Kampot questions answered: living, visiting and getting around

Weather through the year

Kampot has a tropical climate, warm all year. The calendar splits into two seasons.

• May to November: monsoon season, with heavy rain and high humidity. Clear, sunny days still turn up between the downpours.
• December to April: the dry season. Rain is much scarcer, humidity is lower and temperatures are more comfortable, averaging around 28°C (82°F).

If you dislike damp air, plan around the dry months. If you prefer fewer visitors and don't mind the odd storm, the wet season is perfectly workable.

What living in Kampot costs

These are rough monthly and daily figures, and they move with your habits and the area you choose.

• Rent: $200-500 per month, depending on the type of place and its location.
• Food and drink: about $10-30 a day, depending on what and where you eat.
• Motorbike rental: $5-20 per day. Taxi fares are relatively cheap.
• Leisure: walking or cycling around the area costs nothing. Tours and cinema outings sit around $10-30.

For context, the average annual household income in Kampot Province was about $3,576 in 2019, according to the National Institute of Statistics. Income varies with employment and with where in the province a household is.

Visas: working and retiring in Cambodia

Working. You need a valid work permit and a Type E visa (the employment/business category). Any visa agency can tell you which papers to bring.

Staying long term. Foreigners who want to settle use the Type E retirement visa. It is issued for up to one year at a time, and applicants must be 55 or older. The low cost of living is the main draw for retirees.

Citizenship. Naturalisation goes through the Ministry of Interior and depends on strict eligibility rules, such as family ties to Cambodia and giving up other citizenships. Rules change, so speak to an immigration lawyer or the authorities before planning around it.

Health care and safety

Kampot has several hospitals and clinics. Prices depend on the treatment and the facility. Carry health insurance or keep enough cash or savings to cover unexpected bills.

The town is generally safe for foreigners. The usual risks apply: pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowded spots, so keep an eye on your things and don't show off valuables. Dress modestly where it matters, respect religious practices and local laws, and drive carefully.

Road rules and habits

Traffic here behaves differently from what many visitors are used to.

• Vehicles do not always stop completely at pedestrian crossings. Drivers tend to slow down and give way only if needed.
• Turn signals are used inconsistently, so watch what other road users do rather than what they indicate.
• Lane markings are loosely followed. Vehicles often hug the centre line or change lanes more freely.

Vehicles are also expected to meet safety and emissions standards before going on the road, with requirements varying by vehicle type and age.

Getting here, eating well and exploring

• Famous for: pepper, durian and salt, plus the scenery and slow pace.
• From Phnom Penh or Siem Reap: bus, taxi or motorbike. Both cities have several departures a day, and tickets can be booked through tour operators or at the bus stations.
• From Sihanoukville: ferries and speedboats are reported to run daily to Kep, which is about a 30-minute drive from Kampot.
• Seafood: Kep and Kampot town both serve locally caught seafood. Crab Market in Kep is a well-known stop.
• Bokor National Park: a 4x4 or motorbike suits the rough terrain, and tour operators in town run guided trips.
• Pepper farms: tours can be arranged through operators in town or directly at the farms.
• Nightlife: bars and restaurants with live music stay open into the evening. Riverhouse Lodge & Restaurant and Old Market Bar draw both expats and locals.
• Countryside: rent a motorbike, bicycle or e-bike to reach villages, rural landscapes and temples at your own pace.