If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Cambodia, Koh Kong should be on your radar. Tucked away in the southwestern corner of the country by the Thai border, this hidden gem offers stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and a laid-back vibe that makes it perfect for a getaway. I planned a week-long stay in the lesser-known but highly worth visiting province to wash away the Phnom Penh chaos.
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How to Get to Koh Kong from Phnom Penh by Bus
The journey to Koh Kong from Phnom Penh is part of the adventure in itself. The most convenient and budget-friendly way to travel is by bus, offering the most breathtaking views of the Cambodian countryside, rural villages with traditional wooden houses lining the roads, and small towns bustling with life.
Thanks to online booking platforms like BookMeBus or CamboTicket, securing your ticket in advance is easy and can be done in minutes. You can also usually buy a ticket at a bus depot, but that won’t guarantee you will get a seat on the bus you want.
Bus from Phnom Penh to Koh Kong Information
- Duration: Around 5-6 hours including bathroom breaks
- Price: $10-$15 USD (depending on the bus company)
- Bus Companies: Though there are sometimes other options, Virak Buntham is your best bet for this journey.
- Departure: Most buses leave from Phnom Penh’s city centre.
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Once I arrived in Koh Kong town on the mainland, I instantly felt the slower pace of life set in. The chaos and skyscrapers of Phnom Penh had been replaced by low-rise buildings painted in vibrant colours.
Must-Do Activities Near Koh Kong Town
In all honesty, there isn’t much to do in Koh Kong itself, and since it is a little off the beaten tourist track there are limited good places to stay, I had planned my 6-hour bus journey to arrive just before 1 pm so that I could potter around before heading to my beach hut accommodation for the night.
After wandering to a traditional Cambodian market for a street food lunch, I grabbed a tuk-tuk and headed out to the most popular activity in Koh Kong: The Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary.
I would always recommend using a transport booking app such as PassApp, Grab, or TADA when travelling, as these are much safer than simply jumping in a tuk-tuk. That being said, in smaller towns in Cambodia such as Koh Kong there are often fewer drivers than you’d find in the cities.
A super handy tip for getting a tuk-tuk is to always agree on a price before you travel! Tuk-tuk drivers are notorious for trying to rip off tourists and to be honest, and although it is cheeky, I don’t particularly hold it against them, since their daily income is often so low and they are only trying to feed their families. It can be pretty hard to gauge a suitable price, so as an indicator, it shouldn’t really cost more than $10-$15 USD to get to Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary.
Once there, I spent the afternoon meandering through the unique ecosystem of Cambodia’s mangrove forest then took a guided tour by boat to explore the stunning waterways that make up this area of the reserve. As a lover of the great outdoors, this was an unforgettable experience, but even for those who are less into the wild parts of the world, this is still on my list of recommended things to do in Koh Kong.
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3 Great Things to Do Near Koh Kong Town
- Tatai Waterfall: About a 30-minute drive from town, this cascading waterfall is a perfect spot for a refreshing dip. Rent a tuk-tuk for around $10-$15 USD or join a group tour to get there. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a kayak and paddle down the river to reach the waterfall.
- Mangrove Walkway: Located in the Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary, this elevated wooden walkway lets you wander through an untouched mangrove forest, teeming with wildlife. It’s a peaceful spot where you might spot birds, crabs, and even the occasional monkey.
- Guided Boat Tour: Also in Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary, you can take a guided tour to see the mangrove forest from a unique perspective, spot resident wildlife, and even see a floating fishing village where you can learn about how locals live and work on the water.
As the afternoon began drawing to an end, It was time to leave the natural beauty of the mangrove forest and head to a different kind of beauty—the clear waters of the Cambodian coast.
After my exploration in the Mangrove Forest came to a close, I returned to my waiting tuk-tuk; sometimes it is simply easier to ask the driver to wait and pay extra for their time than it is to risk not being able to get a ride back!
Three Nights at Young, Wild & Free: A Paradise Found
I had decided to spend three nights at one of the best places to stay on the beach: Young, Wild & Free beach huts, having read great things about them in Lonely Planet’s guide to Cambodia. The site is made up of a handful of tiny thatched wooden huts overlooking the ocean, creating a peaceful and intimate setting for relaxing by the water.
Now, part of being a digital nomad is about finding the time and place to balance work with exploration. Since I had a decent-sized project on the go this week, I decided to make the most of the time I had at Young, Wild & Free before I was due to head to Koh Kong Island. I spent three days sunning myself, floating in the gentle waves of the warm sea, sipping cocktails made from fresh tropical fruit, and enjoying the home-cooked food on the menu. Really, my only concern in the world was about getting sand in my laptop!
Here is where I remind all you fellow digital nomads to get travel insurance that covers your equipment!!
Each night, the beach became the most incredible spectacle. The skies exploded with stars, as the lack of light pollution let even those furthest away shine with all their beauty. The waves below became their own sea of stars, as millions of Bioluminescent Plankton lit up light fireworks. I waded right in, surrounded by the glowing water – an otherworldly experience I’ll never forget!
A major joy of staying at Young, Wild and Free was the hosts, Marija and Thibault, who instantly made me feel at home. I felt as though I was hanging out with old friends, having some great banter and sharing life stories. While travelling alone is a unique adventure, meeting great people along the way enriches the experience. I’ve always thought that there is a certain kind of intuition that makes someone a great host – knowing when you’re up for a laugh and when to leave you in peace, and these guys get the balance just right, making the stay exactly what I needed.
Highlights of My Stay at Young, Wild and Free in Koh Kong
- Bioluminescent Plankton
- Great Cocktails & Chilled Vibes
- Sunbathing & Relaxation
- Pristine Stretch of Beach
- Amazing Hosts
- Homecooked Food
- Decent Wifi
I could have stayed here forever, but adventure was calling. Next stop? Koh Kong Island.
Koh Kong Island: Remote, Rugged, and Made for Resting
Koh Kong Island is one of Cambodia’s largest islands but remains relatively untouched. It’s a true paradise for travellers seeking seclusion and island exploration.
After my three days of my digital nomad work (and cocktails!) at Young, Wild and Free, I was ready to see the island itself and get lost in the serenity it has to offer.
How to get to Koh Kong Island
From Koh Kong town I jumped on a boat transfer that I had booked in advance. The trip took about 1.5 hours and cost $20 USD. If you’re travelling from Koh Kong town, you can find boat services near the pier, but it’s best to arrange your trip in advance either online or through a travel agent in town to make sure you’re getting the right price and heading in the right direction!
I left Koh Kong City early enough to get a full day on the island, with the intention of hiking from the dock on Long Beach, of one Koh Kong’s eight beaches, over to Chhneah Somngat (Hidden Beach). There were very few other people on my boat, so I was expecting to make the trip alone, however, I ended up chatting to a couple of other travellers from Denmark who had the same plans as me, so we decided to take the hike together.
Supporting Koh Kong’s Ecosystem
Unfortunately, as with many beaches in Southeast Asia, the amount of trash and single-use plastic that finds its way into the water or washed up on shore is heartbreaking, and in many places not only ruins the attraction of the place but also destroys the local ecosystems. At Young, Wild and Free, the resort owners and staff were making constant efforts to collect what was landing on the beaches, but on Koh Kong Island itself, where there are less visitors, there isn’t always someone around to take on the task.
When we got to Hidden Beach after our short hike, one of the guys I met on the boat had the great idea of hiring kayaks and heading out to sea to contribute ourselves, whilst having fun at the same time. Since I had already been considering going out on a kayak anyway, it made perfect sense to use my time for good, have some fun, and get stuck in. And, just to raise the stakes, we agreed that whoever collected the least trash would be buying the first round when we were back on dry land!
I’ve said it before; as much as I enjoy solo travelling, meeting other travellers is a huge highlight of the experience. Don’t get me wrong, you meet your fair share of unpleasant characters, but there is something special about bumping into a total stranger who has the same morals and interests as you, spending a day or two sharing your adventure and making unforgettable memories, then once again heading off into the world alone.
What to Do on Koh Kong Island
- Snorkelling: The island has some fantastic dive sites with clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a chance to see rays, turtles, and schools of tropical fish.
- Jungle Trekking: If you love hiking, the island has incredible trails leading to hidden waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints.
- Beach Camping & Stargazing: The lack of light pollution on Koh Kong Island makes it the perfect place to see endless stars.
- Wildlife Spotting: With conservation efforts in place, the island is home to diverse wildlife, including gibbons, hornbills, and even the elusive clouded leopard.
- Kayaking: A great way to discover the eight beaches on Koh Kong and see the island from a different angle.
- Dolphin Spotting: Though I wasn’t lucky enough to see any myself this time, it isn’t too uncommon to spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins in this area, but I guess that just means I will have to come back again!
A Final Stop in the Cardamom Mountains
I had planned one final stop in Koh Kong province; a few night at the unique Thansur Tatai Eco Resort for a stay in the Cardamom Mountains.
Floating on the edge of the Tatai River with the untouched jungle as its backdrop, Thansur Tatai Eco Resort offers a handful of traditional bamboo huts that float on the water, letting you look out at nothing but nature as you lie in your bed.I had one of the most incredible guided jungle hikes here, getting a glimpse of some of Cambodia’s most untamed wild areas and a few of the creatures that live there.
Now, taking one look at the huts and facilities at Thansur Tatai Eco Resort would easily mislead you into thinking that it comes with the luxury price tag you’d expect from such a special and enchanting accommodation choice, but you’d be wrong. Though prices of course fluctuate depending on the season, it only cost me £58 per night for my hut. Granted, this is a lot higher than what I would usually spend, but I like to balance my hostel stays with something really special every now and then. In fact, all of my accommodations during my time here in Koh Kong have been nothing short of extraordinary, and easily worth every penny.
Exploring the Cardamom Mountains Jungle
I’m sure you’ll have guessed it by now, but I love hiking, which was a huge part of what drew me to Thansur Tatai Eco Resort in the first place. It’s the perfect location to arrange a jungle hike, and so I planned a guided trek through the raw and rugged wilderness that seemed to stretch one forever. This felt like a true slice of the wild, and with my incredible guide teaching me all about the different animals, plants and wildlife in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains, I spent a whole day exploring the area’s natural beauty.
Highlights of my Stay at Thansur Tatai Eco Resort
- Eco-Friendly Stay: Designed with sustainability in mind, minimising environmental impact.
- Direct River Access: You can literally walk out of your bed and into the cool water of the Tatai River.
- Unique Floating Bungalows: There’s undoubtedly something extra special about sleeping with the sound of the water lapping beneath you.
- Kayaking, Paddleboarding & Boating Tours: Explore the Tatai River and its peaceful surroundings from the water.
- Jungle Trekking: Explore the Cardamom Mountains with guided hikes through the rainforest, spotting wildlife and learning more about the conservation efforts taking place.
Koh Kong is one of Cambodia’s best-kept secrets, and in my opinion, should absolutely not be missed. Whether you’re after a laid-back beach retreat, unwinding in the jungle, or wildlife encounters, I’d say that Koh Kong is easily the best place in Cambodia for relaxing.
Bonus Travel Tips for Koh Kong, Cambodia
- Have some cash on hand, there are no ATMs on the beach!
- Respect local conservation efforts. Avoid single-use plastics and follow eco-friendly guidelines.
- Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season.
- Always be cautious with solo hiking or kayaking—carry a GPS tracker and tell someone your plans so that you can be found in an emergency.
- Bring essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, a basic first aid kit and a reusable water bottle —you will likely find yourself quite far from shops most of the time!
Final Thoughts
The combination of friendly locals, stunning natural beauty, and off-the-grid experiences make it a must-visit for any traveller, so if you’re looking for a slice of paradise away from the tourist crowds, a week in Koh Kong should definitely be on your itinerary.
I got my trip, now get yours! Anna xx
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