Now that we have an overview of each place’s geography, natural landscape, and unique travel style, it’s time to get into the fun part: exploring the top activities and analyzing the specific pros and cons of each city. With this detailed information, you can easily visualize which destination best suits your personal preferences—whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway like Kep, or a cultural and natural exploration like Kampot. The next section will be your compass to help you navigate your trip, avoid confusion when choosing, and optimize your travel experience.
Things to Do in Kep
Although it is a small and quiet city, Kep still has many interesting experiences:
1. Swimming and relaxing on Kep Beach
Although the beach is small, it is clean and airy, very suitable for relaxing. Along the beach are many eateries and roadside cafes, where you can sip coconut water while watching the sunset.
2. Explore the Crab Market
This is the most famous highlight of Kep. When you come here, you cannot miss the Kampot pepper crab dish – a famous specialty that is delicious, spicy and rich. You can also buy fresh seafood right at the market and ask the restaurant to cook it on the spot.
3. Visit Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay)
It only takes about 20 minutes by boat from Kep to reach a pristine island with few tourists, white sand, clear blue water and a few rustic bungalows by the sea. It is worth spending a day exploring or staying overnight.
4. Trekking in Kep National Park
A lush tropical forest surrounds the city, with many hiking trails leading to stunning viewpoints overlooking the sea.
5. Visit the old French villas
The ruins of abandoned French villas such as King Sihanouk’s Palace or Villa Romonea give you a glimpse into Kep’s lavish past.
Special Experiences in Kampot
Unlike Kep, Kampot is a riverside city with more diverse activities:
1. Stroll around Kampot’s old town
A place that preserves many ancient French architectural works, with small cafes and restaurants along the road, suitable for walking or cycling to explore.
2. Visit a pepper farm
Kampot is world-famous for its organic pepper – a spice that is a favourite of many international chefs. You can visit farms like La Plantation to learn about the process of growing, harvesting and drying pepper, and buy some souvenirs to bring back home.
3. Explore ancient temple caves
Two notable sites are Phnom Chhngok (Buddhist temple) and Phnom Chhnork (Hindu temple in a natural cave dating back to the 7th century).
4. River bathing, kayaking, tubing
The calm Kampot River is suitable for river bathing, kayaking to explore small canals, or floating on a float along the water.
5. Explore Fish Island
Just over the bridge you will come to a real village space – salt fields, pepper fields and a dirt road leading to the sea with a view of Phu Quoc Island (Vietnam).
6. Day trip to Bokor National Park
About 40km from the center, you can rent a car or take a tuk-tuk to go up Bokor Mountain. Here you will find a cool climate, ancient French architectural ruins, abandoned churches, Bokor Palace Hotel and beautiful waterfalls.
Compare Advantages and Disadvantages
| Criteria | Kep | Kampot |
| Scene | Sea, forest, sunset | River, mountain, countryside |
| Air | Quiet, relaxing | More vibrant, more activities |
| Cuisine | Fresh seafood, pepper crab | Diverse, with street food |
| Accommodation | High-end resort, higher price | Many cheap – mid-range options |
| Travel | The city is sprawling, needing a tuk-tuk | Easy to walk or cycle |
| Near Vietnam border gate | Very close (30 minutes to Ha Tien) | Further (about 1 hour) |
| Near the sea | There is a beach in the city | No, the sea is 5km away |
Should You Stay in Kep or Kampot?
- Choose Kep if: you need a quiet vacation, want to be near the beach, like to explore nature and ancient French space.
- Choose Kampot if: you want to explore more, are on a budget, love outdoor activities and local culture.
However, if possible, spend 1-2 days in each place to fully experience the different beauty of these two special cities.
Kep and Kampot are both great destinations to get away from the city, immerse yourself in nature and explore the Cambodian countryside. Each has its own charm. If you have enough time, enjoy both. If you have to choose one, let your personal preferences and itinerary guide your journey. Looking for a relaxing, nature-filled trip with lots of delicious food? Kep is your paradise. If you want to combine relaxation, exploration and cultural exchange? Kampot will not disappoint.
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If you have the opportunity to visit Kampot – Kep, stay at Ha Tien Vegas right next to the Ha Tien – Kampong Trach border gate and continue your journey to explore Ha Tien or Kampot the next day.
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