How to Get to Kampot Without the Stress
How to get to Kampot? It’s a question many travelers ask as they dream of visiting this laid-back riverside town in southern Cambodia.
Known for its French colonial architecture, stunning countryside, and famous pepper plantations, Kampot has become a favorite stop for tourists exploring Cambodia.
Getting there is part of the adventure—and luckily, there are several options.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the different ways to get to Kampot, including air, land, train, bus, catamaran, and private taxi.
We’ll also help you navigate getting around Kampot once you arrive.
From tuk-tuks to scooters, we’ve got you covered with tips, pros, and cons to help you make the best choices for your trip.
Getting into Cambodia: Land or Air
First you need to enter Cambodia. Most visitors fly into the country. Others cross overland from Vietnam or Thailand.
You can fly into Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, or Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh International Airport offers the most flight options. Siem Reap is quite far, while Sihanoukville Airport is closer but has fewer flights.
From Vietnam, many travelers cross at the Ha Tien–Prek Chak border, which is approximately 50 kilometers from Kampot and 7 kilometers from Ha Tien.
It’s possible to reach Kampot in under two hours from here. Taxis and shared vans wait at the border.
If you cross into Cambodia this way, you’ll be close to Kep as well.
From Thailand, the most popular border crossing is at Poipet. However, this route takes much longer and requires a stopover in Siem Reap before either flying or taking an overnight bus to Sihanoukville.
Alternatively, you could cross at the southern Hat Lek–Cham Yeam border and spend the night in Koh Kong Town (Krong Khemara Phoumin), before taking the early morning bus to Sihanoukville.
Tip: If you’re traveling overland, make sure you have obtained your Cambodian visa in advance.
Applying for the visa is a simple, straightforward process, and the official government website for doing so is: https://www.evisa.gov.kh
How to Get to Kampot by Train
Traveling by train is one of the most scenic options.
Cambodia’s Royal Railway operates two key routes that stop in Kampot: from Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville.
The trains are clean, relaxed, and affordable. The journey passes through rice fields, small villages, and forested hills.
The lovely manager at Lily’s Riverhouse recommended that we take the train, and we were so glad we took her advice.
From Phnom Penh
Trains depart Phnom Penh at 7:00 AM every day. They are scheduled to arrive in Kampot at 10:51 AM.
Trains leave from Phnom Penh Railway Station, located near the city center.
You can buy tickets at the train station or through the Royal Railway Cambodia website: https://www.royal-railway.com.kh
From Sihanoukville
Trains depart Sihanoukville at 2:00 PM daily, and they are scheduled to arrive in Kampot at 4:12 PM.
This route is ideal if you’re coming from Cambodia’s beaches and islands. It’s also a great opportunity to experience and contribute to the revival of Cambodia’s train system.
If, like us, you travel on an off-peak day, you can expect to take a single-carriage train. On busier days, there are more carriages and a section of the train designated for self-service food and drinks.
We paid $6 for our train ticket online.
Pros of Taking the Train
- Relaxed and scenic journey
- Very affordable ticket prices
- Less stressful than the bus
Cons of Taking the Train
- Unexpected delays can occur
- Limited departure times
- No food or drink service on board single-carriage trains
Tip: Cambodia Bucket List strongly advises booking your train tickets in advance if you’re traveling on peak travel days.
How to Get to Kampot by Bus or Minivan
Many travelers prefer to take a bus or minivan to Kampot.
These options are usually quick, frequent, and affordable. You can book them online, through a hotel, or at a travel office.
From Phnom Penh
The bus from Phnom Penh to Kampot takes about 3 hours.
The same journey by train takes around 4 hours.
Many companies operate this route daily. Departure times vary, with options from early morning until late afternoon.
Two of the best-known companies providing transport on this route are Giant Ibis and Vireak Buntham Express.
From Sihanoukville
Buses and vans also run from Sihanoukville to Kampot. The journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Some routes go directly, while others pass through Kep.
Buses are a slightly more expensive way to get to Kampot and some sections of that road are currently poorly maintained. Fares are usually around $10. Some include hotel pickup and drop-off.
Pros of Taking the Bus
- Cheap and convenient
- Multiple departure times daily
- Direct or semi-direct routes
Cons of Taking the Bus
- Can be crowded and hot
- Bumpy roads in some areas
- Delays due to traffic
How to Get to Kampot by Catamaran
For something different, consider the catamaran. Though seasonal and less common, it offers a scenic and relaxing ride.
Catamarans are a convenient form of transport between Koh Rong and Kampot, as they save time by avoiding the need to transfer through Sihanoukville.
This service is weather-dependent and operates mainly during peak tourist seasons. However, it was running when we were in Koh Rong—even after the peak season had ended—so availability may simply depend on passenger numbers and, of course, the weather during the low season.
The catamaran crosses the Gulf of Thailand and follows the coast before turning up the river to Kampot. The views are fantastic. You’ll see islands, fishing boats, and mangrove forests.
The catamaran service is a recent development and currently only operates on domestic routes within Cambodia.
However, there are plans underway to introduce a direct service to Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam—potentially transforming Kampot into a true international transport hub.
Pros of Taking the Catamaran
- Unique and scenic
- Comfortable seating and fresh air
- Avoids road traffic
Cons of Taking the Catamaran
- Only available during some months
- No toilets on board
- Limited schedule
Tip: It’s about 5 kilometers from the tourism port to the city center. Tuk-tuks will be there to meet you and take you into town when you arrive. Alternatively, you can book a Grab or PassApp tuk-tuk.
How to Get to Kampot by Private Taxi
Want comfort, speed, and flexibility? A private taxi may be your best option. You can hire one from Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, or even the Vietnam border.
Taxis cost more but save time. They’re ideal for families or groups with luggage. You can arrange a taxi through a hotel, travel office, or ride-hailing app.
From Phnom Penh
The drive from Phnom Penh to Kampot takes between 2-3 hours. Expect to pay between $40 and $60 for a one-way trip.
From Sihanoukville
The drive from Sihanoukville to Kampot takes two hours or less. Prices range from $30 to $50.
Pros of Taking a Taxi
- Fast and comfortable
- Door-to-door service
- Air conditioning and space for luggage
Cons of Taking a Taxi
- Most expensive option
- Prices vary between drivers
- May need to negotiate
Getting Around Kampot
Once you arrive in Kampot, you’ll need a way to get around.
The town itself is small, but attractions like Kampong Trach Cave and the pepper farms lie outside the center.
Two options stand out: tuk-tuks and scooter rentals.
Tuk-Tuks in Kampot
Tuk-tuks are everywhere in Kampot. They’re easy to find and simple to use. You can flag one down or use a ride-hailing app like Grab.
There are two types of tuk-tuks in Kampot:
- Cambodian-style: Wooden, pulled by a motorbike
- Indian-style: Metal-bodied, like auto-rickshaws
The Cambodian tuk-tuks are more traditional. The Indian ones feel more modern and durable.
Pros of Using a Tuk-Tuk
- No driving required
- Shade and seating for up to four people
- Great for city rides and excursions
Cons of Using a Tuk-Tuk
- Slower than scooters
- Can get expensive over long distances
- Unable to reach places with a high elevation
Tip: When we stayed at the Rikitikitavi Hotel, the fantastic owner recommended using the hotel’s tuk-tuk driver for our filming trips out of town.
Chuk took us to our destination, waited patiently while we completed our project for the day, and then brought us back to the hotel.
We compared his prices with those of other tuk-tuk drivers, and Chuk was only charging a few extra U.S. dollars—completely worth it, as he is 100% trustworthy and shares golden nuggets of information along the way.
Contact the hotel if you’d like to use his tuk-tuk services: https://rikitikitavi-kampot.com
Renting a Scooter in Kampot
Many visitors rent a scooter for the freedom it offers. You can explore at your own pace and reach out-of-town destinations.
Scooter rentals cost about $10 per day. Fuel is cheap and easy to find.
Always wear a helmet and drive carefully. Roads can be rough, and police may stop drivers without licenses.
Pros of Renting a Scooter
- Total freedom of movement
- Affordable and fuel-efficient
- Reach remote places with ease
Cons of Renting a Scooter
- Requires experience and confidence
- Risk of police fines if unlicensed
- Less safe in wet weather
Important Information: Due to a significant number of scooter (moped) thefts in recent years—committed by travelers who rented scooters and did not return them—rental shops in Kampot now require you to leave your passport as collateral.
We completely sympathize with the rental owners, but we also never part with our passports.
Whether or not you choose to do so is entirely up to you.
If you decide to rent a scooter, try to do so through the accommodation where you’re staying, and take photos of the scooter when it’s handed over to you.
If you damage the scooter—or, God forbid, are involved in a collision—you’ll be required to pay any fees in full before your passport is returned.
By booking through your accommodation, at least you’re dealing with someone you have some form of connection with, rather than a stranger at a random rental shop.
Final Tips for Your Trip to Kampot
Now that you know how to get to Kampot, here are a few final tips. These will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
- Book your transport in advance, especially on weekends
- Bring small cash for snacks, transport, and tips
- Travel early in the day to avoid delays
- Check the weather if planning to take the catamaran
- Carry a printed address or map if your phone lacks data
Kampot welcomes travelers with open arms.
Whether you ride the train, take the bus, or sail in, you’ll enjoy the journey. The town’s mix of nature, history, and pepper-filled tranquility makes every trip worth it.
And now you know exactly how to get to Kampot.
Ready for your next adventure?
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