Kep and Kampot Cambodia are two delightful towns on Cambodia’s southern coast. Both Kampot and Kep exude a relaxed atmosphere, making them perfect retreats for those seeking a blend of cultural exploration, seafood delights, and coastal tranquility in Cambodia.
In this guide, I’ll go over how to spend 2 days in Kampot and Kep Cambodia, fill you in on any tips you would need to know before you visit and add some Cambodia travel guides at the end of the post to help you plan your travels.
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2 Day Kampot Itinerary
Kampot, nestled along the banks of the Tuek Chhou River, captivates with its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and a laid-back ambiance. The town is known for its pepper plantations, and a visit to a pepper farm is a sensory experience.
Just a short drive away, Kep beckons with its tranquil beaches and charming seaside promenade. Famous for its fresh seafood, Kep’s crab market is a must-visit.
Day 1:
- Explore Kampot
- Pepper Plantation Tour
- Salt Lake Tour
Day 2:
- Explore Kep
- Kep Crab Market
Additional Days:
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Day 1: Kampot Cambodia
Kampot Pepper Plantation
Kampot Cambodia is a delightful riverside town, has scenic riverside views and is surrounded by lush landscapes. Kampot boasts well-preserved French colonial architecture and has a lot of charm.
The town’s historic center features colorful shophouses, atmospheric cafes, and markets where locals engage in daily life. Renowned for its world-class pepper, a trip to Kampot is incomplete without exploring the nearby pepper plantations.
Sunset on the River
As the day unwinds, don’t miss out on sunset on the river. There are many boats that are docked along the riverside that have been converted into restaurants and bars.
Any of the rooftops are the perfect place to watch the sun set over the Praek Tuek Chhu River. We had drinks at the Rusty Keyhole, I had a nice big, glass of wine complete in a Bordeaux glass for only $3 USD.
Once you’ve watched the sun sink down over the river, walk into town and have dinner. There are plenty of restaurants in Kampot to choose from depending on what you’re craving from Italian to Mexican to classic Khmer cuisine.
Things to do in Kampot Cambodia
If you are looking for other things to do in Kampot, you can check out the Salt Lake of Kep and Kampot. You can watch the locals harvesting the salt fields where water is let in from the ocean to the fields.
The fields are then blocked from the ocean, and the water is allowed to evaporate, leaving salt crystals. This process is repeated many times and is only harvesting from December to April.
Day 2: Explore Kep Cambodia
Today, you’ll explore Kep. From Kampot to Kep, it’s about a 30-45 minute motorbike ride. The road to Kep is dusty and filled with pot holes. Let’s just say the moped ride there and back is an adventure in itself.
Kep is a small seaside fishing village and the main attraction is the fresh Kep Crab Market. They don’t just sell crab but an array of seafood like stingrays, prawns, squid, and fresh fish like snapper and tuna.
Wandering through Kep’s Crab Market is a great way to spend the morning. You can have lunch at one of the wooden shack restaurants that line the beach or if you’re on a tighter budget you can pick your seafood, they will make it to your liking and you can enjoy it right there in the crab market.
Next, check out Kep beach and journey down the coast and take in the beauty. We found this cool pier as we were zipping around. If you’re feeling up for it, jump on the ferry and journey to Rabbit Island.
💡 Travel Tip: If you rent a moped, make sure you bring a scarf to cover your face or wear a helmet with a face mask because it is very dusty and it will get in your eyes, ears, and mouth.
Additional Days in Kampot Cambodia
Bokor National Park
If you have the gift of time, Bokor National Park just outside of Kampot Cambodia is a neat place to explore and check out. Bokor National Park is about an hours drive away on motorbike.
The road up the mountain is paved and a lot smoother than the road to Kep. The park is filled with pleasant hiking trails, waterfalls, and if you’re lucky you may be able to get a glimpse of some wildlife.
Atop Bokor Mountain, you’ll be greeted with incredible, panoramic views all the way to the coastline. The summit of the mountain is home to the French Bokor hill station where you’ll find many abandoned French colonial buildings.
How to Get to Kampot Cambodia
Located in Southern Cambodia, is the sleepy, coastal town of Kampot.
How to get to Kampot from Sihanoukville? Kampot is 2 hours by bus from Sihanoukville.
How to get to Kampot from Phnom Penh? It is 4-5 hours by bus from Phnom Penh to Kampot and cost $8 USD’s. Buses are direct and frequent.
How to get to Kep from Phnom Penh? It’s about a 3 hour bus ride from Phnom Penh to Kep and costs $7 USD.
How to get to Kampot from Siem Reap? Buses from Siem Reap from Kampot take 5-7 hours.
How to get to Kep from Kampot? From Kampot to Kep it is a 45 minute moped ride.
Where to Stay in Kampot Cambodia
There are plenty of places to stay in Kampot and Kep which will be the bookends to a perfect Kampot itinerary. Here are the top picks on where to stay in Kampot.
- Castle Bayview Resort & Spa is the best luxury hotel in Kampot.
- Hotel Old Cinema is a stylish and comfortable hotel located close to the waters edge in Kampot.
- Ecran Riverfront Guesthouse is a peaceful retreat with a front-row seat to the town’s picturesque landscapes.
- Pippali Boutique Hotel has a large pool perfect after a day of exploring. The bar and restaurant on site are as cute as can be.
- Le Bokor Palace the most unique place to stay in Kampot.
☕️ Read Full Post: Best Places to Stay in Kampot
Cambodia Travel Tips
- USD is the currency used in Cambodia.
- ATMS are widely available in Kampot.
- You legally need an international drivers license to rent a moped but its not enforced.
- English is widely spoken.
- Bring a scarf or sarong to wrap around your nose, eyes, and mouth if you’re on a moped as it’s very dusty.
📍 Read Now: The Ultimate Guide to Cambodia
Final Thoughts on Kampot Itinerary
If you have the gift of time, spending a few days soaking up the charm of Kampot and Kep will never be a bad idea. Savor local seafood, engage with friendly locals, and take life in the slow lane. If you found this article useful, let fellow travelers know in the comments below 👇.
Cambodia Travel Guides ↓
Planning to travel to Cambodia? Check out the guides below for more information and inspiration to plan your trip to Cambodia.
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