Ultimate Guide to Kampot, Cambodia: Where to Stay, Eat, Explore & More
Kampot, a charming riverside town in southern Cambodia near pristine south coast beaches, exudes a sleepy vibe with exciting changes underway. A new tourist market hall rises, boutique hotels fill restored French colonial buildings, and the riverside promenade shines anew. Half the town buzzes with construction, signaling its rise. We loved Kampot as the perfect spot to unwind, savor delicious food and affordable cocktails at riverside eateries, and trace the origins of world-famous Kampot pepper.
GlobetrotterGirls' Comprehensive Guide to Kampot, Cambodia
Jump to sections via links below or read straight through for the full experience!
- Where to Stay in Kampot
- What to Do in Kampot
- Where to Eat in Kampot
- Where to Find Free Wi-Fi in Kampot
Where to Stay in Kampot
Once centered on 'Guesthouse Street' blocks from the river, Kampot's lodging now spans Khmer-run spots near the water and boutique hotels in the French quarter. Budget options persist, but mid-range and luxury choices cater to a growing, diverse crowd beyond backpackers.
Paris Guesthouse
Clean mid-town hotel with AC/fan rooms, hot/cold water, en-suite baths, cable TV, desk: $7–$15/night.
Rikitikitavi
Riverside boutique hotel with free Wi-Fi, excellent restaurant, river views: $35–$45. www.rikitikitavi-kampot.com
Le Soleil d’Or
Restored French-colonial boutique, prime central location: $35–$45.
La Java Bleue
French-colonial boutique near river and park: $35–$45.
Bokor Mountain Lodge
Riverside colonial gem with varied restaurant menu: $30–$45. Book here
NY NY
Spacious, clean rooms on Guesthouse Road with hot showers, free Wi-Fi: $6–7 (fan), $13–15 (AC). Book here
Blissful
Backpacker favorite on Guesthouse Street with garden restaurant/bar, free Wi-Fi: $5 (double private), $4 (shared), $2 (dorm). www.blissfulguesthouse.com
Pepper Guesthouse
Guesthouse Street spot with basics, on-site restaurant, bike rentals: $8 (fan), $15 (AC).
Orchid Guesthouse
Colonial villa vibe with yard: $5 (fan), $15 (AC), $8–15 (bungalows). Book here
Kampot Guesthouse
Spacious, spotless rooms with restaurant: $6 (fan), $15 (AC).
The Columns
Central boutique in restored colonial: $35–$49. Book here
Borey Bokor
Pool-equipped hotel with baths, cable TV, Wi-Fi, hot water, AC: $15–$40 (sister Borey Bokor II sans pool). Book here
Cozy Elephant
Park-end basics with free Wi-Fi/bikes, restaurant: $3–12 (rooms), $2.50 (dorms).
Champey Sor
Khmer hotel near river: hot showers, cable TV, Wi-Fi, fan/AC: from $15. Book here
Mea Culpa
Garden guesthouse south of center: AC/TV/DVD, hot water, tea/coffee, pizza patio: $20–$25. www.meaculpakampot.com
Natural Bungalows
Stylish riverside bungalows 1km north: AC, king beds, TV, hot water, Wi-Fi, breakfast: $13–$68. Book here
Riverside Stays Just Outside Kampot
Villa Vedici (2km upstream)
Pool, terrace, cruises/kayaks; TV/DVD/fridge/safe/Wi-Fi: $25. Book here
Ganesha Eco-Resort (4km upstream)
Family eco-spot with Wi-Fi/bikes/canoes/motorbikes/restaurant: $7–$49. Book here
Bodhi Villa (2km upstream)
Riverside/treehouse bungalows, restaurant/bar/chill room/pool table/dorms: $4–$8. www.bodhivilla.com
Explore the latest Kampot hotels on Booking.com!
What to Do in Kampot
Core Kampot fits 2 days; day trips extend to 4–5.
Countryside Tour
Visit pepper farms, fishing villages, ancient cave shrine, salt fields. Orchid Tours adds Rabbit Island/Kep lunch. Tuktuk drivers offer custom tours.
Sunset River Cruise
Stunning Elephant Mountains views: ~$8 nightly.
Bike Rental & Explore
$1/day from guesthouses; roam river, bridges, rural Muslim villages on red dirt roads.
Massage
Riverside studios, including blind masseurs: ~$5/hour full-body.
Day Trip to Kep
25km east (40min); famed seafood. Beach okay, but Rabbit Island better.
Bokor National Park
1.5hr away: abandoned casino, views, hikes (e.g., Popokvil Falls), wildlife. Tours ~$10 with lunch; or tuktuk.
Live Music
Bokor Mountain Lodge (Sundays 5pm); Art Bar Craze (Saturdays).
Where to Eat in Kampot
Diverse spots from Khmer/Asian to Western/Italian, all budgets.
Bokor Mountain Lodge
Riverside: pizzas/pasta/burgers/salads/hummus ($2.50–$2.75), Wi-Fi, Happy Hour.
Café Espresso
Cambodia's top coffee; quesadillas/breakfasts/salads, Wi-Fi. 8am–6pm. espressokampot.blogspot.com
ABC Bar (Art Bar Craze)
Near market: Happy Hour 6–8pm, draft beer $0.75, French bites/hummus ($1.50), live music Saturdays. 2pm onward (Wed closed). abc-kampot.blogspot.com
Rikitikitavi
Riverside favorite: Happy Hour 5–7pm, creative Khmer-Western fusion (curries, wraps, ribs).
Wunderbar
Trendy riverside: cocktails, cheap Western/Asian ($2.75+), Wi-Fi, Happy Hour 5–7pm (Mon closed).
Sisters II
Inexpensive cakes/breakfasts; en route to 2000 monument.
Epic Arts Café
Veggie-friendly light meals/shakes/bakes; supports deaf/disabled community. Wi-Fi. 8am–6pm. epicarts.org.uk
Pizza 36
Top pizzas (creative toppings), sandwiches/burgers; free delivery. En route to 2000 monument.
Others: Mea Culpa (wood-fired pizzas/international, Wi-Fi); Blissful (Western/Khmer roasts/breakfasts, Happy Hour 4–8pm, Wi-Fi).
Where to Find Free Wi-Fi in Kampot
Widespread at guesthouses/restaurants; laptop-friendly with plugs:
Café Espresso
Best coffee + reliable Wi-Fi/plugs for work.
Epic Arts Café
Welcoming vibe, strong Wi-Fi; community-focused.
More: Vongmany/Sunset/La Java Bleue/Rikitikitavi/Sisters II/Wunderbar/Bokor Mountain Lodge/Frangipani/Bar Red.
Recent Kampot visitor? Share updates on new spots or changes below—we value your input!
