Most evenings, weather permitting, shared boats leave Kampot's riverside around 5–5:30pm for a sunset trip upriver of about one and a half to two hours. Expect to pay about $5–10 per person, usually with a drink included. A private boat costs more. Many boats stop for fireflies on the way back, but you may see only a few, or none, so go for the sunset. If you'd rather paddle yourself, kayaks and paddleboards go out upriver, best early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
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How the sunset boats work
The boats moor along the riverside in town, mostly between the new bridge and the railway bridge; some also pick up near the old bridge. Walk along in the afternoon and you'll see signs and boat crews selling tickets. Not every moored boat goes anywhere: some are floating restaurants and bars, so check that yours actually cruises.
- Boarding: around 5–5:30pm. Boats tend to leave when they're full, which often means a little late.
- The route: upriver under the railway bridge, past fishing boats and riverside villages, as the sun drops behind the Bokor hills to the west.
- After sunset: many boats pull in by the trees on the bank for a while to look for fireflies, then head back to town in the dark.
- On board: the ticket usually includes one beer or soft drink; extra beers cost around $1. Some boats serve food. Seating is on the roof or on a covered lower deck.
- Low bridges: watch your head, especially on the roof.
- Music: some boats turn the music up on the way back. If you want a quiet evening, ask before you buy.
Prices in 2026
| Option | Rough price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Shared sunset boat, ticket on the riverside | About $5–10 per person | 1.5–2 hours, usually one drink, fireflies stop |
| Shared sunset boat booked online | From about $8 per person | The same, sometimes with pickup in town |
| Private boat | Roughly $40–70 per boat (older quotes, so ask) | Your own timing and route |
| Guided sunset kayak trip | About $20–25 per person | Around 3 hours with guide, kayak and transport |
| Kayak hire from a riverside guesthouse | Roughly $3–5 per hour (older figures) | Paddle yourself, often cheaper for guests |
| Guided paddleboard session | From about $25 per person | Around 2.5 hours with instruction |
Online listings usually cost a little more than buying on the riverside, but may include pickup. Prices move, so treat these as a guide and confirm before you pay.
Fireflies: what to expect, honestly
The firefly stop is lovely when it works, but it's not a light show. Here's what travellers and boat crews report:
- Not guaranteed. Some nights the bushes on the bank twinkle with dozens of fireflies; other nights you see a handful, or none.
- Darker is better. Travellers who know the river say the moon matters more than the month. A night around the new moon gives the best chance.
- Season: a Kampot boat operator told the Phnom Penh Post that there are fewer fireflies in the hottest months, March and April. People have reported seeing them both in January and in July.
- Keep lights off. Phone torches and camera flashes spoil it for everyone, fireflies included.
Our advice: book the boat for the sunset and the evening air on the river. Count any fireflies as a bonus.
Kayaking and paddleboarding
The favourite paddle is the Green Cathedral, also called the Green Loop: a calm side channel of the river about 5 km north of town, named for the greenery that lines it and, in places, meets overhead. It's 10 to 20 minutes from town by tuk-tuk. A loop takes about an hour of steady paddling, longer if you drift, and it suits beginners.
- Self-guided: several riverside guesthouses near the loop rent kayaks by the hour, often more cheaply for their own guests.
- Guided: sunset kayak trips of about three hours include transport and a guide who knows the channels, which is worth having on a first visit.
- Paddleboard (SUP): guided sessions of about 2.5 hours run in the morning and late afternoon, with instruction for first-timers.
- Navigation: small islands and thick greenery make the side channels confusing. Keep an offline map on your phone. On the main river, stay near the bank, away from the longtail boats.
- Safety: wear a life vest if you're not a strong swimmer. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and a dry bag, and expect to get wet.
When to go
Sunset in Kampot falls between about 5:30 and 6:30pm through the year, so the boat timings barely change. The season matters more:
| Season | On the river |
|---|---|
| Dry season (about November/December to April) | The most reliable clear sunsets and calm water. December to February is the driest. March and April are very hot, so paddle early. |
| Green season (about May to October) | Big skies and lush banks, but showers often build in the afternoon. Boats run weather permitting. After heavy rain the river can run higher and faster, so check conditions before paddling. |
For the full picture month by month, see the best time to visit Kampot and Kampot in the rainy season.
What to bring
- Insect repellent: mosquitoes come out at dusk.
- A light layer for the ride back after dark.
- Cash in small notes for the ticket and extra drinks.
- A bag or case for your phone if you're kayaking.
Fitting it into your days
The sunset boat is easy to combine with a day out. A morning countryside tour gets you back by lunchtime with the afternoon free. A Bokor day should have you back in town well before dark, in time for the boat if you still have the energy. One trade-off: in salt-harvest season, late afternoon is also the best time at the salt fields, so pick one per evening. Our how many days in Kampot guide shows how it all fits together, and what to eat in Kampot covers dinner afterwards on the riverside.
Ride with Seth
Seth's Kampot Countryside Tour can run in the morning, leaving your evening free for the river. Or build Your Own Day with Seth around villages, food and a sunset by the river. Seth was born in Kampot and has guided for 12 years. Message him on WhatsApp with your dates for a fixed quote.
FAQ
How much is a sunset cruise in Kampot?
Shared boats cost about $5–10 per person in 2026, usually with one drink. Private boats cost more, roughly $40–70 per boat on older quotes, so ask on the day.
Will I see fireflies on the Kampot river?
Maybe. Many boats stop to look for them after sunset, but numbers vary from night to night, and some nights there are very few. Dark, moonless nights are best.
Where do the sunset boats leave from?
From the riverside in Kampot town, mostly between the new bridge and the railway bridge. Boarding is around 5–5:30pm.
Can I kayak on the Kampot river?
Yes. The Green Cathedral side channel, about 5 km north of town, is the favourite. Rent a kayak from a riverside guesthouse or join a guided trip, ideally early morning or late afternoon.
Do the boats run in the rainy season?
Yes, weather permitting. Afternoon showers are common from May to October, so keep your plans flexible and check with the boat before you buy a ticket.
