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  This delightful seaside town surrounded by forests and mountains and bordered by Thailand, is a tourist hub-in-waiting with its lush green surroundings and fresh/cool sea breeze, beautiful untouched beaches and Islands and friendly residents, makes Koh Kong a must see destination. The local community of expats in Koh Kong at present consists of among others the following Nationalities, English, Australians, Canadians, Irish, Scottish, New Zealand, Germans, Austrians, Dutch, Italians...  Koh Kong town is accessible by land, sea and air. From Bangkok it is 450 Kilometres by road to Had Lek in Khlong Yai district in Thailand and a short trip from there to the Cham Yeam international border crossing. From the border it is 10 kilometres to the town. Travelling from the capital Phnom Penh, it is 133 kilometres west along National Highway 4 to the town of Sre Ambel.  Most travelers see Koh Kong City only briefly as they pass through town on their way to or from the Thai border crossing, but that is gradually changing. Koh Kong Province is only just being discovered as a destination in itself, largely unexplored and offering a wealth of eco-tourism, adventure and beach hopping possibilities, and Koh Kong City is the most convenient base from which to explore the province.  Koh Kong Island is the largest of the Cambodian islands and is a true hidden treasure. It is situated approximately 25 kilometres to the south of Krong Koh Kong. It can be a bit confusing as Koh Kong is sometimes to referred to as an island, a province or a town. In fact, they are three different places! The province of Koh Kong is one of Cambodia's largest and includes Koh Kong Island. There is also a town called Koh Kong in the province of Koh Kong. Phew! The Koh Kong Island is famed for its Koh Kong is linked to Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville via Sre Ambel by National Route 4. The road is now completed including all 5 bridges (May 2008). It's a good scenic drive through some of Cambodia's least developed and unspoiled regions - Cardamom mountains. Minibuses and tourist air-con buses leave Koh Kong mainly in the mornings (but some do even in the afternoon, probably depending on number of passengers available). This article is about my trip and my impression over this land. I actually travelled to its city, Koh Kong city, but have reached some destinations along the road there. What I can tell about this land is that it has both potential for tourism and industrial revolution.  Another long overdue post.. This is the sequel to my Koh Kong Trip, Part I, which I know I should have posted ages ago but due to combined reasons of laziness, procrastination, convenient memory gaps, on top of Facebook addiction, well, I am now months late in posting this update. Made it Down.. After that refreshing Koh Kong Tatai Waterfalls picnic and swimming, we all piled ourselves in the van and headed towards Koh Kong City. This was another scenic drive and in just thirty minutes we were Welcome to Koh Kong Cambodia. The new bridge and the road to Phnom Penh is now open. Koh Kong is a quaint and interesting border village that shouldn't be missed. Stop and enjoy us while traveling through SE Asia. Villages like Koh Kong are getting very rare nowadays. Children say hello, ice is cut by hand and although life is slow it is very enjoyable.  With its unique riverside setting on the edge of the South Cardamom Mountains protected reserve, Rainbow Lodge offers its guests a true insight into a side of Cambodia many visitors fail to see. Koh Kong Divers Resort is a professional diving centre and training academy set in the heart of the Koh Sdach (King Island) archipelago, covering the best of Cambodia's dive sites form the famous Condor reef to Marlin point we offer our guests great diving experiences that they won't be disappointed in.  Away from the tourist trail to ancient civilisations there is another country . . . a land of unspoilt virgin forest, rare orchids and fragrant frangipani, the startling colours and calls of birds of paradise, secretive jungle creatures and a perfumed air of peace and solitude The most south-western province of Cambodia, Koh Kong has a long undeveloped coastline and a mountainous, forested and largely inaccessible interior which embraces part of the Cardamom Mountains and a section of Kirirom National Park. Its tourist attractions include casinos and waterfalls, while an Export Processing Zone and new port facilities are being developed for trade. Koh Kong, on the Cambodia coast near the border with Thailand, was at one time, only a way stop on the road between Thailand and Cambodia. Its tourist development began with casinos catering to Thais who would cross the border to gamble, since gambling is illegal in Thailand. It is still a popular gambling destination, with a new casino/hotel and more on the way. Recently, the beaches of Koh Kong and nearby islands, and the pristine Cardamom mountains nearby, have become popular with beachgoers Koh Kong is an island located SW of the Cambodia, near the border with Thailand. You can come here from Sihanoukville by boat or from the main land by small boat after taking a moto from the Thai border.. Currently the bridge is under construction. Soon Koh Kong will be connected by the bridge. If coming from Sihanoukville, you won't have much time to visit before it gets dark : walking the waterfront and the market would keep you busy just fine / If coming from Thailand, you could arrange for a longer visit and go further around, acclimating yourself with the laid back Cambodian atmosphere / If in the adventurer mood, there are plenty of possible expeditions in the vicinity. How to start your trip to Trat from Bangkok Take the air-conditioned public bus at the Eastern Bus Terminal, locally called "Ekamai", to Trat. It takes about 4.5 - 5 hours drive with the stopovers at Chonburi, Pattaya and Chantaburi. The bus fare is around 150 Baht one-way. Koh Kong is accessible by land to and from Thailand and route 48 built by the Thai army connects the town with the road to and from Phnom Penh and the coast area (Sihanoukville, Kampot) by way of Sre Ambel and the scenic southern Cardamoms. There is also a logging road north into the Cardamoms that you can take to Battambang and Siem Reap but there is no public transport.  Koh Kong Island is the largest of the Cambodian islands and is a true hidden treasure. It is situated approximately 25 kilometres to the south of Krong Koh Kong. It can be a bit confusing as Koh Kong is sometimes to referred to as an island, a province or a town. In fact, they are three different places! The province of Koh Kong is one of Cambodia's largest and includes Koh Kong Island. There is also a town called Koh Kong in the province of Koh Kong. Phew! The Koh Kong Island is famed for its |
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