How to spend 3 perfect days in Kampot, Cambodia
A Travel Guide for Curious Travelers
Introduction
If you’re planning a trip through Cambodia and looking for a place to slow down without getting bored, Kampot is the perfect stop.
This small riverside town has a relaxed, almost home-like feeling, but at the same time offers plenty to explore. From cozy cafés and local markets to mountain views and coastal trips, Kampot gives you a bit of everything without feeling overwhelming.
What makes it even better is how easy it is to explore the area. Within a short distance, you can visit Bokor National Park, ride through the countryside, or spend a day by the sea in Kep.
Kampot is not the kind of place you visit for a checklist. It’s the kind of place you end up enjoying without really planning to.
It’s the kind of place where three days feel just right.
Enough time to explore, discover, and still relax without rushing from one thing to another.
So if you’re planning a trip and wondering how to make the most of your time here, this guide will walk you through exactly how to spend 3 perfect days in Kampot.
How to get to Kampot (easy & stress-free)
Most travelers arrive in Kampot from Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, or Kep.
The easiest option is by bus. From Phnom Penh, the journey takes around 3 to 4 hours.
You can book your ticket online or through travel agencies in the city you are departing from.
Once you are in Kampot, things become much easier to organise.
If you stay at AHHA, they can help you arrange transport from Kampot to other destinations in Cambodia, so you don’t have to plan everything yourself.
They work with reliable companies like:
- KS-KIM SENG EXPRESS
- CHAN MOLY ROTH TRANSPORTATION CO., LTD
- E-Booking Express
his makes it easy to continue your trip after your stay in Kampot
Where to stay in Kampot
Pepper might seem like a simple spice, but in Kampot it’s something completely different.
Visiting a pepper farm turned out to be one of the most surprising experiences. Walking through the fields, everything looks carefully organised, almost like a vineyard.
But the real highlight is the tasting.
You get to try different types of pepper, all from the same plant. And yes, they all taste completely different.
The best part? The pepper ice cream.
It sounds strange at first, but it’s actually really good. Sitting there with a view over the plantation while trying something you’ve never tasted before… that’s what makes the experience special.
Fair warning: after this, normal pepper at home will taste very different.
Best time to travel
Kampot can be visited all year round, but the experience depends on the season.
The best time to visit is during the dry season from November until April, when the weather is sunny and ideal for exploring.
From November to February, temperatures are more comfortable, making it the best period for activities like Bokor or countryside rides.
The rainy season (May to October) brings short but heavy showers, but the landscape becomes much greener and there are fewer tourists.
Why 3 days in Kampot is perfect
Kampot is small, but surprisingly diverse.
Within a short distance, you can explore mountains, rivers, countryside, and even the coast. That’s what makes it ideal for a short but complete trip.
Day 1: Explore Kampot town and unwind
For your first day in Kampot, it’s best to keep things simple.
After arriving, drop your bags and head straight into town. You do not need a plan. Kampot is small, and exploring it on foot is already part of the experience.
Walk through the center and take your time. You’ll pass colorful colonial buildings, small local shops, and cozy cafés where it’s easy to stop for a while. The atmosphere is relaxed, and nothing feels rushed.
If you enjoy browsing, this is a great place to do it. Kampot has several thrift shops where you can find unique vintage pieces. Some look small from the outside, but once you step in, you soon realize there’s more than expected. A quick visit often turns into a longer one without you noticing.
For coffee lovers, there are plenty of nice spots to take a break. One of my favorites is The Bookish Bazaar, where you can sit down with a coffee and read a book at the same time. It’s simple, but it fits the vibe of Kampot perfectly.
Later in the afternoon, walk towards the river.
The boulevard is one of the nicest places to end your day. People gather here to sit by the water and enjoy the view while the sun slowly sets. It’s calm, easy, and a great way to settle into the town.
If you want something more special, you can go to the AHHA Floatel. Watching the sunset from the water, with the mountains in the background, is one of those moments that quietly stays with you.
In the evening, visit the night market. It’s small but lively, with food stalls and local vendors. Walk around, try some food, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Day 2: Visit Bokor National Park
Day two is the day you really start exploring.
Even though Bokor National Park is located in Kampot, It’s about an hour away from the town center. That’s why it’s perfect as a day trip.
If you want to make the most of it, it’s honestly a good idea to wake up early.
Leave around 5 AM so you can reach the top in time for sunrise around 6 AM. It’s an early start, but once you’re up there, it quickly feels worth it.
Yes, it’s early.
But it’s worth it.
The drive itself is part of the experience. The road leads you through forests, and as you climb higher, the air becomes cooler, and the views open up.
Along the way, you’ll notice monkeys sitting on the road. Some are just watching, others slowly cross in front of you like they have all the time in the world.
At the top, you’ll find old colonial buildings such as a church and a casino, built in the 1920s as a mountain retreat.
The mix of open space, mist, and abandoned structures gives the place a unique atmosphere.
The best way to explore Bokor is by scooter. It allows you to stop at viewpoints and take your time. Rentals usually cost between 6 and 10 dollars per day. If you stay at AHHA, you can arrange everything easily at the reception.
The road is smooth and manageable, even if you don’t have much experience. Just take it slow and enjoy the ride.
Day 3: Kep, Seafood and sea views + countryside adventure
For your last day, combine the countryside with a visit to Kep.
Start your morning outside Kampot. The countryside is one of the most enjoyable parts of the region, with rice fields, small villages, and quiet roads where you get a glimpse of local life.
There’s no fixed route.
Just follow the road, stop when something catches your attention, and enjoy the ride. This is where having a scooter really makes a difference.
After that, continue towards Kep.
It’s about a 30 to 45-minute drive, and the change is immediate. One moment you’re surrounded by fields, the next you’re by the sea.
Kep is a small coastal town, but it’s definitely not empty. Especially during the day, you’ll notice a mix of locals and day tourists coming here for the seafood and the views.
Head to the crab market for lunch.
This is the most lively spot in Kep, and for good reason. Fresh seafood is prepared on the spot, and the most popular dish is crab with Kampot pepper. It’s simple, but really good and one of the highlights of the region.
After lunch, things slow down again.
Walk along the coast, find a place to sit, and enjoy the sea view. Once you move away from the market area, Kep feels much calmer and more relaxed.
If you stay a bit longer, you can catch sunset over the sea. A simple and enjoyable way to end your last day.
Insider tips and final thoughts
Kampot is not a place where you need to rush.
Some of the best moments here are the ones you didn’t plan. Sitting by the river a bit longer than expected, stopping somewhere randomly, or discovering a place you didn’t expect.
If you’re renting a scooter, take your time and don’t try to do everything in one day.
And one last thing.
Kampot often ends up being more than just a stop on your itinerary.
It’s the kind of place where people arrive for a few days… and quietly start thinking about staying a little longer.
