Pepper farms, Bokor mountain, crab at the market and a boat to Rabbit Island.
Kampot and Kep sit 25 km apart on Cambodia’s south coast and are easily combined in two days from Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville.
Day 1 — Kampot
Arrive by private taxi (about 3 hours from Phnom Penh), visit a pepper farm in the afternoon and take a sunset river cruise.
Day 2 — Bokor and Kep
Drive up Bokor mountain in the morning for the old French hill station and views, then continue to Kep for crab at the market and a swim before returning.
Both stops can be added as extras to a Phnom Penh ↔ Kampot transfer so the price is agreed in advance.
When to go
The dry season, from November to May, is the best time for Bokor mountain and for the coast. From June to October the countryside is green and the crowds are thinner, but afternoon showers are common, so plan outdoor stops for the morning.
Where to eat
- Kep Crab Market: pick your crab live and have it cooked with fresh Kampot pepper, the dish the area is known for.
- Riverside cafes in Kampot: relaxed lunches overlooking the Praek Tuek Chhu river and the old French shophouses.
- Night market: small stalls with grilled seafood, noodles and fruit shakes for a light dinner.
What to pack
Bring sun protection, a light rain jacket, comfortable shoes for the Bokor trails and swimwear for Kep. Mornings on the mountain can be cool and misty, so a thin layer is useful.
Extending your trip
If you have more time, add a third day for Rabbit Island, a short boat ride from Kep, or continue to Sihanoukville and the southern islands. Your driver can continue the journey with you, so the whole route stays in one car with one price agreed in advance.