10 Outdoor and Adventurous Activities to Try in Kampot
1. Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the most popular water activities in Kampot that combines fun, calorie-burning, and sightseeing all in one. Rent your own kayak and explore Kampotâs âGreen Cathedralâ, a long water valley surrounded by trees and foliage that create an overhead ceiling. Drift past the shores of markets and busy streets downtown, through mangrove forests, and discover the tranquil beauty of Kampot.
2. SUP yoga
If you like to keep your outdoor activities gentle and grounded in spirituality, try your hand at practicing yoga on the water. Standup paddleboard (SUP) yoga is the practice of yoga poses with the added challenge of balancing on a paddleboard on the water. SUP yoga has become popular in recent years, and when you are relaxing in lotus position with the soft lapping of water around you and the backdrop of the Elephant Mountains, itâs not hard to see why.
3. Jet ski on the Kampot River
One of the newer activities along the Kampot River is jet skiing, an adrenaline-filled water activity that youâll never forget. Rent your own jet ski in Kampot, take to the waters, and hold on tight as you glide by the sights along the river. As a combination of incredible sights and high energy fun, itâs a top outdoor activity to try in Kampot.
4. Rent a motorbike
If your pace is a little faster than pedal-powered, kick up some dust with a motorbike rental. Motorbike is one of the best ways to get to Bokor National Park, about 20 miles from Kampot. The roads en route are ideal for two wheels, and on the way you get to experience the provincial villages, rolling fields, then stunning views when you get to Bokor Hill Station.
5. Hike at a national park
Once youâre at Bokor National Park, thereâs plenty to do and see on foot for those who love to strap on their hiking boots and get walking. Make sure you see landmarks Bokor Hill Station, Wat Sampov Pram, and the Popokvil Waterfalls, all within walking distance of each other that will pump that adrenaline and provide panoramic views of the surrounding area.
6. Explore local caves
Little known to many who travel to Cambodia, Kampot is home to a handful of small caves. Exploring in and around these caves makes for a great day trip; head into the mountain side dwellings and discover the hidden statues and sculptures, religious shrines, and many other surprises. Wear sturdy shoes and good headwear as you snap away at the intricate artwork.
7. Discover Kampotâs secret lake
About eight miles from the center of Kampot lies Brateak Krola Lake, or the âsecret lakeâ of Kampot. While itâs less of a secret now with Kampotâs rise in popularity, the lake is still a great way to get out of the downtown area and explore the quieter countryside. The journey is as much to be enjoyed as the destination, and much of whatâs to enjoy here is down to your own curiosity. Take a stroll or a cycle around its dirt paths, dip your feet in the cool water, and enjoy a meal at nearby Khmer Root Cafe to enjoy authentic Khmer cuisine with a lakeside view.
8. See how pepper and salt is grown
Just a few minutes from the secret lake you can take a guided tour of Kampotâs most famous product, pepper. La Plantation offers free guided tours in several languages for you to watch and experience how pepper is grown, harvested, and used in local cooking. At the end, buy a bag of the locally grown produce for yourself. Closer to Kampot town youâll find fields and fields of salt production, where shallow areas of salty ocean water are kept until the water evaporates, leaving behind salty crystals. Local people then collect the salt in large wicker baskets hung on their shoulders.
9. Take a climbing adventure
Book a climbing adventure with Climbodia, where you can immerse yourself in half or full day climbing, abseiling, and caving at levels running from beginner to advanced. Strap into your gear and let your inner adrenaline junkie take over as you discover the stunning views around you.
10. Cook your own catch on a private island tour
For Amber Kampot guests, enjoy our exclusive offer of a private island tour, a unique experience in the area. Hop on a speedboat to take you out to our remote island, where youâll stop en route for a spot of fishing. Once youâve caught your fish of the day, continue onto the island where you can enjoy your fresh catch over a barbecue grill. There is something for everyone at Kampot, and much more to enjoy than you might think at first glance. Immerse yourself in any one of these activities to truly make the most of your visit to Kampot.