Cambodia & Community : Cambodia’s Laid-Back Riverside Haven
- Christophe Gargiulo
- 2 hours ago
- 6 min read
For those dreaming of an exotic, relaxed, and affordable lifestyle, the provincial capital of Kampot along Cambodia’s southern coast might just be the perfect fit.
Located just one kilometer from the sea, Kampot is the ideal place for a peaceful riverside retreat, surrounded by a pleasant mix of misty mountains, rice fields, mangroves, and waterways. The town has long been a favorite among travelers since colonial times when the French first settled in the region.
Advantages
Kampot feels like a small, easygoing town, thanks to its countryside setting and curious mix of old-world architecture, traditional landmarks, and colonial buildings.The riverfront lies at the very heart of local life, attracting both expatriates and locals who soak up the relaxed atmosphere and rustic charm. Getting around town is simple—many people prefer walking or cycling since most amenities and scenic spots are near the river.
English is widely spoken in Kampot and has long since overtaken French as the second language. It’s commonly used among those working in tourism and hospitality.In recent years, several national, regional, and international banks—as well as microfinance institutions—have opened branches in Kampot, along with an increasing number of ATMs in convenient locations.
It’s now very easy for expatriates to open local accounts, request bank cards, send or receive international money transfers, and even use online banking services.
Climate
Kampot enjoys a tropical climate with warm weather and sunshine year-round—an attractive feature for those wishing to escape cold winters. The months from January to April are usually the hottest, though Kampot’s coastal location provides a refreshing breeze from the Prek Kampong Bay and Prek Tuek Chhu rivers.
The rainy season is a wonderful time to visit since the countryside bursts into bloom. Rain usually tapers off by October, followed by a cooler period from November to December when temperatures can drop to 21 °C.
Not only does it offer spectacular coastal views, but the park’s misty hills create a unique ecosystem where clouds and fog constantly roll across the mountain, enveloping visitors in refreshing white mist.
Lifestyle in Kampot
Kampot is one of Cambodia’s most popular towns for expatriates—after Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Battambang. The expat community has grown steadily over the past decade alongside improvements to local infrastructure.
The town attracts a wide variety of people—retirees, backpackers, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs, especially those opening tourism- and hospitality-related businesses.Most of the best bars and restaurants are found along the river promenade, offering nearly every type of cuisine—French, Italian, American, Spanish, and more. Many are run by expats who serve their homeland specialties or creative Khmer-Asian fusion dishes.
J Break is one of the nicest riverside venues, offering a high-quality Western menu at very reasonable prices in a stylish Western-fusion setting.
Many restaurants serve full dishes of pork, beef, or lamb with vegetables and generous sauces for around $5–7 per plate.
However, in the past two years, two whole streets have filled with girly bars and massage parlors, which may not suit families but perhaps appeal to some lonely retirees.
Expatriates enjoy a wide choice of fresh seafood, meat, fruits, and vegetables from traditional markets like Psah Samaki (Kampot Market).
Health Services
Healthcare in Kampot has greatly improved since the opening of Memorial Hospital in 2012. It offers good staff, inpatient and outpatient care, laboratory services, and 24-hour emergency and ambulance coverage.
There are also several independent clinics run by expatriate and Cambodian doctors, certified nurses, and trained medical staff. The most popular dentist among expats is Piseth Dental Clinic, and several pharmacies provide a wide choice of imported medicines. Marany Pharmacy, one of the oldest, and the local branch of U-Care, the national pharmacy chain, both have English-speaking staff.
Cost of Living in Kampot
According to internationalliving.com, Kampot is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable coastal retirement destination in Southeast Asia. It’s particularly appealing to expatriates on modest incomes who still want a comfortable lifestyle.
A single person can live comfortably on about $800 per month, while a couple can enjoy a good standard of living on around $1,100. This covers social activities, occasional imported goods, unlimited mobile internet, and frequent air-conditioning use.
Rental costs in Kampot are very affordable, with many traditional houses and apartments available for immediate lease—usually furnished, air-conditioned, and offering great views of the river or mountains.While more properties are now listed online, the best method remains simply walking through town and checking for “For Rent” signs with phone numbers.
Typical rental prices
1‑bedroom apartment with kitchen and A/C: from $300/month (6–12‑month lease)
2‑bedroom villa with garden and parking: from $400/month
Sample monthly budget for a couple in Kampot (USD)
Rent (2‑bed furnished apartment): $300
Electricity (regular A/C use): $80
Gas and water: $10
Groceries and household items: $250
Entertainment (restaurants and social): $250
Mobile/Internet plan: $8
TV/streaming services: $7
Transport (tuk‑tuk, motorbike): $20
Weekly cleaning: $25
Health insurance: $100
Visa upkeep: $50
Total per month: $1,100
What to Do in Kampot
With its natural setting and riverside location, Kampot attracts both tourists and long-term residents. It’s a place where people live at their own pace, surrounded by nature’s beauty yet enjoying modern comforts at very reasonable prices.
The town retains its old-world charm with wide river boulevards and colonial architecture that blend beautifully with the warmth of the local community.Although Kampot has expanded, its upgraded infrastructure and continuing development make it a friendly place to live, visit, and explore—with a growing list of activities for residents and visitors alike.
Many expats say they rarely eat indoors—terraces overlooking the river and mountains are equally affordable and far more picturesque.
Families often stroll along the riverfront in the evenings before stopping by the renovated colonial buildings that now host restaurants and pubs serving a wide range of international flavors.
The river is Kampot’s undisputed centerpiece—not just for dining but also for recreation. Boats can be chartered for fishing trips, island visits, or leisurely river cruises. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and kiteboarding are also popular, with options for all ages.
Each evening, numerous boats line the riverfront for sunset and cocktail cruises, starting from around $5 per person—a great deal.
The Magical, Mystical Mountain
What truly sets Kampot apart in a country full of stunning sites is the mystical Bokor Mountain, right on its doorstep. The 549‑square‑mile Bokor National Park crowns the southeastern Cardamom Mountains, offering magnificent views over the coast.
At 1,081 m above sea level, rolling fog covers its pagodas, statues, and shrines, creating an enchanting, cool atmosphere. Originally developed by the French as a mountain resort known as Bokor Hill Station, it was later abandoned before being revitalized with a new access road in 2012 and the restoration of landmarks such as Le Bokor Palace Hotel.
Expatriates regularly visit Bokor for its cool climate, hiking trails, ocean views, and historical ruins.
Expatriates regularly visit Bokor for its cool climate, hiking trails, ocean views, and historical ruins.
Rural Railways and Art Deco Architecture
The most scenic route from Phnom Penh to Kampot is the southern railway line, reopened in 2016 for passenger service after major renovation. The network links the capital to Cambodia’s “Lost Riviera,” stopping at Kampot and Sihanoukville.
Departing from Phnom Penh’s elegant colonial train station, the ride passes through beautiful countryside rarely seen by other travelers. Even the Art Deco design of Kampot’s own station is worth admiring.
Other landmarks include the old market, vintage cinemas, numerous Sino-Khmer and colonial buildings, and the famous durian statue—a tribute to Kampot’s signature fruit.
Pepper Plantations and Countryside Delights
Kampot Province is rich in agriculture, especially renowned for its Kampot pepper—praised by celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Rick Stein, and the late Anthony Bourdain. It gained Geographical Indication (GI) status a decade ago, elevating its global culinary reputation.
Free guided tours at farms like La Plantation offer relaxing day trips through the countryside. Kampot also boasts scenic lakes, hiking trails, and cave temples such as Phnom Chhngok.
In Summary
For an exotic and affordable coastal destination, Kampot has plenty to offer—natural beauty, welcoming people, and modern comforts at prices that make long-term living truly enjoyable.
Courtesy of internationalliving.com
Original text by Steven King
Additional notes, translation, and photos by Christophe Gargiulo
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