Koh Kong

The most south-western province of Cambodia, Koh Kong has a long undeveloped coastline and a mountainous, forested and largely inaccessible interior which embraces part of the Cardamom Mountains.

Its tourist attractions include casinos and waterfalls, while an Export Processing Zone and new port facilities are being developed for trade.





Koh Kong is a confusing destination - it is the name of the province which encompasses both part of mainland Cambodia and many offshore islands, of the provincial capital, also known as Dong Tong or even Krong Koh Kong and also of the country's largest island, from which the province took its name.


Just 80 km (50 mi) south of Thailand's Ko Chang, this once wild region is seeing many more visitors, now that the border crossing with Thailand is open.

Arriving from Thailand, a boat trip across the river to the town of Koh Kong had many people thinking they were on an island already - the new connecting bridge may prevent this misapprehension. Koh Kong island itself, a boat ride away, is 22 km (14 mi) long and 7 km (4 mi) wide, and as yet remains undeveloped.

Unsurprisingly, the Cambodian government plans to make it an international tourist resort, but at present it is a peaceful paradise of empty beaches, coconut palms, forested hills and waterfalls that vary between 6 m (20 ft) and 25 m (82.5 ft) high.

Dolphins regularly visit the island's six beaches, both morning and afternoon. If you come prepared, it is possible to camp here, and soon there will be bungalow operations and simple mod cons to make life easier.



Arrange a trip to the island from Koh Kong town, where you will probably be based. A reasonably large town with a population of 22,000, there are plenty of places to stay here, and some lovely country nearby.


This close to Thailand, the Thai Bath is common currency, and most people drink Thai beer rather than Cambodian. If you are travelling in either direction, try to allocate a few days here - one day you'll be able to say you knew Koh Kong Island in all its natural glory.



Highlights
Take a boat trip around the other islands. Take a boat trip up the Ta Tai River. See if you can spot a rare dugong, once reasonably abundant near Prek Ksach.

Travel Guidebooks in Canbodia