Baksaei Retreat Ricefield Villas
A peaceful countryside escape surrounded by rice fields and mountain views, only 5 minutes from Kampot
Activities in Kampot
Wondering what to do when you visit Kampot?
There are so many interesting things to do in Kampot Province, and Kep is just half an hour away.
Suggested Kampot Itinerary - 7 Nights in Cambodia's Southern Gem
Most guests who leave Kampot for the islands come back saying the same thing: "It was stunning, but there wasn't much to do - I wish I'd stayed longer in Kampot instead." Many of our guests end up extending their booking once they realise how much there is to explore.
I think people underestimate Kampot. Traditionally seen as a quick stopover for backpackers on the way to the coast, it's long been a popular domestic tourism destination - and the new Governor is doing amazing things to make it an even more attractive destination for everyone. You can easily fill a week in this region. Here's how I'd do it, as a resident expat since 2020.
Meg Lowder (Host, Baksaei Retreat)​
Day 1: Settle In - Check into your countryside pool villa just 5 minutes from Kampot - welcome to Baksaei Retreat, a unique farmstay near the foothills of Bokor Mountain. Relax by the pool and enjoy the sunset over the rice fields, then head into town for one of Kampot's excellent riverside restaurants to ease into your first evening.
Day 2: Countryside & Pepper Farms - Discover one of Kampot's most popular attractions - the home of world-renowned Kampot pepper. Our private Countryside Tour takes in ancient cave temples, a stunning hidden lake, the pepper farms, and the famous salt fields. Discover more about Kampot's most popular tour.
Day 3: Bokor Mountain - Head up into the cool mountain air of Bokor National Park to wander the eerie ruins of the old French hill station, spot wild macaques along the way, and take in sweeping views over the Gulf of Thailand. Click here to explore stops on the mountain.
Day 4: Kep & the Coast - Wander the seaside town of Kep for fresh crab straight from the market, a walk through the peppery jungle of Kep National Park, coffee at the Zipline Café, and a taste of Cambodia's crumbling colonial past along the coast. End the day with sunset cocktails at Kep West, or visit the mangroves and eco-tourism fishing communities on the way back to Kampot. Read more about Kep Province.
Day 5: Caves & Cliffs - Venture into the limestone caves scattered around Kampot and Kep, home to ancient Hindu shrines, bat colonies, and hidden chambers, with a few dramatic caverns near the Vietnam border well worth the detour. Or get your adrenaline going at Climbodia, where you can rock-climb limestone cliffs, squeeze through underground caves, and abseil back down into the jungle below. Click here for a map and details of each cave.
Day 6: Waterfalls & Hiking - Cool off at the waterfalls tucked into the hills around Kampot, then lace up your boots for a hike through the surrounding forest and countryside for sweeping views of the region. Click here for details of each waterfall.
Day 7: Kampot's Heartland - Spend some time up-river: cool off at the waterpark or pay your respects at the hill-top Pagoda, indulge at Nibi Spa, kayak the Green Cathedral, support the dog sanctuary, then take a sunset river cruise. Feel more active? Explore Kampot's gorgeous surrounding countryside with Jason's Tours, including a delicious Khmer lunch, or rent a moto or bicycle and go explore at your own pace.
Day 8: Until Next Time - Check out of Baksaei Retreat and head to your next destination - we'll help coordinate transport. Come back and see us soon!
Travel Butler
No time to research your next holiday? Let us plan it for you - we offer customised holidays in Southern Cambodia. Just tell us a bit about your ideal getaway, including timeframe and preferences, and we'll take care of the rest.
Meaningful Travel
Want more from your holiday? How about giving back to the local community when you travel? We connect guests with local charities, social enterprises, and small businesses offering cultural experiences. Read more...
Ready to unwind? Visit our home page to start exploring our private pool villas and countryside escape. Get a feel for the ambience at Baksaei Retreat by viewing our gallery, or take a tour of our accommodation in Kampot.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, or book now to take advantage of our special Green Season rates!
From Pepper Farms to River Views: What to See and Do Near Your Kampot Villa
Kampot is more than a charming town - it's a destination rich in culture, nature, and experiences. Staying at Baksaei Retreat means you're perfectly placed to explore some of the best activities when you visit Kampot, all while enjoying the peaceful seclusion of your private villa.
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Start your day with a sunrise paddle on the Kampot River or take a guided bike ride through lush countryside trails. Kampot is famous for its world-renowned pepper, and no trip is complete without visiting a local pepper farm. Learn how this prized crop is grown, harvested, and used in traditional Khmer cooking.
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Craving views? Head to Bokor Mountain for misty treks and colonial-era ruins, or relax by the river with a fresh coconut in hand. Kampot’s slow pace invites unhurried exploration - whether it's browsing artisan markets, sipping coffee in French colonial buildings, or watching fishermen cast nets at dusk.
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Nature lovers will enjoy spotting wildlife right from the balcony. And for something truly memorable, try an evening river cruise to witness the glowing fireflies and epic sunset over the mountains.
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After a day of adventure, return to your Kampot villa for a sunset swim, a home-cooked meal, and the sound of birdsong in the background. Whether you're here to explore or simply unwind, Baksaei Retreat offers the perfect base for experiencing the best of Kampot attractions and activities.
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So if you're wondering what to do in Kampot - know that the magic is in the mix: culture, nature, flavour, and space to breathe. Every moment is an opportunity to slow down and savour.
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Discover more of what makes Baksaei special by exploring our home page or view our gallery for inspiration on activities around Kampot.