Best Areas to Stay in Kampot: Riverside, Old Town & Beyond (2026)

Kampot is Cambodia's hidden gem — a sleepy riverside town backed by dramatic karst mountains, surrounded by famous pepper plantations, and blessed with some of the country's best sunsets. Choosing where to stay shapes your entire Kampot experience.

Old Town / Riverside — Best Overall

Best for: First-timers, walkers, foodies, photographers

Budget: $8–60/night

Kampot's compact Old Town hugs the Praek Tuek Chhu River, with crumbling French colonial buildings housing cafés, restaurants, and guesthouses. The riverside promenade is the town's social heart — sunset drinks here are unmissable. Everything is walkable, and the town's best restaurants are concentrated in a few blocks.

Highlights: Best sunset views, French colonial architecture, Epic Arts Café, riverside fish amok, night market, walking distance to everything.

Downsides: Can be noisy on weekends (karaoke). Limited luxury options. Some colonial buildings are charmingly rundown (not for everyone). Mosquitoes near the river at dusk.

River Road North — Best for Nature Lovers

Best for: Nature lovers, couples, those seeking peace

Budget: $15–80/night

Following the river north out of town, a string of riverside bungalow resorts and eco-lodges sits against a backdrop of karst mountains. This is Kampot at its most magical — hammocks over the river, kayaks at your doorstep, and fireflies at night. You'll need a motorbike or bicycle to reach town (10–15 minutes).

Highlights: Stunning river views, kayaking from your doorstep, swimming spots, firefly tours, peaceful atmosphere. Some of Cambodia's most photogenic accommodation.

Downsides: Need transport to reach town. Limited restaurant options (most places have their own). Can feel isolated. Some roads are rough in wet season.

Teuk Chhou / Waterfall Area — Best for Adventure

Best for: Adventure travelers, eco-tourists, families

Budget: $10–50/night

Further upriver toward Teuk Chhou waterfall, eco-lodges and adventure resorts offer activities like zip-lining, tubing, and jungle trekking. This is Kampot's adventure zone — perfect if you want to combine nature activities with accommodation.

Highlights: Waterfall access, zip-lining, tubing, jungle setting, family-friendly activities.

Downsides: 20–30 minutes from town. Very limited dining outside accommodation. Need your own transport. Quiet at night (no nightlife).

Our Recommendation

First visit (1–2 nights): Old Town for walkability and the classic Kampot experience.

Relaxation (3+ nights): River Road bungalows — rent a motorbike and combine nature with town visits.

With kids: Teuk Chhou area resorts with activities, or Old Town family guesthouses.

Kampot is best explored by motorbike ($5–7/day rental) or bicycle ($2–3/day). For day trips to Kep (25 minutes) and Bokor National Park, hire a tuk-tuk for $25–35. See our full Kampot guide for more.

Plan Your Kampot Trip

New to Cambodia? Our First Time in Cambodia guide covers everything you need. Check our road safety guide before renting a motorbike, and save our emergency numbers page. For transport, see the Phnom Penh to Kampot route guide.