Kampot: The Riverside Gem of Cambodia

• Helloសួស្តី
  [soo-sdei]
• Goodbyeលាហើយ
  [leah-heuy]
• Yesបាទ
  [baat]
• Noទេ
  [te]
• Please/You're welcomeសូមហើយ
  [soum heuy]
• Thank youអរគុណ
  [aw kuhn]
• Excuse me/Sorryសូមស្រលាញ
  [soum sralanh]
• How are you?អ្នកសុខសប្ដិ
  [nak sok sabai]
• Fine. And you?សុខសប្ដិ ទា អ្នក?
  [sok sabai teh nak?]
• Do you speak English?តើអ្នកនៅហ៊ីងលិច?
  [te nak now ingles?]
• I don't understandខ្ញុំ​មិន​យល់
  [knhom min yol]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់មើលម៉ឺនុ, សូម
  [knhom chong moal menu, soum]
• I don't eat meatខ្ញុំមិនបិកសាច
  [knhom min bok sach]
• Cheers!ឆែស៊ី
  [chay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់បង់ប្រាក់, សូម
  [knhom chong bong braak, soum]

• Help!ជួយ!
  [chouy!]
• Go away!ចាកចេញ!
  [chak chech!]
• Call the Police!ហាងតាមសម្ពោង!
  [haang tam sampheung!]
• Call a doctor!ហាងចាកទៅវារ!
  [haang chak tow vear!]
• I'm lostខ្ញុំភេតបាន
  [knhom phet ban]
• I'm illខ្ញុំខឺង
  [knhom kong]

• I'd like to buy...ខ្ញុំចង់ទិញ...
  [knhom chong tien...]
• I'm just lookingខ្ញុំតែមើលប៉ុន្មាន
  [knhom tae moal pohnman]
• How much is it?តើវាលេខ?
  [te vealak?]
• That's too expensiveវាលេខមានលឿនដែល
  [vealak mean laen dal]
• Can you lower the price?តើអ្នកសំដៅថ្មីមលេខ?
  [te nak somdao thompi vealak?]

• What time is it?ម៉ោងណា?
  [moang naa?]
• It's one o'clockវាលេខមួយ
  [vealak muoy]
• Half past (10)លឿងនៅសួរគីរី
  [laen now soo kirir]
• Morningពង្ស
  [pong]
• Afternoonល្ងាច
  [lang chaa]
• Eveningល្ងាច
  [lang chaa]
• Yesterdayម្សិល
  [msul]
• Todayថ្ងៃនេះ
  [tngai nih]
• Tomorrowថ្ងៃស្អប់
  [tngai saap]
• 1មួយ
  [muoy]
• 2ពីរ
  [pii]
• 3បី
  [bei]
• 4បួន
  [buon]
• 5ប្រាាម
  [bram]
• 6បុរស
  [bohs]
• 7ប្រាាសូស
  [brah sous]
• 8ប្រាាបួន
  [brah buon]
• 9កណ្តា
  [gao da]
• 10ដប់
  [dop]

• Where's a/the...?នៅណា...
  [now naa...]
• What's the address?អាសយាឡិក?
  [asieak?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?តើអ្នកបងប្រាភិប (នៅលើផែនទី)?
  [te nak bong brahap (now lay pen tip)?]
• When's the next (bus)?នៅពេលណា (រយ)?
  [now pel naa (roy)?]
• A ticket (to ....)ស្រឡាតិក (ទៅ....)
  [sralet (tow...)]

Kampot, a province in southern Cambodia, has a rich history that dates back to the Funan Kingdom in the early centuries AD. It was originally an important port city and a hub for trade and cultural exchange. The earliest records mention Kampot as a bustling center of commerce, connecting the region to India and China.

In the late 19th century, Kampot came under French colonial rule. The French developed the town as a colonial outpost and a key trading center. The architectural influence of this period is still evident today in the form of French colonial buildings, the old bridge, and the pepper plantations that were introduced during this era.

Kampot is world-renowned for its pepper, often considered the finest in the world. The cultivation of Kampot pepper began during the French colonial period, and it has become a symbol of the region's agricultural heritage. The pepper industry faced a severe decline during the Khmer Rouge regime but has since revived, earning a protected geographical indication (PGI) status.

The Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979) had a devastating impact on Cambodia, including Kampot. During this time, the town suffered from forced evacuations, executions, and destruction of infrastructure. The remnants of this dark period are still visible in some parts of the province, serving as a somber reminder of the past.

After the fall of the Khmer Rouge, Kampot, like the rest of Cambodia, began a long process of reconstruction. The 1990s and early 2000s saw significant efforts to rebuild the town's infrastructure and revive its economy. Tourism started to flourish as Kampot's natural beauty and historical significance attracted visitors from around the world.

Kampot is a melting pot of cultures, with a mix of Khmer, Cham, Vietnamese, and Chinese influences. This is reflected in the town's festivals, cuisine, and religious practices. The annual Kampot River Festival is a vibrant celebration of the province's cultural diversity, featuring traditional music, dance, and boat races.

Kampot is blessed with natural beauty, from the serene Kampot River to the majestic Bokor Mountain. Bokor National Park is a major attraction, offering stunning views, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife. The park also houses the remnants of a French colonial hill station, adding a historical dimension to its natural allure.

Today, Kampot is a thriving tourist destination known for its relaxed atmosphere, historical landmarks, and culinary delights. The town has managed to retain its charm while adapting to modern demands, making it a unique blend of the old and the new.

Kampot is located in southern Cambodia and can be accessed by various means. The nearest international airport is Phnom Penh International Airport, about 150 kilometers away. From Phnom Penh, travelers can take a bus, taxi, or minivan to Kampot, with the journey typically taking around 3 to 4 hours. Additionally, there are direct bus services from Sihanoukville, which is approximately 100 kilometers from Kampot. For a more scenic route, you can also take a train from Phnom Penh, which offers picturesque views of the Cambodian countryside.

Kampot is a relatively small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, local transportation options include tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, and bicycles, all of which are readily available and affordable. Renting a motorbike is also a popular option for exploring the surrounding countryside at your own pace. Public buses and minivans connect Kampot to nearby towns and cities.

The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US dollars (USD) are widely accepted in Kampot. Most transactions, especially in tourist areas, are conducted in USD. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Kampot, and most dispense both USD and KHR.

Kampot is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Petty theft, such as bag snatching, can occur, so stay vigilant. Areas along the riverfront and some rural parts can be less patrolled, so exercise caution when visiting these locations.

In case of an emergency, dial 117 for police assistance or 119 for medical emergencies. Kampot has a local police station and several medical facilities, including the Kampot Provincial Referral Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and hat when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be polite and patient when using public transport. Don't argue over prices; negotiate calmly if needed. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly smile and a traditional Cambodian greeting known as the 'Sampeah,' where you place your palms together in a prayer-like gesture. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be gracious when offered food. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Kampot like a local, visit the local markets, such as the Kampot Night Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Cambodian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the salt fields and pepper farms, which are integral to Kampot's economy and heritage. For a unique experience, take a boat tour along the Kampot River at sunset, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.