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Kaoh Pan Island Bamboo Bridge: A Seasonal Marvel

Experience Cambodian ingenuity: cross the seasonal Kaoh Pan Island Bamboo Bridge for stunning views and a taste of island life.

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The Kaoh Pan Island Bamboo Bridge is a remarkable bamboo structure, rebuilt annually during the dry season, connecting mainland Kampong Cham to Koh Pen Island. It offers scenic views, access to island activities, and a glimpse into rural Cambodian life.

A brief summary to Kaoh Pan Island Bamboo Bridge

  • XFF6+WJ4, ស្ពានឫស្សីកោះប៉ែន, Krong Kampong Cham, KH

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (December to June) to ensure the bridge is constructed and accessible.
  • Bring small bills in Cambodian Riel for the bridge crossing fee and local purchases on the island.
  • Rent a bicycle on Koh Pen to explore the island’s villages, rice paddies, and local life.
  • Try the local Khmer cuisine at the small eateries on Koh Pen for an authentic culinary experience.
  • Visit during sunrise or sunset for stunning photographic opportunities of the bridge and Mekong River.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are near the Prek Kampong Cham Bridge or the riverfront in Kampong Cham, you can walk to the Kaoh Pan Island Bamboo Bridge. Head east along the riverbank. The walk from the central market area takes approximately 20-30 minutes. There is a small fee of 2,000 KHR (approximately $0.50 USD) for foreigners to cross the bridge.

  • Tuk-Tuk

    From Kampong Cham city center, hire a tuk-tuk to reach the Kaoh Pan Island Bamboo Bridge. Negotiate the fare beforehand, typically costing between 4,000-6,000 KHR ($1 - $1.50 USD) for a one-way trip. The ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Ensure the driver knows you want to go to the 'Kaoh Pan Island Bamboo Bridge' near the Mekong River. Parking for the tuk-tuk is available near the bridge entrance. Be prepared to pay a small toll (around 2,000 KHR) to cross the bridge.

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Discover more about Kaoh Pan Island Bamboo Bridge

The Kaoh Pan Island Bamboo Bridge is more than just a means of crossing the Mekong River; it's a symbol of community, resilience, and Cambodian ingenuity. Spanning approximately 1 kilometer, this seasonal bridge connects Kampong Cham to Koh Pen Island. What makes this bridge truly special is that it's constructed entirely of bamboo. Each year, as the rainy season subsides and the Mekong's waters recede (typically between December and June), local villagers collaborate to rebuild it. Crossing the bridge provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Mekong River, with lush green landscapes and the cityscape of Kampong Cham creating a picturesque backdrop. The gentle sway of the bamboo underfoot adds to the unique sensory experience. Once on Koh Pen Island, visitors can explore traditional villages, interact with locals, and sample authentic Khmer cuisine. The island offers a tranquil escape with sandy beaches and agricultural lands. Renting a bicycle is a popular way to explore the island's quiet lanes, traditional wooden houses, and verdant rice paddies. The island is also known for sesame and other crops. The bridge is dismantled before the monsoon rains to prevent damage, highlighting the community's deep connection to the Mekong River. Though a modern bridge exists, the bamboo bridge remains an important cultural symbol.

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