Kampong Samraong

Kampot, globally known for its pepper, is actually not that touristy yet, but is becoming an increasingly popular destination, especially for backpackers. However, on the very first evening I notice that sex tourism is quite present in this small town, which gives the whole thing a negative aftertaste - but well, I try to avoid this notorious area. 🙃

🚲To see more of the area, I decide to go on a bike tour the next day (Jason's Bike Tour - highly recommended!). The four of us explore the area while Jason tells us a lot about the culture, history and religion in Cambodia.

🍲We have lunch with the locals and are lucky enough to see how palm sugar is produced in a "factory".

Cambodia is known to be a very poor country, but the people are very welcoming. I learn that spirits and ghosts are very important to the Khmer people. Alcoholism is a big problem and many people in the larger cities are exploited by the Chinese.

🏠The old wooden houses in rural areas often stand on pillars. Why? Because on the one hand it is much cooler underneath and the wind blows through. On the other hand, livestock used to be kept there. The higher the pillars, the larger the animals that belonged to the family and the wealthier the family was. From chickens and pigs to cows and even elephants, which were owned by very wealthy families.

🐦What is also very noticeable - birdsong - everywhere! However, most tourists don't know that these are not real birds, but just recordings. In the upper floors of some houses, birds are attracted by the chirping and then build nests there. These are then sold to China as a delicacy. (birds nest soup)

Kampot is famous for its pepper.
Now I also know where you are really sent when you say "go where the pepper grows" 😂

💦There is also a pond in almost every village/town, which was or is still partly used for water supply - or for swimming.

🙏🏼5% of the population is Muslim, but more than 80% of the total population is Buddhist. Nowadays, the predominant form and state religion is Theravada Buddhism. Being a monk is commonplace in Cambodia, with many young men joining a monastery, even temporarily.Read more