I have started walking in the morning out to the salt fields just outside Chum Kriel. There is over a thousand hectares of land in Kampot dedicated to salt production and I find it a fascinating place.
At this time of year (the dry season) they are preparing the fields for the salt growing process. As far as I can tell this involves preparing the clay surfaces of the field, flooding it with sea water, waiting until the sun and wind cause the water to evaporate and then harvesting the salt crystals that remain.
The video shows workers in a chain gang formation flattening the clay ground in preparation for the salt crystals. I don’t think they see many foreigners out there and so were amused by my presence. I thought the team on the right were way more graceful with their ‘thumping’ than their neighbours.
I had no idea how salt was produced until I moved to Kampot. Anyone else?
From 9-5 in the western world to a happy life in rural Cambodia.