Beautiful but Underrated Cities to Visit Before They Become Tourist Hotspots

Lisette Marie

February 2, 2026

City Twenty-One: The Serene Rivers of Kampot, Cambodia

Wat Troey Koh, an ancient temple located on Fish Island in Kampot, Cambodia. Photo Credit: Envato @wirestock

Tucked between mountains and the sea, Kampot is a peaceful riverside town in southern Cambodia that exudes vintage charm. Known for its crumbling French colonial architecture, pepper plantations, and relaxed pace of life, Kampot offers a quieter alternative to Cambodia’s more well-known destinations. Visitors can kayak along the Kampot River, explore nearby Bokor Hill Station's misty ruins, or sample fresh seafood at night markets. The town’s laid-back cafés, yoga studios, and boutique guesthouses make it a favorite among slow travelers and creatives. Kampot feels like Southeast Asia from another era—authentic, unhurried, and full of surprises.

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Beautiful but Underrated Cities to Visit Before They Become Tourist Hotspots

City Twenty-One: The Serene Rivers of Kampot, Cambodia

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