Where to Eat in Kampot: Best Breakfast, Restaurants, and Street Food
A local tour guide's favorite places to eat in Kampot, from the best breakfast spots and Khmer seafood to international restaurants and street food at Kampot Food Street.
Green Cathedral
A shaded canal loop of dense canopy, best explored by kayak from Kampot.
Half-dayNatureKayakingAttraction
View on Map The Green Cathedral follows an old bend in the Teuk Chhou River. Over time, the main river cut a straighter route, leaving The Green Cathedral loop, properly known as an oxbow, behind.
The first part narrows, flowing under dense foliage and palms that reach over the river, giving the place its name. The loop then opens up, going through some villages, past guesthouses, and under small bridges.
The loop takes an hour or two depending on your pace. It makes for a relaxing, picturesque half-day out, where you can see local plants, some local birds, and fireflies in the evening.
You can generally rent kayaks from one of the many guesthouses that line the Cathedral. If you’re less comfortable with kayaking, would rather go in a group, and have someone to show you the best little secret places hidden in the canals, there are a number of guided groups that you can join.
Getting there
Getting there
The canal is about 5 kilometres north of Kampot. Guesthouses along the canal rent kayaks, so you can explore on your own. A guide is useful if you want help identifying the plants and wildlife, if you want to be shown the best viewpoints along the route, or if you prefer going in a group. Guided tours usually include a beach stop, drinks, and lunch.
Best time to visit
Best time to visit
Early morning is best for cooler temperatures, calmer water, and birdwatching. Late afternoon is also a practical option if you want to avoid the strongest heat. The Green Cathedral can be paddled year-round, but the wet season is usually greener and more lush.
What to Do After Kayaking
- Refuel in Town: Check out our local guide on Where to Eat in Kampot for great post-paddle cafes, local Khmer dishes, and riverside spots.
- Evening Sunset & Fireflies: Combine your morning paddle with a relaxing late afternoon River & Sunset Cruise.
- Walk Old Kampot: Wander the riverfront and colonial-era streets with a Kampot Walking Tour to hear the town’s history and local stories.
Kampot, as locals see it.
There's more to Kampot than you expect.
Discover Kampot through local eyes.
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Further reading
Things Worth Knowing
Why are they called tuk-tuks?
Originally called auto-rickshaws, motorized vehicles started replacing traditional hand-pulled rickshaws around the 1950s and '60s. They were produced in Japan with little two-stroke engines that would putter down the street, making a 'tuk-tuk tuk-tuk tuk-tuk' sound. The locals started referring to them as tuk-tuks.