Koh Kong | កោះកុង

Koh Kong Province, in southwest Cambodia, stretches from the Cardamom Mountains down to the Gulf of Thailand. Most of the province is actually covered in dense rainforest, rivers, and mangrove systems, although it is often only known for its island. Even though it is quite a large province in area, it remains fairly quiet compared to other destinations but the new road between Samlot and Koh Kong, is expected to increase tourists.

The capital of Koh Kong is actually Khemarak Phoumin but you will hear most people just call it Koh Kong, or Koh Kong town. It is a quiet little city, built up around the Kaoh Pao River and the nearly two kilometre bridge that connects the centre of town to the currently closed Cham Yeam International Border Checkpoint and popular Pak Khlong Beach.

A few days in Koh Kong town is a great base to visit the Peam Krasaop mangroves and take a boat or wander the boardwalk. You can cross the 2km long bridge and watch locals give offerings at Khun Chhang’s Stupa or see a beautiful sunset on Bak Klong Beach. In the evenings you can eat all the fresh seafood imaginable at the Night Seafood Market.

A short drive away, the Tatai River offers some great resorts for relaxing or kayaking and you can easily spend a day getting a boat to the Tatai Waterfall, sleeping on a hammock and swimming in the pools at the waterfall.

From Koh Kong Town you can also rent a boat to travel to the nearby islands such as Koh Kong Krao, Koh Sdach (King Island) or Koh Totang and spend the day island hopping or even choose to stay overnight.

Koh Kong is also home to the Cardamom Mountains which are great for hiking or relaxing at an eco resort, like the Cardamom Tented Camp, where it is so far off the beaten path that you can only arrive by boat.