Lykkers, picture waking to soft river breezes and façades bathed in morning light. Kampot’s charm lies in its blend of French‑era streets and unhurried Khmer rhythm.

Whether you crave café chatter, pepper fields, or simple hammock sways, this riverside town delivers. Let’s dive into the best places to rest your head in this Cambodian gem.

City Center

Downtown stays put you within steps of Old Market stalls and riverside cafés.

Rooms around Durian Roundabout typically run $30–55 per night, breakfast occasionally included.

By day, wander spice shops; by night, watch lanterns drift on the Preaek Tuek Chhu.

Tuk‑tuk rides from here rarely exceed $2 for short hops to nearby sights.

Quiet Retreat

Cross the bridge to Thvi for a calmer riverside vibe under palm‑fringed skies.

Guesthouses here average $25–50 nightly, many offering sunset decks facing the water.

A ten‑minute tuk‑tuk costs about $3 and carries you from town’s bustle to tranquil shores.

Lazy afternoons are best spent in a hammock with iced coffee in hand.

Riverside Bungalows

Just beyond town, wooden bungalows perch on stilts above gentle currents.

Prices start at $12 per night, with kayak rentals from $4 an hour to explore hidden coves.

Evenings bring communal fire pits, where travelers swap stories over cooling breezes.

Mornings often begin with rice‑field vistas and birdsong right at your doorstep.

Scenic Villages

Tuek Chhou and Trapeang Sangkae lie amid emerald rice paddies and glinting salt pans.

Basic homestays charge $10–15 for private rooms, complete with woven mats and ceiling fans.

Rent a bicycle for $3/day to pedal winding dirt paths past grazing water buffalo.

Join villagers at dawn harvesting rice or sample kuy teav noodle soup for under $1.

Boutique Gems

For design‑minded travelers, Hotel Old Cinema and Phka Kravan shine with curated style.

Expect to pay $85–120 per night for restored villas, artisanal décor, and plunge pools.

Pippali Boutique delights with its shaded pool courtyard and complimentary all‑day coffee.

Reserve in advance, especially from November to February, when rooms sell out fast.

Midrange Comfort

MAKK Hotel, The Columns, and Hotel Five.S balance cost and convenience beautifully.

Nightly rates hover between $35 and $60, often including breakfast buffets.

Complimentary bike rentals give easy access to nearby pepper farms, about 10 km away.

Family‑size rooms and lush gardens make these spots ideal for small groups.

Budget Hostels

Backpackers gravitate to Karma Traders and Mad Monkey for their social scenes.

Dorm beds start at $5 per night, while private rooms go for $12–18.

Rooftop restaurants serve drinks for $2, and movie nights project classics under the stars.

New friends are a lounge‑side chat or pool game away.

Luxury Havens

Amber Kampot and Le Bokor Palace cater to indulgence seekers with top‑tier amenities.

Villas with private plunge pools start at $200 nightly, with spa packages from $50.

Amber sits on a private islet, reached via five‑minute boat transfer at no extra charge.

At Le Bokor, ballrooms and national park panoramas await the curious guest.

Local Flavors

Sampling Kampot pepper is a must—tours at local plantations cost $10 per person.

Riverside restaurants dish up fish amok for $5–8 and lime‑leaf salads for $3.

Street‑side stalls serve sugar‑cane juice and fried banana fritters at $1 a pop.

Don’t miss sunset drinks at $4 on floating platforms near the Old Market.

Getting There

From Phnom Penh, CTT Transports runs air‑con buses five times daily (5:00–18:00) for $10, 2 ½ hours.

Sihanoukville–Kampot minibuses depart every hour, costing $7 and taking roughly three hours.

Within town, tuk‑tuks charge $1.50–3 per ride; bicycles rent at $4 per day.

For more freedom, motorbikes go for $6 daily, letting you chase sunrise along river roads.

Conclusion

Whether you’re drawn by budget dorms or cliff‑side villas, Kampot delivers riverside magic. Plan ahead for peak season and secure your dream room before it’s gone. Pack light, grab your camera, and let this town’s gentle current carry you away. Your Kampot adventure—filled with flavor, scenery, and serenity—begins at check‑in.