Kampot is a quiet treasure for travelers interested in authentic Cambodian life, stunning landscapes, and local flavors. Unlike busier tourist spots, Kampot’s charm lies in its peaceful riverside setting and the variety of hands-on experiences available. Whether it’s exploring organic pepper farms, kayaking past lush green caves, or strolling through historic streets at sunset, this region offers a genuine taste of life beyond the typical tourist trail. We particularly enjoy the Countryside & Pepper Tour for its blend of scenic drives and hands-on pepper tasting, as well as the Sunset Walking Tour for a relaxing evening with views and history. Visiting these tours helps you see the real Kampot—its farms, lakes, and colonial architecture—without the crowds.
Quick Overview
Kampot’s tour scene combines cultural, outdoor, and culinary experiences. You can explore the countryside with guided trips to salt fields, caves, and pepper farms, or enjoy water-based adventures like kayaking along the river. Cultural tours include cooking classes and sunset walks that reveal Kampot’s history and laid-back lifestyle. For a full day, there’s the Kampot: Full-day Countryside Tour with Pepper Farm and Kep, perfect for those wanting a comprehensive look at the region. To help you decide, below is a detailed look at each top-rated tour.
1. Kampot: Countryside & Pepper Tour, Salt field, Cave & Lake
This 5-hour scenic drive immerses you in Kampot’s rural charm—visiting an organic pepper farm, a limestone cave with a 7th-century Hindu temple, a salt field, and a secret lake. The tour is praised for its well-organized itinerary and charming guides. What’s special here is the combination of diverse stops, each offering a different taste of local life—whether it’s harvesting salt, exploring ancient caves, or tasting pepper on a guided tour. The cave visit includes stunning photo opportunities inside the limestone cavern with its ancient carvings and temple remains.
With reviews rating it 4.9 out of 5 from 328 people, this tour is highly recommended for travelers who enjoy a mix of nature, history, and local flavor. The price of $23 makes it good value for a well-rounded experience. It’s ideal for those short on time but eager to see a lot in half a day. Bottom line: Perfect for lovers of history, scenery, and food, and keen to explore rural Kampot’s highlights.
2. Kampot: Full-day Countryside Tour with Pepper Farm and Kep
At number 2, this 8-hour full-day tour hits the mark for travelers wanting a deep dive into the region. It covers salt fields, a cave temple, the Brateak Krola Lake—created by Khmer slave labor—and a large pepper plantation. You’ll also cross over to Kep for seafood and a walk through the iconic Crab Market. The tour earns a 4.9/5 rating from 104 reviews for its detailed itinerary and expert guide, Phalla, who’s praised as friendly and knowledgeable.
What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive schedule that combines cultural sites, scenic lakes, and local food. Visitors love the pepper tasting and the stories about the salt-production process. The $26 price offers excellent value considering the full day of sightseeing, local food, and insight. It’s best suited for those who want a full immersion and don’t mind a long, activity-packed day.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for curious travelers eager to see the countryside, learn about pepper, and relax at Kep’s beaches.
3. Kampot: Tuk Tuk Trip to Pepper Farm, Kep, Crab Market & More
This 7-hour tuk tuk adventure offers highlights around Kampot and Kep, including a pepper farm, secret lake, salt fields, and the Crab Market. For just $25 per person, it provides an intimate, flexible way to explore local sites while enjoying the breeze in a tuk tuk. The tour has a 4.9 rating from 61 reviews, with travelers mentioning the fun exploration of caves, salt farms, and beaches, alongside friendly guides.
What makes this experience special is its personalized pace and the variety of stops—perfect for those who prefer a relaxed, in-depth look rather than rushing through sights. The pepper farm visit includes a tasting tour, and the day ends near Kep’s beach area. It’s especially good for those who want a mix of nature, culture, and local markets in one day.
Bottom line: Great for travelers seeking a flexible, engaging way to see the countryside with authentic stops.
4. Kampot’s Countryside & Kayak Tour, Pepper Farm including Lunch
This full-day adventure combines a countryside tour with a relaxing kayaking experience at Kampot River’s Green Cathedral. Over the course of the day, you’ll visit a pepper farm, salt fields, a mountain cave, and a secret lake before paddling along the river. The tour, costing $46, is praised for its balance of active and chill moments.
What sets it apart is the kayak component, perfect for those who enjoy water activities and want a chance to swim or simply float in the peaceful river. The tour provides insights into local farmers, salt workers, and fishermen, making it both fun and informative. Travelers love the lunch included in the package and the opportunity to enjoy Kampot’s nature from multiple angles.
Bottom line: Ideal for active travelers who want a full day of exploring and relaxing on the water.
5. Discover Kampot-Kep for a day trip including Bokor mountain
This 8-hour tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Kampot and Kep, including Bokor mountain, pepper farms, salt fields and the Crab Market. It’s well-reviewed at 4.8/5 from 65 travelers who appreciate the variety of experiences and local seafood. The trip covers the second highest hill in Cambodia, where the cool air and panoramic views make it a highlight.
The tour is especially appealing for those wanting a full immersion—from caves to beaches, and historical sites to markets. It’s a good choice if you’re pressed for time but want to see the region’s diverse offerings in one go. The price of $56 includes all the key sights and local food.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers craving a complete view of Kampot and Kep with time-efficient planning.
6. Kampot: Bokor Mountain Tour with locals
This 6.5-hour Bokor Mountain tour is all about the scenic drive and the atmosphere of old colonial buildings. Rated 4.6/5 from 74 reviews, it features visits to the Lok Yeay Mao statue, Popokvil Waterfall, and the former king’s residence. The highlight is the drive through lush rainforest with stops at viewpoints, giving you a chance to enjoy Cambodia’s cooler mountain climate.
The tour is especially well-suited for travelers interested in nature, architecture, and history without a strenuous hike. The knowledgeable drivers make the journey comfortable, and the views from the hilltop are spectacular. It’s an affordable way to see the park’s highlights with minimal walking involved.
Bottom line: A good pick for those who love scenery and history but prefer a relaxed day.
7. Kayaking tour around Green Cathedral
For a three-hour kayak adventure, this tour takes you around the beautiful Green Cathedral area, with options to swim and enjoy a beer at sunset. With a 5/5 rating from 16 reviews, it’s praised for its personalized service and stunning natural surroundings.
The tour begins at either Epic Arts Café or the kayaking base, then paddles through calm waters that are perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. The final stop at Coconut Beach for swimming and relaxing is a highlight. The price of $26 makes it accessible for most travelers seeking an active, scenic outing.
Bottom line: Best for water lovers who want a short but memorable paddle in Kampot’s scenic river.
8. Kampot Countryside: Authentic Khmer Cooking Class
This hands-on cooking class offers a chance to learn authentic Khmer dishes in a traditional village setting. For $25, you visit a local market to buy fresh ingredients and then prepare 3 dishes plus a dessert with a family. It’s perfect for foodies wanting a local culinary experience.
Guests rave about the personalized attention and the chance to cook with local ingredients in a relaxed environment. The class lasts about 2 hours, and the focus is on learning techniques and tasting your own creations. The setting among paddy fields and mountain views adds to the charm.
Bottom line: Ideal for culinary travelers who want a meaningful, hands-on local experience.
9. FULL DAY – Countryside Tuk-Tuk Pepper Tour + Kep
This 7-hour full-day tuk tuk tour mixes natural sights, pepper tasting, and Kep’s seaside attractions. Starting from Kampot or Sabay Beach, it takes you through Phnom Chhngok Cave, salt fields, and a pepper farm, concluding with lunch at Kep’s famous crab market. Rated 4.8/5 from 11 reviews, it offers a comprehensive sightseeing experience.
Travelers appreciate its well-organized schedule and local flavor, including the opportunity to taste Kampot pepper and seafood. The guide’s flexibility and the stops at scenic spots make this a favorite for travelers eager for both adventure and relaxation.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a full day exploring both Kampot and Kep with plenty of local tastings.
10. Kampot: Private local tuk tuk to countryside / pepper farm
This private, up to 2-person tuk tuk tour offers a personalized experience focused on cultural sites like a temple cave built before Angkor Wat, salt fields, and a pepper farm with tasting. Costing $40 for the group, it’s ideal for couples or small groups wanting a flexible itinerary.
Guides explain Cambodia’s history and local industry, making each stop informative. The tour features less crowded stops with a relaxed pace, and some reviews mention the guide’s engaging storytelling. Suitable for travelers who prefer privacy and custom routes.
Bottom line: Best for small groups or couples seeking a tailored, intimate experience.
How to Choose
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you want a quick, diverse taste of Kampot’s countryside, the Countryside & Pepper Tour offers a good balance. For a full-day deep dive, the Full-day Countryside Tour with Kep is perfect. Water lovers might prefer the kayaking experiences, especially the Green Cathedral Tour. Foodies should consider the cooking classes, which deliver an authentic taste of Khmer cuisine.
Consider your fitness level—some tours involve walking or kayaking, while others are more relaxed. Also, look at your time constraints; a half-day option like the Sunset Walking Tour is great if you only have an afternoon. Booking early is wise, especially for popular activities during peak season.
Final Thoughts
Kampot offers a range of tours that highlight its rural beauty, rich history, and delicious flavors. For a quick overview, the Countryside & Pepper Tour and Full-day Kampot & Kep tours stand out for their variety and value. Water-based adventures like kayaking add a refreshing twist, while culinary classes immerse you in local traditions.
If you’re after a culture, the Cooking Classes and Sunset Walk provide memorable experiences. For those craving a mix of nature and history, trips to Bokor Mountain or the salt fields hit the spot. Whatever your style, these tours give you a chance to see Kampot beyond the typical postcard.
To make the most of your trip, book your preferred tours early—especially the popular ones—so you don’t miss out on exploring this relaxed and authentic Cambodian town.