Kampot River in Kampot and Kep

Part of the Kampot and Kep travel guide — see every topic in All Kampot and Kep Guides.

Kampot is a small, quiet town on the Praek Tuek Chhu river, a few kilometres from the sea. The green hills of Bokor rise behind it. Life here moves slowly, and the river is the centre of it. In the evening, people walk along the riverfront and watch the sun go down behind the mountains. Small boats take visitors upstream for the sunset. In the morning, you can paddle a kayak past palm trees and fishing boats. This guide covers the river, the boat trips, and how to get to Kampot.

The riverfront

The riverfront road runs along the east bank in the middle of town. It has a wide walkway, benches and old shophouses with cafes and small restaurants. In the late afternoon the light turns gold, and the hills across the water turn blue. This is the best time for a walk. Local families come out to sit by the water, and street sellers offer snacks and fresh juice. There is a small night market nearby with food stalls and simple clothes. The town is easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. The streets are flat, and most places are within a short walk of the river.

Sunset boat trips

A sunset boat trip is the classic evening in Kampot. Boats leave from the riverfront in the late afternoon. They travel slowly upstream, past fishing villages and mangroves, with the Bokor hills in front. You watch the sun set over the mountains, then return in the dusk. On some trips, after dark, you can see fireflies in the trees along the bank. Boats range from small wooden boats to larger party boats with music and a bar. Ask what kind of trip it is before you book. Most guesthouses can book a trip for you, and you can also ask at the boats on the riverfront.

Kayaks and paddle boards

Several guesthouses and tour shops upstream from town rent kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. You can join a guided trip or paddle on your own. The river is wide and calm in most seasons, with green hills on both sides. Small side channels lead into the mangroves, where you may see kingfishers and other birds. Go in the early morning or late afternoon, when the air is cooler and the light is soft. In the wet season, from about May to October, the current can be stronger after heavy rain. Wear sun cream and a hat, and keep your phone in a dry bag.

Riverside stays

Some of the most relaxing places to stay are a few kilometres upstream from town. Here, small resorts and bungalows sit right on the bank. Many have wooden decks over the water, hammocks and simple restaurants. Some offer free kayaks to guests. It is quiet at night, with only the sound of insects and the river. Most have a tuk-tuk or boat service into town, so you can still eat at the riverfront in the evening. In town, you have more choice of guesthouses, cafes and restaurants. Both are good bases for trips to the pepper farms, Bokor and Kep.

Getting to Kampot

Kampot is about 150 km south of Phnom Penh. Buses and minivans run several times a day from Phnom Penh. The trip usually takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic. Some buses go via Kep. A private taxi is faster and can stop on the way. There is also a train. The line from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville stops at Kampot. In 2026 the train leaves Phnom Penh in the morning and takes about 3.5 to 4 hours to Kampot. Seats can sell out at weekends, so book ahead and check the current timetable. From Kampot, Kep is only about 25 km away.

Kampot River at a glance

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