Kampot Province (Cambodia)

Geography and environment

Kampot fronts the Gulf of Thailand with roughly 45 km of coastline and includes the lower reaches of the Kampot River (Teuk Chhou). Inland rises lead up to the Preah Monivong (Bokor) National Park, a protected area of montane forest and seasonal streams. The coastal zone supports estuaries, small harbors, salt flats and mangrove pockets, while upland areas contain evergreen and deciduous forest cover.

History and development

The area was an important local port and trading hub during the French colonial era, and traces of colonial architecture survive in the provincial capital and on Bokor Hill Station. Like much of Cambodia, Kampot experienced disruption in the late 20th century and has undergone gradual recovery since then, with renewed investment in infrastructure, conservation and tourism.

Economy and culture

Kampot is widely known for agriculture and coastal livelihoods. Smallholder farms grow rice, fruits and the regionally famous Kampot pepper, while coastal communities harvest fish and produce sea salt in traditional pans. Tourism, driven by natural parks, colonial sites and boat trips on the river, has become an increasingly important source of income.

Administration and local organization

The province is divided into seven districts and one municipality; the administrative center is Kampot municipality, the province's principal town and service center for government, commerce and transport. For city-specific information see the municipal profile Kampot town.

Notable places and visiting

• Preah Monivong (Bokor) National Park — upland forests and abandoned colonial hill station.
• Kampot riverfront and historic streets — local markets and riverside cafés.
• Pepper farms and salt flats — agricultural landscapes integral to the local economy.
• Short coastal beaches and fishing villages on the Gulf of Thailand — access and amenities vary seasonally.

Kampot combines cultural heritage, agricultural specialties and protected landscapes, making it significant both economically and as a destination for nature and rural tourism. General travel, conservation and administrative resources often provide additional detail and updates: see regional guides at Gulf and coastal references.