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Koh Kong
With the Cardamom
Mountains to the north, the Domrei mountains to the south, and
remote beaches dotting a rugged coastline, Koh Kong is strikingly
beautiful. The province is vast but sparsely populated, and most
residents live near the coast and work in fishing. Travel through
the province can be difficult on unsealed roads through the forest
that are often washed away and crossing rivers on ramshackle
ferries.
The small town of Koh Kong, 10 km from the Hat Lek international
border crossing with Thailand, is the urban center of the province.
The bridge spanning the Koh Poi River connects the town with the
border, improving traffic between the two countries. There are no
flights between Phnom Penh and Koh Kong, though land has been
designated for the future construction of an airport.
 Construction
to bridge the four ferry crossings separating Koh Kong and Phnom
Penh is well underway, with two completed and awaiting their
official openings. In the meantime, it is still necessary to make
these short ferry crossings, which take from 10 minutes to an hour
but are compensated for by a picturesque journey through the
Cardamom mountains.
Koh Kong town offers a limited number, but good variety, of
accommodations including several very reasonably priced guesthouses,
a few mid-range places, and even deluxe rooms at the Koh Kong
International Resort and Casino, a magnet for Thai gamblers because
of the illegality of gambling in Thailand.
Outside of Koh Kong town there is a potential for growth in tourism,
including the incredible beaches lining Botum Sakor National Park
and the unique ecosystem in the Cardamom Mountains, which provides a
habitat for many endangered species. An example of ecotourism is the
recently opened Rainbow Lodge set on five hectares of riverside in
Tatai, 20 km from Koh Kong town. Guests can experience first-hand
the sights and sounds of the jungle from the comfort and safety of
traditional Khmer-style bungalows. The lodge aims to provide an
eco-friendly venue for guests and employment and training for the
local community while respecting the local culture and environment.
Other attractions include touring the nearby and unique mangrove
forests and boating further upstream to spectacular waterfalls,
rapids, and jungle scenery. Otherwise, try a multi-day 4-wheel-drive
or dirt bike excursion into the Cardamom Mountains. For secluded
tropical beaches, take a boat trip to the isolated coastal and
island beaches for a relaxing afternoon. Most guesthouses and hotels
can offer advice and organize tours. |
