Kampot Province is located in the southwest region of Cambodia, with the provincial capital Kampot Town situated around 150km from Phnom Penh. Over the last decade, Kampot has emerged as one of Cambodia’s most popular destinations for expats and digital nomads thanks to its laidback riverside vibe, colonial architecture, thriving cafe culture and proximity to beautiful countryside.
Lifestyle in Kampot
The lifestyle in Kampot tends to be very relaxed and outdoorsy. The riverfront is lined with restaurants, bars and cafes where locals and expats mingle over coffee, food or sunset drinks. The pace is slow, the people are friendly and there’s a strong sense of community among residents.
Many foreigners are drawn to Kampot for its high quality of living at an affordable cost. Housing prices are a fraction of major cities, allowing expats to live comfortably. Typical leisure activities include cycling, yoga, hiking trips to the nearby Bokor and Elephant Mountains, and water sports on the river. The cafe and restaurant scene is excellent for such a small town.
While it’s no bustling metropolis, Kampot Town offers enough amenities to keep most residents happy. There are decent local and international schools, a good selection of shops and small supermarkets, a lively central market and a small hospital. Many medical trips are made to Phnom Penh which has excellent healthcare facilities.
Best Neighborhoods
Some of the most popular neighborhoods for expats and middle-class Cambodians include the Riverside area, Old Town Quarter, Phsar Kandal village and areas south of the river.
Riverside offers scenic river views and a concentration of Kampot’s trendiest cafes, restaurants and guesthouses. The main boulevard provides a lovely sunset stroll. However, as a central tourist district it can get busy and noisy.
The tree-lined streets and French shophouses of Kampot’s Old Town Quarter retain a quaint, colonial charm. This area has seen a revival in recent years with new businesses, hotels and boutique shops opening up. Great for exploring on foot or by bike.
South of the river, leafy streets and traditional stilted homes characterize areas like Phsar Kandal village and Chinese Quarter. New housing developments are also popping up to cater to Cambodia’s growing middle class. Proximity to the river is a prime selling point for homes here.
Cost of Living in Kampot
Kampot offers exceptional value-for-money living, especially for expats on Western incomes or pensions.
- Housing – prices range from $150–500 per month for an apartment. Houses for rent start around $300 for basic units, up to $1000+ for high-end villas.
- Food – local produce is incredibly cheap at the central market. Western imports cost more. Eating out is affordable – $3-5 for mains at local eateries, or $10+ at expat-run restaurants.
- Utilities – electricity, water and internet will come to around $100-150 per month. High-speed WiFi is available.
- Transportation – petrol is $1 per litre. Tuktuks charge $1-2 per short trip. Motorbikes or bicycles are popular for getting around town.
- Healthcare – basic care is very inexpensive but quality at local clinics is hit-or-miss. Bangkok or Singapore are the nearest centres for advanced healthcare.
- Schooling – local schools are cheap, international schools expensive. Fees range from $50 to $1000+ per month.
Employment in Kampot
Kampot has a small job market with most opportunities found in tourism, hospitality, teaching English, trades, or working remotely for international companies.
There are teaching jobs available, particularly for native English speakers to work in language centres, schools or giving private tuition. Salaries start around $800-1000 per month.
Skilled trades like architecture, construction and carpentry are in demand for Kampot’s building boom. Real estate and hospitality jobs also exist for those with experience.
For digital nomads, Kampot provides a great backdrop for location independent online work. The low cost of living means earnings stretch much further here compared to Western countries. Fast, reliable internet helps enable remote work.
Coming from abroad, having savings or an existing online business is recommended. But opportunities do exist for those who take the plunge. Starting a cafe, guesthouse, tour company or other business catering to tourists is one option.
Education and Schools
Kampot has a mixture of local Khmer schools and private international options.
For expats, the main international school is Little Garden, teaching a UK/International curriculum from nursery to secondary level. There are also several smaller pre-schools and kindergartens like Toucan School and Kep Gardens. Fees range from $100-$1000+ per month.
Local state schools follow the national curriculum with instruction in Khmer. These are the most budget option but can have large class sizes and teachers with limited English. Free for Cambodians, minimal fees for foreign students.
Several NGOs run free vocational training programs focusing on skills like hospitality, computering, mechanics, electronics and English. Great for disadvantaged youth.
There are no international standard universities in Kampot. For higher education, students typically enroll in institutions in Phnom Penh or travel abroad.
Healthcare in Kampot
Kampot has basic healthcare facilities for minor injuries or illnesses:
- Kampot Provincial Hospital – the main public hospital servicing the province.
- Rotary-Kampot Clinic – private clinic with English-speaking doctors. Charges moderate fees.
- Several pharmacies like U-Care and CM+ are well stocked.
However, the facilities are limited compared to major hospitals in Phnom Penh. For complex procedures, expats usually travel to Thailand or Singapore which have accredited hospitals.
There are excellent dental clinics in Kampot that are very affordable. Bokor Dental Clinic is popular with expats for their modern equipment and expertise.
When it comes to health insurance, most expats rely on global medical plans or coverage through their home country. There is currently no public health insurance scheme in Cambodia.
Staying fit is easy with activities like cycling, swimming in the river, hiking and recreational sports. The hot and humid climate does take some adjusting to however.
Is Kampot a Good Place to Live?
The laidback riverside lifestyle makes Kampot a very attractive place to settle down for digital nomads and expats alike. The slow pace provides a sense of tranquility while still having just enough amenities for comfort. It’s a welcoming hub for Southeast Asia expats.
For retirees, Kampot hits a sweet spot of low living costs, natural beauty and quality services. The emerging cafe and restaurant scene adds variety and high standards.
Young families also thrive thanks to the safe, community feel and availability of international schooling. Housing is very affordable, allowing families to rent or buy beautiful homes.
While the job market is thin, location flexible online work is on the rise. For remote workers, Kampot makes an exceptional base in Southeast Asia.
The charm and opportunities of Kampot will ensure it remains popular for years to come. Just don’t tell too many people, or it may not stay an under-the-radar gem for long!