Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
KOH KONG PROVINCE
Cambodia's vast and sparsely populated far southwestern province of Koh Kong shelters
some of the country's most remarkable and important natural sites.
Until relatively recently the entire province was effectively cut off from the rest of the
country because of dreadful roads. The capital city of Koh Kong (Krong Koh Kong) was
easier to visit from Thailand, the Thai baht was king and the vast majority of foreigners in
town were the wrong type of tourists on visa runs from Pattaya. That has all changed as
National Hwy 48 (NH48) is now paved and bus connections to Phnom Penh and Sihanouk-
ville are frequent.
The best base for exploring the province's untamed jungle and coastline, spread out
along the Koh Kong Conservation Corridor, is the riverine town of Koh Kong, 8km from
the Thai border. From here, motorboats can whisk you to rushing waterfalls, secluded is-
lands, sandy coves and Venice-like fishing villages on stilts.
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Koh Kong City
035 / POP 35,000
Once Cambodia's Wild West, its isolated frontier economy dominated by smuggling, pros-
titution and gambling, Koh Kong is striding towards respectability as ecotourists shoo
away the sleaze. It's a sleepy town on the banks of the Koh Poi River, which spills into the
Gulf of Thailand a few kilometres south of the centre.
