Koh Kong: Hidden Gem of Cambodia

• Helloសួស្តី
  [suostei]
• Goodbyeលាស់ហើយ
  [leah hay]
• Yesបាទ
  [baat]
• Noទេ
  [te]
• Please/You're welcomeសូមហើយ
  [som hay]
• Thank youសូមអរគុណ
  [som arkoun]
• Excuse me/Sorryសូមទោស
  [som toh]
• How are you?អ្នកសុខសប្បាយបានយ៉ាងម៉ោង?
  [nak sok sabay ban yang moung?]
• Fine. And you?សុខសប្បាយ, អ្នកទេ?
  [sok sabay, nak te?]
• Do you speak English?អ្នកនិយាយភាសាអង់គុយ?
  [nak nihya phasaa angkoy?]
• I don't understandខ្ញុំមិនទាន់យល់
  [khnom min tanyal]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់មើលម៉ឺនេសាហ្វេឃាសូម
  [khnom chong moul menuh faksa som]
• I don't eat meatខ្ញុំមិននៅពិសេស
  [khnom min now pisae]
• Cheers!អារម្មណ៍បង់បាត
  [arom maim ban bat]
• I would like to pay, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់បង់លុយសូម
  [khnom chong ban louy som]

• Help!ជម្រើស!
  [jom reas]
• Go away!បាត់បេត
  [bat bet]
• Call the Police!ហេតុសប្តិក
  [het sop dek]
• Call a doctor!ហេតុសប្តិរគ្រែ
  [het sop rekre]
• I'm lostខ្ញុំខិតស្តី
  [khnom khteusdai]
• I'm illខ្ញុំមិនសុខសប្បាយ
  [khnom min sok sabay]

• I'd like to buy...ខ្ញុំចង់ទិញ...
  [khnom chong tun...]
• I'm just lookingខ្ញុំត្រលប់មើលប៉ុន្មាន
  [khnom tral moul ponnaom]
• How much is it?តើវាលុយប៉ះពាល់?
  [tve valuy pahpel?]
• That's too expensiveវាគឺគិតពិសេសពីរ
  [vek koi kit pisae pii]
• Can you lower the price?អ្នកអាចបង់តម្លៃទាប់រវល់?
  [nak acha ban tamle tep roulov?]

• What time is it?ម៉ោងប៉ះពាល់?
  [moung pahpel?]
• It's one o'clockវាគឺម៉ោងមួយ
  [vek moung mui]
• Half past (10)កញ្ញា តួច
  [kanha tuch]
• Morningព្រឹក
  [preuk]
• Afternoonល្ងាច
  [langchai]
• Eveningយប់
  [yop]
• Yesterdayម្សិលីករបស់ខ្ញុំ
  [msulik rob sach khnom]
• Todayថ្ងៃនេះ
  [tang nei]
• Tomorrowថ្ងៃស្អែ
  [tang sae]
• 1មួយ
  [mui]
• 2ពីរ
  [pii]
• 3បី
  [bei]
• 4បួន
  [buon]
• 5ប្រាំ
  [pram]
• 6ប្រាំរួច
  [pram ruoc]
• 7ប្រាំបួន
  [pram buon]
• 8ប្រាំបី
  [pram bei]
• 9ប្រាំកញ្ញា
  [pram kanha]
• 10ដប់
  [dop]

• Where's a/the...?តើ...នៅឯណា?
  [tve... now enhar?]
• What's the address?អាស័យហេតុអាស៊ី?
  [asiet het asie?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?អ្នកអាចបង់បង់ខ្ញុំ?
  [nak acha ban ban khnom?]
• When's the next (bus)?តើសេចក្តីបន្ទាន់?
  [tve sekdei bantean?]
• A ticket (to ....)សំណង់ទិញ (ទៅ....)
  [samnong tun (to...)]

Koh Kong, located in the southwestern part of Cambodia, has a history that traces back to ancient times. The area was originally inhabited by Khmer people and served as a strategic location due to its proximity to the Gulf of Thailand. Evidence of early settlements and artifacts show that the region was part of the broader Khmer Empire, which ruled much of Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th century.

In the mid-19th century, Koh Kong came under French colonial rule as part of French Indochina. The French established administrative and trade centers in the region, significantly influencing the local culture and infrastructure. The colonial period saw the introduction of new architectural styles, education systems, and economic changes that laid the groundwork for modern Koh Kong.

During World War II, Koh Kong, like much of Southeast Asia, was occupied by Japanese forces. The occupation period from 1941 to 1945 was marked by significant hardships for the local population. Japanese military used Koh Kong's strategic location to control sea routes and resources, leaving a lasting impact on the region's socio-political landscape.

After Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953, Koh Kong underwent numerous changes. The region saw an influx of infrastructure projects aimed at modernizing the area. Roads, schools, and hospitals were built, and efforts were made to integrate Koh Kong more fully into the national economy. However, the area remained relatively isolated compared to other parts of Cambodia.

The darkest chapter in Koh Kong's history came during the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979. The region, like the rest of Cambodia, suffered immense atrocities, with forced labor, executions, and severe food shortages. The Khmer Rouge used Koh Kong's remote areas as hideouts and military bases, impacting the local population severely.

In recent decades, Koh Kong has seen a resurgence as a hub for ecotourism and development. With its rich biodiversity, including mangrove forests, waterfalls, and pristine beaches, the region has attracted tourists from all over the world. Efforts have been made to promote sustainable tourism, preserving the natural beauty while providing economic opportunities for local communities.

Koh Kong is located in the southwestern part of Cambodia, close to the Thai border. The nearest international airport is Phnom Penh International Airport, which is approximately 5 to 6 hours away by road. From Phnom Penh, you can take a bus, taxi, or private car to Koh Kong. Alternatively, you can fly into Trat Airport in Thailand, which is much closer, and then cross the border at Hat Lek into Koh Kong. Buses and shared taxis are available from Trat to the border.

Within Koh Kong, transportation options include tuk-tuks, motodops (motorbike taxis), and regular taxis. For short distances, tuk-tuks and motodops are convenient and inexpensive. For longer distances or more comfort, hire a taxi. Renting a motorbike is also a popular option for exploring the area independently. Public buses and minibuses connect Koh Kong to other parts of Cambodia, but schedules can be irregular, so it is advisable to check in advance.

The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases and in rural areas. ATMs are available in Koh Kong, dispensing both Riel and US Dollars. Ensure you have enough cash, especially if you plan to visit remote areas.

Koh Kong is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. Some neighborhoods near the border have higher crime rates, so stay vigilant and avoid these areas after dark. Always keep an eye on your belongings and use hotel safes for valuables.

In case of emergency, dial 117 for police assistance and 119 for medical emergencies. The nearest hospital is Koh Kong Provincial Hospital, which provides basic medical services. For serious medical conditions, it may be necessary to travel to Phnom Penh or seek medical attention in Thailand. Pharmacies are available in Koh Kong for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'chum reap suor' (hello) accompanied by a slight bow. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Koh Kong like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Cambodian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Tatai Waterfall and Koh Kong Island, which offer stunning natural beauty. For a unique experience, take a boat trip through the mangroves at Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary.