Koh Kong, Cambodia Travel Guide

Discover Koh Kong: Cambodia's hidden gem, offering lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and rich cultural experiences, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Koh Kong is a small but vibrant city located in the southwestern part of Cambodia. It is well-known for its stunning natural beauty, offering a perfect mix of lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and tranquil rivers. The city serves as a gateway to the Cardamom Mountains, one of Southeast Asia's most important biodiversity hotspots. Visitors can explore the mountains' rich flora and fauna, with opportunities for trekking, bird watching, and even encountering elusive wildlife such as the clouded leopard and Asian elephant. The coastal areas of Koh Kong are equally captivating. The city is surrounded by a series of picturesque islands and crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. The Koh Kong Island, in particular, boasts powdery white sands and azure waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Another must-visit spot is the Tatai River, where tourists can enjoy kayaking or take a boat trip to the scenic Tatai Waterfall. Koh Kong also offers a glimpse into Cambodia's rich cultural heritage. The city is home to several traditional Cambodian markets where visitors can immerse themselves in local life and savor delicious Khmer cuisine. Additionally, the nearby Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary provides an opportunity to explore mangrove forests and understand the importance of conservation efforts in the region.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Koh Kong.

Best time to visit is from November to April when the weather is dry and pleasant.
Local currency is the Cambodian Riel, but US dollars are widely accepted.
Wear comfortable shoes for trekking in the Cardamom Mountains.
Don't miss visiting the local markets for authentic Khmer food.
Book boat trips in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak season.

Explore Koh Kong: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Koh Kong

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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All Attractions

Tatai Waterfall

Explore the stunning Tatai Waterfall, a breathtaking natural attraction in Cambodia offering serenity and adventure amidst lush tropical surroundings.

4.4

Khun Chhang Historical Stupa

Explore the serene beauty and cultural significance of the Khun Chhang Historical Stupa in Mondol Seima, a hidden gem of Cambodia's historical heritage.

4.3

Koh Kong Krav

Discover Cambodia's largest island: Koh Kong Krav. Pristine beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant marine life await eco-tourists and adventurers.

Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore Cambodia's Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary: a haven of mangrove forests, diverse wildlife, and serene coastal beauty in Koh Kong.

4.3

Best landmarks in Koh Kong

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Best Landmarks

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Koh Kong Krav

Discover Cambodia's largest island: Koh Kong Krav, a haven of pristine beaches, lush jungles, and authentic cultural experiences.

Tatai Waterfall

Discover the pristine beauty of Tatai Waterfall in Koh Kong: swim in refreshing pools and explore lush jungle trails.

4.4

Khun Chhang Historical Stupa

Discover the serene beauty and rich history of Khun Chhang Historical Stupa in Mondol Seima, a poignant monument to Cambodian folklore.

4.3

Koh Kong Beach

Escape to Koh Kong Beach: Cambodia's tranquil coastal paradise with serene shores, water activities, and lush natural beauty.

3.3

Best restaurants in Koh Kong

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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White Rose Guesthouse & Restaurant 餐厅

Discover culinary delights at White Rose Guesthouse & Restaurant on Koh Touch Beach – where flavor meets paradise!

3.9

By The Sea

Indulge in exquisite seafood and local delicacies at By The Sea while enjoying breathtaking ocean views in Preah Sihanouk.

4.7

Lily's Riverhouse

Experience serene dining and cozy accommodations at Lily's Riverhouse in Koh Rong – your ideal getaway amidst nature's beauty.

5.0

Koh Touch Restaurant

Experience authentic Cambodian cuisine at Koh Touch Restaurant in Preah Sihanouk - where flavor meets culture in a vibrant setting.

4.4

Best bars in Koh Kong

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

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Young Wild and Free - beach bar restaurant and bungalows

Discover the perfect beach getaway at Young Wild and Free, where coastal charm meets delicious cuisine in Krong Khemara Phoumin.

4.7

Anon Café & Restaurant

Experience the vibrant flavors of Krong Khemara Phoumin at Anon Café & Restaurant, where local and international cuisine come together wonderfully.

4.4

Mlob Sbov Koh Kong Restaurant

Experience the vibrant flavors of Cambodia at Mlob Sbov Koh Kong Restaurant, where delicious food meets fun karaoke entertainment.

4.1

Bopha Happy Night Bar

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Bopha Happy Night Bar in Krong Khemara Phoumin, a perfect blend of fun, music, and refreshing drinks.

5.0

Best nightclubs in Koh Kong

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

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Berry Pub

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Berry Pub in Krong Khemara Phoumin, a perfect spot for drinks, dancing, and socializing with locals.

4.1

SR KTV

Discover the vibrant nightlife at SR KTV, a premier night club in Khum Pak Khlang, offering karaoke, drinks, and unforgettable fun.

4.2

MR.31 SKY BAR

Discover the perfect blend of nightlife and fine dining at MR.31 SKY BAR in Krong Khemara Phoumin, where stunning views meet delicious seafood.

4.3

THE M PUB

Experience the electrifying nightlife of Krong Khemara Phoumin at The M Pub, where vibrant music and a lively atmosphere await every night.

5.0

Best shops in Koh Kong

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

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All Shops

Koh Kong Market

Explore Koh Kong Market - A vibrant shopping destination offering local delicacies, unique crafts, and a taste of authentic Cambodian culture.

4.0

MARTIM MART 999

Discover the authentic flavors of Cambodia at MARTIM MART 999, your go-to grocery store in Krong Khemara Phoumin.

3.7

Koh Kong Tiger Beer Distributor

Explore the Koh Kong Tiger Beer Distributor, a vibrant shopping destination in Krong Khemara Phoumin, offering a taste of local culture and products.

4.3

ហាងលក់សំភារះ

Explore a vibrant clothing store in Krong Khemara Phoumin, offering unique local fashion and a cultural shopping experience.

4.5

Explore Koh Kong on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Koh Kong, mapped for you.

Koh Kong Essentials

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.

When is the best time to visit Koh Kong?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Koh Kong

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Koh Kong. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- 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...)]

History of Koh Kong

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.