How to Spend One Day in Kampot Cambodia
After two solid nights out in Phnom Penh, my friends and I decided to keep moving through Cambodia. We talked to several other travelers who recommended spending one day in Kampot. Neither of us knew much about Kampot so we did a little research. We learned that it’s a quite town along the south coast of Cambodia. It sounded like exactly what we wanted and needed.
It was easy find a bus that was leaving mid-day, which would make our arrival into Kampot just past dinner time. We thought it was the perfect timing for a bus. However, like most things in Southeast Asia, it took WAY LONGER than expected.
What we encountered on the drive was a completely tore up highway. It waspacked with traffic and it was ridiculously bumpy. The reason, we found out, is because there is a huge freeway being built. Apparently, it’s connecting China to the coastline of Cambodia and other destinations around Southeast Asia. It wasn’t the most fun bus ride but we made it safely to our quiet hostel located in the center of town.
Accomodations
Although Mad Monkey does have a location in Kampot Cambodia, the guys and I decided to branch out and try another hostel. We decided on a non-party but social hostel called Monkey Republic.
This hostel is located pretty centrally and very easy to walk to from the bus depot. The staff was super friendly, breakfast was an extra cost but delicious and located onsight. Plus, the cost was very reasonable at approximately $6-7 USD per night. An ideal price on a backpackers budget.
It should also be noted that one of the hotspots to stay for backpackers is called Arcadia Backpackers Kampot. Located on the outskirts of town along the river, Arcadia offers backpackers more than just accomodation. They have a variety of water activities including a waterslide, blog, tubes, rope swing, and so much more.
We were pretty intrigued by this hostel. I mean the waterslide alone sounded fun. Ultimately, We made the decision to use our one day in Kampot as a “chill spot” before the islands.
Plus, Arcadia is located quite far from the main city center. It would require a tuk-tuk to get anywhere in town. It wasn’t something we wanted to hassle.
Tourist Attractions
One of the main “must see” is going to visit a pepper farm. Apparently Kampot is known for its pepper. As someone who had never been to a pepper farm before, I was very intrigued.
Through the help of our hostel, we were able to gather some information about how to visit one of these farms. The front desk told us that many of the tuk-tuk drivers have different types of “packages.” These packages include several different tourist attractions each with varying prices. We ventured outside to the main road and easily found a tuk-tuk. As a group, we decided on a package that included a visit a local lake, a salt field, and the farm.
The first pit-stop was to a salt field, which was nothing but a field. It was dry season so I wasn’t expecting much, but our driver did provide a little explanation of how salt…grew? Was made? (not sure the correct verbiage for salt)
The lake wasn’t anything unique, since at this moment it was dry season, but there were a few small huts surrounded by rice fields that made it quite beautiful. It was quite bumpy to get too, but the route took us through local villages and rice fields. Unfortunately, the downside was the amount of plastic we saw on the ground and in the rivers/water. There were many moments that were hindered by the sight of garbage.
Kampot Pepper Farm
After the lake, we continued to La Plantation, a certified organic Kampot pepper farm located roughly 22km in Kon Sat; a particular area with the perfect temperament and climate for pepper to thrive. I read something to do with the combination of the salt water/salty air, the air, and the amount of rainfall.
When we first arrive to the farm, we were greeted with a beautiful walkway surrounded by plants of different shapes and sizes. This walkway lead us to the main building, where we joined in on a FREE walking tour (with pepper tasting at the end.)
The tour walked us throughout the pepper and spice plants teaching us about the 22 hectares farm. From how the plants are grown, to how they harvest the pepper berries, and finally, about the different types of pepper.
Prior to my visit, I couldn’t tell you anything about pepper. Now, I can tell you that pepper plants grown upwards on wooden poles. The different berries all grown on the same stalk and have to be hand picked and hand sorted, as flavors from the different berries wouldn’t blend well with the others. There are four different pepper berries: green, black, red and white; each with their own tastes and purpose. And there’s a unique difficulty to collecting the white and red pepper berries, which apparently are rare.
Plus, La Plantation is more than just pepper. Their array of plants also include a variety of spices like turmeric and chili and other peppers like long peppers, which are all grown throughout the farm.
One of the perks of visiting this particular farm is the pepper tasting that comes at the end of the walking tour. It provides an insight into the various flavors of each pepper. A chance to taste before deciding to purchase a product. Plus, it’s just fun. I never fully understood that extent of pepper but I have a new found appreciation for pepper thanks to this tour.
The Rest of Kampot
After we returned home from the farm tour, we didn’t really have a plan. Thankfully, when this happens it usually means food is in the near future. There was one place we were told is a good area for food, the river side.
We found a little restaurant located near the river and indulged in local Cambodian cuisine. Afterwards, we walked along the riverside admiring the boats lined up. We were told they offer boat cruises at sunset but we were more interested in just having a beer.
We ended up running into our other hostel mates and followed them to a rooftop of a boat for one final beer. Although it was a pretty tame evening, we had quite the busy day. Spending one day in Kampot was exhausting but also relaxing.
We were we were leaving for another “party” location in the morning and I’m happy that this one day in Kampot gave us the much needed break from the craziness that had occurred over the past several days.
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7 Comments
Francesca
It’s so great to discover new places while you’re travelling. I would love to go to Cambodia and I’ll make sure to visit Kampot!
kelly
Thank you so much for sharing, friends of mine are going to Cambodia next month and I shared your post with them.
Emma
This sounds like a cool 1-night stay – I’d love to visit a pepper farm (for the longest time I’ve wanted to buy a pepper plant, but I know I’d probably not take care of it correctly – that and they’re pretty expensive haha). Thanks for the tips, I’ll keep this open as an option when I head over to Cambodia!
Sarah
I am actually very intrigued to hear about a pepper farm tour. Although I’ve visited quite a few places in India which is known for agricultural farms, I have never come across a pepper one.
Nicole | Mapless Adventures
I was pretty impressed and shocked by the details that went into the pepper farming industry. It was eye opening. I really enjoy farm tours. Thanks for reading
Suvarna Arora
I have only been to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh but it looks like a cool place. Pepper farm tour is new for me.
Sarah Camp | In Search of Sarah
I love the idea of visiting the pepper farm. My husband would be all over that! It’s so unique and unlike any other agricultural tour we’ve done. I’ve been wanting to get to Cambodia for a while – we hope to get there in the next couple of years!