05/09/2022
Historically, Kampot was one of Cambodia's most important ports under French colonial administration.
The French colonial legacy is still evident in the many colonial buildings still standing today. Thankfully many have not been torn down to make way for new developments but they are also in need of refurbishment.
The limestone caves near Kampot house exotic rock formations and Buddhist shrines. The caves of Phnom Chhnork have pre-Angkorian ruins within the limestone caves.
Bokor Mountain is also famous for previously having a luxurious hill station built at the summit and there is a derelict Christian church nearby. The hill station has since then been converted to a 6-star hotel after lying derelict for years. Bokor Hill is located 42 km from the provincial town and was erected in 1922.
As with all of Cambodia's history, the province and Kampot city experienced decades of decline under the Khmer Rouge, but in recent years it has become a real oasis and an ideal getaway location from the bigger cities, but new infrastructure projects and developments are reshaping the city too.
Things To Do in Kampot
Kampot's main central market is located at the north end of town which is a traditional style market catering primarily to the locals and carrying the usual products: vegetables, fruits, meats, bulk rice, motor parts, and local money changers stalls.
The Phsar Kronat (Old Market) on the boulevard off the riverfront reopened a few years ago and now includes some souvenir and clothing shops, several cafés, restaurants, a convenience store, some bars, tour operators and real estate agents.
There is also a night market just off the Durian roundabout which mostly offers a mix of clothing and food. A few convenience stores are located on Durian Roundabout, offering a selection of imported goods, food and drinks. More minimarts have popped up in the city, which also offers local baked bread and pastries, Kampot-made jams and preserves and other goods sourced locally.
There are lots of specialized boutique shops in Kampot such as Bokor Night Market, Dorsu, Kepler’s Kampot books, Kampot souvenirs and handcraft, Epic Artis café and so on. It's also great to visit the nearby farms which offer tours and some even offer accommodation. The Vine Retreat is one such hotel and restaurant on a pepper plantation or take a tour at La Plantation. You can purchase your supply of Kampot Pepper too.
