1. Bokor Hill Station — The Abandoned Colonial Ghost Town

Bokor Hill Station is one of Cambodia’s most hauntingly beautiful destinations. Built by the French in the 1920s as a hilltop escape from the heat of Phnom Penh, it was abandoned in the 1940s and now sits as a ghost town atop a 1,080-metre plateau. The old Catholic church, the crumbling casino-hotel, and the royal residence are all open to explore — with fog rolling through empty corridors it feels like a lost world.

Location: 42 km west of Kampot, 1-hour drive up the mountain.

History: Constructed between 1917 and 1925 by French colonial authorities. Reoccupied briefly during the French-Indochina War and later by the Khmer Rouge, who used it as a stronghold until the late 1990s.

Highlights:

• The abandoned Catholic church with moss-covered pews and altar
• Popokvil Waterfall — spectacular during the rainy season
• The old casino-hotel with stunning Gulf of Thailand views
• Thick fog rolling through the plateau (bring a jacket!)
• Wild monkeys and birdlife in the surrounding national park

2. Kampot Pepper Plantations

Kampot pepper is considered the finest pepper in the world — prized by Michelin-starred chefs for its complex floral and citrus notes. Visiting the plantations is a highlight of any trip to the region. You’ll walk through the pepper vines, learn about the growing process, taste fresh green, red, white, and black peppercorns, and buy directly from the growers at a fraction of the export price.

Location: 10–20 km from Kampot town, mostly along Route 31.

History: Pepper has been cultivated in Kampot since the 13th century, but French colonialists expanded production in the 19th century. The industry was almost destroyed under the Khmer Rouge but has been revived with PGI status.

Highlights:

• Walking through organic pepper vines — tasting fresh peppercorns off the plant
• Learning about the four pepper varieties (black, white, red, green)
• Buying direct — a bag of premium Kampot pepper for $5–10
• Durian, rambutan, and mangosteen orchards adjacent to the farms
• Bicycle tours through pepper country — the best way to explore

3. Kep Crab Market & Seafood by the Sea

The Kep Crab Market is famously Cambodia’s best place to eat fresh seafood. You walk along the wooden pier, pick your crab, prawns, squid, or fish from the morning catch, and the vendors grill it on the spot with Kampot pepper and lime. Sit at one of the weathered tables overlooking the Gulf of Thailand with a cold Angkor beer and watch the fishing boats bob in the bay.

Location: Kep beachfront, 30 km east of Kampot.

History: Kep’s crab market became a local institution in the 1960s when the town was Cambodia’s premier beach resort. After decades of war, it was rebuilt in the 2000s.

Highlights:

• Fresh blue crabs grilled with Kampot pepper and lime — the signature dish
• The lively morning market atmosphere as fishermen bring in the catch
• Sunset seafood dinners at the market’s wooden tables over the water
• Crab fried rice, stuffed squid, and grilled prawns for $4–8
• Walking along the Kep Ocean Walk after lunch

4. Kampot Riverside — The Slow Travel Soul

The Kampot riverside is the definition of slow travel. The Preaek Tuek Chhu River flows gently past the town, and a long promenade lined with cafes, bars, and old shophouses stretches along both banks. You can rent a kayak, take a sunset boat cruise, or simply sit on a cafe balcony with a book and watch the river life go by. The old French colonial architecture along the riverfront has been beautifully preserved.

Location: Central Kampot town, along both sides of the river.

History: The riverfront was the commercial heart of Kampot during the French colonial period. Many buildings date from the 1920s and 1930s.

Highlights:

• Sunset boat cruises — the perfect end to any Kampot day
• Riverside cafes like R&R and Old Cinema for people-watching
• Night market on the eastern bank with street food and crafts
• Kayaking or paddleboarding on the calm river
• The old French governor’s residence and colonial shophouses

5. Kep National Park

Kep National Park is a small but beautiful hillside park overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. The well-maintained trails wind through coastal jungle past viewpoints, old French villas, and the famous “Lady Kep” statue. It’s a perfect half-day hike with panoramic views of the coastline and, on clear days, the distant Bokor plateau.

Location: Kep town centre, directly behind the beachfront.

History: The park was once home to the summer villas of Cambodia’s 1960s elite, now largely abandoned and slowly being reclaimed by the jungle.

Highlights:

• The “Lady Kep” statue viewpoint — best sunset spot in the region
• Abandoned French colonial villas half-hidden in the jungle
• Stunning coastal views over Rabbit Island and the Gulf
• Wild monkeys and macaques along the trail
• A peaceful hike that takes 2–3 hours at a slow pace

6. Rabbit Island (Koh Ton Say)

A 45-minute boat ride from Kep, Rabbit Island is the definition of tropical island simplicity. There’s no electricity (except solar at a few guesthouses), no roads, no ATMs — just white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear water. A handful of family-run bungalows serve fresh grilled fish and cold drinks. It’s perfect for a day trip or an island overnight.

Location: 5 km off the coast of Kep.

History: Traditionally a fishing island. Only developed for tourism in the last 15 years.

Highlights:

• Pristine white sand beaches with almost no development
• Snorkelling in clear water with tropical fish
• Overnight stays in rustic wooden bungalows ($8–15)
• Walking across the island in 20 minutes
• Fresh grilled fish, squid, and crab on the beach

Kampot: Riverside Guesthouses ($8–25/night)

Kampot has an excellent range of budget and mid-range accommodation along the river. River-facing rooms with balconies can be found for $15–20. Mea Culpa and The Kampot Collection are favourites. For true budget, guesthouses on the quieter eastern bank offer private rooms for under $10.

Kep: Beachfront Bungalows ($10–30/night)

Kep accommodation is simpler — think wooden bungalows steps from the beach. Kep Lodge has incredible sunset views from $20. Boutique Kep and Jaru’s Homestay offer clean budget rooms starting at $10 right next to the crab market.