Kampot - costs of living
Re: Kampot - costs of living
Look, it's not that bad, and as you mentioned you are looking for seclusion then look for a place to live either on the other side of the river or down towards Mak Prang village, plenty of quiet places to live rent or buy, even several right on the river for decent prices...KampotBound wrote:So, if Kampot has been overrun since my last stay, does anyone have a suggestion for an area that's more like the older, sleepier Kampot (2012 - 2013)?
Kep is the only place I can think of... But most of you know the country better than myself. I didn't like SHV much.
I still going to test out Kampot, but if I see more than a couple backpacks a day... Probably will be moving along... Or at least be staying outside of town.
Thanks!
Honestly, you are thinking way too much about it all, wait until you arrive and spend some time here checking it out...get away from the town, there is much more to Kampot than the 'Riverside' area.
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Re: Kampot - costs of living
I'd like to thank everyone who has contributed to this thread. I'm encouraged by the civil nature of the folks on this board. Perhaps a friendship or two may emerge from my time spent here. Or not... I'm easy going.
Too long a post (TL/DR)?: This is a thank you, several questions, my loose plans & some thoughts.
Visiting my buddy with the home in Kampot next month, while he's here in the states. I'll have a lot more to write and ask after that visit, I plan to grill him extensively. I'll be interested to compare his current view of things & advice he has for me with the info you folks provide.
Probably wrote this a few times before... Likely I'll start with a stay at my buddy's place near the river to get the essentials while I look for and rent a place for myself. He'll accommodate me as long as that requires. Not going to rush anything...
Also, what to do with my free time while there? I'm "retired" here, but only about fifty. Again, probably wrote this b/f - I'm a musician, sound engineer, IT guy, mechanic - useless skills for Kampot for the most part. Though I'd like to maybe help improve the music scene. The quality of live music in Kampot was pretty dismal my last visit, Khmer & western styles. Maybe it's gotten better? Not looking to make money, but paid gigs would be cool if nothing more than to show appreciation and value for my contributions. I know the money would be very little. Not looking to be employed - realize that's difficult on several levels, but would take on something if it kept me busy - I don't want to fall into the trap of drinking every night (at least not heavily..), the hard shit, bar girls, etc... Don't recall bar girls in Kampot, but I expect that's possibly changed. Whatever...
What is the situation like for living near or on the river during the rainy season? I've read of serious flooding in Kampot in the not so distant past. I'm kinda surprised that a place like the Greenhouse or was it Bodhivilla (maybe both, as they were in 2012) can withstand the wet season! We had gigs at those places, but it was kinda of a blur as those were my first days in country last visit.
A few Khmers who I can trust absolutely have been vetted on previous visits and are very willing to assist me again (a great guide and long distance driver, and a couple Kampot locals). Nonetheless, I expect to get schooled a few dozen times b/f I'm as adept as many of you here. I'm well aware of the cost of a private driver for one person, thankfully he's like family to a different very good friend of mine, and was very accommodating during past visits. Only use him in PP for airport pick ups, and to get to Kampot or SR and as a general guide when needed. Am very anxious to see him again. I treat him like family myself, and realize the challenges he faces with the cost of autos and petrol. Still has his Camry with A/C!
Shit is getting ugly in the states, albeit nothing at all on the scale of Cambodia's troubles, past and present or 1968 here.
? - does political violence in PP show up in Kampot, SHV? Thinking of the recent murder of the opposition political figure, general political corruption & govt opposition. Are foreigners, esp., Americans being looked at as useless or worse - seeing as how we have some politicians here who are expressing very nationalistic, anti-immigrant sentiments?
I do worry about backlash... And it would be justified, imo, if Khmers feet less than enthusiastic about Americans moving in.
I'm not a particularly political person, at least in public, so please don't infer any political leanings from the above. It's simply pragmatic thinking on my part.
Cheers to CEO and it's members!
Remaining, Kampot Bound
Too long a post (TL/DR)?: This is a thank you, several questions, my loose plans & some thoughts.
Visiting my buddy with the home in Kampot next month, while he's here in the states. I'll have a lot more to write and ask after that visit, I plan to grill him extensively. I'll be interested to compare his current view of things & advice he has for me with the info you folks provide.
Probably wrote this a few times before... Likely I'll start with a stay at my buddy's place near the river to get the essentials while I look for and rent a place for myself. He'll accommodate me as long as that requires. Not going to rush anything...
Also, what to do with my free time while there? I'm "retired" here, but only about fifty. Again, probably wrote this b/f - I'm a musician, sound engineer, IT guy, mechanic - useless skills for Kampot for the most part. Though I'd like to maybe help improve the music scene. The quality of live music in Kampot was pretty dismal my last visit, Khmer & western styles. Maybe it's gotten better? Not looking to make money, but paid gigs would be cool if nothing more than to show appreciation and value for my contributions. I know the money would be very little. Not looking to be employed - realize that's difficult on several levels, but would take on something if it kept me busy - I don't want to fall into the trap of drinking every night (at least not heavily..), the hard shit, bar girls, etc... Don't recall bar girls in Kampot, but I expect that's possibly changed. Whatever...
What is the situation like for living near or on the river during the rainy season? I've read of serious flooding in Kampot in the not so distant past. I'm kinda surprised that a place like the Greenhouse or was it Bodhivilla (maybe both, as they were in 2012) can withstand the wet season! We had gigs at those places, but it was kinda of a blur as those were my first days in country last visit.
A few Khmers who I can trust absolutely have been vetted on previous visits and are very willing to assist me again (a great guide and long distance driver, and a couple Kampot locals). Nonetheless, I expect to get schooled a few dozen times b/f I'm as adept as many of you here. I'm well aware of the cost of a private driver for one person, thankfully he's like family to a different very good friend of mine, and was very accommodating during past visits. Only use him in PP for airport pick ups, and to get to Kampot or SR and as a general guide when needed. Am very anxious to see him again. I treat him like family myself, and realize the challenges he faces with the cost of autos and petrol. Still has his Camry with A/C!
Shit is getting ugly in the states, albeit nothing at all on the scale of Cambodia's troubles, past and present or 1968 here.
? - does political violence in PP show up in Kampot, SHV? Thinking of the recent murder of the opposition political figure, general political corruption & govt opposition. Are foreigners, esp., Americans being looked at as useless or worse - seeing as how we have some politicians here who are expressing very nationalistic, anti-immigrant sentiments?
I do worry about backlash... And it would be justified, imo, if Khmers feet less than enthusiastic about Americans moving in.
I'm not a particularly political person, at least in public, so please don't infer any political leanings from the above. It's simply pragmatic thinking on my part.
Cheers to CEO and it's members!
Remaining, Kampot Bound
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Re: Kampot - costs of living
away from the riverside theres not so many foreigners, but the riverside is littered with them,KampotBound wrote:II don't want to fall into the trap of drinking every night (at least not heavily..), the hard shit, bar girls, etc... Don't recall bar girls in Kampot, but I expect that's possibly changed. Whatever...
i live in SHV so to me Kampot is still a very sleepy town, theres no real night life scene there, couple of bars on the riverside and thats about it, gets very quiet around midnight
theres a few big KTV's that obviously have girls but other than that theres no girly bars, 2 knocking shops but cater more for the local clientele
i do like Kampot, its a place i could live if i had a missus, but being a young single male it doesnt offer a great deal for me to keep me entertained long term
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Re: Kampot - costs of living
Hello, any update ?
I am wondering if we can find any supermarket in Kampot now ?
And how much for a bungalow or apartment to rent monthly ?
Thanks.
I am wondering if we can find any supermarket in Kampot now ?
And how much for a bungalow or apartment to rent monthly ?
Thanks.
ONLY MONKEYS THINK THAT I AM NOT LIVING IN CAMBODIA BECAUSE I USE VPNs and PROXIES.
Sorry but I do not reply to idiots, especially the old ones.
Sorry but I do not reply to idiots, especially the old ones.
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Re: Kampot - costs of living
theres a small supermarket i think near the Durian roundabout and lots of mama/papa stores, iirc there was also a supermarket near rusty keyhole, i not been since 2016 thoughcannabistourist wrote: ↑Sun Apr 15, 2018 10:03 pm Hello, any update ?
I am wondering if we can find any supermarket in Kampot now ?
And how much for a bungalow or apartment to rent monthly ?
Thanks.
Mean Dtuk Mean Trei, Mean Loy Mean Srey
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Re: Kampot - costs of living
We all get participation ribbons these days.
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Re: Kampot - costs of living
KampotBound wrote: ↑Mon Jul 18, 2016 2:25 am I'd like to thank everyone who has contributed to this thread. I'm encouraged by the civil nature of the folks on this board. Perhaps a friendship or two may emerge from my time spent here. Or not... I'm easy going.
Shit is getting ugly in the states, albeit nothing at all on the scale of Cambodia's troubles,
Cheers to CEO and it's members!
Remaining, Kampot Bound
this was this guys last post ... june . 2 years ago .. s o i guess he never made it .
reading all about kampot now .. being forced out of shitsville .. incredible
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Re: Kampot - costs of living
PSD-Kiwi wrote: ↑Wed Jun 15, 2016 11:32 am Not gonna put monetary values to anything, because how long is a piece of string? Best bet is to look around and speak to locals and expats once you're on the ground.
Kampot is expanding, and will continue to do so with the new deep sea port and Phu Quoc ferry terminal being constructed, although I doubt it will ever get anywhere near as big as Sihanoukville. There is still alot of natural areas and plenty of trees, plus the river and all of its offshoots. No high rises, no late night clubs/bars blaring out ridiculously loud music till the early hours, no hostess bars
Local market prices = on par with the PP markets, if not slightly cheaper. More local produce as opposed to imported.
Supermarkets = Not a lot of choice, but all the basics are available. A tad bit more expensive than supermarkets in PP.
Rent = Still very reasonably priced, some fantastic bargains to be had out of the town, closer to nature, away from the (minimal) hustle n bustle of the town.
Property ownership = Possible, through Blue Star Real Estate.
Western oriented bars/restaurants = Kampot is oversaturated with bars and restaurants, most of which have high quality food at reasonable prices. The excess of bars and restaurants helps to keep the prices down for consumers.
Local restaurants/bars = Plenty and inexpensive
hello,
Phu Quoc ferry terminal ? Now built ?
Or where do we have to go to take a boat ?
Thanks.
ONLY MONKEYS THINK THAT I AM NOT LIVING IN CAMBODIA BECAUSE I USE VPNs and PROXIES.
Sorry but I do not reply to idiots, especially the old ones.
Sorry but I do not reply to idiots, especially the old ones.
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Re: Kampot - costs of living
KampotBound wrote: ↑Sat Jun 18, 2016 1:55 am Again, a big thank you for each post. I like those lock boxes.
Thanks for the link "Frank". I spoke to my buddy with the place in Kampot for a good bit yesterday. Now remember, I've visited him already, but it's been several years. He reported that the street he's on, indeed the one that had "Bar Red" for a short while in 2011 - 2012, he tells me things are more paved, many new restaurants on his street, which used to be desolate and dark and had may aggressive dogs in the area after 10PM. It's a prominent, narrow street, he may have one of the nicest places within a couple blocks of the river. He got it quite awhile ago (mid 2000s, one of the first wave of expats to buy property, i suppose he still rents the land, don't know...) He fixed it up significantly. Gorgeous place, tons of cool stone to lay on, big kitchen, many windows, open with good air flow, one / two blocks from river. I could see buying it from him in a few years if he let's it go. He has a thai wife but she won't visit him in Kampot, I get the why on that. So, he spends less time there now than he did b/f 2011 when he got married.
I could rent his place, but it's way more room than I need, and neither he nor I would have a roommate, unless it was the other of us. I don't feel i need to pay $500 for a place big enough for three adults western style.
So, there's much more going on there than when I visited! But... I very much understand the head scratching at why a guy about 50 without a g/f / wife would be happy in Kampot. You'd have to know me better to get that i might be able to handle it. I'm visiting for several months this winter. And not to offend anyone, but no I'm not gay, I'm hetero. And I'm definitely not looking for a khmer g/f, it'd take me a long time to trust the motives of any woman, from anywhere, for me to date over there. In time...
My buddy rents his house for a mere $500/mo when not there. So the cost estimates you've given me seem right on. He doesn't stay there all that much, and I could see myself using Kampot as my base, while I occasionally travel to Thailand / Vietnam as I wish - depending on how much i want to spend. I could also - maybe - find some work there to help pass some time. Apparently there is still a need for more live music there. I'm a bassist and a sound guy. I did FOH sound for several performances while there b/f - pretty rough sound systems - greenhouse, bodhivilla (sp?) and one or two other venues.
Who knows. I may hate it my next trip. I loved it in 2012, but am wondering if the deep sea port and recent development isn't too much for me. My buddy reports the growth driven by the govt is rather slow to actually happen, as I'd expect.
He pretty much confirmed what I've been told here. My nest egg can support me there at the level I want (since i could go up in budget sig., if required). I'm just a bit conservative, if Kampot doesn't work out I may end up somewhere else where costs are up to 100% higher (double). But my love for the Khmer / mixed-asian culture, extreme heat and humidity, insane rain and the native food is immeasurable.
Right now I live alone, have for four years, and for five years earlier in my adult life - g/fs I don't have live with me anymore. Was married 12 years long ago. To much b.s. I'm used to spending a few days at a time without seeing or talking to anyone, or driving my car. I'm in the Rockies, not near any big towns. Small groceries are a half hour each way, real groceries are an hour each way. I'm social, just also like a lot of time to myself. Material comforts are relative - my buddy has everything at his place I'd need, he can do it, I believe I can. But he gets restless, I know that.
A marihuana "bar" opened up in Kampot? Anyone can confirm this?
This isn't an uninformed move... I know life can be short and miserable there. Lots of trouble to get into. To much idle time.
Thanks for reminding me of all that - I take those issues very seriously.
Thank You!
A marihuana "bar" opened up in Kampot?
ONLY MONKEYS THINK THAT I AM NOT LIVING IN CAMBODIA BECAUSE I USE VPNs and PROXIES.
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Sorry but I do not reply to idiots, especially the old ones.
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Re: Kampot - costs of living
phuketrichard wrote: ↑Tue Jun 21, 2016 11:44 am and as woody allen said
"Nothing wrong with Masturbation, its making love with the person you love the most"
But what does that have to do with Kampot??
although as the op says, he is not interested in loose women so.........
Maybe it's a good place to do it !
Riverfront !
ONLY MONKEYS THINK THAT I AM NOT LIVING IN CAMBODIA BECAUSE I USE VPNs and PROXIES.
Sorry but I do not reply to idiots, especially the old ones.
Sorry but I do not reply to idiots, especially the old ones.
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