 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
|
| |
The Battle of Kampot
|
The Battle of Kampot was a major battle of the Vietnam War, also apart of the Cambodian Civil War. From February 26 to April 2, 1974, Cambodian government troops battled Khmer Rouge guerillas for the control of Kampot city.
The Khmer Rouge commenced their attack north of Kampot on February 26, pounding the city with 107mm rockets and 120mm mortars.
During the first week of fighting, elements of the Cambodian Army 12th and 68th Brigades abandoned their positions, while the 210th and 68th Battalions were deactivated after 300 soldiers deserted during the first day of the enemy onslaught. The desertions allow the Khmer Rouge to capture the city water works, as a result, 50% of Kampot's inhabitants flee the city due to the dwindling water supply.
With support from the navy, air force and artillery units the 12th and 20th Brigades of the Cambodian army counterattacked the north-east. Rather than advance, the Cambodian government units developed a defensive posture as the Khmer Rouge's positions were strengthened. Between March 2-March 10 Kampot was further reinforced with six 105mm artillery pieces as well as two more battalions. On April 3, government defensive positions near Kampot airfield was abandoned after the Khmer Rouge completely isolate it.
Despite the Cambodian Army's heavy resistance the Khmer Rouge eventually captured the city of Kampot on April 2, both sides suffered heavy casualties during the fighting but many more civilians were rendered homeless. After the fall of Kampot the Khmer Rouge would launch another deadly offensive to capture Udong. |
|
| |
|
| |
|
For up to date weather information on Kampot:  |
| |
| |
|
All figures given are Kampot data derived from GHCN 1, for 216 months between 1951 and 1970 |
| |
Temperature |
Most often, the weather is milder in Kampot than in Phnom Penh. |
| |
|
 |
| |
Rainfall |
During the monsoon, heavy rain will fall in a fairly short period of time. Cambodia at it's most beautiful: vibrant green nature, sometimes with dark skies for contrast. |
| |
|
 |
| |
Average Rainfall
|
 |
| |
Air Pressure
|
 |
 |
|
| |
|
| |
Emergency
|
Dr. Philipe from Belgium, a veteran in Cambodia, be called in case of an emergency for diagnosis and first aid only. Local health facilities may not always be sufficiently equipped. We recommend taking out medical insurance including medical evacuation. SOS International offers the best medical evacuation policy available for Cambodia and possibly worldwide, but they do not as yet offer medical insurance. For more information check www.internationalsos.com |
| |
Hospital |
We have no experience with the local hospital. Allegedly they have an x-ray apparatus but for serious illnesses or injuries one has to travel to Phnom Penh or - worst case scenario - to Bangkok or Singapore. Make sure you have adequate medical travel insurance. |
| |
Dentist |
For any dental work you will have to travel to Phnom Penh. IMI on Street 208 in Phnom Penh has a Khmer dentist trained in Denmark, and has modern equipment. |
| |
Pharmacy |
The largest collection of Western medicine can be found the pharmacy at the central roundabout. All medicine are sold over the counter, no prescription necessary. |
| |
Optician |
For cheap and quick prescription glasses, see Da Lin on Bridge Street. For contact lens fluid, see the pharmacy at the central roundabout. |
|
| |
|
| |
|
If you are looking for comfortable, clean rooms with all the luxuries, spend your nights in Kampot with Rikitikitavi. For budget travelers, we recommend Blissful Guesthouse next to Acleda Bank and Bodhi Villa, in a beautiful setting on the other side of the river, about 4 km down the road to Tek Chou Rapids. |
| |
|
| |
|
For quality tasty food, there is no need to stroll further than Rikitikitavi. If you feel like a good old hotdog, try them at Rheajs. |
| |
|
| |
|
Most nights show beautiful sunsets, a perfect time for cocktails on the riverside. Our bar has a comprehensive selection of spirits, malt whiskeys, liqueurs and wine. Blissful Guesthouse also has a great bar, and for later nights, try Bonkors just a couple of doors down from us. For those of you who like to mingle with the locals, join them in a session of Karaoke. |
|
| |
|
| |
Supermarket |
Located at the central roundabout, Heng Dy is a small convenience store with toiletries, batteries and some western groceries. |
| |
Market |
Kampot's main market is on route 3 towards Phnom Penh. Go early to see the fully stocked shops with vegetables, fruit, meat and fish. The market gets extra lively during down-pours. Luckily the market is partially covered with concrete, the rest of the market is covered with anything that will do and creates great waterfalls. As the market it situated on a very low point, it tends to flood rather quickly. You will never see shop owners as busy as when they are scrubbing their floors and stalls with the abundance of water. |
| |
|
 |
| |
Photo Development
|
The Kodak shop at the central roundabout offers photo printing of film and digital, not cheap and don't expect the best quality. Various films can be bought here as well. Again, if you're looking for something specific, Phnom Penh is your best bet. |
| |
Souvenirs |
As yet there is no real souvenir shop in Kampot. Beautiful silk bags with pure Kampot pepper can be purchased from various restaurants, proceeds go to the Kampot Pepper Farmers' Association. Kampot Postcards can also be bought from some restaurants, proceeds go to Kampot Children's Fund.
The main market also has some interesting items as kramas and rattan goods.
|
| |
|
 |
|
| |
|
| |
|
There are two banks in Kampot: |
| |
Acleda Bank
|
Western Union services and traveler's cheques services are offered by Acleda Bank, which can be found next to Blissful Guesthouse, just of the ‘Salt Workers’ roundabout.
Opening hours are from 8am until 4pm during weekdays, Saturdays until 12.00 noon, closed on Sundays and all public holidays |
| |
Canadia Bank
|
Behind the central roundabout
Offers credit card withdrawals.
Opening hours are from 8am until 3.30pm, Saturday until 11.30am, closed on Sundays and all public holidays. |
 |
| |
ATM |
ATM's are not yet available in Kampot, rumours go that we can expect the first one at the end of 2007. The closest ATMs are in Sihanoukville (Kampong Som), so make sure you bring enough money. |
| |
Credit Card
|
Credit card withdrawals are possible at Canadia Bank |
| |
Traveler’s cheques
|
Traveler's cheques can be cashed at Acleda Bank. |
| |
Western Union service
|
Also at Acleda Bank. |
 |
| |
Money Change
|
Money can be changed at either bank or at the jeweler's shops at the local market. |
|
| |
|
| |
Post Office
|
The post office is right next doors to Rikitikitavi, and offers not much more than stamps. Opening hours are roughly the same as those of the banks. |
| |
|
 |
| |
Internet |
Internet services can be found around town, the best two being Kampot Network and Bokor Web on the street between the bridge and the central roundabout ($0.75 per hour). Both friendly and helpful, offering reliable connections most of the time, and services like CD burning, fax and internet phone calls. |
| |
Domestic phone calls
|
Domestic phone calls can be made at one of the many telephone booths around town for about 300-400 riel per minute. |
| |
International phone calls
|
International phone calls are best made at the fore mentioned internet cafes, Kampot Network provides private booths. Prices vary per country, but are surprisingly low. |
|
| |
|
| |
Newspapers |
Cambodia Daily, with Khmer and international news and the bi-monthly Phnom Penh Post are available from the stationary shop behind the gas station at the roundabout. |
| |
|
 |
 |
| |
|
 |
| Kampot Darlaing |
Free local newsletter, with a very good map of Kampot and surroundings, information on local volunteer projects, things to do and much more. Kampot Darlaing can be found at most guesthouses and restaurants. |
| |
Canby Guide to Sihanoukville and Kampot |
Free information booklet full of local information, up to date travel information and more. Available at numerous guesthouses, restaurants and bars around Cambodia. Also has a very useful, updated website on Sihanoukville and Kampot |
 |
| |
Books |
English language books, with good selections of books about Cambodia, are found at Blissful Guesthouse and at Kepler Books. |
