Durian Roundabout Kampot: The City's Fruit Statue

What you will see

The centrepiece is one oversized durian, painted in bright green and yellow. Smaller sculptures of other local fruit sit around it: mangosteen, rambutan and coconut. Together they stand for the produce of the Kampot countryside and the farmers who grow it.

The roundabout is roughly 15 metres wide. The monument is built of stone and concrete and finished in bright paint, so it stands out clearly in daylight.

Why a durian?

Kampot province is farmland, and its soil and climate suit fruit trees. The durian, often called the king of fruits, is the crop the area is best known for, and Kampot durians have a name for their sweet flavour and quality. The city put up the statue to honour that farming tradition.

In Cambodian culture the durian can also be read as a sign of good luck and prosperity, which is part of why many locals take pride in the monument.

Who built it and when

The monument was completed in 2016. It was designed by a local artist, Sereyvath Nhean, who used traditional styles to give the fruit a realistic, colourful look. The local government and groups that support tourism helped make it happen.

It is also a working junction. The circle joins the main roads leading towards the river, the market and the mountains, so it keeps traffic moving through the centre as well as decorating it.

Visiting tips

Finding it: it is in the middle of the city, and many people pass it on their first walk or ride into town. Most hotels, banks and cafes are a short walk away.
Daytime: the area is busy with traffic and people. Take photos from the pavement and keep an eye on passing motorbikes.
Evening: things are calmer, and the area is often decorated with lights.
Photos: the green and yellow fruit makes a strong backdrop, so this is the classic first-souvenir picture.

What is nearby

Because the roundabout is so central, you can combine it with other stops on foot. Shops around it sell fresh fruit, including real Kampot durian if you want to taste what the statue represents. Local restaurants in the area serve Khmer dishes.

From here it is an easy walk to the riverside, a good place to watch the sunset, or to the old market for shopping.

Questions people ask

Why does Kampot have a giant durian statue?

Kampot is known for farming and for its high-quality, sweet durians. The city built the monument to honour that agricultural heritage.

When was the Durian Roundabout built and who designed it?

It was finished in 2016 and designed by a local artist named Sereyvath Nhean.

Which fruits are shown on the monument?

A large durian stands in the middle, surrounded by mangosteen, rambutan and coconut.

What can I do near the Durian Roundabout?

You can buy fresh fruit, eat at local Khmer restaurants, and walk to the riverside for sunset or to the old market.