Kampot, a small town in southern Cambodia, stretches along the Praek Tuek Chhu river, a few kilometers from the Gulf of Thailand, at the foot of the Elephant Mountains. A former port, it has kept a center of French colonial architecture, rare among the country’s provincial capitals, and gives its name to a renowned pepper protected by a geographical indication. People come to stroll by the water, visit pepper plantations, climb to the old hill station of Bokor and fan out to Kep. This guide covers what to do in Kampot, how to get there and when to go, based on the official normals of the Cambodian weather service.
For the full route, see our Cambodia travel guide, the map of Cambodia and the best time to visit Cambodia calendar.
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Kampot at a glance
- Time zone UTC+7 all year: London is 7 hours behind in winter and 6 in summer, New York 12 hours behind in winter and 11 in summer · time difference in Cambodia
- Climate hot all year; dry season from December to February, rain peaking in August (Kep normals, 1982–2024)
- Entry a visa is required (e-visa available), passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival (travel.state.gov, GOV.UK)
- Things to do colonial old town, the river, pepper plantations, Bokor, Kep and its crab market
- Getting around tuk-tuk, two-wheelers (helmet required) or organized excursions
What to do in Kampot: the highlights
The old town and its colonial façades
Unlike most Cambodian provincial capitals, the center of Kampot is made up of 19th-century French colonial architecture. A major port before Sihanoukville was created, the town hosted a large Chinese community in the 19th century, which came with the pepper trade and cultivation. Since 2017 the government has been preparing a file to propose the old town of Kampot, with those of Battambang and Kratie, for UNESCO World Heritage listing. A walk or tuk-tuk ride along the quays at the end of the day is the best way to see it.
The river and the gulf
The Praek Tuek Chhu runs through the town before reaching the Gulf of Thailand. Kayaking, paddleboarding and sunset boat trips are among the most popular activities. Choose an operator that provides life jackets and instructions. The UK FCDO notes that water levels in rivers are high during the rainy season from June to October, making currents faster and more dangerous, and that lakes, caves and waterfalls are prone to dangerous flash flooding (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026).
The Kampot pepper plantations
Kampot pepper has been a protected geographical indication in Cambodia since 2010 and in the European Union since 2016. Green, black, white or red, it comes from the same plant; the province’s climate and the quartz-rich soils of the foothills of the Elephant Mountains give it its character, and its cultivation there goes back at least to the 13th century. Only accredited members of the producers’ association (KPPA) may sell under the name. Several plantations open their doors to visitors: it is a chance to understand the harvest and to check the origin of what you buy. The region is also known for its fish sauce, sea salt and durians.
Bokor: the former French hill station
West of Kampot, on Bokor mountain in Preah Monivong National Park, the French colonial administration built a luxury hill station from 1921 to escape the heat. The construction was deadly: many workers are said to have died there. The Bokor Palace, the heart of the resort, opened in 1925; a Catholic church dates from the same period, and the Popokvil waterfalls lie to the northeast. The high-altitude site is now the subject of a large redevelopment project, with a hotel opened in 2012; a road links it to National Road 3.
Kep, the crab market and the islands
Kep, a neighbor on the coast, has formed a separate province since 2008, entirely surrounded by Kampot province except on the seaward side. It has a national park and a well-known crab market, and is the starting point for Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay). Kampot and Kep combine into a one- or two-day trip. For the capital, see our Phnom Penh guide.
Kampot in 3 days
- Day 1: the colonial old town on foot, the market, sunset over the river.
- Day 2: an excursion to Bokor (hill station, Bokor Palace, church, Popokvil waterfalls).
- Day 3: a pepper plantation in the morning, Kep and its crab market in the afternoon.
When to go to Kampot: climate month by month
There is no official normal for Kampot itself on our climate page: as in our guide to when to go to Cambodia, we use the neighboring station of Kep, on the same coast. It is hot all year, around 31 to 33 °C (88 to 91 °F) in the afternoon: the choice comes down to rain. The dry season runs from December to February; the monsoon builds from May and peaks in August.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Rainy days | Day/night gap | Sunrise / sunset on the 15th | Day length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31.6 °C (89 °F) | 21.6 °C (71 °F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 6.0 | 10.0 °C (18 °F) | 6:25 am / 5:59 pm | 11 h 34 min |
| February | 32.4 °C (90 °F) | 22.9 °C (73 °F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 8.0 | 9.5 °C (17 °F) | 6:23 am / 6:11 pm | 11 h 47 min |
| March | 32.6 °C (91 °F) | 23.6 °C (74 °F) | 77 mm (3.0 in) | 12.0 | 9.0 °C (16 °F) | 6:10 am / 6:14 pm | 12 h 03 min |
| April | 33.1 °C (92 °F) | 24.1 °C (75 °F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 15.0 | 9.0 °C (16 °F) | 5:52 am / 6:14 pm | 12 h 21 min |
| May | 33.5 °C (92 °F) | 24.7 °C (76 °F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 19.0 | 8.8 °C (16 °F) | 5:41 am / 6:17 pm | 12 h 36 min |
| June | 32.9 °C (91 °F) | 24.5 °C (76 °F) | 136 mm (5.4 in) | 23.0 | 8.4 °C (15 °F) | 5:41 am / 6:25 pm | 12 h 45 min |
| July | 32.0 °C (90 °F) | 24.0 °C (75 °F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 26.0 | 8.0 °C (14 °F) | 5:48 am / 6:29 pm | 12 h 41 min |
| August | 31.7 °C (89 °F) | 23.7 °C (75 °F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 24.0 | 8.0 °C (14 °F) | 5:53 am / 6:22 pm | 12 h 29 min |
| September | 31.9 °C (89 °F) | 24.0 °C (75 °F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) | 28.0 | 7.9 °C (14 °F) | 5:52 am / 6:04 pm | 12 h 11 min |
| October | 31.5 °C (89 °F) | 23.7 °C (75 °F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) | 27.0 | 7.8 °C (14 °F) | 5:52 am / 5:46 pm | 11 h 54 min |
| November | 31.3 °C (88 °F) | 23.4 °C (74 °F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 13.0 | 7.9 °C (14 °F) | 5:58 am / 5:37 pm | 11 h 39 min |
| December | 30.9 °C (88 °F) | 22.3 °C (72 °F) | 26 mm (1.0 in) | 4.0 | 8.6 °C (15 °F) | 6:12 am / 5:43 pm | 11 h 31 min |
Reading the table: January and February are the driest months (19 and 20 mm (0.7 and 0.8 in)), with December close behind (26 mm (1.0 in), 4 rainy days). August is the wettest (298 mm (11.7 in)), and there are more than 20 rainy days a month from June to October. April and May are the hottest (33.5 °C (92 °F) average high in May). Near the equator the day varies little: from 11 h 31 min in December to 12 h 45 min in June, with sunset always between 5:43 pm and 6:29 pm (calculation).
Rain and rainy days: the traveler’s calendar
| Period | Rain (Kep normals) | Our advice |
|---|---|---|
| December to February | 19 to 26 mm (0.7 to 1.0 in) a month, 4 to 8 rainy days | Best period: dry skies, clear views from Bokor |
| March to May | 77 to 108 mm (3.0 to 4.3 in), 12 to 19 days | Peak heat, first showers |
| June to September | 136 to 298 mm (5.4 to 11.7 in), 23 to 28 days | Monsoon: green and quiet, but high rivers and wet roads |
| October and November | 106 then 92 mm (4.2 then 3.6 in), 27 then 13 days | Transition: November becomes pleasant again |
Getting to Kampot and getting around
Kampot has no international air link that we could verify: international visitors usually arrive via Phnom Penh. The new Techo International Airport, south of the capital, has replaced the old Phnom Penh airport since September 2025. From there, Kampot is reached by road, by bus, minibus, taxi or private transfer. Check schedules with the operators.
On site, the tuk-tuk is the most common way to get around. Many travelers rent a two-wheeler for Bokor or the plantations: the UK FCDO says that riding a motorcycle without a helmet can bring an on-the-spot fine and may invalidate your insurance, that motorcycle taxis are dangerous because vehicles are poorly maintained and driving standards are low, and that you should not hand over your passport as a guarantee when renting a motorcycle or scooter (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026). UK visitors who hire a motorcycle over 125 cc or a car may need the 1949 international driving permit, which cannot be bought outside the UK.
Transfers and excursions
To get to or from Phnom Penh, compare buses, minibuses and private transfers: seats, luggage, schedules and cancellation terms. For Bokor, the plantations and Kep, organized excursions save you from driving. Book preferably with identifiable operators and check what is included.
Where to stay in Kampot
The center, near the river and the old town, lets you do everything on foot or by tuk-tuk. Riverside accommodation upstream is quieter but needs transport into town. Book early for the year-end holidays and Cambodian public holidays.
Safety and entry requirements
We read the Cambodia advice of the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026) and of the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, Cambodia page last updated June 04, 2026; Level 2, « Exercise Increased Caution », advisory updated September 14, 2026). Key points:
- Thai border: the FCDO advises against all but essential travel within 20 km (12 mi) of the land border with Thailand, and the State Department says do not travel to areas along the Cambodia–Thailand border due to unrest. Kampot is not in these areas; check both advisories if your route continues toward the border.
- Crime: the State Department advises increased caution in Phnom Penh due to crime and warns of « snatch and grab » thefts, including from tuk-tuk passengers; the FCDO notes thieves on motorcycles snatch bags, particularly in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Keep valuables out of sight.
- Landmines: mined areas are often unmarked (FCDO); never walk in forested areas without a local guide in affected provinces.
- Monsoon: heavy storms from June to October disrupt and damage the road network, and travel to some provinces can be seriously restricted by landslides (FCDO).
- Emergencies: the FCDO lists 117 for the police; tourist police can help with reports.
- US citizens: you need a valid passport and a Cambodian visa; tourist and business visas are valid for one month from the date of entry, and your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry (U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov, last updated June 04, 2026). Immigration officials collect fingerprints on arrival.
- UK citizens: you must have a visa; tourist visas are valid for 30 days from entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival and undamaged. Apply for an e-visa at least 4 days in advance, or get a visa on arrival at airports or land crossings (photo and payment in US dollars). If you arrive by air at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or Sihanoukville, you must submit the free electronic e-Arrival Card within 7 days before arrival (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026). Overstaying can lead to a fine, detention and deportation.
- Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal, evisa.gov.kh, linked from the GOV.UK entry requirements.
- See also our guide to travel entry requirements.
Staying connected
Cambodia is outside the roaming zone of most home plans, and roaming can be expensive. An eSIM or a local SIM card is often simpler; check your phone’s compatibility. See our travel eSIM guide.
If you… then…
| If you… | Then… |
|---|---|
| Want the driest weather | Aim for December to February (under 30 mm (1.2 in) a month at Kep) |
| Travel in July–August | Expect the monsoon: nearly 300 mm (11.8 in) in August |
| Go up to Bokor | Start early and check the weather: the plateau is above 1,000 m (3,300 ft) |
| Rent a two-wheeler | Wear a helmet and make sure your insurance covers it |
| Love food | A pepper plantation, then crab at the Kep market |
| Continue toward Thailand | Check the border-area advisories first |
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Kampot?
Stroll through the colonial old town and along the river, visit a pepper plantation, climb to the former hill station of Bokor and spend a day in Kep for its crab market.
What is the best time to go to Kampot?
December to February, the driest months (19 to 26 mm (0.7 to 1.0 in) a month at Kep, 1982–2024 normals). The monsoon peaks in August with nearly 300 mm (11.7 in).
How many days should you spend in Kampot?
Two to three days allow you to see the town, Bokor, a pepper plantation and Kep.
What is Kampot pepper?
A pepper protected by a geographical indication in Cambodia since 2010 and in the European Union since 2016, grown at the foot of the Elephant Mountains and sold green, black, white or red.
Do US and UK citizens need a visa for Cambodia?
Yes. Both the U.S. Department of State and the UK FCDO say a visa is required; you can apply for an e-visa on the official portal, and your passport must be valid for at least six months. Check the latest rules before you travel.
Is Kampot safe?
Kampot is not in the Thai-border area that the FCDO and State Department advise against. Both advise caution about street theft, and the FCDO warns about motorcycle taxis and riding without a helmet.
Our sources
- Entry and safety information: U.S. Department of State, Cambodia country information (travel.state.gov, last updated June 04, 2026) and travel advisory (updated September 14, 2026); UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Cambodia (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026)
- Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology of Cambodia (MOWRAM): 1982–2024 normals for the Kep station, World Meteorological Organization, World Weather Information Service
- Wikipedia (EN) articles « Kampot (city) », « Kampot pepper », « Bokor Hill Station », « Kep, Cambodia » and « Techo International Airport »
- Astronomical calculations: NOAA solar algorithm, applied by Destination de Voyage to Kampot’s coordinates (15th of each month, year 2027)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
