Kampot Travel

Kampot Weather Overview

The tropical essence of Kampot means that tourists experience humid and warm weather when in the city. Tourists can visit this city throughout the year thanks to the pleasant climate that prevails. However, visitors usually find the sunny dry season the best time to explore Kampot.

Dry Season (October to Early May)

The dry season in Kampot witnesses sultry and pleasant weather with temperatures usually hovering between 23°C and 32°C. The bright and comfortable climate makes this season the best time of the year to visit Kampot. Tourists will find the environment more welcoming during December, January, and March, with a few thundershowers hitting the city once in a while. Tourists will find solace at the picturesque Popokvil Waterfalls during this time. The dry season is an apt time to explore the incredible nature reserves in Kampot.

Wet Season (Early May to September)

The wet season in Kampot experiences heavy precipitation of rainfall for most of its duration. The weather stays humid, and temperatures usually alternate between 26°C and 34°C. The city receives the highest amount of rainfall during June, July, and August. However, other months of the wet season provide considerably pleasant conditions for tourism to prosper. Tourists can visit the Kampot Museum, venture into the Kampot Pond for a game of backgammon, explore Magic Sponge Guesthouse, or watch an entertaining movie at the Ecran Cinema House.

Check the below table for the general idea of Kampot weather throughout the year

Untouched nature, adrenaline-pumping water sports, authentic cuisine and enchanting history are all captured in the small town of Kampot, Cambodia. Here are the top 10 activities and sights.

Ride The Crab Shuttle

A great way to admire the picturesque scenery of the unspoiled coastline of Cambodia is to ride the Crab Shuttle that runs regularly between Kampot and Kep. After getting on the boat in the early morning, travelers can bathe themselves under the sun and enjoy the soothing sea breezes of the Thai Gulf. Occasionally, they may eve spot schools of flying fish as they glide across the waters. A wide range of authentic Cambodian lunch options are available to satisfy foodies’ tastebuds. Meanwhile, a stint on a local beach is a fine way to finish the journey.

Phnom Bokor National Park

The 140,000 hectares that make up this national park feature breathtaking natural vistas and an amazing array of wildlife. The wildlife ranges from foxes to tigers, snakes and one of the biggest herds of elephant in Cambodia. There are also waterfalls, exotic flora and hiking trails to explore between the jungles. These are all interspersed with some curious remnants of French colonialism.

Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple

Cambodia is a Buddhist country packed with temples with distinctive features. In Kampot, the Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple, the only cave temple in Cambodia, is a real must-see. Built in the the Funan style, this complex hidden in a cave has a history of more than 1,300 years. Visitors are greeted by elephant-shaped stalactites, not to mention breathtaking views of the hills around Kampot.

Unwind In A Spa

After spending days exploring the city and climbing the surrounding mountains, travelers should be sure to hit a traditional Cambodian spa to unwind. Treatments offered across the city include pedicures, steam facials, back massages, hand and foot massages and manicures. Cambodian therapists are known for their ability to relieve muscle aches and pains.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

This energetic water sport originated in Hawaii but quickly crossed to the waterways around Kampot, where it’s now a popular pastime. Amiable and professional guides offer travelers an introduction to the sport. It is said to be one of the best ways to explore the rural side of Cambodia and the floating villages on the riversides around town.

See The Old Catholic Church

The old Catholic church perched on the top of Bokor Mountain records the history of Cambodia. Built by the French in the mid 1970s, the church accommodated Khmer Rouge soldiers. The best way to see the curious site is to hire a guide or join a tour, which will plunge travelers into stories of Cambodia’s ancient days and reveal the wonderful viewpoints that pepper the mountain tracks.

Popokvil Waterfall

A visit to Popokvil Waterfall is a precious opportunity to regain connection with nature and interact with local Cambodians. The spectacular waterfall dropping from the top of the Bokor Mountain inspires travelers to relax. It’s also popular with meditating monks and picnicking folk outside Kampot. Apart from the magnificent waterfall, another reason to visit the attraction is the delicious authentic Khmer food on offer from the huts.

Kite Surfing

Kite surfing offers a way to view the untouched nature and pristine coastline of Cambodia. Adrenaline-pumping and fun in the extreme, this activity is perfect for action junkies. It’s also great for casual sightseers on account of the relatively calm waters and tranquil spots around Kampot town.

Getting Some Local Handicrafts

There are a vast number of shops offering a wide selection of local handicrafts on the streets that line the waterways of Kampot. Each tout interesting trinkets and curious jewelry. Most of the goods are handmade with raw materials collected at the beach, like seashells and coral. Tourists can also get bamboo-knitted containers, which are common in Cambodian households.

Savor Authentic Kampot Cuisine At The Khmer Root Café

The best of Khmer food in Kampot is hidden in the shabby hut of Khmer Root Café. Surrounded by the untouched countryside of Kampot, this family-run restaurant offers traditional dishes and flavors. The open kitchen allows curious diners to take a glimpse at the chefs at work. Meanwhile, regular cooking classes are perhaps a better introduction to the techniques of the regional kitchen.

Amidst its tranquil atmosphere, unspoiled riverside, and the untouched nature, a variety of restaurants offering a wide selection of delicate local cuisine can be found. Let’s take a look at some of the best.

Epic Arts Café

As the name suggests, this café is themed on local art and culture; several art courses are open for travelers with all details marked on blackboards hanging on the wall. Guests are required to remove their shoes before entering the café, while the homey aesthetic enables travelers to enjoy a peaceful environment while eating. A wide selection of food is on offer, along with local handicrafts to boot.

• Price: Low
• Opening hours: Mon to Sun 8am – 4pm
• Watch out for: Local handicraft, artistic interior
• Address: #67 Oosaupia Muoy, Sovann Sakor, Kompong Kanda, Kampot, Cambodia, +855 92 922 069

Khmer Root Café

This bamboo hut hidden in the rural side of Kampot is the number one place for authentic Khmer food. A wide selection of choices including massaman curry, banana flower salads and chicken with Kampot peppers are available. All dishes are prepared in the open kitchen so travelers can ensure only the freshest ingredients are used. Remember to call and reserve a seat before going and consider joining in with one of the regular cooking courses for something a little more immersive.

• Price: Low
• Watch out for: Authentic Khmer food
• Address: Near the Secret Lake, Kampot, Cambodia, +855 88 356 8016

Auberge du Soleil

Housed in a yellow French-style building located on a Kampot street corner, Auberge du Soleil is certainly one of the best restaurants in town. The immaculate service begins with staff explaining dishes in detail so diners can choose cuisines best matched with their tastes. Local delights and international cuisines including beef tartar, beef capriccio, garlic prawn, Swiss rosti and chocolate fondant, while foodies must not miss out specialties like Khmer coffee and home-made yogurt either.

• Price: Low
• Opening hours: Mon to Sun 7am – 4pm
• Watch out for: Khmer coffee, home-made yogurt
• Address: #23, Street 728, “Kipling Lane”, Kampot, Cambodia, +855 88 882 0245

Ecran Noodle Shop

This humble, family-run restaurant is a famous dining place among locals and a spot where travelers can experience local Cambodian culture and try out authentic cuisine. Although options on the menu are limited to dumplings, soups, and noodles, the flavors won’t disappoint. Aside from local food, another appeal of the restaurant is the open kitchen where noodles are freshly made from flour in front of diners.

• Price: Low
• Opening hours: Wed to Mon 11am – 9pm
• Watch out for: Freshly made noodles
• Address: Kampot Riverfront, between Old Bridge and Kampot Hospital, Kampot, Cambodia, +855 010 249 411

Ellie’s

This cozy café is a prominent watering hole for expats to chill and mingle at. Good news for herbivores too: meat-free breakfasts with mushrooms, tomatoes, potato and corn in generous proportions are available on the menu. Other popular brunch options include freshly baked home-made bread, cookies, cakes and muesli with house-made yogurt. Do not forget to order a cup of coffee from the drink menu and take a look at the book swap and second-hand clothes shop at the back of the café, too.

• Price: Low
• Opening hours: Mon 8am – 4pm, Wed to Fri 8am – 4pm, Sat to Sun 9am – 5pm
• Watch out for: Freshly baked bread, cookies, and cakes
• Address: 42-44 Street 726, Kampot, Cambodia, +855 77 927 148

Rikitikitavi

Surrounded by coconut trees and fragrant flowers, Rikitikitavi offers amazing views of the unspoiled natural setting of Kampot. An amazing array of cuisine ranging from international dishes and local delights are included on the extensive menu. With piles of beef topped with salad, the beef lok lak satisfies the fantasy of all meat lovers, while there are also choices like chicken skewers with pepper and lime sauce as well as burgers.

• Price: Mid
• Opening hours: 7am – 10pm
• Watch out for: Beef lak lak
• Address: Riverside Road, Kampot, Cambodia

Baraca

Barca has multiple meanings: “blessings” in Hebrew; “luck” in French and “ramshackle shelter” in Flemish. All the different interpretations are captured in this restaurant serving delicious cuisine in a peaceful setting too. Tapas from Spain is the feature, and the menu includes mezzes like garlic bread, bruschetta, and tzatziki. For those willing to try something else, opt for the every day changing main dish.

• Price: Mid
• Opening hours: Wed to Sun 5pm – 10pm
• Watch out for: Tapas, sparkling Cava
• Address: 7, Street 726, Kampot, Cambodia, +855 11 290 434

Honeymoon Creperie

A mixed menu offering both eastern and western cuisine features both authentic Southeast Asian dishes like Tom Tum and French pancakes in generous proportion. The crepe line-up includes forest crepe stuffed with plenty of ham and mushroom and sweet crepe with bananas and chocolate sauce, all beautifully presented. The interesting drinks menu provides creative juices and mixers too.

• Price: Mid
• Watch out for: French crepes
• Address: No. 56 st726, Close to 2000 Roundabout, Kampot, Cambodia, +855 15 402 321

NOLA Restaurant and Bar

The antique popcorn machine teamed with pendant lights, playful posters and signs scattered around this restaurant, as well as the wooden shelves filled with liquors and wines, all create a chic and classy environment for diners to unwind in. Savory cuisine from New Orleans is served in the resultant, including chicken etouffee, beef and bacon burger, seafood gumbo and more. While diners are enjoying the relaxing music, do not forget the fine whiskeys that abound.

• Price: Mid
• Opening hours: Sun to Fri 1pm – 12am
• Watch out for: New Orleans cuisine
• Address: #52 Old Market Rd, Kampot, Cambodia, +855 60 789 128

La Java Bleue

Decorated in French chinoiserie, delicate French cuisine is served in this traditional colonial building. The head chef Jean Claude is the backbone of the restaurant, who selects fresh ingredients from local markets every day. Lunch options include crepes, omelets, salads, sandwiches, fruit and cheese platters, while the wood fire BBQ dinner starts at 6pm and offers swordfish, barracuda, Mahi Mahi, succulent beef fillet and T-bone steak to name just a few.

• Price: Mid
• Opening hours: Mon to Sun 7am – 2pm, 6am – late
• Watch out for: French cuisine, BBQ dinner
• Address: La Java Bleue 27 Phoum Ouksophear Sangkat Kampong Kandal Kampot Cambodia, Kampot, Cambodia, +855 97 517 0023

It’s really all about the river at – you guessed it – the riverside town of Kampot. The small town boasts lashings of calm, but the surrounding countryside is alive with rolling hills hugged by tropical green, stretching paddies and winding rivers flanked by mangroves. Whether you want to stay in town or further out on the river, we’ve got accommodation in Kampot covered for you.

Sabay Beach, Kampot

One of the latest additions to Kampot River is Sabay Beach, and what a beauty it is. Set out of town, the tranquil surroundings afford stunning views onto the river and rural Kampot stretching to the rugged horizon. Three-storey tree houses dot the grounds, which are made up of the area’s natural forest. A bar and restaurant is onsite, as is a small man made beach. Kayaks and paddle boards are also available to hire.

Champa Lodge, Kampot

Also nestled along the river, Champa Lodge offers a true slice of calm, and some of the best sunsets around. Boasting a handful of beautifully renovated traditional stilted houses, overlooking a bend in the river, guests can cool off in the water, enjoy a beer at the bar or a stroll through the countryside.

Mea Culpa, Kampot

As well as being home to some mighty fine wood-fired pizza, this hotel is located in town, within walking distance of all the centre’s sleepy action. While there is no pool, there are shaded tropical gardens to relax in, and the rooms are well decorated in a contemporary Khmer style.

Greenhouse, Kampot

The best thing about Kampot is its stunning countryside, and escaping to the river is the best thing to do upon arrival. Greenhouse is a stalwart on the riverside scene and boasts great food served in an equally delicious setting overlooking Kampot River. Accommodation comes in the form of a few wooden bungalows that dot the sprawling grounds.

Boutique Kampot Hotel

Another new addition to Kampot, this 18-room boutique hotel is housed in a French colonial building in the centre of town. It has a rooftop terrace, garden, restaurant and bar with a clean modern feel running throughout. Each room comes with a balcony.

Naga House, Kampot

Still on the river but a little closer to town than the others, Naga House is a cheaper alternative for those wanting to enjoy the river’s tranquil setting. Accommodation comes in the form of basic bungalows and a dorm, with a bar serving food and drinks. Naga’s atmosphere is laid back, and it tends to attract the backpacking crowd, so things can get a little lively on weekends, especially when it hosts live music and DJs.

By bus

Numerous bus companies run buses several times daily and take around three to four hours to get to Phnom Penh. It can take longer depending on the traffic outside the airport in Phnom Penh. Prices range from $6 to $10. 

The most comfortable, and quicker option, is a minibus from Kampot Express or Giant Ibis ($10 one way) with an 08:00 and 14:45 departure. 

Three daily buses leave for Sihanoukville, at 08:30, 11:00 and 16:00, taking two hours and costing $5. 

A tourist van runs to Kep five times a day (08:30, 10:30, 13:30, 15:30 and 17:30). They take about 30 minutes and cost $3.

By boat

The Crab Shuttle leaves for Kep at 09:30 each morning, stopping off at Rabbit Island before arriving at Kep at 12:00. The return boat leaves Kep at 15:30, arriving back in Kampot at 18:00. Prices are $9.50 for a one-way ticket to Kep, and $13.50 return. You can skip Kep and get a one-way to Rabbit Island for $12.50, and a return for $18. 

Others

A share taxi to Phnom Penh takes three hours and costs around $40 (depending on your bargaining skills and the time of the year) for the car or $10-12 for a seat (with four in the back and three in the front of a Camry).

A share taxi to Sihanoukville takes two hours and costs about $30 (again, this can go up or down $5 depending on circumstances) for the car or $9-10 for a seat. 

A taxi to Kep takes 45 minutes and costs $20 for the car. Kep can also be reached by tuk tuk, which takes about half an hour and should cost $10 (though they may attempt to negotiate for $15). Motodops start at $5 one way, with the trip taking about 30 minutes.