Year 2000 Monument, Kampot

What you will see

The monument is built around one idea: the numerals 2000, set large enough to read from a distance. A pigeon sits on top of the number. The bird is the usual sign of peace, and together with the date it marks the turn of the millennium.

There is no museum, ticket desk or plaque to read your way through. The design does the work on its own, which is why a visit is quick.

Why people stop here

Visitors and local residents both use the spot for photographs. It also serves as a gathering point when the town holds celebrations, events or community get-togethers.

Many people read the sculpture as a symbol of hope, progress and the passing of time, and as a nod to the resilience of Kampot's people over the years since 2000.

Getting there and fitting it into a day

The old site gives a Google Maps pin rather than a street address, so use the map link on this page to navigate. Kampot is compact, and the monument works well as one stop on a walk, a bicycle ride or a tuk-tuk loop around town.

• Plan on 5 to 10 minutes for the monument itself.
• Pair it with other landmarks in town, such as the roundabout sculptures, the riverside and the bridges.
• Morning or late afternoon light is kinder for photos than midday sun, and it is also cooler for walking.

Is it worth a detour?

It is a modest landmark rather than a destination in its own right. If you are already passing through the area, stop for a picture. If you are short on time, put the river, the old town and the surrounding countryside first.