Koh Kong

Koh Kong has a layered past. The dense forests and remote terrain made it one of the last holdout zones for Khmer Rouge forces, with intermittent fighting continuing until 1998. Before that, the province had a reputation for wildlife smuggling, illegal logging, and border-era seediness driven largely by Thai market demand.

That's mostly history now, but it shaped a town that feels rawer and less tourist-polished than Siem Reap or Kampot. The Cham Yeam border crossing (about 14km northwest of town) used to be a quick visa-run stop for expats in Thailand. The Thai-Cambodia border conflict that escalated through late 2025 has changed that calculus entirely — the crossing is currently closed.

Conservation International has been active in the Cardamom Mountains corridor, and community-based ecotourism at Chi Phat has genuinely shifted some of the local economy from extraction toward protection. The Theravada Buddhist calendar shapes the rhythm of daily life here just as elsewhere in Cambodia. Monks receiving alms in the early morning is a common sight near the town's wats.

Remove your shoes before entering any temple or home — this applies to the small wats along the riverside in Koh Kong town, not just famous sites.. Dress modestly at religious sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered.

A lightweight sarong or scarf costs about $1–$2 at the Dong Tong Market and solves the problem instantly.. The sampeah — hands pressed together in a slight bow — is the standard greeting. Using it with older locals or monks is respected.

You'll also just hear 'hello' a lot, especially from kids near the waterfront.. Bargaining is normal at markets but handle it lightly. Aggressive haggling over 50 cents at a stall where someone is making $5 a day lands badly..

Ask before photographing people, especially at religious ceremonies and in fishing villages. Most people say yes, but asking is the point.. Don't touch monks or hand things directly to them if you're a woman — place items on a nearby surface instead..

During Pchum Ben (October), dress in darker or more subdued tones if you attend temple ceremonies. Bright tourist clothes at a solemn ancestral observance is a misstep.. USD is the de facto currency but paying with small bills is appreciated.

Locals struggle to make change for $50 or $100 notes at market stalls.

This is the most important thing to know before booking: as of 2026, major governments including the US (Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution), Australia, Canada, and the UK are all advising against travel to areas within 50km of the Cambodia-Thailand border — and Koh Kong town sits roughly 10km from the Cham Yeam crossing. The Thai-Cambodia border conflict escalated significantly in late 2025, including reported airstrikes in December 2025. A ceasefire was reached on December 27, 2025, but the security situation remains described as "unpredictable.

" Land border crossings between Cambodia and Thailand remain closed. Check your government's current travel advisory before booking — this is not a stable situation and conditions are changing. Separately from the border conflict, landmines and unexploded ordnance remain a real risk in remote forested areas throughout Koh Kong province.

Never hike off marked trails without a certified local guide. For day-to-day safety inside the town itself, petty crime (phone snatching, bag grabs) is the main risk — common sense applies. Don't resist a grab attempt.

The Tourist Police number for Cambodia is +855 12 942 484. Emergency is 117.

Getting to Koh Kong from Phnom Penh means a 4.5–6.5 hour bus or private car ride along Highway 4 then Highway 48.

Bus fares run $7–$15 depending on operator. The road passes through some genuinely impressive Cardamom Mountain scenery. From Sihanoukville, buses also run but are infrequent — check schedules ahead of time.

There has been no boat from Koh Kong to Sihanoukville since 2019. The Thai border crossing at Cham Yeam (about 14km from town) is currently closed due to the border conflict — do not count on crossing there in 2026. Within town, moto taxis cost a few dollars for short hops.

Tuk-tuk day hires for waterfall and beach excursions run $10–$20. Renting a scooter ($8/day) gives you the most flexibility, especially for reaching waterfalls where a driver's local knowledge is handy. Boat transfers to Tatai-area eco-lodges depart from Tatai Bridge and take about 30 minutes.

Koh Kong Island day trips are arranged through operators in town. No passenger rail service exists to or from Koh Kong.