Kampot: Pepper Farm, Salt Fields, Cave & Secret Lake Tour

Summary

See salt fields shimmer, taste Kampot pepper, wander ancient cave temples and pause by Secret Lake’s quiet waters

You’ll ride through Kampot’s countryside by tuk tuk with hotel pickup included, watch salt being harvested by hand, wander through Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple’s cool shadows, taste fresh Kampot pepper at La Plantation with a local guide (French available), and pause by Secret Lake—a place with stories beneath its surface.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what fresh Kampot pepper actually tastes like straight from the vine? I didn’t either, not really, until we rolled out of town in a tuk tuk with our guide chatting about how this region’s pepper ends up in Paris kitchens. First stop was the salt fields—wide, flat stretches glinting under the morning sun. The air smelled a bit briny, almost metallic. We watched two farmers raking salt into neat piles while a radio played somewhere nearby. There was something hypnotic about it; I found myself just watching their hands move for way too long.

The drive to Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple was bumpier than I expected (bring water), but honestly the countryside made up for it. Rice paddies everywhere, skinny cows wandering along the road. At the cave entrance, our driver pointed out a rock that looked like an eagle—he seemed proud of that detail. Inside was cool and echoey; you can feel how old it is. The little brick temple tucked under stone looked delicate compared to all that limestone above it. I tried to take a photo but my lens fogged up from the humidity—classic.

Secret Lake isn’t really a lake at all (our guide laughed when he told us). It’s a dam built during Cambodia’s darker days—the story hit harder than I’d expected. It’s big though, and oddly peaceful now; there were kids fishing off one side and someone selling iced coffee under a blue tarp. Last stop was La Plantation pepper farm where we tasted green peppercorns right off the plant—spicy but kind of sweet? The French-speaking staff explained everything about growing and drying pepper; I probably butchered half their names but they smiled anyway.

I still think about that moment at the lake—how quiet it felt compared to everywhere else. So yeah, if you’re curious about Kampot beyond just photos or souvenirs, this day trip from Kampot city gives you those small details you remember later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit salt fields, cave, pepper farm, lake

• Pick up and transfer to salt fields
• Observe salt harvesting techniques
• Drive to Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple
• Explore cave and ancient temple
• Visit Kampot pepper farm La Plantation
• Learn about and taste Kampot pepper
• Visit Secret Lake dam site

Top questions

How long does the Kampot tour last?

The tour is a full-day trip starting with hotel pickup in Kampot city center and visiting four main sites before returning.

Is lunch included on the Kampot day trip?

No traditional lunch is mentioned as included; tastings are provided at La Plantation pepper farm.

Can I get picked up from my hotel in Kampot?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Kampot city center are included in your tour.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this tour?

Your driver serves as an English-speaking guide throughout; French-speaking guides are available only at La Plantation.

Are entrance fees covered in the price?

Yes, all entrance fees for sites visited on the tour are included.

What transport is used for this day trip?

The tour uses tuk tuks for transportation between sites around Kampot.

Is this private or group tour?

The reference doesn’t specify private or group format; check with operator for details.

What should I bring for visiting Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple?

Bring water and comfortable shoes—the road can be bumpy and caves humid inside.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel in central Kampot by tuk tuk, entry fees to all attractions like Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple and La Plantation pepper farm (where you’ll have guided tastings), plus an English-speaking driver-guide throughout your journey across salt fields and Secret Lake.