Kampot & Kep: Pepper Farm, Salt Fields & Crab Market Tour

Summary

Discover Kampot’s salt fields, pepper farms and Kep’s crab market with a local guide

You’ll wander Kampot’s salt fields at sunrise, explore an ancient cave temple with your local guide, sip fresh coconut by Secret Lake, and taste crab straight from Kep’s market stalls. Expect laughter, real conversations, and glimpses of daily life that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We started in Kampot with Mr. Dara, who greeted us like old friends even though we’d just met. He waved us over to the salt fields before I’d even had my coffee—said it was best to see them early. The air smelled sharp and briny, and I kept blinking at the sunlight bouncing off those endless white flats. Dara explained how families work here season after season; he pointed out a woman raking salt into neat piles, her hands moving in a rhythm I couldn’t imitate if I tried. She smiled when I waved (I think she found my hat funny).

After that we bumped along narrow roads through villages—kids shouted hello as we passed—and stopped at Phnom Chhngok cave. It’s half-hidden by vines and feels cooler inside, damp stone under your fingers. There’s this tiny 7th-century Hindu temple tucked right in the heart of the cave; Dara told us stories about it while our voices echoed off the walls. I didn’t expect to feel so small standing there.

The Secret Lake isn’t really a secret but it does feel peaceful—just dragonflies skimming the water and locals fishing from the bank. We sat at a lakeside shack for coconut juice (so sweet it almost tasted fake) and watched clouds drift over the hills. Lunch was up to us at Kep’s Crab Market; I tried grilled crab with Kampot pepper—messy but worth every sticky finger. Li laughed when I tried to say “thank you” in Khmer—probably butchered it.

I still think about that drive back through the countryside, windows down, dust in my hair and all those green rice paddies flashing by. There’s something about seeing Kampot and Kep this way—with someone who knows every shortcut and story—that sticks with you longer than you’d expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Kampot countryside and Kep town

• Visit Kampot salt fields
• Explore Phnom Chhngok cave and temple
• Drive through traditional Khmer village
• Visit Secret Lake and relax at local restaurant
• Tour organic pepper plantation and taste pepper
• Visit Kep Crab Market and surrounding area

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Kampot to Kep including all stops?

The tour covers several stops between Kampot and Kep over one full day.

Is lunch included on the Kampot & Kep countryside tour?

No, lunch is not included—you can choose where to eat at Kep Crab Market or nearby restaurants.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel in Kampot?

Yes, pickup is included for hotels within 3km of Kampot city center; extra charges may apply for further distances.

What will we see on the private pepper farm tour?

You’ll walk through an organic pepper plantation, learn about cultivation, and taste different peppers.

Are entrance fees included in this day trip?

Yes, all entrance fees are included in your booking.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Specialized infant seats are available; however, it may not be recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Can I take photos with workers at the salt fields?

Yes, you’re welcome to walk through the fields and take pictures with workers if they agree.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup within 3km of central Kampot (with options for further pickup), entrance fees at each site, drinking water throughout the journey plus fresh coconut by Secret Lake—all guided by a local English-speaking driver who shares stories along every stop.