The Ultimate Koh Kong Guide

Let’s be clear here off the top. What you are reading is a guide to Koh Kong. It is not to be confused with a Koh Rong guide. And yes, the names are very similar…but the destinations are very, very different.

For starters? Koh Kong actually describes three different places, Koh Kong the province, Koh Kong, the island and Koh Kong the city. Now that we have that covered, let’s move on.

Koh Kong Province

Koh Kong province is a largely undeveloped region that features lush rainforests, an undeveloped coastline, and the country’s largest national park: Botum Sakor National Park. Prior to the pandemic, it was a popular spot for both vacations and people doing visa runs and we all know how that has played out.

To read about Thailand opening to tourism click here.

The province itself is famous for its pricey eco-resorts, Koh Kong Island, and of course Dara Sakor. When finished, it will be one of the most deluxe resorts in the country.

Koh Kong Island

Koh Kong Island is a famous for its beautiful scenery, great beaches and… a military base. There is also some camping available but it’s not as developed of a scene as the camping to be had on Koh Rong.

The main settlements tend to be fishing villages but they are well worth a visit for a glimpse at authentic Khmer rural life.

Getting to Koh Kong City

Koh Kong City is about seven hours by bus from Phnom Penh, four hours from Sihanoukville, and five from Kampot, depending on traffic. The bus from Phnom Penh costs $11. Getting there from other places, such as Kampot is unpredictable, with service sporadic at best. There are though shared taxis for when you need to leave Koh Kong.

There are currently two international airports being built in Koh Kong. Both of which are being funded with Chinese investment, of which there is a substantial amount regionally floating about.

To read about the new airports in Koh Kong, click here.

Sleeping in Koh Kong

After seven hours on a bus you will want to get to a hotel pretty damned quickly. Sadly things have obviously changed massively since the pandemic with accommodation options having diminished greatly. And Lonely Planet, Wikitravel or any other guide to Koh Kong won’t be much help. They are all very much out of date.

The restaurants and bars that previously catered to expats are also very much gone. When I say there seem to be about four expats left in the whole city? That’s not an exaggeration.

There are though a number of decently priced sleeping options if you do find yourself in Koh Kong City.

• Chicken Farm Road/Street 12 – According to all the guide books this is the  place to find hotels and there are a number of cheap options on this road, such as Rasana’s Guesthouse, a cheap, but very much no frills affair.
• Apex Koh Kong Hostel – The closest thing to a hostel/tourist hotel left in Koh Kong City. They have a pool, rent bikes and do tourist stuff. Probably the best sleeping option in Koh Kong City.
• The Waterfront – There are a number of cheap hotels along the waterfront, which after Chicken Farm Road is the main hub of Koh Kong City. There’s lots of street food here, as well as beautiful sunset views. 
• Koh Kong Resorts -On the outskirts of town, which you can get the bus to drop you off at, there are a few eco-style resorts that look very good, although pricey. With little else to do in the city you have to wonder whether traveling here just for a resort is worth it.

What to do in Koh Kong City?

There really is not all that much to do here. They have a football team, which is what brought me here, but you would really have to be well into regional Cambodian football to take a seven-hour bus ride to watch Koh Kong FC.

To read about watching football in Cambodia click here.

The main photo opportunity attraction is Khun Chang Khun Phaen, a monument to an old folk-tale about a woman who has to choose between a rich guy and a handsome guy. Have a guess who she decided to choose? You are correct.

Eating and drinking in Koh Kong

Again throw out, or ignore all guidebooks. The expat-centered restaurants are all gone and there is only one bar in the whole of the city. That’s right – one bar.

Street Food in Koh Kong – Probably the highlight of any trip here is to head to the waterfront, which is also where the four foreigners left in the city go to grab some street food. It has some of the best and cheapest fresh fish you can get in Cambodia, although it is no Kep market.

Aside from Chinese bars, the only pub/club left is called Berry’s Pub which doubles as the local nightclub too. It is on Chicken Farm Road and opposite Rosana’s Guesthouse. You’ll find reasonably priced beers and snacks but Vegas this ain’t.

To read about the best Street Food in Cambodia click here.

Getting out of Koh Kong

As stated earlier, one day there will be an airport, but for now, there are not many options. There are daily buses to Phnom Penh, but to get to Sihanoukville, and thus the islands you will need to do shared taxis.

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