KampotBound wrote:Hey folks - first a huge thank you for the fast and plentiful replies from an apparently diverse and knowledgeable community. What a rarity!

One thing that really strikes me is the extremes of opinions - not in this post maybe - but in others asking similar questions. I understand discouraging a 21 yr old who hasn't been to Cambodia from moving there, but to say flat out, "Don't Come", that seems harsh. But - then again, it is the harsh I want to read - if it's from a place of reason and not snobbery at those of us who seek a simpler life.

I could go there, rent for a year (I want to experience the wet season), buy a $300,000 place and get on.

That's NOT what I want. I want to keep my property here that I own outright and try to make it over there on rental / investment income - not drawing down my asests, except for capital purchases and health care emergencies and other unforeseen disasters. I'm worth about $1.5M USD, no debts, and do not plan to work there. I'd expect in the worst financial years here in the US to earn about $45,000/yr - rent and uneraned income from a family trust. I am not rich - but am comfortable. I'd divest about $50K in personal assets b/f moving to ensure a financially secure long stay there - I'd hope $50K would get by for two years - but I'd like to live on less. I need very little.

Also, the opinions of cost of living confound me. Is $15,000USD/yr ok for a modest western lifestyle, is $25,000USD/yr what it would take, $50kUSD???

I'm non-materialistic, had my run with dope many years ago, drink very modestly and have zero interest in ever spending money to get laid. I know very, very well the slippery slope of the nightlife there, I've had a few acquaintances who had to come back to the US or died over there b/c of that... It won't be me. I'm too old, too wise and have learned extreme self-control - unlike when I was a doper.

Anyway... I appreciate the replies. My last visit (2012) I enjoyed the Kampot market quite a bit, yeah helmet and closed toe shoes, situational awareness, etc... all needed - but the food! I love it, sure, it takes a bit to get used to the gut busting organisms that we're not used to, but in time that gets much better. I ate at the market within my first few days there at the behest of my host - he steered me right and after getting over the expected gastro issues I continued to eat all native for a month as was completely fine. I love the native food, I won't be eating western, I don't eat a particularly western diet here in the US as it is. I won't miss western beef or burgers. I would intentionally avoid the places in cities like PP that offer a western dinning experience, that's the last thing I want. But... In time I'm sure I'd break down a few times and indulge - I have to be realistic.

To be clear, I am looking to (semi-)retire, I'll be about 50 by the time I can get everything arranged and moved (1 - 1.5 yrs max.)

I'm concerned about the growth around Kampot - the deep water port and all the development. I guess it could be good, but I had no particular interest in SKV, too crowded, too western for my tastes.

I'll be talking to a friend today who owns a place near the river in Kampot. I'll post back with questions that might come up form that conversation.

bolueeleh wrote:dude its ok, nobody met you in real life yet, you are still safe

Bitte_Kein_Lexus wrote:For what it's worth, you'll see MORE white faces in Kampot than any other city, including Phnom Penh. I'm serious... More than Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh for sure (per capita). So if you're going somewhere to get away from whiteys, I'd recommend another provincial town.

Bitte_Kein_Lexus wrote:For what it's worth, you'll see MORE white faces in Kampot than any other city, including Phnom Penh. I'm serious... More than Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh for sure (per capita). So if you're going somewhere to get away from whiteys, I'd recommend another provincial town.