About Kampot

Kampot, a charming riverside town in southern Cambodia with approximately 50,000 residents, has gained international fame as the home of Kampot Pepper, widely considered the world's finest pepper and the only Cambodian food product to receive Protected Geographical Indication status. This sleepy bohemian town along the Preaek Tuek Chhu River exudes a relaxed, clean atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to Cambodia's busier cities, attracting travelers seeking authentic experiences, culinary adventures, and natural beauty. The town's colonial-era architecture, tree-lined riverfront, and laid-back cafe culture create an ambiance reminiscent of a Southeast Asian provincial town frozen in time. Kampot serves as the perfect base for exploring the surrounding countryside, with its famous pepper plantations, limestone caves, salt fields, and the misty Bokor Mountain range looming dramatically in the distance.

The region's unique terroir - a combination of soil composition, climate, and traditional cultivation methods - gives Kampot Pepper its distinctive floral, eucalyptus-like aroma and complex flavor profile that has made it a favorite among world-class chefs. Visitors can tour organic pepper farms to learn about the meticulous hand-picking and sun-drying processes that have been passed down through generations. Beyond pepper, Kampot offers diverse attractions including Phnom Chhngok Cave with its ancient 17th-century Shiva shrine carved into the rock, the mysterious Secret Lake hidden in the jungle, and expansive salt fields where workers harvest sea salt using traditional methods. The riverside promenade comes alive at sunset when locals and tourists gather at waterfront restaurants serving fresh crab prepared with the town's famous green peppercorns. Bokor Mountain, once home to a French colonial hill station and casino, now features abandoned buildings creating an eerie yet fascinating exploration site. Kampot's combination of culinary heritage, natural wonders, and unhurried pace makes it an essential stop for those seeking the authentic soul of Cambodia.