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Cambodia & Tourism: Discover Koh Kong

Koh Kong is a largely underrated place for a relaxing weekend getaway in Cambodia. The province was once the Far East part of « Country, a border region known for its smuggling and other illegal activities. Until 1998, the region was also considered one of the last strongholds of the Khmer Rouge...

Nowadays, Koh Kong is a rather peaceful waterfront town, which offers access to some of Cambodia's most beautiful sites. Many community ecotourism businesses have emerged in recent years.

Koh Kong bridge
Koh Kong bridge

City of Koh Kong

The town itself offers relatively few attractions apart from the fairly quiet and pleasant center of its proximity to the port and the presence of some good restaurants. Koh Kong is still home to a handful of aging expats always ready to tell you about the good old days...

Koh Kong, the city
Koh Kong, the city

Koh Kong province has embarked on ecotourism but remains, in many ways, a relatively new, unspoilt and still uncrowded destination. The region offers beautiful natural sites – coastal mangrove forests, the Cardamom mountain range as well as the secluded beaches of the coastline and southern islands.

Some of the most popular activities include excursions to waterfalls and mangrove forests, boat trips to Koh Kong Island, jungle hikes to Tatai Waterfall, or kayaking the picturesque Cardamom rivers.

Cascades de Tatai
Tatai waterfalls

Tatai Waterfalls are the closest waterfalls to the city, requiring a 30-minute drive to reach the Taitai River, 18 km east of the city. It takes about 20 minutes by boat to go up the river. The falls are wide with two levels. Other waterfalls, such as Koh Por, Tuo Kokir Rapids and the impressive Kbal Chhay Falls, are located upstream. Access by boat or trekking is offered by the Tatai ecotourism community, located near the Phum Daung Bridge.

Cascades de Tatai

For those who want peace and quiet, a day in the cabins of the nearby Bak Klong beach or a visit to the tables of Koh Kong Casino Resort, near the Thai border will do the trick. Arranging tours, excursions, local transportation and motorcycle rentals through one of the local tour operators is by far the easiest way to discover the hidden wonders of Koh Kong.

Bak Klong Beach
Bak Klong Beach

Bak Klong Beach is a long, secluded, narrow white sand beach with a few small seafood shacks by the ocean, about 25 minutes from town. It's a nice place to relax on the beach enjoying barbecue seafood in one of the cabins.

Seafood
Seafood

And, for those who want to venture a little more into local life, head to the fishing village of Bak Klong, located at the end of the beach.

To get to Koh Yor from the town, simply cross the bridge west, turn left at Buddha Monument and continue south.

Koh Koh Island

Koh Koh Island is Cambodia's largest island, 22 km long, with its tropical setting, secluded sandy beaches and uncrowded lagoons. Tour operators regularly organize day trips to the island for $20-25. It is possible to snorkel, have lunch on the island, as well as stop in the mangrove forest on the way back. For those who want to stay a little longer, Koh Kong Island Resort and Koh Kong White Sand Beach offer bungalows for rent on the island's beach.

Trekking

Koh Kong lies on the edge of the Cardamom mountain range, covered in dense tropical jungle, providing excellent trekking opportunities. Local tour operators offer half-day, full-day or multi-day jungle hikes, as well as kayak hikes or village tours.

Areng River in Cardamoms
Areng River in Cardamoms

Some history

From 1795 to 1904, the region was under Siamese administration under the local name « Koh Kong ». During the reign of King Mongkut, the name Patchanta Kiri Khet was given to the city because the region is located at the same latitude as another town in Prachuap Khiri Khan in Thailand. In 1904, the region and town of Trat were ceded to French Indochina in exchange for the evacuation of French troops from Chanthaburi. However, in 1907, Trat was returned to Siam in exchange for the Siamese province, while Koh Kong remained part of Cambodia under protectorate.

1979

After Cambodia's liberation from the Khmer Rouge in 1979, Koh Kong province was underpopulated. After the national government encouraged people to settle in Koh Kong, there was a significant influx of new arrivals. The average annual growth rate in Koh Kong is estimated to be 16%.

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