Koh Kong Travel Information

Koh Kong travel information in Cambodia by mr.hotsia

Many people have heard the name “Koh Kong” but imagine it as a large island like Phuket or Koh Chang. In fact, Koh Kong is not a single large island. Koh Kong is a province in Cambodia located in the southwest part of the kingdom, with a coastline and a small island named Koh Kong. However, the main province area is mainland by the sea, not a large island as the name suggests.

Koh Kong province borders several provinces: to the north is Pursat Province, to the east are Kampong Speu and Kampot Provinces, and to the southwest it borders Sihanoukville and the Gulf of Thailand. The capital city is Krong Khemarak Phoumin, commonly called “Krong Koh Kong.”

From my experience visiting here, Koh Kong is a city that interestingly blends authentic Khmer lifestyle with the indigenous Thai community. According to 1998 statistics, the population was about 132,106 with a density of approximately 11.8 people per square kilometer. Khmer people make up about 75%, and the rest are Thai around 25%. However, talking with Thai residents during my visit, I learned that the Thai population might be as high as 30%, mostly running grocery stores and restaurants in the town center, which is the core of the Thai community here.

Getting to Koh Kong

Traveling to Koh Kong from Thailand is fairly convenient. I chose to travel from Trat Province by van from the bus station, costing about 110 baht and taking around 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the Khlong Yai/Koh Kong border checkpoint. After crossing the border, I took a taxi for 300 baht to the town center, about 8 kilometers away. The journey was not difficult despite crossing the border. I recommend preparing your documents and checking the border opening hours before traveling.

Accommodation in Koh Kong

I stayed in Koh Kong City near the river bridge. The accommodation was on the right side after turning right after crossing the bridge. The price was reasonable, about 450 baht per night, with air conditioning, wifi, and hot water, which is quite comfortable for a small town like this. Most accommodations are scattered around the town and riverside. If you visit during festivals or long holidays, it’s best to book in advance because prices on December 31st can be double the usual rate.

Town Atmosphere and Lifestyle

Koh Kong does not have extensive tourist attractions like other famous destinations I have visited, but what is interesting is the lifestyle and atmosphere of a coastal town that remains natural and simple. The town is not directly on the riverbank but runs parallel to the river, allowing visitors to stroll along the river, enjoy the peaceful fishing community, and riverside shops.

There is a medium-sized fresh market in town where you can see fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and local foods that the locals actually use. I talked with Thai vendors running large grocery stores in town. They shared warm stories about life here and the close bond between Thai people and the Cambodian community. To truly experience local life, I recommend walking through the market and tasting the food here.

Tourist Attractions and Activities

Koh Kong province has several interesting attractions, including waterfalls hidden in the forest and beautiful beaches. Although I didn’t have much chance to explore Koh Kong province because I had just traveled to Koh Lipe, based on information and inquiries at my accommodation, tours or car rentals are easily available through hotels. Most tours go to various beaches, waterfalls, or nearby towns like Kampong Som and Sihanoukville, which are major tourist cities on Cambodia’s southern coast.

If you love nature and peaceful atmospheres, Koh Kong is a perfect destination for relaxation before continuing to larger tourist cities.

Experience Thai Lifestyle in Koh Kong

Another highlight for me was meeting the Thai community in Koh Kong, who still speak Thai fluently and have many Thai-style bakeries and restaurants. If you want to learn more about the Thai lifestyle and community in Koh Kong, you can watch the video.THAI in Koh Kong (Thai People in Koh Kong)where I captured the atmosphere and had friendly conversations with Thai people there.

Summary of mr.hotsia’s Impressions

Koh Kong is a coastal province in Cambodia with a unique charm that is not heavily commercialized. Here you can experience a small town atmosphere blending Thai and Khmer cultures in an interesting way. The lifestyle is simple, people are friendly, and beautiful nature awaits discovery. Although there are no luxury resorts or many tourist spots, the travel is easy and accommodation affordable, making Koh Kong a great choice for those who want a relaxed trip, stroll markets, take riverside photos, taste local food, and experience the real life of a Cambodian border community.

For those interested in experiencing this atmosphere, mr.hotsia recommends planning ahead, especially during festivals or long holidays to secure accommodation. Don’t forget to visit nearby provinces likeKampotor the seaside tourist city of Sihanoukville to complete your trip in one go.