Kampot Survival Guide Issue 20

KSG Issue 20.
01 April 2011
The Gods practised first on Heaven, then they made Kampot. Come and see why it's so special. Officially an unofficial guide to Kampot and its attractions, places to go and things to do. P 17 P 812 P 12 P 1315 P 1517 P 1719 P 1921 P 21 P 2223 P 24 Things to See and Do. Do's, Dont's and Local Info. Daily Events. Local Characters. Street Food Guide. Ask Lucky Weapons grade Kampot pepper plot. Useful Numbers. Bars, Foods & Rooms, Contact us. Not a Map.
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opened with the added attraction of Cambodia's first casino in what is sometimes Bokor Mountain (The Hill). A National now called the new hotel. The complex Park, construction site and area of historic continued to operate till 1972 when it was interest. Tours are best sorted through the once again closed. Now there are again plans many tour operators or your guest house, but to reopen the site as a resort, construction is be aware there may be some hiking involved, in progress and is the reason access is on major public holidays restrictions are restricted. lifted and you may be able to go up alone. River, Boats & Trips. The river is really an Atop the hill are the ruins of both the French estuary, thus its level only varies with the built resort and the Khmer revamp of the tide and in heavy rain, it is therefore salty site in the 60's. The story starts in 1917 when and supports sea life for the greater part of the French founders started the construction the year, fish and crab following their of the road, the Bokor Palace Hotel opened preferred saline levels through the seasons, in 1925 and catered for the wealthy. In 1940 Tek Chhou is the breaking point and beyond it closed and stayed so till 1959 when there it's all fresh water. It is very possible Sihanouk made the decision to make the site to hire a boat and crew for the day, ask at a world class resort. In 1963 the hill re
Things to see and do...
The founders of Bokor, 1917
your guesthouse or at one of the bars, most will be able to help, but the best trips by far are those with Bart the Boatman 092174280. For trips further out Kep Gardens have new boat with a carrying capacity of 40 with catering and a full bar, check their ad for details. Popular trips are up the river and its lost turns stopping at a couple of riverside establishments to refresh, down the river to the sea is good too with a nice view of the Cambodian navy and fishing fleets, and of course the sunset cruises and now even stay over trips to Rabbit island. For the early bird dolphin watching trips are also possible, check Prek Thnout Community. Rapids (Tek Chhou). A series of stones in flowing water, a major tourist resort for the Khmer and fun for all, cool crystal clear water running down from the semi demined hills of Bokor. One of the many Generals here has built a spa on the back of this water, he claims it has health improving qualities and has called it "Tada Bokor", so we have spring water as well as just bottled now! The Front. The east bank is commonly just termed the front and it's a great place to be for sunset and darling, strolling, rolling and conversing around sunset. Most of the foreigner orientated business are concentrated along this strip or near to it, so it's a great starting place for the evening, late opening bars tend to be further from the front, on your way home!
KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011
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Legend of Kampot terms Pot = Kampot. Snook = Sihanoukville / Kompong Som (where Potpats go to die). Bodge = Cambodia/Cambodge. GH = Guesthouse. Potpat = xpat living in the Pot. PP = Phnom Penh. Fish Isle = Koh D'tray. Nut Hill = Phnom Dung. Nuts = Coconuts. Snail = Backpacker. Boom boom = body cavity/sausage massage. Gaylim = daelim from Kep or with basket. Taxi girl/boy = body cavity/sausage masseur. Repeat offender = tourist or xpat that keeps returning to the Pot. JF = KSG's first ace reporter, Jack the Father. Glue = tobacco substitute. KSG = Kampot Survival Guide. XPot = X Potpat. The Hill = Bokor Mountain. Poofta = one who is kepish or not really trying (Belgian in origin). Pirate = someone on a boat trip. KFC = Kampot Football Club.
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Beach. There are a few beaches within spitting distance of Kampot, those at Kep and the so called secret beach, ones to the south of Kampot and those about 17Km toward Snook along highway 3. There are even tide dependent beaches all along the river, find a boatman to take you to there. Some of the beaches still bear the scars of seaweed farming with masses of wooden poles piercing the shallow sea, between them are typical Khmer houses built on stilts, 500m or more out to sea. Fish Isle & Nut Hill. Go over either bridge towards Snook and turn second left, soon you will cross a bridge, you are now on fish isle, keep to the main part of the road and eventually you will get to the new trails and then the coast. It's a stunning place to explore with amazing 270 views that are far too good to miss! Caves. There are many caves around Kampot, many have Buddhist shrines with specific powers so you may well see people camped there seeking help for their ailments. Though by far the best caves are at Kampong Trach, it may cost you a little more to get
there but its worth it, about 40km toward the Vietnamese border. The National Zoo! Along the Tek Chhou road and just past Utopia you will find the Zoo. You can enjoy the zoo in many ways, it will shock you but you will enjoy it. It has a surprisingly large range of animals from all over the world, most of which you will see as they don't make cages where the animals can hide. Paying a small extra charge lets you ride your moto, tuk tuk or drive a car round the zoo, just to make sure the specimens are awake. Strangely the Zoo also has rooms available, but the cages are much cheaper. Museum. With the recent loss of the cultural center in Kampot no proper museums exist at present, but lo, we have a saviour in the name of JeanMichel Filippi. He plans to open a regional interactive museum in Kep! Magic (White) Mountain. With a little help you may be able to find this one, it's more of a hill than a mountain but its still a sod climbing it, scattered around the hill are shrines and at the top you may well meet the witch and her two followers, don't piss them off as the spells they cast are good. Waterfalls. The falls are seasonal here, there is little point in visiting during the dry season and they can be hard to get to in the wet. Most moto drivers and all guides will know how to get you to the most popular ones, at worst it should only take you two hours to walk to them, though much longer if you are stupid and decide to wear flip flops. It's said that one set of falls has been seen by less than 10 westerners since its discovery in the early 1900's, so don't bother asking where they are. Trekking. Use guides and stick to the paths, take the given advice, if you plan to do the hill contact the Rangers or a tour that uses
them, it's dangerous up there so take sensible things with you, ipods rarely save lives. Dams and Lakes. A series of small dams have recently been repaired just outside Kampot, they were originally built as a KR project, and lasted till the late 90's when one failed. They are rapidly becoming touristed with a small selection of bars n cafe's skirting the edges of the reservoir and the durian plantations. Rubber rings and peddilo boats may be hired though the scenery should be enough to keep you happy. To get there head towards Kep and turn left at the rhino, then go straight on till you see the water, easy. Up the river from the rapids the Chinese are constructing a huge dam, we all hate it too as it's flooded us all at least twice, but the finished project will produce 180MW with just the small cost of 2000 hectares of national park. Prek Thnout Community. Save Cambodia's Wildlife started this project back in 2007, it is now running nicely and offers village homestay visits and day trips. Also trekking to local falls, rattan furniture production and boat trips to see dolphins. It's 30km towards Snook but it's best to check with SCW first on 088 902 2099. Pagodas. Look for the tell tale fancy gates and soon you will see the Pagodas, the monks are always happy to see you and practise their English, do wear suitable clothing when visiting, don't show too much flesh that is. Bird House. Thanks to the Chinese influence in Kampot we have a few bird houses that produce a truly Chinese delicacy, birds nest soup. Some of these houses are make shift and others are specially built for the job, a new one has been completed
Standard Cambodian Units. KW or Kilowatt = Number of Watts or Pagodas per province. 9mm = The gap between any two items that should be connected. Power to weight ratio = If you have power, you don't have to wait (also applies to money). Maximum passenger load = there is always space for one more. Western Conversions. 1 Khmer unit = 1.5 2 Western units. This works for prices, sizes, drinks, seats and distances. opposite BarRed and is driving the owners crazy. On the Tek Chhou road next to the generator plant a huge bird house has been built, just look for a big house with no windows. They simulate cave conditions and tempt the birds by playing looped bird calls, playing loudest at sunset. Bridges. We have 3 of them, all can be walked but by far the most fun is the railway bridge, especially if you are lucky enough to see a train, but don't worry as you will easily be able to out pace it. The new bridge is now a fashionable meeting place for kids, especially now it has new road markings, painted on just over a year after its opening. The old bridge is still just a death trap, be careful in the wet or at sunset! Railway Station. Futuristic design in a corrugated rust peppered steel shell. For a taste of how good this station is check out the one 16Km towards Snook, it's just off the main road and somewhat lacking in the walls and roof departments, but it still makes a cracking picture. A company called Toll Holdings has won the concession to revamp these lines, so in about a year expect to see new trains and stations all along the line, only 4.5 hrs to get from Snook to PP via here! Bamboo Train. Running on the main rail lines (where available) these small make shift trains are/were available for rent, tour groups and moto drivers know how to get you rolling on one of these moto powered trains, rumours also suggest you may well be able to enter Vietnam by one, though the legalities are somewhat doubtful. Port. A deep water port is under construction not far past the entrance to Bokor, no prizes
for guessing what traffic they are looking for, yep cruise ships, although they do have a free trade zone planned too. It could be an interesting trip if you have never seen a port being built before. Kampot Airport, KMT (Daelim Drag racing Track). Along the Tek Chhou road and opposite the school is the old air strip, or as we have it now the Daelim drag strip. Recently it hosted trials between the cream of Kampot and the best of Snook. Expect more action soon as the national league is formed, also expect Kampot to be atop of this league. Pepper. Bloody good pepper is grown in these parts, possibly the best in the world! Basic tours are available everywhere but for the full story contact "Farm Link" as they are planning specialised tours. So go out to a plantation and see how it's grown and don't forget to buy some before you leave here. Durian (the king of fruits). This is what the area is famous for, a spiky smelly fruit, eat with your mouth not your nose! There are many plantations along the Tek Chhou road. Salt. This is a major Kampot export, south
of the city are many salt flats skirting the coasts and the salty rivers, some of the easiest to see are on fish isle, second left over either bridge and straight on. There is a theory rice production is about to be started in these very areas, the worlds first ready salted rice will be Khmer! Pot Holes. The pot hole was invented in Kampot and is still it's greatest export. Initially devised for traffic control it's popularity recently soared with Cambodia's adoption of "free range golf". A game where you hit a golf ball in any direction with the intent to end its travel in a pot hole. Water Sports. The world is your lobster here with an ever expanding choice of ways to play in the river. At present we have canoes, speed boats, jet ski's, wind surfing, water skiing, kite surfing and more, check out the ad's or listings for more details. Aquatic Centre. The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia has just opened the country's first Aquatic Centre here in the Pot, it's intended to give training for rowers competing in the Olympic, SEA and Asian Games but will eventually be used for recreation and tourism. get down there and Fishing. It's possible but don't expect to be check out the dragon boats. as good as the locals are. Kep Gardens offers Boxing. Official boxing events do happen here but not often. Though it's far more likely fishing trips and charters, check their ad. you will see bar owners squaring up to each Ultimately fishing only gives you practise at waiting, thats why it's not called catching. other late on the front, this is all part of the Golf. No we do not have a course yet but build up for Kampot's Inter Bar Boxing Championship to be held next season, Snook one is in the way, on fish isle so we are told. The closest golf may well be the crazy golf has a similar project for sumo and Kep is course at the "Magic Sponge". For a proper going the mud wrestling route. Football. You can often catch a game at the course you'll have to go to PP. Olympic stadium near the main traffic circle, Swimming. Swimming within the city there has even been a couple of tournaments limits is strictly prohibited with the exception of the river, which has been designated the there, so check it out it could be fun. official swimming pool, several bars have Volley ball. Sporadic games are played at the waste ground near the old bridge, find a offered free beer to the first to swim a length. But do bear in mind the nature of the river good moto to lean on or sit on the wall. and its tidal cycles before jumping in, the Badminton. Epic Arts performance centre has facilities for playing, equipment may be tide means that shite dropped in the river during the dry season hangs around, so it hired and booking in advance seems like a may be better to head further up the river, or good idea to avoid disappointment. to the rapids or the beach. Gym. There is no official gym in the city, Swimming Pools. Soon Borey Bokor will Orchid guest house used to have some weights and a bench and Utopia has a make have a pool where you can pay per day! shift jungle type gym in construction. Recent Pools further out include Villa Vidici and Nataya, with almost everywhere in Kep reports suggest there may well be a boxing having a pools, but access may be limited. style gym open across the river, it's on the Pool. There are but a few tables in the city, a Tek Chhou road and between the bridges. http://kampotsurvivalguide.blogspot.com/ 5 www.facebook.com/KampotSurvivalGuide/
couple of Khmer places have rough ones, Bodhi Villa has a reasonable table upstairs, the Magic Sponge, Wunderbar and Madi's also have tables of differing qualities. Palm Wine. A natural and traditional local drink, best taken close to where its made, any moto or tuk tuk driver will be happy take you out to try some, but be careful its surprisingly strong. Shopping. Almost everything is available in the mass of shops between new and old bridge streets, the market etc. There are also supermarkets, OK well two and they are on the main and the salt workers traffic circles. Market. What can I say, markets are markets and are the same the world over, crowded hot and cramped, but you can buy cheap food and goods there. Old/Disused Market. Piercing the front is the end of the old market, it has been home for the homeless but most recently its was used for boat storage and indoor volleyball matches, we think the boats may have been rescue boats for the rainy season. Soon though the market will reopen as stalls are now on sale, get in quick if you want one! Hospital. Between the old and new bridges and you will see the hospital, it's under heavy construction at the moment and filling us all with hope. Near the new bridge street is a flash clinic, so soon we will have a choice! Prison. Well worth a look, see just what you can expect if you seriously cross the line here, on average there are two westerners in the prison all the time, so be good!. It's usually OK to take pics but if there is someone on guard ask first, especially if they are armed and in the watch towers. Pond (mosquito farm). Just back from the
river front is the pond, it's a pretty spot and quite picturesque, it may even be worth fishing there. Epic Arts Caf. The place to be if you have a sweet tooth or have a liking for good coffee, run by and for the disabled, it helps! So get down there. They also have a new performance centre and workshops near the friendship monument, (the one with the guns) check the cafe for further details. Kampot Traditional Music School. Pop in and check them out, Khmer music and dance is not all karaoke based and some is really good, so is the dance so check them up and book yourself a performance. Sisters II / Heritage Orphanage. Cafe fare and internet in one building, breakfasts, cakes and sandwiches to feast on whilst doing your email. The cafe funds a small orphanage near to the Olympic stadium, so drop by and help support the kids. Massage. You are spoilt for choice here but my Xwife's particular favourite is the Seeing Hands V, (not the "seeming hands" near by on the front!) they are on the front next to the White Pub. Seeing Hands Vb is next to Bar Red and just as good. Fragrance offers stylish surroundings and similar wares and is one street back from the front. Manicure. A late night emergency service is now available at the new clinic, for standard service try Tokyo Salone opposite BarRed or Jolie Jolie near Paris GH.. Betting. Next door to Jasmine is a phone shop that also operates as a book makers, or should I say used to as the government has just shut down all of these such establishments. Religion may well be the only gamble the Khmer have left.
Cyclo Rides. Due to the eccentricities of PotPats Kampot now has Cyclo rides on offer, you may even be able to rent one to get a real taste of work. Moto Rental. It's popular, it's fun and it's dangerous. Motos are cheap to rent and very available, the roads however are pretty bad and local traffic rules will evade you, so go slow, watch out for cows n kids, go really slow on dirt roads or the wet and always show the PotPats your latest wounds. Dirtbike Rental. Dirtbikes in Cambodia are inherently gay as everywhere a dirtbike goes, a Daelim has been before, probably carrying 4 people and all their luggage. They are however available to rent, be careful. Cinema. As all four cinemas in town closed some time back, the city is now without such facilities, until December 2009 that was as the Royal Theatre was reopened to host Cambofest, an international film festival. Kampot also has couple of semi big screens, check advertising to see who is showing what and where. Epic Arts and Kepler Books sell DVD's too, which could be handy if you have access to a player. Nightlife. The Pot has a full compliment of nightlife available, with late night bars, food and now even a night club. Live Music. Several warring factions of musicians have graced Kampot bars this year, almost all of them so expect to hear live music drifting along the river and side streets, sadly though, no real battle of the bands has occured. Several open mic nights exist too so check out the chalk boards for more details. Karaoke. There are many opportunities to sing your heart out in Kampot, most such establishments dot the outskirts of the city but a few have sneaked within the city limits, to find them hire a Tuk Tuk or follow the noise, but be aware these places are there to make money, this is done via hostesses or inflated prices. Boom Boom (Sausage Services). There are many venues for internal body massage within this fair city, currently around 15 and normally aimed at a quick fire one stop service. Don't ever think it's like Thailand, Snook or PP, it's Khmer style business, Mc Donald's of the east. Just look for red lights at night (with the exception of the red neon bar sign!) or visit one of the many late night
Karaoke bars. Oh, and there is no truth in the rumour that you win a badge for doing all 15 in one night. Whatever you do, always use a wilkinson (love sock)! Gay. Kampot now has a thriving gay scene, so much so that there is little point in going to Kep anymore. Sadly there are no set bars or clubs to accommodate the masses, though the Dragon Club does its best. So you will have to look around, thankfully all bars are gay friendly. Kep. Day trips are OK but further investigation seems unnecessary, unless you're a loner or a romancing couple wanting to get away from it all. All that said, Kep has some odd qualities that strangely shine through, empty houses, trails and beaches make for easy and pleasurable exploring, also with businesses in Kep being an average of over 1km apart you will get some maybe needed exercise. Talent Spotting. See if you can recognise any of the local characters listed later in this rag, or even find some new ones and submit them.
There are many ways you can spend your time doing good in Kampot, for more information check out, Epic Arts Caf or grab a copy of the Kampot DarLaing or the Stay Another Day as both publications have great info. The King. Probably the coolest King in the world, never seen without a smile and an encouraging word, truly a great man. He also has a cracking sense of humour, and although he lives in Siem Reap we know he has a soft spot for the Pot. It's OK to ask questions about the King, everybody seems to love to talk about him, my Xwife has even had an audience with him, a joking and laughing affair. See, it's not odd here like it is in Thailand. Locals. Generally very friendly, all will want to help you, many will want to practice their English on you so be prepared for a slow start to the conversation, and watch out for the kids and their hello ambushes. PotPats. Many PotPats grace Kampot, some working on projects and manning the many western businesses, others eak out an existence in unknown manners, all will be bored of travel tails and backpacker woes, but most will also be happy to talk to interesting folk for the price of some beers. Beggars. Stump envy has hit Kampot with able bodied beggars renting crutches, be sure to check the quantity of limbs before donating to some of these beggars, but don't forget some people rely on these donations for survival, there are no pensions or free health service's here. Backpackers. Known as snails to PotPats,
Projects & Voluntary Work...
Do's, Dont's and Local Info...
pregnant if wearing two backpacks (when seen without backpacks they are sometimes called naked or slugs). Normally seen walking from GH to GH while fully packed, being too damn tight to pay for a moto driver or tuk tuk that would help them (yes you, put my guide back you tight git!). Generally welcomed in city bars as long as the money is good, rumours of backpackers being shot on sight in Kep are unfounded. Hippies. Several have been sighted during the past few months but in vastly diminishing numbers, the secret eradication scheme seems to be working, a local spokesman states: We are glad to see an end to the 'Suspected Hippies In Transit' problem. Backpacks. Contrary to common backpacker belief, you do not need to carry a backpack all the time in Kampot, nor do you need to carry water bottles. In five years of living in the Bodge I have never needed more than pocket space for all necessary items, if I need a drink I buy one from the many vendors, and it's cold too! Lonely Planet. After years of research, the actual use of the Lonely Planet guide has been discovered. The book its its true form should be held in front of the user, so the said user may read the content you may think, but wrongly. It is actually just used as a counterbalance to the backpack the user is wearing, QED. Rough Guide. Very similar to the LP but soon to be updated. Actually we know the budget for updating this baby, it cost an air fare and six weeks of $20/day, a total of less than $2000, so it's very doubtful this update will extensive. Footprint Guide. This fella was a brand new
guide, written from scratch we were told. It was most surprising when reading the listings within it that it listed businesses that had closed more than six years previous, a very poor effort indeed! Sun. A bristled head is not adequate UV protection so always wear a hat, local sunblocks also have added ingredients you may wish to avoid, i.e. bleaching agents to whiten your skin, so watch out. Money. The power of the dollar is failing, thus some establishments will offer you exchange rates as low as R3800 to the $1, it's a good time to switch to the Euro. Haggling. Bartering is expected in markets, it's fun and should find a price both parties are happy with, but if you see a price listed that's the price you pay. Smokes. Cigarettes are cheap and plentiful here but watch out you don't run short late at night, or you may pay some guy on the street double price for an open pack. Glue. Smoking weed in Kampot is generally a no no, a few places may allow you to smoke in an out of the way place but ask first, further out of town it's less strict. Don't forget it's illegal to sell weed in Cambodia, so don't bother asking the PotPats to sell you some, you won't get any and you will get offended. Beers. Draught beer has hit Kampot, Anchor too so get it while it's hot, but obviously heavily chilled. Many canned and bottled beers are available to suit all tastes, but the local fave is Anchor cans, it separates residents from tourists who insist on drinking Angkor, sometimes in big bottles too, warm beer users are odd! Water. Don't drink the tap water, old old story, but you can purify it by adding two
parts vodka to one part tap water. Bottled water is available everywhere, even the cheapest is OK but tastes differ, just look for shops with an orange ice box outside, and to be honest, I have found nowhere in the Pot where you can't see cold water for sale, so it's silly to carry water with you. Food. All the food is good here, the ice is good too, so don't be a poof about it. Most businesses serve food till about 21.30, if you miss that window of opportunity not all is lost but your choice drops dramatically, currently BarRed serves the last cooked food in the city or it's spam baguettes from the main traffic circle. MSG. Manmade salty gravy, not seen in most restaurants due the the availability of fresh produce, however it's totally necessary on instant noodles. Toilets. There are no western type public toilets in Kampot, but all proper bars have them, phew! Khmer toilets are everywhere, every bush, tree and sign is fair game. The Bum Gun. Possibly the best invention ever and has made possible the true paperless office. It's uses are many fold and range from the intended bum cleaning to ant control, but possibly my fave is mosquito killing, use the gun to shoot the buggers down and let surface tension do the rest. Doctoring. There's a Pharmacy opposite the market on the new bridge road, its a well stocked first call, from there its possibly best to check the new clinic near the new bridge road, from there PP and then Bangkok, best of all just don't get ill. Even if you are not ill you could always just have a medical treat, you could have an xray or body scan for $10 or so, so go on, spoil yourself. Dehydration. This is what we all have to
watch out for, it's all too easy not to drink enough, eventually you stop sweating and overheat, cooking yourself. So keep the fluids coming in. Elephants. No we do not have our own elephant but we do have one visit from time to time, it comes from Chook and pops down with a magic medicine man selling charms to the masses, it usually stops at the market but has been sighted on the Tek Chhou road heading for the rapids, probably on the way for a swim. Dangerous Animals. Reports of crocodile and shark attacks in the river are unproven, tiger and bear on the hill also have a disappointingly low body count, the last elephant reported apparently packed its trunk and headed off to join the circus, snakes and spiders are rarely seen due to their prominence on local menus, so it's unlikely you'll have any animal problems here, it's far more dangerous riding bikes. Dogs. Now these can be a problem. Most Khmer families have dogs (actually all dogs in Cambodia have the same name, dog, pronounced ch kai) and at night they put them on the streets to protect their property. Problem is that the later it gets the more the dogs protect, they form packs, gangs and send coded messages across town coordinating their attacks. When staggering home late, walk in the middle of the road with a confident pace, if you are hounded turn round sharply and cock your arm ready to throw imaginary stones at them, it works. If you do actually get bitten take it seriously and get rabies shots, preferably in the Pasteur Institute Phnom Penh, get them straight away and they're cheap, wait and you will get a huge bill or die. Cats. Most cats here are genetically stunted, well their tails are. They are not mutilated at birth as some think, they actually come out that way, poor sods. It seems they were introduced by the French along with sparrows and pigeons, but in insufficient numbers so their gene pool is limited. Malaria/Mosquitoes. There are no major malaria problems in Kampot, there are however many mosquitoes so get some deet on. If you intend on doing the hill put lots of deet on as there you can actually get malaria, oh and don't trust the local medicines as
many are Chinese fakes, as they are too in many of the clinics, beware! Ants. All ants are bastards, ask any local or PotPat. Avoid encouraging them by bringing food into your room, protect your drink with the condensation formed on your glass, produce a small puddle and the ants will leave your pop alone. Try not to stand in the same place too long, ants attack feet regularly, watch out for tree ants too, they're big red and usually attack from above. Local kids have found offensive uses for these savage creatures, it has been known for people to be hit by ant bombs, whole nests of pissed off tree ants are thrown at their intended target, devastating. Coconuts. Nuts are a real problem, they claim as many as 600 lives each year in Thailand, so avoid loitering around the bottom of nut trees, unless you want to help us beat the Thai's record. Lightning. More than 100 deaths every wet season, and the last one was quite an average wet season! It's a good idea to think about where you are standing when it rains. Statues. Most road junctions are marked
with a statue, it makes sense when a large part of the population cannot read, it makes it possible to travel long distances without maps or sign posts, i.e. go straight on at the rhino and then turn left at the horse. Walking. It's safe walking in Kampot, very safe, any time day or night (with the exception of walking to Kep at night!), I promise you. But be careful on the new zebra crossings, they are not crossings, they are just suggested areas to be run down. Parking. Generally its OK to park anywhere in Kampot, but do have a look to see if you are parking in someone's drive, Khmer get pissed off if they can't get their land cruiser in the drive, PotPats throw rocks at you, parking can be tough in some areas! So park outside the business you are visiting, or along the river side of the front. As to parking yourself it's best to take a room, sleeping out may cost you a lot more in fines! Electricity. Do not bet on the timing or length of power cuts, the supplier and Cambo 6 have the system rigged. Street Lighting. Don't expect any and you won't be disappointed, some of the main areas now sport fancy lanterns and make for favourable routes across town, but sadly the majority of the city is without. Take a torch with you if you are staying out of the way and plan to be out late. Kep has recently installed street lighting along its beach front, this is not for the pleasure of tourists but to attract crabs. Banks. There are two main banks in Kampot, Acleda and Canadia, both should be able to help. Canadia Bank also has a new ATM that accepts all major cards with the ATM at Acleda only accepting Visa cards. A new bank with ATM has just opened on the PP road towards the market, too much choice! Post Office. Ah, opening times, er well this is Cambodia and things don't always run to strict timetables, but the best time I have found is mid morning, after that you are in unknown territory, the office will close for every public holiday and half excuse too. Photo Shop. There are a few capable photo shops in town, a couple on the main traffic circle and one past the market. Internet and International Calls. There are many net cafs in the city, some of them
being situated along old bridge street and some on or near to the front, all should be able to handle voice over internet calls, CD burning, printing and basic surfing. Book Shop. There is the newsagent near the main traffic circle and Kepler's books opposite the old market, some guest houses also sell books. Newsagent. Near the main traffic circle and alongside Borey Bokor II is a newsagent, its well stocked in Kampot terms and can be handy if you really want a copy of the previous days news, yes they keep them for odd sods like me. TV. We have cable TV here but the channel selection is limited, retune your set to access any new channels available. Pay per view is available for channels not normally supplied, a case of Anchor usually does it. Radio. There is one radio station you can receive on FM, Kampot's local one in Khmer, short wave gives you more choice but you can still only get 12 hrs of BBC. Weather. There are holes in the sky where the rain gets in, but they are only small, that's why rain is thin words of wisdom by Spine
of its neighbors, is commission based, that's why it's so easy to do things here, everybody will help you because they earn a small fee for their effort. Commission. Please refer to corruption.
Darling. A daily slow motorbike race come stunt bike trials along the river front, displays every night all along the front at sunset. Fishing Boat Race. Goksok is the current leader of the league but competition is hotting up, every afternoon around 5pm they race down the river to the rich pickings of the sea, it's a nail biting thriller that sets the frame for sunset and the end of another hectic day. Traffic Circle. Occasionally there are concerts, fairs and promotions at the main traffic circle, there may be live music, films, stalls and games to play, so get down there if you suspect something maybe on. Shrimp Fishing. Every evening you will see men with miners' lamps scouring the river banks hunting for shrimp. Its worth a look as the guys are always friendly. Fruit Stalls. Every evening old bridge street fills up with fruit shake stalls, various strange Millington. According to our weather team rainy season is over, so expect to get wet less fruits are converted to fluid before your very eyes, it's worth a look. often. If it does rain on you remember to Playground. Near to the new bridge a claim your visa refund, $5 for each day of kiddies playground has just been constructed, rain so be sure to save some rain as proof. Joking apart the rain always warns you when it's a huge hit with the kids who form queues to take rides, later on its a teenager thing it's coming, if the wind gets up, take cover! Police. If you manage to get entangled with where young lads do their best to make each other sick on the roundabouts. the police its probably best to get your guesthouse involved, do tell the PotPat's too Transport... as they love a good laugh, don't expect We at the KSG apologise for our lack of sympathy from anyone, its a Khmer way to detailed travel info, there is a reason for this, laugh at such things, especially death. it's because this is a guide for Kampot, it's Theft. There is very little theft in Kampot, purpose is to give you ideas to stay, so I'm but try not to put temptation in people's way. buggered if I'm going to help you get away! Your shoes however may well be in danger, Tuk Tuk. The first choice of transport these this threat is from drunken backpackers, so days, most of Kampot and the surrounding watch out! area can be accessed by Tuk Tuk in all Politics. There are three main parties weathers, popular trips are down to Kep, operating within Kampot province, the mangroves, pepper plantation and caves, or Tupperware Party the Anne Summers up to the rapids, zoo and beach. Party and the Fancy Dress Party. It's best Moto. These guys can make your stay good, not to go too far into Khmer politics, just using their translation skills you will explore accept it. more. Find them all around town but the best Corruption. There is no corruption in speaking ones hang between the traffic circle Cambodia, none at all! The country, like all and the bus stop.
Daily Events...
Moto Rental. Either your guesthouse can sort it out or you can pop on down to the shops and pick your own, make sure you are happy with it and check it has lights if you plan to ride at night. Wherever you go be careful, especially of the cows. Bicycle Rental. Some guesthouses offer rental of bikes, mainly basic bone shakers so don't get too excited, although some tour companies have mountain bike rental too, so use the shitty bike to find a nice one. Bus/Taxi. The easiest way to sort this is through your guesthouse, they earn a small amount of commission for this that covers their telephone costs etc, if you are a really tight git you could go down the bus stop and haggle. $100 Prize offered for the first reader with confirmed sightings of all listed characters, tick them off as you go, preferably with photographic evidence and thumb prints. Wavy Man. Irregular performances of modern contemporary dance and traffic calming, a fusion of direction and disintegration, at selected establishments along the riverfront south of the old bridge. Nudie Man. Art for art's sake, a mesmerising display of minimalist dressing entangled with Bob Marley impressions, irregular performances along the riverside north of the old bridge. Spigot Twins. Monoped duo engaged in fund raising activities on the front every night, sometimes seen in hopping races due to renting their crutches out. Crazy Frog. There are two contenders for the title of crazy frog, neither are French but both mimic their chosen idol closely,
Local Characters...
rarely seen together but both parade the river front almost daily. Darth Vader. Large shiny foreigner seen cruising the front during opening hours, it is suspected that he is engaged in market research, selected candidates are interrogated in situ wherever he catches them, watch out for this odd character. Push Bikie Man (AKA Jack the Father or JF). Sweaty skinny foreigner always seen attached to some form of pedal powered transport, Bokor Hill is no challenge for this guy so his local knowledge of impassable trails is unsurpassed within the Province, often offensive to tourists and PotPats alike, approach with caution. Racy Dog. Racy patrols a beat around the 2000 monument, he is currently unbeaten by any form of motor transport, probably all you will see of him is his clean pair of heels as he passes you. Bag Lady. Seen cruising the streets on a modified bicycle with basket, has a total obsession with plastic bags but is rarely seen with any, contact should be avoided. Dong Jao. This fellow prowls the river front during the small hours, he steals coconuts with his gang, he is friendly and harmless but don't buy his nuts! Mr Tongue. Seen performing at the home of gurning, a somewhat corroded establishment. Observed clearing his or others nostrils with his tongue, a must see. Andie Man. Reports of this Peruvian looking fellow are sketchy but apparently he simulates sex acts behind unwary travellers, he operates on route 3 towards Sihanoukville some 10Km from town. Mr Spoons. Utilising the latest spoon tuning techniques, Mr Spoons is devising
new methods of mine detection and destruction. This pasty munching spoon playing jeep riding fella should be avoided in polite conversation. Last seen performing Indiana Jones impressions along the front. Predator. Following his successful movie career Predator has settled in the Pot, truth be told he actually twatted Arnie, anyhow you may catch sight of the big man either on land or water as he is a nautical type and mostly friendly. Bat Woman. Working a beat from the Pot to PP Bat Woman dispatches mosquitoes to Buddha for rapid reincarnation, sometimes seen wheilding two bats in a martial arts frenzy, somewhat akin to the star wars movies, at selected bars only. Ringo Starr (AKA Crash Test Dummy). This jovial fellow has crash tested most moto's on hire in Kampot, he will gladly show you his latest wounds at a local guest house, totally harmless and answers to Eric, though in an angry fashion. Walkie Talkie Man. KSG's ace reporter JF submitted this character, Vietnamese in origin and short in stature this semi bearded fellow engages in bin raiding whilst in disguise, wearing mainly tight fitting women's clothing topped off with his trademark headware, a plastic bag, seen around the old market. Sand Man. Often seen scooting around on wheels or rowing his boat, usually looking for lost shoes and food. Like most Scots he has strange sleeping habits so also look for him in sand piles, ditches and drives, friendly to all. Gnome. Can be seen traversing the roads late at night in search of fluids, this rain ready fellow has aspirations of being a jockey, so never turn your back on him, he
By Steve J (with a "P") Story Fabrication Consultant and BarSteward.
also attempts terminator impressions, usually friendly and mostly harmless. Vibro Man. Submitted by David of H Infamy's Spouse. This guy patrols the taxi ranks practising his Bilbo Baggins impressions, requiring vast amounts of fluids for these performances he may well apply to you for sponsorship, and if he likes you he might even show you his collection of vibrating electrical appliances, unmissable! Comba Crew. This trio of musically minded folk perform mime and air guitar whilst keeping their eyes closed in fear of popping. Seen most evenings at musically minded bars only. Gandhi Man. This spindle legged fellow can be seen during the early evenings, usually clad with some form of writing and willing to sell books to anyone, friendly and usually harmless. Sausage Hunter (AKA Head Hunter). This mainly nocturnal lass can be seen scouting out new happy hours and local bars. Well versed with the worlds mating rituals and habits this lass tracks down and secures her kills before closing time. Approach with caution. Rubber Band Man. This flexible fellow is in training to become a one man band, confirmed sightings are sporadic but rewarding, dependant on his fluid level. Friendly but don't mention the ashes!
Note. Never believe everything you see or read! Oh, and thanks for reading, if you found the guide useful please take it with you and put it somewhere else where others can use it, help us promote Kampot! And I do hope you enjoyed Kampot, I also expect to see you back soon, see Kampot has elastic properties, everyone comes back!
town but look for the man with the bicycle powered trolley who usually pedals along riverside look for the stack of premade ice Spam Baguettes: half or full bread roll with cream cones. Price: R500 to R1000 two or three kinds of highly processed wtf Popcorn: The sweet variety familiar to meat (allegedly pork), shallot, cucumber and Westerners and generally of high quality. tomato with sweet or chili sauce. Price: Note that unpopped corn is poorly sorted R1500 to R2500. Where: all around Kampot from popped and indiscriminately biting (look for the stack of baguettes on a trolley) down on one of these kernels may cost you a but around the main traffic circle and down dental filling. Look for trolleys with bags of old bridge road is ground zero in the popcorn hanging from their sides. Where: evenings. Above is also available with often based near the post office on riverside chicken meat but more expensive and in the evening but also around town. Price: portions are parsimonious. A pork version is R500 for the small and R1000 for the large obtainable on the bike parking side of the bag. market but again, expect to pay slightly more. Duck Embryos: strictly for the culinary Fruit Drinks: identifiable and exotic fruits adventurous S.E. Asia traveller, or expats of your choice are placed in a blender and who have lost the plot entirely, an unhatched emulsified with sweetened condensed milk, duckling is boiled in its shell and eaten with coconut milk, sugar, Milo, ice and possibly a spoon. The duckling should be sufficiently an egg. Tastes a lot better than it sounds but formed so as to be el dente. Where: on the insulin dependent diabetics should approach old bridge road and on the Kep road just past with caution. Price: R2000. Where: on the the Two Cows intersection. Price: R1500. old bridge road and on the Kep road just past BarBQued Squid: dried small squid are the Two Cows intersection and on a stacked and suspended from the sides of peripatetic trolley coming soon to you. trolleys where they resemble decks of cards Sweet Food: another workout for your pancreas. Bananas, beans, sticky rice, ginger and other fruits are sliced and diced and placed in a marinade of sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk liquefied sugar and egg and served in a plastic cup with a spoon. Again, better than the description would indicate. Price: R1000. Where: on the old bridge road, down from the Canadia bank ATM and in front of the cake shop at the main traffic. Noodles: a half a litre of normal saline is added to generic packet noodles and then various goodies are added to the mix. Some of these are recognizable. The plastic flavouring sachets are sometimes left in the bowl at serving, possibly to provide extra dietary roughage. This is an excellent all round nutritious and electrolyte replacement meal. Price: R2000 to R4000 for the chock full of wtf protein version. Where: everywhere. Look for the stack of packet noodles on trolleys or stalls. Ice Cream: despite popular travel guide books warning to the contrary, Kampot expats do eat locally made ice cream from trolleys without subsequently going to the toilet a lot. There are at least four sellers in http://kampotsurvivalguide.blogspot.com/ 15 www.facebook.com/KampotSurvivalGuide/
Kampot Street Food Guide Cheap Eats For About A Dollar.
with tentacles. Chock full of high tensile sea foody flavour, your chosen squid are served for takeaway, lightly toasted over charcoal and served with a chili dipping sauce. An excellent spicy beef jerky is often sold from the same trolley. Where: often based on the riverside strip but also around town. Price: R1000 to R2000 per serve. Steamed Sweet Corn: Look for the dark yellow variety as this is generally sweet whereas the white variants only appeal seems to be to alleviate constipation by ingesting a mega hit of dietary fibre. Corn is steamed and served hot with a coating of butter which is actually margarine, egg and sugar mix much more palatable than the ingredients suggest. Where: often based on the riverside strip. Price: R1300 per cob but slight fluctuations according to seasonal availability. Grilled Beef: small portions of sliced, seasoned beef on a bamboo skewer cooked over charcoal and served with shredded sweet and sour green papaya and a dipping jus. Where: makeshift stall near the FM building at the 2000 Roundabout and all around Kampot. Price: R500 per stick. Bread: generally sold as baguettes in small, large and jumbo versions. An inexpensive and filling way to overcome your cravings for Western food and best bought in the mornings to guarantee freshness. Where: Look for the Man With No Shirt bakery about 50 meters down the road from Epic Arts or a further 50 meters along that road and round the corner to your left also sold in the market. Price: R500 R1000 R1500 according to size. Sugarcane Juice: hand cranked or electrically powered mangles are used to extract the juice from stalks of sugarcane and half a lime which is then served over crushed ice very refreshing. Iced black tea (Number 1 Brand) with lime juice and sugar is also excellent. Where: both inside and outside of the market or look for the stacks of sugarcane and often brightly painted mangles around town. Price: R1000 per glass. Coconuts: (Cocos nucifera) al fresco, nutritious refreshment in a portable and hygienic container. Where: everywhere around Kampot look for the stack of green coconuts outside shops and stalls. Price:
R1500 Roasted Peanuts: small, highly flavoured peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), roasted in the shell and often sold by Cham Muslim ladies who walk around Kampot carrying large aluminium basins of the legume on their heads. A larger variant is sold boiled in salted water in the shell. Where: everywhere around Kampot. Price: R1000 per serve. Cut Fruit Trolley: assorted peeled and sliced fruits behind glass on a travelling trolley. Where: often based on the riverside strip but also nomadic. Price: R500 R1000 per serve. By Irvin S. KSG ACE Reporter.
needed) Q: Dear Lucky, I have lived in Kampot for some time now and while I love the place Answering your questions about dearly, some things drive me crazy and Im living in Kampot. not sure what to do. Do you have any suggestions? Q: Dear Lucky, I have been reading your column for many months now and I find most A: You need to channel or Quokka your primal Chi force and your Third Eye Chakra is of your advice misleading, poorly substantiated and even potentially dangerous. obviously out of equilibrium and may even The whole Kampot Survival Guide rag seems have a cataract or loose Nadi. You may also have lived in Cambodia so long the two sacred to be nothing but a bad injoke for drunken, debauched, local expat HippieNazis. Arent Mantras of Acceptance have become strangers to you. To refresh your memory, these are: you ashamed? A: I think you are right and if I had my way, a 1. Forget it Jake. Its Chinatownand... 2. Relentless substance abuse (dubious and few heads would roll on the KSGs Ethics potentially dangerous assertionreference?) Committee. At a personal level, I often feel The above are not mutually exclusive and morally bankrupt. From this point on, Lucky when practised in tandem are usually vows to adopt Wikipedias approach to sufficient to help you overcome most of the verifying content i.e. inserting a (citation needed) if information is questionable. Things you didn't know about Kampot. Q: Dear Lucky, I recently travelled to Kampot and was enthralled by the skill of the 1. Kampot led the Cambodian space race during the 1950's and 60's as Bokor Hill Khmer basket weavers. Does this expertise was used for test launchings of their date back to Angkorian times? experimental Wooung Gao Soo Gom A: Not really. In the 1960s and 70s, lung rockets. Occupational Therapists were attempting to 2. Kampot changed its name shortly after establish themselves as a profession and this process entailed appropriating some of the key Kep was named, it was renamed specifically to avoid any confusion with roles more traditionally associated with Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Teachers and Kep, the name is derived from two words Kamp and Not. Nurses. It is a little known fact that the 3. Bokor Hill used to be a proper mountain persecution OTs received from these more established vocational groups during this time with a pointy top, but the French stole it. 4. In 1967 Kampot FC toured Europe on an resulted in large numbers of them fleeing to extensive and unbeaten tour. Cambodia and setting up Therapeutic Basket 5. Kampot was originally built around a Weaving Communes (TBWCs) throughout system of canals akin to Venice, sadly due the Kingdom. The baskets you see weaved to neglect these waterways have silted and today are the magnificent fruit of this mass dried, only to be seen during exceptional Occupational Therapy Diaspora (OTD). rains. (questionable historical accuracycitation
Ask Lucky
priests to arrive in Cambodia in the 1600s were wrestling with a Papal Bull decreeing that animals have souls while at the same time observing the tough love meted out to local moggies. It is a little known fact that this heart wrenching ecclesiastical dichotomy is the origin of the saying Suffering Cats (bullshitcitation needed) Q: Dear Lucky, I am quite elderly and living in Kampot and am becoming increasingly concerned that I have not made any funeral arrangements. Can you please advise me? A: When you are supremely confident that your demise is at hand, remove your clothing, smear your body with honey and lie down on the floor in the centre of the room. By the end of the first day, approx. one trillion ants will have moved your corporeal remains from the centre of the room to the wall. By the second day, your body will be half way up the wall and the ants will be attempting to pass your organic residue through a 0.5 cm hole in the wall. By the third day, the ants will have succeeded in their task and you will have passed through this miniscule crack and merged with the infinite. (Citation Note: you need to be totally confident that your end is aggravations that Cambodia can throw at you. nigh or this will be a somewhat surreal, painful and ultimately unsatisfying three day Q: Dear Lucky, I have heard Kampot experience). described as both amazing and awesome. Q: Dear Lucky, I am really into Buddhism Which one is it? and would like to make a Prayer Wheel (khor) A: dude, its likeyou knowjust about always amazing and sometimes its likeyou with Om Mani Padme Hum and the Eight Auspicious Symbols written on the outside. I knowso amazing its amazingly amazing understand that spinning the wheel brings and when it gets like thatyou knowits merit and I am considering filling the wheel like just totally awesome. Dont stint on the superlative adjectives about Kampot dude and with hamsters to spin the wheel for me to maximize merit making. What do you think? youll be a hero and a legend. Q: Dear Lucky, I have been living in Kampot A: Consider Grasshopper. The hamsters will for about a week now and I seem to be losing achieve great merit by their running and will be reincarnated as higher life forms, my ability to see. This is happening several particularly if they can be trained to do some times in one night. I am worried that I am form of high pitched religious chanting while having a series of strokes. What should I do? they run. You on the other hand if you are A: Sit very still and wait for Kampot very fortunate will be reincarnated as a electricity to turn the power back on. Buy a hamster so that you have the opportunity to torch. (insensitive, disrespectful and redeem yourself by running in a prayer wheel. potentially dangerous advicecitation) It is quite possible that in your previous life Q: Dear Lucky, I think that Cambodian you were already a hamster and are actually people are the kindest and friendliest I have trapped in some closed loop HumanHamster met but as a cat lover, I cant help but notice Human reincarnation process. This is the great that while they are obviously fond of their cats, they treat them much more roughly than I cycle of birth and rebirth and the origin of the term wheels within wheels. (probably am used to. A: Yesits interesting isnt it? The first Jesuit bullshit and definitely offensivecitation http://kampotsurvivalguide.blogspot.com/ 18 www.facebook.com/KampotSurvivalGuide/
KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011 needed) Q: Dear Lucky, how do you know when you have been living in Cambodia for a long time? A: There are many telltale signs. These include: You stop wearing a watch. You identify the quality and popularity of a restaurant by the number of paper napkins on the floor and the number of dogs it supports. An overturned chair is also a good sign. You can discriminate between good and bad prahok. You look forward to durian season. Any meal is incomplete without the addition of pepper. Drinking beer with ice makes total sense. You aspire to Lexus ownership. You think the latest Honda Dream is way cooler than last years model. You find yourself tapping your feet to karaoke music. You need to sleep with a blanket because its so cold. You call other Caucasians barangs. Your pleasure in slapstick comedy is reawakened after many years dormancy. Mickey Mouse is an icon. You can identify at least ten types of rice and fifteen kinds of bananas. You start to accept that mystical explanations for events may be valid. You can take your shoes off when entering a building without breaking your stride. And then, at a certain point, your internal architecture matches the external architecture of Cambodia and you start calling it home. (Citation Note: your experiences may differ from those expressed here, may not contain actual information, may trivialize cultural and religious differences, do not read this article while operating a moving vehicle, font size may be too small for the visually impaired, document is printed on flammable material, eating document is not advised, do not use document as underwear). By Irvin S. KSG ACE Reporter.
Weapons Grade Kampot Pepper Plot Unfolds.

Word is beginning to reach the outside world that Kampot was recently rocked by a series of up to now unexplained underground explosions, the likes of which have not heard since the Vietnamese boom boom liberation of the Khmer people in January of 1979. Some think that the upheavals are the result of the sea monster tunnelling its way back from exile, while others surmise that the witch atop White Mountain is practising pyrotechnics for the Cambodian Olympic Games opening ceremonies. In his ongoing quest to dig up the dirt and unearth the truth, KSG underground reporter Headteaser has been digging himself out from under an untimely collapse of the highspeed rail tunnel that runs from Kampot town to the top of Bokor Mountain. Suffering major injuries to his ego, in total darkness and tapping his story out in Morse code on a crumpled Anchor can, our ace reporter says he has been in touch with trapped miners working for the Socialist Consortium Responsible Even When Unions Plunder (SCREW UP). SCREW UP is the multinational consulting firm contracted to build the controversial rail link. SCREW UP miners blame the explosions and tunnel collapse on sabotage at a secretly sub contracted enrichment and storage facility for weaponised Kampot peppercorns hidden deep beneath Bokor Mountain. In their natural green state Kampot
By Alan Headteaser, KSG ACE Reporter.
specifically proscribes the quantity of weaponised Kampot pepper any signatory nation may possess can be no greater than a double D bra in its unoccupied state. Occupied states are exempt. UN WMD inspectors, hastily retrieved and sobered up from their karaoke WMD inspection tour, were unavailable for comment until sneezing fits have abated. One inspector though too choked up to give his name and speaking from an undisclosed STD treatment facility, blamed it on a North Korean hissy fit over being excluded from SCREW UPs board of bribery. Another shadowy source, speaking with a heavy English accent, hinted at a French connection to the tunnel collapse. Bloody frogs sabotaged the tunnel to catapult their competing system for delivering eco hungry tourists to the top of Bokor Mountain. Sarkozys let them eat cake gang of Parisian thugs plan to use a giant trebuchet (tree bucket) to hurl up to ten passengers at a time high above Kampots picturesque durian and mango plantations to a landing zone adjacent to the refurbished casino. Not exactly cricket old chap. Plans to initiate the service are on hold pending construction of a trauma care peppercorns are mostly harmless and often facility and crematorium at the landing site to served as a fiery garnish atop fauxWestern deal with the dead and injured. (Watch video cuisine served in suspected CIA fronts smuggled out of the secret test facilities at operating as pseudo Western restaurants along http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= the Kampot river front. When dried, wVADKznOhY) pulverized and highly enriched in centrifuges When asked for comment, a local French smuggled in from an unnamed Asian axis of pepper Baron, speaking from under an evil dictatorship, these innocuous looking Olympic logoed ski mask said, Zees eez a peppercorns take on a nasty halflife. When plot of zee anti French former colonials to fitted to a Wooung Gao Soo Gomlung rocket, sabotage zee efforts of zee Reepooblique to an airburst can disable enemy troops and reinsert zee culture Franoise eeento zis gnats innocent civilians over a three square meter fart of IndoChine. I blame zee HInglesh area. propogangstars. The quantity of weaponised peppercorns A local entrepreneur from the mythical land of destroyed places SCREW UP, and its secret Wales, who would have more luck getting the backers in direct contravention of UN WMD Japanese to stop whaling than bothering to directive ACHOO36 double D that broker a truce between competing interests, has begun selling tickets to a duel between the masked French Baron and the shadowy Englishman. In a preduel tossing contest, the Frenchman was quicker and won the toss. Choice of weapons went to the pepper Baron, who selected threedayold baguettes and overripe Brie at ten paces. The Englishman, holding his nose, said, Those weapons didnt do Napoleon a fat lot of good at Waterloo,
KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011 though I wouldnt put it past this Frenchie chappie to sprinkle his Brie with weaponized peppercorns. I look forward to burying this Baron chap in crumbs and goo and winning this duel for Queen and country. Pip pip tallyho and a hey nonny nonny. A sketchy local American potpat, posing as a poofter professor, but widely thought to be a CIA agent, has offered to referee the dual in exchange for a large quantity of weaponized Kampot peppercorns, and an export permit for Afghanistan. His impartiality is suspect as the CIA is rumoured to be heavily invested in the tunnel project. When questioned on his impartiality he said, A pint of ale or Freedom Fries, I like em best together. Whadiz that tellya? Although the duel will not determine who was responsible for the Kampot peppercorn caper, tickets are going fast for this latest distraction from sheer ennui suffered by Kampot locals and visitors alike.
Bar Red GH. Bart the Boatman. Blissful GH. Bodhi Villa GH. Bokor Mt Lodge. Borey Bokor I GH. Cozy Elephant GH. Diamond Hotel Epic Arts Cafe. G'Day Mate Bus. Ganesha GH. Hang GH. Honey. Kampot GH. Kampot River View GH. Kep Gardens Ass. Kepler's Books. Keyman Tours. Lee & Pop's. Little Garden Bar GH. Long Villa GH. Lucky Bus. Magic Sponge. Mea Culpa GH. By Alan Headteaser. Moliden GH. KSG ACE Reporter. Nataya Resort. Olly's Place. KSG Users Comments... Orchid GH. A truly great beer mat substitute, J.S, UK. Paris GH. Invaluable in a country without toilet paper, A.M, Pepper GH. SA. I couldn't read it but it stopped my table Rikitikitavi GH. wobbling, W T Spain. Your guide is useless in Salt + Pepper. Sihanoukville, M.H, USA. Pirates stole my copy! Say Sabok. P.S, UK. My copy has killed at least 50 mosquitoes, Sok Lim Tours. L.F, France. Where can I buy a copy of the Star Inn. legendary issue 4? S N, Snook. It's too thin for Ta. Eng GH. roaching, F.T NL. Promise you will never translate Tiny Kampot Pillows. this into French, B.M. Fra. You never warned me Tuk tuk, Parri. about wasps, can I sue? A.T. Aus. I extended my Tuk tuk, Mao. pleasure of your guide by soaking it in petrol so it Tuk tuk, Chak kan. burnt longer, T.W. Kep. I'm confused! F.G. Pot. Utopia GH. When folded coffectly the rag makes a good weed Villa Vidici GH. pouch, J.B. USA.
Some Useful Numbers...
092724720 092174280 092494331 012728884 033932314 092978168 092610284 0336300800 092922069 0121707857 092724612 016398170 017327250 012512931 012821570 015653317 012306410 012981437 016592735 012427572 092251418 012585410 017946428 012504769 012820779 012902823 092605837 092226996 033932330 017822626 012235102 099219004 012927897 012801348 0336386888 012330058 099719421 092323274 012287169 012456935 012407305 089290714
ABC. French run new bar in the place of the old Honey bar. Soon to reopen with drinks n snacks. Bamboo Light Cafe. Khmer run SriLankan bar restaurant on the front, full menu and bar, nice surroundings and great sunset views. BarRed. Welsh/Khmer run late night bar restaurant and guest rooms just off the front. Latest cooked food in the city with Srey Mom's huge burgers, pizza and Indian food. Opens at 12 noon till late. Rooms $6 10, with 24hr access long term rates available, fan, TV, ensuite, English and Khmer spoken. Blissful Guest House. French/Brit run bar restaurant and guest house in the heart of town, nice gardens and chill areas, draught beer and wide selection of food, some cooked in a wood fired oven. Rooms $5 7, fan, en suite, garden, bike rental, WIFI, English, French and Khmer spoken. Bodhi Villa. Aus run bar restaurant and guest house on the west bank, riverside seating, pontoon, pool table, chill out atmosphere with late night opening. Rooms, bungalows and floating rooms $4 8, fan, river view, water sports, English and Khmer spoken. Bokor Mountain Lodge. Kiwi run bar restaurant and hotel on the front, classical colonial architecture with a large river frontage ensuring a stunning view, international menu and well stocked bar. Rooms $35 45, AC, HW, fan, TV, en suite, river view, WIFI, English and Khmer spoken. Cozy Elephant Guest House. French/Khmer run guest house near the taxi stand. Rooms $4 12, dorm $2.50, AC, HW, fan, en suite, WIFI, free bicycle rental, English, French and Khmer spoken. Diamond Hotel. Bar, Restaurant and hotel just off the new bridge road, rooms $2040, TV, AC, HW, en suite, English and Khmer spoken. Epic Arts Cafe. Open from 7am till 6pm offering breakfasts, lunches, coffee and cakes. Run by and for people with disabilities, they also have a performance arts centre, pop in to learn more. Ganesha Riverside Eco Resort. German/Khmer run bar, restaurant and accommodation on a lost loop of the river, boat trips and activities on site. Rooms $6 45, English, German and Khmer spoken. Green Man. Khmer run bar restaurant on the front, Celtic themed bar with good tunes & draught Anchor, some Irish specialities and big screen TV, sometimes opens late. Hang Guest House. Rooms $10 30, AC, HW, Fan, TV, en suite, free bike rental, garden, bar & restaurant, English, French and Khmer spoken. Jam Tic. Rooms $2 4, AC, HW, Spa, en suite, swimming pool, river view, free moto & boat rental, bar & restaurant, English, French, Greek and Khmer spoken but not understood. Jasmine. US/Khmer run restaurant on the front, great steaks and pastas with a nice selection of Khmer foods too, stylish decor and fine wines. Kampot Guest House. Rooms $5 20, AC, HW, TV, fan, en suite, garden, bike rental, bar & restaurant, WIFI, English and Khmer spoken.
Bars, Restaurants and Rooms.
Kampocchino. Brit run coffee shop and English school in the position of the old "Whats hot in Kampot", early opening for the early birds. Kep Gardens Association is a nonprofit, independent project established by Australians to provide education and training in English, hospitality, mechanical and civil engineering, computing and farming skills as well as sponsor ongoing higher education through our Educational Scholarship Fund for the Khmer people of Kep. Australians and Cambodians working together. Les Manguiers. French/Khmer run bar, restaurant and guest house 2km up the river. Rooms & Bungalows $10 35, fan, river view, en suite, garden, canoe and boat rental, bar & restaurant, English, French and Khmer spoken. Long Villa Guest House. Rooms $6 13, AC, HW, TV, fan, en suite, bar & restaurant with varied menu, WIFI, English and Khmer spoken. Little Garden Bar. Rooms $10 20, AC, HW, TV, fan, en suite, garden, bar & restaurant, WIFI, English and Khmer spoken. Madi's House. Khmer run bar restaurant on the front, cocktails and a full menu with excellent sunset views. Magic Sponge Guest House. English/Khmer run bar restaurant and guest house in the heart of the town, rooftop chill areas, TV/DVD lounge, pool table and a good selection of games to play. Rooms $3 20, AC, HW, fan, ensuite, English and Khmer spoken.
Whats gone or moved.
Akashi Cafe Gone Alaska Super Club Gone Blank Canvas Became Olly's place Blue Dragon Became Rusty Keyhole Blue Mountain Became Rheaj's Burger Bonkors Became Blue Ray Bokor M't Club Became Marco Polo Bokor View Hotel Gone Coco House Became Rusty Keyhole 2 Comfortably Numb Became BarRed Homestay Cafe Gone Honey Bar Became ABC Ike Bar Gone Indochine Closed at present Kampot Interact Became Keyman Tours Kiri Guesthouse Gone Lucci Food Gone Marco Polo became Bokor M't Lodge Mearly Chender Gone Moliden Moved to front Moon's Guesthouse Gone Piggies Moved out of town and then back in Rheaj's Burger Became Wunderbar Southern Cross Motel Gone Sundowner Tavern Became Salt + Pepper Whats Hot in Kampot Became Kampuccino
Mea Culpa. Irish/Khmer run bar restaurant and guest house behind the Governors residence, wood fired pizza in a large secluded garden. Rooms $20 25, AC, HW, TV, DVD, WIFI, en suite, garden, bar & restaurant, parking, English and Khmer spoken. Moliden. Khmer run bar restaurant and guest house on the front opposite the old bridge, some nice wood has been used to build this place, have a good look. Rooms $6 25+, AC, HW, TV, fan, en suite, English and Khmer spoken. Natural Restaurant and Guest House. Khmer run bar restaurant and guest house on the river just north of the new bridge. Over the river eating and Khmer style stilted chalets. Rooms $15+, AC, HW, TV, Olly's Place. New Belgian/Thai Bar, Restaurant and guesthouse on the river, rooms and bungalows $810, fan, nets etc. Wind surfing and lessons. English, Dutch, French, Thai and Portuguese spoken Orchid Guest House. Rooms and bungalows $5 15, AC, HW, TV, fan, en suite, garden, bike rental, tours, boat trips, bar & restaurant, English & Khmer spoken. Paris Guest House. New guest house one road back from the front. Rooms $5 15, AC, HW, TV, fan, en suite, English and Khmer spoken. Pepper Guest House. Rooms $5 15, AC, HW, TV, fan, ensuite, soon to have a bar and restaurant, garden, parking, English, French and Khmer spoken. Rikitikitavi. British/Dutch run rooftop bar restaurant and guesthouse on the front, high end eating and a good selection cocktails and malt's. Rooms $30 35 inc breakfast, AC, HW, TV, DVD, en suite, bar & restaurant, English, Dutch and Khmer spoken. River View Guest House. Rooms $7 20, fan & AC, HW, TV, river view, bike rental, riverside bar & restaurant, WIFI, parking, English and Khmer spoken. Rusty Keyhole. Brit/Khmer run bar restaurant on the front, BBQ western and Khmer food, English and Khmer spoken. Salt + Pepper. German run bakery and cake shop offering breakfasts and sweet goods, in the place of the old Sundowner tavern. Say Sa Bok. French/Khmer run bar restaurant on the front, early happy hours, full Khmer and western menu and great Khmer coffee. Sisters II. Cafe fare and internet in one building, breakfasts, cakes and sandwiches to feast on whilst doing your email. The cafe funds a small orphanage near to the Olympic stadium, so drop by and help support the Heritage Orphanage kids. Star Inn. New bar restaurant on the river offering seafood, Karaoke and hostess service. Tiny Kampot Pillows Shop. Hand made pillows, cushions, pillowcases and covers as individual gifts or in commercial quantities. Wide range of fabrics to choose from. Small orders usually completed within 24 hours. Also selling krama items, photos, postcards etc all made in Kampot. Shop at the 2000 Roundabout.
Bars, Restaurants and Rooms.
Ta Eng Guest House. Rooms $4 8, fan, TV, en suite, bike rental, garden, restaurant, English, French and Khmer spoken. Utopia. German/Khmer run bar restaurant and guest house up the river, just before Tek Chheu and the Zoo (8km ish), stunning views along river in a total get away from it all setting, great spot to stop on a river cruise or just an amazing getaway place. Rooms & Bungalows $6 25, fan, en suite, river view, swimming, English and Khmer spoken. Villa Vedici. Dutch run bar, restaurant and guest house 2km up the river. Bungalows $25, fan, TV, DVD, fridge, WIFI, swimming pool, boat trips, water sports, kite surfing, river view, en suite, garden, Dutch, English and Khmer spoken. Wunderbar. Swiss German run bar restaurant on the front. Holds regular competitions and occasionally events. Full menu with BBQ outside, Pool table, darts and chess to play. NOTE. Listings were correct once, they are not contractually binding so do not rely on them. Facilities listed do not apply to all rooms, i.e. you won't find an AC room for $3. All places should be able to book tickets and tours and offer travel advice (except BarRed).
Creation...
This guide was written by real Kampot residents, people who live in and love Kampot. It was created using Linux Mint Debian, ScribusNG, Openoffice, Inkscape and The Gimp. All these applications used are Open Source and are freely available from the internet.
Kampot Survival Guide
Obtaining Copies...
Copies are delivered to most businesses in Kampot, they are also sent to PP, BB, Snook and Kep. The latest copy is also available on the blog in .pdf format. New Issues are released when we feel like doing them and reprints with updates are released until we finish the next issue.
Advertising...
Check the blog for more details or call Steve on 092724720. Advert sizes are, banner 138mm wide by 48mm high, quarter 69mm wide by 97mm high, artwork should be submitted in .jpg .eps .png .pdf .tiff .psd .svg and be of the highest possible quality.
Thanks to...
Many thanks go out to the sponsors and submitters who make this rag possible, not forgeting my many editors who make it possible for me to be understood.
Contact us...
Submissions, corrections, classifieds, advertising requests and threats should be directed to the publisher at BarRed, or emailed to...
kampotsurvivalguide@gmail.com
Or you could be gay about it and post on the Lonely Planet forums (thorntree), like oldted did.
This is not a map, it's not even close to being a map, but it should get you there.

Kampot Survival Guide Issue 20

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KSG Issue 20.

Things to see and do...

The founders of Bokor, 1917

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

Projects & Voluntary Work...

Do's, Dont's and Local Info...

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

By Steve J (with a "P") Story Fabrication Consultant and BarSteward.

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

Kampot Street Food Guide Cheap Eats For About A Dollar.

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

Weapons Grade Kampot Pepper Plot Unfolds.

By Alan Headteaser, KSG ACE Reporter.

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

Some Useful Numbers...

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

Bars, Restaurants and Rooms.

Whats gone or moved.

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

Bars, Restaurants and Rooms.

Kampot Survival Guide

KSG Issue 20.01 April 2011

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