Kampot, Cambodia is the perfect place to kick back, relax, eat and be a part of local culture in Southeast Asia. When touring or backpacking Cambodia is taking its toll and you to need to slow down for a few days, the best way to regroup is with a break in Kampot.
The small city of Kampot, in southern Cambodia, has the perfect balance of vibrant and chill. Home to a large number of expats, it’s a comfortable place to regroup before traveling onward.
Why Take a Break? Why Kampot?
Every backpacker route needs towns fit for a good slowdown. Despite the notion that backpacking is one big party – a wild, booze-filled vacation typically satisfies that notion – it is an exhausting excursion. Living on the go, with your life on your back is pretty tiresome.
A backpacker break is an important thing to consider to maintain physical and mental freshness.
Most countries in Southeast Asia have at least one place to stretch your time, where life moves a little slower. Pai in northern Thailand, Hoi An in Vietnam and the 4000 Islands in Laos are just a few of the places where things slow down for travelers. These towns each offer something unique, but also are popular among backpackers. Kampot is no exception.
Kampot, Cambodia isn’t the postcard that is Hoi An, Vietnam. It does not channel the carefree, hippie vibe found in Pai. And it is not Don Khon, the epicenter of chill that is 4000 Islands. It’s a little bit of each.
The remnants of French colonialism are visible in the infrastructure. There is a jovial attitude in the air, and the pace of life is only a notch or two above the barely-moving Don Khon.
As of yet, Kampot has survived the Chinese domination of Cambodia. Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) is overwhelmed by Chinese tourists, and Sihanoukville is positively under siege by Chinese tourists and businesses. The once-popular coastal getaway is basically a Chinese colony on the Cambodian coast, complete with casinos, corruption and some of the filthiest beaches around.
Fortunately, Kampot has been spared the effects of the Chinese economic invasion and calm remains. When you are backpacking in Cambodia and in need of a break, here’s why you should take that time to regroup in Kampot:
Rest and Regroup
Kampot is the perfect place in Cambodia to relax for a few days (or a week) and plan your next move. There’s a reason the small city is so popular with expats. It’s an attractive place with a laid-back vibe ideal for backpackers.
A backpacker break is the time to get some rest, regroup and prepare for upcoming travel. But it is also an opportunity to do research and really plan the the road ahead. In Kampot, all of that can be done while eating good food, exploring local culture and having a bit of fun.
Most backpackers in Southeast Asia follow the same general trail. A lot of those backpackers travel openly, with a loose idea of where to go next, but few plans set in stone. It’s important to take a little time on the road to map out ideas. Long-term travel is great with fewer restrictions. However, at some point, you’ve got to make some plans. If not, you may miss something great or leave a curiosity unsatisfied.
There’s a fine line between someone who wanders aimlessly and a traveler who wanders foolishly. When you’re travels feel like you’re just going through the motions – when the aimless wandering turns a little fuzzy in Cambodia – take a break from the backpacker trail to regroup and relax in Kampot.
Kep – Seaside Cambodia
The nearby seaside town of Kep is a resurging destination in the area. Some travelers stay in Kep for a few days, but you can adequately see the town in a day trip from Kampot.
The bus to Kep is $3 USD each way, and scooter rental is also available. Tours will cost more, but are easier. If you’re confident, the scooter is the best option. If you’re uncertain about riding a motorbike in Southeast Asia, just take it slow. The roads in the Kampot area of Cambodia are not exceptionally busy, but they’re not exactly pristine.
There is a famous crab market in Kep where you can handpick your choice of seafood, fresh from the water a few steps away. This is the main draw for most visitors to Kep, but, truthfully, it’s not life-changing by any stretch.
There is also a national park right by Kep. Best of all, Kep is a great place to enjoy a sunset along the seawall near the crab market. Kep is the break from your Kampot backpacker break. A visit for an afternoon is enough time for most travelers.
Bokor National Park
For another out-of-town experience, there is (another) national park nearby. Preah Monivong Bokor National Park is right outside of Kampot. It is easily reached by scooter, which can be rented for the day for about $5-10 USD.
The park has magnificent views on a clear day. It is also home to eerie abandoned buildings that are fun for exploring. There are beautiful old temples, an old church and even waterfalls. If you’re in need of some quiet and another day out of town, this national park is an easy choice.
Eating in Kampot – Local Food, Expat Eats & More
What sets Kampot apart from other towns in Cambodia – and other laid-back, backpacker-friendly towns in Southeast Asia – is the food. The local pepper is world famous and makes for some fantastic local food. But that’s not what makes Kampot unique. It’s the tastes of home.
Normally, I recommend local food as much as possible. After all, why would you waste time eating pizza in southern Cambodia?
Sometimes, the best thing for a reset is familiar food. Home to so many foreigners, Kampot has developed a large diversity in food. There are some great burgers, Mexican food, an Israeli restaurant, a hard cider shop and even a pretty good barbecue restaurant.
The beer in town is fairly generic, as it is in most of Cambodia. However, with the expat population and popularity with tourists, Kampot would be an excellent location for a small, microbrewing operation. The good news is that the beer, and pretty much everything else on the menus in Kampot, is cheap.
The expat population has created a community that serves each other and backpackers. Local food still reigns supreme, but there are options if you (or your stomach) need a break from eating the unknown.
Kampot has excellent local food. The small city is an underrated culinary destination, with tons of restaurants serving fresh, interesting and delicious food. Sometimes a good burger goes a long way, though. After a few familiar meals, you’ll be back to craving and appreciating the local grub found in your travels.
Kampot Local Market
Kampot, Cambodia has a lot of markets. There’s the Old Market, which is a now a bunch of shops and restaurants. The Night Market is a regular Southeast Asian night market, blending random stuff and, of course, great food. Then there is the Bokor Night Market, a newer riverside market that seems to be geared towards tourists.
The most interesting market in Kampot is where the locals go. Unless you read Khmer, search smartphone maps for “Market Kampot.” It is situated in the center of town a few blocks north of the Durian Roundabout.
Few tourists wander into this market, evidenced by the curious looks from locals. The locals in here are extremely friendly. They know that the obvious foreigner is not there to buy fish heads by the kilo and are happy to make conversation.
Market Kampot is a basic Southeast Asian market where you can buy everything from shampoo and toys to hand-woven baskets and fresh meat. The stalls are filled with all of the usual goods and a few exclusively local items as well, such as Kampot pepper. Sort of.
Kampot is well-known around the world for its pepper. There are a lot of pepper plantations in the area, and the industry is an important facet of the local economy. The market sells pepper in bulk and its astonishingly cheap. And that is the warning sign. Kampot pepper is famous, and most of the famous peppercorns are exported. What is leftover is not going to be cheap.
The local market in Kampot is a great place to leisurely see a local side of Cambodia in a city teetering on the verge of popularity.
Wat Traeuy Kaoh & the Local Side of Kampot
Although you’re already taking a break from life on the backpacker trail for a few days, you can get escape further from the other tourists around without leaving town. To fully engage in your backpacker break, there should still be plenty of wandering. Like much of Cambodia, with dirt roads and few tourists, the west side of Kampot is the more local side.
Across the narrow Entanou Bridge that spans the Preaek Tuek Chhu River, the west side of Kampot is a side of town few tourists ever see. Without a sidewalk or discernible path, exercise caution walking across the bridge. There are a few restaurants along the river; otherwise, the western side of Kampot is entirely local.
Once across the river, take Fish Island Road and cross another bridge. This will take you to a large river island. A temple will be visible. Head towards it. This is Wat Traeuy Kaoh, a Buddhist temple set on the banks of the river.
The temple is a peaceful, quiet area where you can wander freely. The entire complex is a stunning example of Southeast Asian Buddhist architecture. Several benches are located throughout where a few locals eat lunch or sit in silence. The complex is a wonderful place for quiet time. It’s also a very photogenic setting.
Where to Stay in Kampot – The Monkeys
No, not those kind. The best monkeys in Kampot are hostels.
Mad Monkey is one of the most famous chains of hostels in Southeast Asia. There are several locations to choose from, each known as a popular hub for backpackers. Mad Monkey Kampot is on the southern edge of town, away from most points of interests.
Monkey Republic is another hostel in Kampot that is right in the middle of the action. That is, the slow, relaxed action. The hostel has a pleasant courtyard. It also has pretty good food and serves reasonably priced breakfast. Best of all, they have no room for judgement of your breakfast beers!
Each of these hostels is going to be your best bet for socializing if you find the need. Neither hostel is a wild, crazy experience, but when the time comes for meeting people and tossing back a pint or three, find a monkey.
I spent a week at Monkey Republic Kampot for my backpacker break in Cambodia. The vibe was perfect for making plans and catching up on some work. It’s a laid back, sleepy place in the daytime. The bar livens up at night, but nothing too rowdy. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s the de facto backpacker hangout in town.
Southeast Asia is an intriguing, fun place to travel. It can also be an exhausting experience. When the backpacker life in Cambodia starts to takes it toll, take a break and regroup in Kampot.
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