Cambodia - The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget - page 104

coral reefs, offshore islands and a rich
diversity of flora and fauna.
he rangers at the park headquarters
(daily 7.30-11am & 2-5pm; T 012
875096) are extremely helpful, and can
arrange boat trips (about $50 for the boat,
or $10 per person for large groups) along
the Prek Toek Sap estuary to the fishing
village of hmor Tom and on to the
idyllic Koh Sam Pouch Beach. he river is
bordered by mangroves, and you're likely
to see kingfishers, sea eagles and maybe
monkeys along the way. Alternatively, go
for a guided walk ($8 per person, about
2hr) along forested nature trails.

alight at Andoung Tuek, where you can easily find a moto
or minibus the rest of the way.

ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
You can buy snacks and local food at the market, and a well-
stocked, if pricey, local store sells beer, snacks and sundries.
Mean Chey T 011 983806. The island's guesthouse,
Mean Chey is on the western side of the island. It has its
own pier so when you arrive at Poi Yapon make it clear to
the boat driver where you're going. Accommod atio n is in
basic blue concrete en-suite bungalows. Double $10
Yvonne's Next door to Mean Chey . A simple restaurant
serving good fish, pasta and pizzas. Daily 9am-9pm.

2

KOH KONG
Boat schedules and border opening times
used to conspire to make an overnight
stop in KOH KONG a necessity. Since the
border post extended its hours to 8pm,
you no longer have to stay, though a few
days exploring the surrounding area is well
rewarded. Several islands lie near to the
town, the largest of which is Koh Kong
Island itself (not to be confused with the
mainland town of Koh Kong), which
boasts seven beautiful beaches on the
seaward side (although sandflies can be a
problem). You can charter a six-person
boat for $80 (or $25 per person on
day-trips with local operators) for the
two-hour trip. Don't consider this between
June and October due to rough seas.
Situated on the eastern bank of the Kah
Bpow River, Koh Kong was historically
an insular outpost, its prosperity based on
fishing, logging and smuggling. hese
days, however, it's the border that brings

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
To get to the park headquarters from Sihanoukville head
along National Route 4 to Ream village, turning right
down the track next to the airport.
By moto or tuk-tuk A moto/tuk-tuk will cost $10/$15
from Sihanoukville.
On a tour Joining a group from a guesthouse costs about
$20 per person depending on number in the group.

KOH S'DACH
he small island of KOH S'DACH (King's
Island) is the fishing capital of
Cambodian waters, just off Koh Kong
province in the Gulf of hailand. If
you've time for a detour and with time on
your hands, the area is worth exploring.
he real reason for stopping here is to
get out in a boat to explore the coast
- just off the north shore of Koh S'dach
you'll find brilliantly coloured coral
within paddling distance. A cluster of
islands nearby - Koh Samai, Koh Samot,
Koh Chan and Koh Totang - are all
within a boat's row and boast good reefs
for snorkelling. A fishing boat to the
islands is open to negotiation: $30 a day
seems to be the going rate. Alternatively,
you can hop in one of the small,
fibreglass boats that go across to the
mainland (around $1) where there are
also some fine, deserted beaches. hai
Baht is also accepted on the island.

ECO ADVENTURES IN
KOH KONG
Koh Kong is an emerging ecotourism
destination; day-trips to waterfalls and
Koh Kong Island, and treks into the lush
jungle of the Cardamoms are offered by
the reliable Ritthy at Koh Kong Eco
Adventure Tours ( W kohkongeco
adventure.com). For riverine kayaking
trips, try Neptune ( W neptuneadventure
-cambodia.com), whose base is a
chilled-out guesthouse on the banks of
the serene Tatai River, 18km east of town,
itself a lovely place to stay ($25).

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
By bus To get to Koh S'Dach, take the 7am minibus from
Veal Rinh, 45min from Sihanoukville, to Poi Yapon jetty, or
alternatively jump aboard a Koh Kong-bound bus and