Kampot and Kep Provinces, southern coast · Cambodia
A sleepy river town of pepper farms, with a crab market and quiet beaches nearby.
Photo: Bolt9 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Kampot and Kep are small coastal towns in the south, known for their relaxed pace and food. Kampot sits on a river with French-colonial shophouses and a bohemian expat community, while Kep, a former seaside resort for Cambodia's elite, is known for crab and ruined villas.
The Kampot pepper that grows in the surrounding hills is prized by chefs, and farm tours show how it is grown. The abandoned French hill station at Bokor offers mountain views, and river cruises at sunset are a highlight. Nearby caves, salt fields and countryside offer more to explore.
In Kep, the crab market serves fresh crab cooked with Kampot pepper, and boats leave for Rabbit Island, a quiet spot with beach huts. The area is easy to explore by bike or scooter, and a few days here makes a nice break from busier places.
Why visit
This coast is a place to slow down.
Sunset cruises.
A world-famous spice.
Fresh and cheap.
Old shophouses.
A quiet beach.
Main attractions
Sights are spread along the coast.
Colonial shophouses and cafes.
Tip Stroll at dusk.
Tours with tastings.
Tip Go in the morning.
An abandoned resort in the clouds.
Tip Take a tour.
Fresh crab at sea level.
Tip Try crab with pepper.
A beach island with huts.
Tip Book a boat.
A cave temple.
Tip Short hike.
Things to do
Relaxed activities.
At sunset.
Tip Book ahead.
Learn how it grows.
Tip Buy a bag.
Fresh from the sea.
Tip Pay market prices.
Through the countryside.
Tip Wear a helmet.
Ghost town views.
Tip Go early.
Quiet water.
Tip Morning.
Local food
Seafood and pepper are the stars.
Fresh crab with Kampot pepper.
Where to try it Kep Crab Market.
Coconut fish curry.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Kampot is known for it.
Where to try it Markets.
With green peppercorns.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Cold.
Where to try it Roadside.
Accommodation
Riverside guesthouses.
Transport
Kampot and Kep are reached by road.
Scooters and tuk-tuks.
When to go
Cool, dry months are best.
Cool and dry.
Hot.
Wet.
Fresh.
Worth planning around: April and May.
Itinerary
River and coast.
Riverside
Seafood
Caves
Travel tips
Tips.
FAQ
Two to four days.
Yes.
Beaches are small.
Yes.
November to March.
Lightly.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Kampot and Kep, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Phnom Penh Municipality, Cambodia
A busy riverside capital with the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Central Market, Tuol Sleng, Choeung Ek and a growing food scene.
Don't miss Watching the sun set over the river from a rooftop after a day of palaces and markets.
Explore Destination — Phnom PenhPreah Sihanouk Province, Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia
Two islands with beaches, snorkelling, jungle trails and a relaxed beach vibe, reached by ferry from Sihanoukville.
Don't miss Swimming through glowing plankton at night on a quiet beach.
Explore Destination — Koh Rong and Koh Rong SamloemKratie Province, north-east Cambodia, Cambodia
A riverside provincial town with Irrawaddy dolphins at Kampi, Koh Trong island, sunsets over the Mekong and French-era buildings.
Don't miss Watching Irrawaddy dolphins surface in the golden light of the Mekong.
Explore Destination — KratieRead next
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