River: Enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the scenic Kampot River. You can take a sunset cruise or opt for a daytime excursion, which often includes stops at riverside villages and opportunities for swimming or kayaking.
3. Visit Kampot Pepper Farms: Kampot is renowned for its high-quality pepper. Visit one of the local pepper farms to learn about the cultivation process and sample some of the world-famous Kampot pepper.
4. Explore Kampot Town: Wander around Kampot’s picturesque streets lined with colonial-era buildings, boutique shops, and art galleries. Don’t miss the Old Market, where you can sample local snacks and shop for souvenirs.
5. Take a Kampot Pepper Farm Tour: Go on a guided tour of one of the pepper farms in the area to learn about the cultivation process of Kampot pepper, which is renowned for its unique flavor and aroma.
6. Visit Salt Fields: Take a trip to the nearby salt fields, where you can observe the traditional method of salt production and learn about the importance of salt in Cambodian cuisine and culture.
7. Explore Kep: Kep, famous for its seafood and relaxed atmosphere, is just a short drive away from Kampot. Visit the Kep Crab Market, relax on the beach, or hike up to Kep National Park for panoramic views of the coastline.
8. Try Water Sports: Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the serene waters of the Kampot River. You can also try your hand at windsurfing or kiteboarding if you’re feeling adventurous.
9. Visit Phnom Chhnork Cave: Explore the ancient Phnom Chhnork Cave, which features a Hindu temple dating back to the 7th century. The cave is located a short drive from Kampot and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
10. Sample Local Cuisine: Don’t leave Kampot without trying some of the local delicacies, such as fish amok, crab with Kampot pepper, or grilled squid. There are plenty of restaurants and street food stalls where you can taste authentic Cambodian dishes.

Visiting Bokor National Park from the Sokchea Kampot Hotel is one of the most rewarding day trips for travelers seeking a blend of nature, history, and sweeping mountain views. Located just a short drive from Kampot town, the park is easily accessible, making it convenient for guests staying at Sokchea Hotel. Most visitors begin their journey early in the morning to enjoy the cooler temperatures and the mist that often blankets the mountain’s winding roads.

The ascent to the park is a highlight in itself. As you travel higher, the landscape shifts from lowland countryside to dense evergreen forest, offering a refreshing change from the warm city air. The well-paved road makes the trip comfortable, whether by motorbike, tuk-tuk, or private car arranged through the hotel. Upon reaching the top, travelers are greeted with panoramic views of Kampot’s coastline.

Inside Bokor National Park, visitors can explore several iconic attractions. The Old French Hill Station, with its abandoned church and eerie, fog-covered hotel, provides a fascinating glimpse into Cambodia’s colonial past. Nearby, the Lok Yeay Mao Monument and Wat Sampov Pram offer cultural stops surrounded by dramatic cliffside scenery. Nature lovers can continue deeper into the park to visit Popokvil Waterfall, especially vibrant during the rainy season.

After a full day of sightseeing, guests can return to Sokchea Kampot Hotel to enjoy its peaceful atmosphere, making the trip both convenient and enriching. Visiting Bokor National Park from Kampot is a must for anyone seeking adventure, history, and breathtaking landscapes.

🌿 Discover Prek Thnout Community-Based Ecotourism
An authentic eco-adventure near Bokor National Park, Kampot Province

Prek Thnout Overview

Nestled between lush evergreen forests and the mangrove-lined coast of southern Cambodia, Prek Thnout Community-Based Ecotourism Site is a peaceful haven for nature lovers, cultural travelers, and anyone seeking a responsible travel experience.

🌱 About the Community
Established in 2007 with support from the NGO Save Cambodia’s Wildlife (SCW), Prek Thnout is one of Cambodia’s most respected community-run ecotourism projects. Located at the foothills of the Bokor Mountain range, the site offers refreshing nature, rich biodiversity, and a chance to support local livelihoods.

🐾 Things to Do
🌳 Nature & Wildlife
Walk along wooden boardwalks through mangroves to scenic waterfalls.
Spot local wildlife including monkeys, fireflies, forest birds, dolphins, and even dugongs.
Take a night boat ride to witness glowing fireflies lighting up the trees.

🧗 Adventure & Relaxation
Go on a guided hike to a secluded Blue Water Pool and swim in its clear stream.
Explore forest trails dotted with orchids, bamboo, and passionfruit plants.
Chill in a hammock while enjoying peaceful village life.
Forest walk

🍽 Culture & Local Crafts
Join locals in cooking traditional Khmer meals like BBQ chicken and fresh seafood.
Visit the rattan weaving center, and shop for handmade products such as bamboo tools, herbal goods, and natural crafts.

💰 Pricing & Amenities
Entrance fee: $3 per person – this helps support the local community.
Boat rental: $30 per boat (can accommodate up to 15 people).
Local guide: 3pergroupofupto10people.Ifyourtriplastslonger, it’s $1 for each additional hour.
Traditional meal: $3 per person – enjoy local dishes like BBQ chicken and fresh seafood.
Facilities include basic toilets, electricity, and a simple guesthouse where you can stay overnight. There is no Wi-Fi, which makes it the perfect place to unplug and enjoy nature.

🚗 Getting There – From Sokchea Kampot Hotel
Map sign

Distance: About 28 km
Travel Time: Around 32 minutes by car or tuk-tuk
Directions:

Start from Sokchea Kampot Hotel in Kampot.
Drive west on National Road No. 3 toward Sihanoukville.
After passing the KM 174 marker (174 km from Phnom Penh), cross a small bridge.
Look for the Prek Thnout Ecotourism sign and turn right onto a dirt road.
Continue about 5 more minutes to reach the community center.
🛵 Tip: Private tuk-tuk or car is best. Motorbike is possible in dry season. No direct public transport is available.

📆 Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (November to May) is the best time to visit. Waterfalls are flowing, trails are dry, and wildlife activity is high.
Rainy Season brings lush greenery but some areas can be muddy or harder to reach.
🌟 Why Visit Prek Thnout?
It’s 100% community-operated.
Your visit directly supports conservation, education, and local livelihoods.
A genuine, responsible travel experience — far from the crowds and mass tourism.
🗓 Suggested Half-Day Itinerary
Lunch and waterfall

Arrive in the morning and meet your local host.
Enjoy a delicious BBQ chicken lunch prepared by the villagers.
Hike to the Blue Water Pool and take a refreshing swim.
Explore the mangrove boardwalk and look for birds and monkeys.
Visit the local weaving center and support handmade crafts.
Relax in a hammock before heading back to Kampot in the afternoon.

River Festival 2025: Celebrating Cambodia’s Natural and Cultural Heritage
Cambodia is a country rich in cultural traditions and natural beauty, and one of the most anticipated annual events that showcases this heritage is the River Festival. This festival, which first began in 2015, is held in a different province each year, highlighting the significance of Cambodia’s rivers in the country’s history, tourism, and daily life. In 2025, the 9th River Festival will take place from March 21 to 23 in Takeo province, under the theme “The Value of River: Bridging Culture with Nature Tourism.” This event will serve as a platform to promote tourism, celebrate local culture, and bring economic benefits to the community while emphasizing the importance of protecting Cambodia’s natural waterways

A Celebration of Culture and Tourism
The River Festival is designed to be a vibrant and inclusive event that attracts visitors from across Cambodia and beyond. It features a variety of cultural performances, exhibitions, and interactive experiences that showcase the rich traditions of the host province. Takeo province, known for its ancient temples, serene landscapes, and historical significance, is an ideal location for this event. The festival’s main venue, Takeo Lakeside Park in Daun Keo City, will provide a stunning backdrop for the festivities, allowing visitors to appreciate both the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region.

The 2025 festival’s theme emphasizes the deep connection between Cambodia’s rivers and its cultural identity. The event will highlight how rivers have played a vital role in Khmer civilization for centuries, serving as essential transportation routes, sources of livelihood, and centers of spiritual significance. By blending cultural performances with eco-tourism activities, the festival aims to encourage sustainable tourism practices and promote the conservation of Cambodia’s natural resources.

Exciting Activities and Attractions
One of the most exciting aspects of the River Festival is the diverse range of activities it offers. Visitors can enjoy traditional music and dance performances, showcasing Cambodia’s artistic heritage. Local artisans will display their crafts, allowing guests to witness and purchase handmade products that reflect the craftsmanship of Takeo’s skilled artisans. Food lovers will have the opportunity to sample traditional Khmer cuisine, with food stalls offering a variety of local dishes.

Beyond cultural experiences, the festival will also feature sports competitions, including canoeing, kayaking, and boat races, which celebrate the strong connection between Cambodian people and their waterways. A 75-kilometer Phnom Penh-Takeo cycling race is expected to draw professional and amateur cyclists alike. Other sports activities, such as fun runs, volleyball, and traditional Khmer martial arts demonstrations, will provide entertainment and participation opportunities for visitors of all ages.

One of the highlights of the event will be the sky lantern displays, where hundreds of lanterns will be released into the night sky, creating a breathtaking visual experience. This tradition is believed to bring good luck and is a favorite attraction for both locals and tourists.

Economic and Social Impact
The River Festival is not only a celebration but also an important economic and social event. By attracting thousands of visitors, it provides a significant boost to local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transportation services. The festival also creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs and artisans to showcase their products and generate income.

In preparation for the festival, the Ministry of Tourism has issued guidelines to ensure high-quality services for visitors.

Local vendors are encouraged to decorate their stalls in ways that reflect Khmer culture and the unique identity of Takeo province. Authorities are working closely with businesses to maintain fair pricing, ensure cleanliness, and provide sufficient parking spaces to accommodate large crowds. These efforts aim to enhance the visitor experience and establish Takeo as a premier tourist destination.

A Tradition of Success
Since its launch in 2015, the River Festival has been hosted in different provinces, each offering a unique cultural and natural backdrop. In 2024, the event was held in Siem Reap and attracted over 500,000 visitors, making it one of the most successful editions of the festival. The event was temporarily suspended in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in 2023 with great enthusiasm. The 2025 edition in Takeo is expected to continue this success, drawing even larger crowds and further solidifying the festival’s role in Cambodia’s tourism industry.