Colonial Kampot

Construction of the original Governor's Mansion in Kampot began in 1889

The French colonial administration established a residence or administrative center and colonial resort at Kampot in 1885 and lots of evidence of their time in Kampot remains today. I didn't have time to conduct a full inventory of Kampot's colonial heritage but did have a window of opportunity to whizz around with a motodup to snap a few pictures for posterity. The first two-storey brick shophouses built in Kampot appeared along the riverbank in 1901 and that saw a boom in housing and shops within the town. The Chinese were also prominent in Kampot, even before the French established their presence. Kampot's colonial appearance is akin to that to be found in Battambang, Kompong Cham and Kratie and adds a touch of flair to otherwise characterless town centers.

A restored colonial mansion now used by the Red Cross in Kampot

This two-storey townhouse was built in 1951

This colonial beauty, now in disrepair, is part of the Kampot Prison

A splash of clour makes a difference to Kampot's side streets

This ochre-coloured shuttered building has seen better days

Many of Kampot's side-streets look like this with grand columns and shuttered windows

Some of the shophouses along the riverfront need some love & attention

And this is what they look like when they are cared for