Introduction

Koh Kong is beginning to develop quickly, largely due to its proximity to the Thai border.  It is a convenient stop-off for those going to or from Sihanoukville and Thailand and increasing numbers of travellers are staying there. A new bus station and shopping centre are under construction as well as improved road links.  Nightlife remains lively and as a resort Koh Kong continues to be popular with Thai nationals who cross the border to gamble at Koh Kong’s casino.  Bangkok Airways have recently completed an agreement to take over Koh Kong’s airport. The agreement should improve services and provide easier access to Koh Kong in the coming years.

Travel Information

Boat
A fast ferryboat runs between Koh Kong and Sihanoukville. It takes about 3 ½ to 4 hours to Sihanoukville. Tickets cost about $15 and can be purchased from your hotel or guesthouse, and the dock is right in town. The boat departs at 8:00am.

Car
There are vans to Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh and the road improvement scheme linking these towns is close to completion. The new road should dramatically reduce travel times.

Border Crossing
The border crossing with Thailand is about 10km from town and the journey takes around 15 min. by car. Motos to/from the border cost 40 or 60 Baht while taxis cost 200 to 300 Baht.  The border crossing is Cham Yeam on the Cambodian side and Hat Lek on the Thai side. There is a 1000-room Casino on the Cambodian side and shops and restaurants on the Thai side.  Vans for Trat leave every hour or so from 7.00am to 5.00pm. 10 people are needed to fill the van and the fare is only 100 Baht per person. The trip to Trat takes about an hour and a half.

Travelling Around
Motorcycle taxis around town cost about 500 Riel or 5 Thai Baht, but for the trips outside of town the fare is around 4000 riel or 40 baht per hour ($1). You can rent motorcycles for 15000-20000 Riel or 150-200 Thai Baht per day, provided you return the bike by 10pm.

Shopping
Shopping in Koh Kong is a little grim, and there is not much to speak of. There is a market on the main road selling imported goods, and a small convenience store at the Bopha Koh Kong Hotel.  The central market in Koh Kong sells many goods from Thailand, and a couple of shops across the street from the eastern side of the market sell clothes from Thailand. Some small shops along the road on the southern side of the market stay open until 10pm.

Communication

Mail
There is a post office in town, but it is probably better to wait and send from Thailand or Sihanoukville.

Telephone
There are also several phone and fax offices around town and, like other towns in western Cambodia, prices are reasonable as the system is connected to Thailand.

Things to See and Do

Nightlife

Koh Kong is a quiet little town, and there is certainly more to do at night than there is in the daytime. There is a lively bar and nightclub scene, and a disco of sorts.

Cham Yeam Resort: Located near the Thai border 8km from Koh Kong. Now an international tourist resort with five-star hotels, guesthouses, casinos, etc.

Koh Kong Safari World
Dolphin Show, Sea lion Show, Orangutan Show, Bird Show, Zoo, Chinese & International Restaurant, Gift Shop, Duty Free Shop, Beach Resort Hotel w/ 317 rooms.
Tel: 039-588188, 01-852-3333, 01-680-0811
E-mail: kohkongsafari@yahoo.com
Web site: www.kohkonginter.com

Koh Mool Island (Koh Kong Krau) Is located off the coast about 24km from Koh Kong, and is the biggest island in Cambodia. There are many hills on Koh Mool, and 10 waterfalls from 6m to 25m in height.  In the afternoon, black and white dolphins may be visible from Koh Mool beaches.

Koh Kong International Resort Club
This is the fairly new casino on the Cham Yeam side near the border.

Khun Chhang Khun Phen is a historical seaside resort located 1 km from Koh Kong. It has a stupa set on a rock some distance from the shoreline.

Kbal Chhay Waterfall in Mun Dul Sey Ma District, is 25km from Koh Kong, and is fed by spring water from Pursat Province. It has a drop of about 10m, and is approx. 8m wide in the rainy season. In the dry season, the reduced water flows in separate channels.

Sner Beach Recreational Area has parks and beaches. Road 48, 17km(25mn) from town.

Veal Achaut Waterfall is in a nature and wildlife reserve on road 48, 45km (1 hour) from the town.

Prek Chik O’srey Sranash: Nature and wildlife reserve on road 48, 6km (10min) from Town.

Kbal Chhay Prek Koh Waterfall: Nature and wildlife reserve near Neng Kok Village,  22km (15mn) from town.

Kbal Chhay E91 Waterfall: Nature and wildlife reserve near Nengkok Village, 24km (2h:15mn) from town.

Lam Da Beach: Recreational area with parks and beaches at Lam Da Village, 20km (1h:45mn) from town.

Koh Kong Krov Weach: Recreational area with parks and beaches in Koh Kapie Commune, 35km (3h:15mn) from town.

Tatay Waterfall: Nature and wildlife reserve located near Tropham Roung Commune, 50km (1h:45mn) from town.

Where to Stay

The quality of accommodation in Koh Kong ranges from cheap Khmer guesthouses to new hotels along the waterfront. There is also the casino which starts at $25 per night. A few of the many hotels & guesthouses are listed below.

Bopha Koh Kong Hotel                      $5 - $25
Clean Rooms, Fan, A/C, Hot Shower, Friendly English speaking staff, Small Convenience Store, Restaurant next door. Near waterfront
Tel: 016-350123, 011-741040

Koh Kong River Side GH                $2.50 - $15
Restaurant, Bar, Bungalows, Clean rooms, Bathrooms, Hot water
Tel: 016-823221, 035-936253

Phomin Koh Kong Hotel                     $5 - $15
Fairly New Hotel. Nice Rooms, & Large rooms w/ 4 or 5 beds available. Restaurant next door. Right on riverfront. Tel: 011-948255, 035-936221

Moto Bar - Guesthouse & Restaurant
Clean A/C & Fan Rooms, Swimming Pool in courtyard, Motorcycle Rental. Restaurant has excellent western food! On main street near roundabout
Tel: 016-709160, 035-936220

Otto’s Koh Kong Guesthouse
An old Khmer style house converted into a guesthouse and restaurant. Long-standing, popular and rather funky. On side street near Boat Pier.
Tel: 012-924249, 035-936163
Web site: www.kohkong.com.th