Backpacking Southern Cambodia 18/41: Making Merit on the End of Buddhist Lent Day in Kampot Province, Cambodia - All Locals Wear White Shirts

Backpacking Southern Cambodia 18/41: Making Merit on the End of Buddhist Lent Day in Kampot Province, Cambodia

When talking about Kampot Province in Cambodia, many may know it as a peaceful town with beautiful nature and delicious local food. But for mr.hotsia, visiting Kampot during the End of Buddhist Lent Day was a deeply moving and impressive experience because it allowed me to witness the villagers' way of life filled with genuine faith and simplicity.

On the End of Buddhist Lent Day in Kampot, all the locals wear white shirts as a symbol of purity and merit-making on this special occasion. Mr.hotsia traveled into a small community near Kampot town and saw people earnestly going to the temple to offer food to the monks amid a peaceful and impressive atmosphere.

Kampot Province is one of the peaceful and safe provinces for foreign travelers. Mr.hotsia stayed here for 3 nights, strolling along the small streets by the Chhou River. The people are very friendly, and some Khmer locals can speak Thai reasonably well, which made communication much easier. For those interested in more details about Kampot Province, you can read atTravel Information for Kampot Province, Cambodia

On the End of Buddhist Lent Day, the community gathers to make merit by offering alms in the morning. I had the chance to join the villagers in giving alms directly, which gave me a warm feeling. I saw children, adults, and elders all dressed in clean white shirts, holding alms bowls and walking in line to the village temple. Sometimes monks would walk their alms rounds along the quiet streets lined with houses.

The atmosphere in the temple during the End of Buddhist Lent Day is especially lively. Mr.hotsia sat to listen to the monks chanting and sermons at a temple in Kampot, which was a perfect time to sit quietly, calm the mind, and truly experience the faith in the Khmer way of life.

Besides religious activities, walking around the market near the temple offered a chance to experience the daily life of the locals. I saw people wearing white shirts selling local products such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and many local dishes worth trying, especially at the night market famous for durian and fresh fruit smoothies.Night Market Restaurant - Durian SmoothiesHere, mr.hotsia did not miss tasting the durian smoothie, which was so sweet and creamy that it must be recommended.

Speaking of Kampot, it’s impossible not to mention Kampot pepper, as this area is famous nationwide for its black pepper cultivation. During my trip, I visited a pepper farm where locals grow pepper. Besides tasting fresh black pepper with an intense aroma, I also learned in detail about the harvesting and processing steps.Kampot PepperIt is another highlight not to be missed when visiting this province.

To travel to Kampot, you can take an air-conditioned bus from Phnom Penh comfortably. The journey takes about 4-5 hours, with two departures daily, morning and afternoon. Mr.hotsia recommends buying tickets from hotels in Phnom Penh for convenience. After arriving, you can easily call a tuk-tuk or rent a motorcycle to explore the town.

Another nearby place I want to recommend isPhnom Chhnork Cavewhich is about 8 kilometers from the town. This place has historical and natural significance dating back to ancient times, featuring an interesting cave temple. When traveling there, be sure to clearly instruct the tuk-tuk driver, as they often take visitors to other less interesting caves. But if you are particular and reach Phnom Chhnork Cave, you will be rewarded with beautiful views and a mysterious atmosphere full of ancient stories.

The End of Buddhist Lent Day in Kampot is not only about peace and faith. Mr.hotsia also tasted local dishes like dry Khmer noodles and Lok Lak, which are rich-flavored local foods found at roadside restaurants in Kampot town. If interested, you can watch videos of these food experiences atDry Khmer Noodles in Kampot ProvinceandLok Lak in Kampot Provincewhich mr.hotsia personally filmed.

In summary, making merit on the End of Buddhist Lent Day in Kampot with mr.hotsia is not just ordinary travel but an opportunity to truly experience the villagers' real life. Seeing people of all ages wearing white shirts and making merit together is an impressive image that will stay in my heart for a long time. If anyone is looking for a peaceful retreat with a simple lifestyle full of culture and beautiful nature, Kampot is the answer that mr.hotsia strongly recommends.