Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
saltwater ecosystem. From Koh Kong you can make an enjoyable excursion to the
Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary (PKWS)
, a 250-square-kilometre area of stunning
mangrove forest that was designated as a protected area in 1997. Ten thousand
people, mainly fishermen, live in floating hamlets and make their livings from the
abundant marine life.
From the entrance, a 600m concrete walkway takes you through the eerie mangrove
forest towards a rickety bridge and a 15m-high observation tower. Across the bridge
(and at the sanctuary entrance) you can hire a motorboat to take you through the
waterways, past mangrove islands and into authentic local fishing villages.
5
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
KOH KONG AND AROUND
By bus
Buses drop off at the new bus stop, east of town,
near Acleda Bank, from where it's a $1-2 moto ride into
town. If you're buying a bus ticket for onward travel,
it's worth shopping around (or asking at Ritthy Eco
Adventure Tours) as guesthouses often add a few
dollars surcharge. A few companies offer morning
services to Phnom Penh (between 7am and 8am) and
Sihanoukville (8am, 11.45am & 2pm) from their offices
in town. Note that for Sihanoukville, only Virak Bunthan
offers a “direct” service; other companies may claim to
send you direct, but you usually have to alight at Sre
Ambal and board a smaller minibus (same company) the
rest of the way.
Destinations
Phnom Penh (5 daily; 6hr); Sihanoukville (3
daily; 4hr).
By minibus and shared taxi
Minibuses and shared taxis
are becoming less popular now that there are big a/c buses
and better roads. However, minibuses (30,000 riel) and
shared taxis (40,000 riel) run to Phnom Penh direct from
Koh Kong, bypassing Sihanoukville, and Sihanoukville-
bound shared taxis (40,000 riel) leave from the transport
stop at the market. A couple of minibuses (departing
between 8am and 9am) travel to Kampot and Kep for $10/
person.
Destinations
Kampot (2 daily; 6hr); Kep (2 daily; 7hr);
Phnom Penh (6 daily; 6hr); Sihanoukville (4 daily; 4hr).
GETTING AROUND
Bike and motorbike rental
Most guesthouses can sort
you out with a motorbike for around $5-6/day or a bicycle
for $1.50/24hr.
Motos
There are plenty of motos around; Mr Han (
T
097
280 0232) is reliable.
ACCOMMODATION
Most accommodation is within walking distance of the jetty. If staying in the town doesn't appeal, try one of the growing
number of excellent options beside the
Tatai River
, around 20km east of town (a moto or tuk-tuk to the bridge at Tatai
should cost $6/$15).
KOH KONG TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
A few companies (and guesthouses such as
Blue Moon
) offer excursions to
waterfalls
upstream or the
beaches
on nearby
Koh Kong island
. The boat ride there takes about an
hour (although the choppy seas shouldn't be crossed between June and October). Guided
treks into the hinterland are also easily arranged.
TOUR OPERATORS
Neptune
Tatai, 18km east of town
W
neptuneadventure-cambodia.com.
Experienced
outfit with a tranquil riverside guesthouse and all sorts
of river tours on offer, including kayaking and boat trips
to the waterfall and nearby mangroves.
Ritthy Koh Kong Eco Adventure Tours
Waterfront, close to Bob's Ice Cream (look for the
orange sign)
T
012 707719,
W
kohkongeco
adventure.com.
The town's longest-running operator,
offering a range of excursions that includes day-trips to
waterfalls and to Koh Kong island, as well as kayaking
and multi-day treks in the Cardamom Mountains.
Wild KK Project
T
097 989 7999,
W
wildkkproject
.com.
Working with nature, a grassroots movement and
local communities, these adventurous ecology- and
culture-focused small group tours to the Areng Valley -
a pristine region deep in the Cardamoms threatened by
a proposed hydroelectric dam, and home to rare
Siamese crocs - run for a minimum of four days. You'll
sleep in hammocks and eat local food while activities
include trekking, kayaking and cycling. Expect plenty of
interaction with local communities.
