Koh Kong

Koh Kong, officially Krong Khemarak Phoumin, is the small provincial capital of Kaoh Kong province in southwest Cambodia. It sits on the Kah Bpow River about 8 km from the Cham Yeam border crossing with Thailand at Hat Lek. The town itself is compact and somewhat unusual in appearance — wide, empty streets and low-density blocks give it a frontier feel that reflects its position as Cambodia's western gateway to Thailand. Despite its modest size, Koh Kong is a launching point for some of the country's most spectacular natural areas, including the vast mangrove estuaries of the Gulf of Thailand coast and the forested peaks of the Cardamom Mountains.

The surrounding province is one of Cambodia's greenest and most ecologically significant. Asia's largest intact mangrove estuary system lies just offshore, sheltering Irrawaddy dolphins, smooth-coated otters, and globally endangered shorebirds. Koh Kong Island, Cambodia's largest island at roughly 20 km long, lies about 40 minutes by speedboat and offers pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The town itself is small enough to explore on foot or by motorbike, though the wide streets and spread-out layout mean a vehicle is useful for reaching the border and outlying sights.

Travel advisory: As of 2026, border skirmishes along the Cambodian-Thai border have been reported. The Cham Yeam land border crossing may be closed. Travellers should check current government advisories (Australia, Canada, UK, US) before planning a trip to Koh Kong. Do not travel within 50 km of the border without verifying security conditions.

By Plane

Koh Kong has an airport (IATA: KKZ) but has no scheduled commercial flights. The runway is in poor condition and air travel is not expected to resume in the near term. The nearest functioning airports are Sihanoukville (KOS, about 220 km south via Hwy 48) and Phnom Penh (PNH, about 290 km east via Hwy 48 and Hwy 4).

By Car / Road

Koh Kong is linked to the rest of Cambodia by National Highway 48, which runs east to Sre Ambel where it meets Highway 4. From there, Phnom Penh is about 290 km total (6–7 hours by car) and Sihanoukville is roughly 220 km (4–5 hours). The road is paved and scenic, crossing five major bridges and passing through the Cardamom Mountains foothills. From the Thai border at Cham Yeam, the town is about 11 km; motorbike taxis charge around 100–150 baht (US$3–3.50), and shared taxis or tuk-tuks run the route for US$5–10 per car.

Bus and minibus services connect Koh Kong to Phnom Penh (departs 07:45 and 12:30, about 6 hours, US$9), Sihanoukville (08:00, about 5 hours, US$8–10), and Kep/Kampot (daily 07:30, US$16). Operators include Virak Buntham, Sorya, and Olympic Transport. Shared taxis from Sihanoukville take about 4 hours and cost US$45–60 if sole occupant, or US$8–12 per person when shared.

Koh Kong town is walkable for short distances, but the wide streets and spread-out layout make motorbike taxis the most practical option for getting around. Motorbike taxis charge around 1,000 riel/km with a 1,000 riel starting fare. Bicycles and motorbikes can be rented from guesthouses. There is no public bus system. For trips to the coast, islands, or Cardamom Mountains, arrange transport through guesthouses or tour operators in town.

• Koh Kong Island — Cambodia's largest island, about 40 minutes by speedboat, with six white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, tropical forest, and diverse wildlife including monkeys, toucans, and occasional dolphins. Day trips only; overnight stays are prohibited as it is a military zone. Day-trip rates from around US$200 (negotiable).

• Peam Krasop Mangroves — Asia's largest intact mangrove estuary system, home to Irrawaddy dolphins, finless porpoises, smooth-coated otters, and hairy-nosed otters. Boat tours can be arranged at Lin's Restaurant in town.

• Kah Bpow River — the riverfront area around town offers views of the mangrove channels and is a starting point for dolphin-watching and river cruises.

• O'bak Retes rapids — a scenic set of rapids along Highway 4, about 20 km north of the Koh Kong turn-off, a pleasant roadside stop.

• Cardamom Mountains — the forested highlands south and east of town, home to gibbons, macaques, elephants, and rare birds. Day treks and multi-day expeditions can be arranged through local operators.

• Dolphin watching — boat tours into the mangrove estuaries to observe Irrawaddy dolphins and other marine mammals, arranged through local operators.

• Koh Kong Island day trip — speedboat excursion for swimming, snorkelling, and beach-combing on Cambodia's largest island.

• Cardamom Mountains trekking — guided hikes ranging from day walks to multi-day expeditions with overnight stays in community lodges.

• Birdwatching — the coastline and mangrove estuaries are a wintering ground for over 20 migratory shorebird species, including the critically endangered spoon-billed sandpiper.

• Border crossing to Thailand — the Cham Yeam–Hat Lek crossing (when open) provides easy access to Trat province and onward to Thailand's eastern islands.

Food in Koh Kong revolves around fresh seafood and Khmer staples. The restaurants clustered around the central roundabout serve good local food at reasonable prices. Specialities include grilled river fish, crab with Kampot pepper, prahok (fermented fish paste) with fresh vegetables, and noodle soups. Thmorda Crab House in Mondolsima District is a popular seafood spot. The riverside stalls offer simple but fresh grilled fish and shellfish. Budget meals in town cost US$1–3; mid-range restaurant meals run US$3–8.

Koh Kong town has a handful of simple bars and guesthouse lounges. Angkor and Cambodia are the dominant local beer brands, typically US$0.50–1 per can or draft. Fresh coconut water and sugar-cane juice are available from street vendors. Thai beverages are widely available given the border proximity. Stick to bottled or filtered water; tap water is not potable.

• Budget: Koh Kong has several guesthouses in the US$5–10/night range near the town centre, offering basic rooms with fans or air-conditioning. Look along the main streets near the roundabout.
• Mid-range: A few small hotels in the US$15–30/night range offer air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, and river or town views. Check for newer properties catering to the ecotourism market.
• Upscale / heritage: Koh Kong has limited upscale options. For a premium experience, eco-lodges in the Cardamom Mountains or along the coast offer guided packages with accommodation in US$50–150/night range.

Koh Kong town has limited shopping. The local market near the town centre sells basic goods, fresh produce, and household items. Thai products are common due to the proximity of the border. Look for locally produced palm sugar, dried seafood, and Cardamom Mountains honey. Thai baht, US dollars, and Cambodian riel are all accepted interchangeably, though you may receive change in a mix of currencies.

• Sihanoukville — about 220 km southeast (4–5 hours by road), Cambodia's main coastal resort town with beaches, islands, and ferry connections to Koh Rong.
• Kampot — about 160 km southeast (3–4 hours), a charming riverside town known for pepper farms and colonial architecture.
• Kep — about 180 km southeast (3–4 hours), a quiet coastal town famous for its crab market and nearby Rabbit Island.
• Hat Lek, Thailand — 11 km northwest (when the border is open), the Thai border town with onward connections to Trat and the eastern Thai islands.
• Phnom Penh — about 290 km east (6–7 hours by road), Cambodia's capital with full urban amenities, historical sites, and international connections.
• Cardamom Mountains community lodges — accessible from Koh Kong town for multi-day treks into one of Southeast Asia's last great wilderness areas.