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Cambodia >> Koh Kong Travel Guides
Koh Kong
Koh Kong is the most southwestern province of Cambodia, and is on the border with Thailand. It is one of the biggest provinces in the country with a long undeveloped coastline, and the interior is mountainous, forested, and largely inaccessible. A section of the Cardamom Mountains, the biggest contiguous rainforest in Southeast Asia is in the province.
The border crossing with Thailand at Koh Kong, is called Hat Lek on the Thai side, and Cham Yeam on the Cambodian side. This border crossing is popular with travelers coming from Bangkok, Pattaya and Trat in Thailand going to Sihanoukville. There is also a casino near the border.
The new road from Koh Kong makes it a relatively comfortable trip to the beach resort of Sihanoukville, or to Phnom Penh. From the border crossing, it is about a 20-minute moto ride to the town of Koh Kong.
The town itself is small, very quiet and laid back with somewhat of a nightlife. Many people speak some Thai as well Khmer, and the Thai Baht can be used. Accommodation, food and transportation are relatively inexpensive here. However, an Export Processing Zone and new port facilities are being developed for international trade.
The area is surrounded by forests and mountains, and attractions in the province include abundant wildlife, waterfalls, and island & river tours. Some of these attractions are listed below.
Kbal Chhay Waterfall
Located in the Nature and Wildlife Reserve near Nengkok Village, Bak Clong Commune, Mundol Seyma District, approx. 24km from Koh Kong. The source of the water is from a river in Pursat province. In the rainy season it flows as one falls, but in the dry season, the water flows in separate falls, and there are many huge boulders. It is a popular tourist attraction.
Ta Tai Waterfall
This waterfall is located in Ta Tai Village, Ta Tai Commune, Smach Meanchey District, approx. 20 kilometers east of Koh Kong along National Road 48. It is a two-tiered waterfall, with the first tier about 5 - 6 meters high and the second tier about 12 - 15 meter high. It is in a very scenic location with beautiful mountain views, and many people come to swim in the pools below the falls.
Khun Chhang Khun Phen
This is a 4-meter high stupa built on a rock close to the shore. It is approx. 1 kilometer from Koh Kong. The rock is about 40 meters square, and this historical place is used by local people on festival days.
Koh Moul
At 22 kilometers long and 7 kilometers wide, Koh Moul is the biggest island in Cambodia. It is located about 24 kilometers south of Koh Kong, and has many hills, and beautiful natural scenery. On the island there are 10 waterfalls and six beautiful white sand beaches.
Lam Da Beach
This beach is in Lam Da Village, Koh Kapi Commune, and is about 20 kilometers away from Koh Kong. By car, it is approx. a 1 hour & 45 minute drive. It is very picturesque with a long stretch of sand, calm water, and lots of sun.
Prek Chik O'srey Sranash
A nature and wildlife reserve on Road No. 48, Chhmarbak Village, Bakclong Commune, Smach Mean Chey District, about 6km (10 min. drive) from Koh Kong.
Sner Beach
This is a recreational area with parks and beaches. Located on Road No. 48, in Dong Tung Commune, Smachmean Chey District, about 17km (25 min. drive) from Koh Kong.
Veal Achaut Waterfall This waterfall is about 45 km from Koh Kong (1 hour drive) in Dong Tung Commune, Smach Meanchey District. The area around the falls is a natural and beautiful environment with lush green landscape.
Cham Yeam Resort
This is the resort located about 10 kilometers northwest of Koh Kong, near the Thai border. It was built in 1997, and it is an international tourist resort with a five-star hotel, casino, beach, and a zoo called Safari World.
Safari World
This zoo exhibits crocodiles, kangaroos, tigers, bears, monkeys, sea turtles, birds, etc. There are also animal shows, such as the Dolphin show, Orangutan show, Bird show, Sea Lion show, and Crocodile show.
Koh Sdach This island is just off the coast, approx. midway between Sihanoukville and Koh Kong. The main village is a fishing village, and the main industries are fishing and lumber processing. The village and the island are quite picturesque, and there are some nice beaches on the island. The village is relatively new, having been started only after the Vietnamese liberation of Cambodia in 1979. Before this, only a few families inhabited the island. The people are mostly from Kampot and southern Vietnam.
The fast ferry between Sihanoukville and Koh Kong used to stop at the island, but the ferry service has been discontinued. There is one guesthouse on the island.