What to see in Koh Kong, Cambodia

What to see in Koh Kong

The provincial capital of Koh Kong is the arrival point for many foreign travellers en route to Cambodia due to the international border crossing with Thailand which lies a short distance from the town. A pretty dusty old affair, Krong Koh Kong (the city of Koh Kong, but usually just called Koh Kong) sits on the western bank of the Kah Bpow River -- a wide flowing river which is spanned by a spic-and-span Thai-financed bridge. Koh Kong is a sleepy riverside town and there's not much in the way of tourist attractions within the town itself. However, it's a handy base for boat trips, waterfall and beach excursions. The town has also become a hub for eco-tourism trips and jungle trekking. For a town of its size, it has a disproportionate number of western-managed bars which are primarily aimed at Thailand- based expats on visa runs. One Koh Kong city regular describes the local expat scene as "rather Monty-Pythonesque", but regardless of your opinion, there's certainly not a shortage of places for a refreshing drink and expats to talk to.

Koh Kong province retained a Khmer Rouge presence longer than other more central tracts of Cambodia and Thai military and private “investors" took advantage of this to extract vast tracts of timber and other valuables. The Chi Phat area in particular was know for rapacious logging, slash and burn and poaching. Ironically, through the involvement of Wildlife Alliance, many Chi Phat residents have been retrained and now work at the vanguard of one of Cambodia's more promising ecotourism initiatives.

With an overnight stay in Koh Kong you could visit a waterfall in the morning and an outlying beach in the afternoon before catching transport out of there the following morning -- that would be sufficient for many, though with more time, there's no shortage of beaches worth exploring or jungles to be trekked -- just bear in mind the cost of getting to the beaches can get prohibitive if you're travelling alone. Along with the bars there's an ample supply of guesthouses in Koh Kong, both in the centre of town and down towards the river. Prices are competitive.

Cham Yeam International border crossing

A moto either way between Koh Kong toll. Cars cost double. The Cham Yeam International checkpoint is open between 07:00 and 20:00.  Many tourists using this border crossing report lots of extra charges, fees and requests for cash on the Cambodian side however, with some perseverance you should be able to get through without paying extra. Have American dollars in the correct denomination ready before you cross. You can ignore the "health check" desk -- having a health check is not a requirement. Do not let anyone take your passport and fill out your visa forms or carry your bags, they will expect to be paid for these services.

They will try and tell you that you're about to miss the bus to encourage you to cough up the cash, and it's likely that your moto driver will be in on the scam. If you want to avoid the extra charges, but eventually they will let you through. The easiest solution is get your visa in advance so as to not have to purchase one at the border.

Ignore anyone that tells you that you need to change your Thai Baht before crossing or that there aren't ATMs across the border. There are, and you'll get better exchange rates in town compared to the extortionate ones at the border.

Orientation

Depending on the business, prices will be quoted in Thai Baht, Riel or US Dollars. It's generally best to pay in whichever currency is quoted, because the exchange rates are usually unfavourable. There are at least a dozen money-changers on the outskirts of the market who offer surprisingly good rates, but unlike the old days, you can manage a trip to Koh Kong and get by without having any Thai baht. Currently, there's only one ATM in town and it only accepts cards with a Visa logo, although a Canadia ATM is being built that will accept both.

Cham Yeam Resort

Cham Yeam Resort is located in Mondul Seima district, about 10 kilometers northwest of Koh Kong provincial town, near the Cambodian-Thai international border. Cham Yeam is a semi-natural site developed 1997 by Neak Oknha Li Yong Phat. He name it Koh Kong International Resort. Today it attracts many tourists, especially Thais.

Cham Yeam Resort is one of the most beautiful resorts in Cambodia because it have five-star hotels, guest houses, several casinos and international zoo, Koh Kong Safari World. Cham Yeam Beach features beautiful coconut trees. The Cham Yeam border checkpoint is open from 8am until 5pm and from 10pm to 11pm to accommodate the import and export of goods.

Chi Phat

Chi Phat is located in Koh Kong province, which is in the Southwest of Cambodia. Chi Phat is mainland South East Asia’s largest remaining tract of rainforest situated directly in the heart of the Cardamom Mountains. With mountains, mangroves and low land swamps on the one hand and many cultural artifacts such as burial jars and wooden coffins on the other hand, Chi Phat and its surrounding area has a variety of attractions to offer both to local and international tourists. Tourists can take a walk through the forest trails and meet warm and friendly village people.

Kbal Chhay (Koh Por)

Kbal Chhay waterfall is located in Mondul Seima district, about 16 kilometers north of Koh Kong provincial town. Kbal Chhay or Koh Por is a natural site along a high mountain range and forest. To reach Koh Por, visitors travel along a stream amid beautiful scenery.Kbal Chhay gets its water from the Pursat stream. The waterfall is 10 meters high and 8 meters wide during the rainy season. In dry season there is less water, so locals and tourists visit the site and relax under the big rocks that resemble a cave.

Kbal Chhay or Koh Por? Both? Apparently it is still not clear what name to give this waterfall located in Koh Kong province, Cambodia. Possibly Kbal Chhay is not used as often, now that Koh Kong is asserting itself on the tourist map. Kbal Chhay is also the name of neighboring Kampong Som province's only waterfall and as such a major tourist destination there. Operators naming this Koh Por makes sense as it distinguishes it from the other Kbal Chhay.Accomadation is to be had in Koh Kong town as well as food. Nothing exists near the falls, so bringing something with you is advisable. It's a great place to while away. 

The waterfall of Kbal Chhay has many sources from the mountain rank at the seaside. The history of Kbal Chhay waterfall was found in 1960. Until 1963 Kbal Chhay arranged as the clean-water sources for providing to Sihanouk Ville, but the arrangement was failed became a hidden place for Khmer Rouge.In 1997, Kbal Chhay was changed to the developing zone. In 1998 Kbal Chhay was for bid by Kok An Company on constructing road and changing this site as tourist resort for local and international tourists. Nowadays, the Royal Government of Cambodia has changed his site as the clean-water sources for providing clean water to Sihanouk Vill.

Khun Chhang Khun Phen

Khun Chhang Khun Phen stupa sits on a rock in the middle of the sea tributary, about 1 kilometer from the provincial town. The stupa is 4 meters high and made of concrete. Because the site is small-only 40 square meters, including the stupa-it can accommodate only 10 to 15 visitors at a time. The stupa is about 1 kilometer from the provincial town. 

Koh Kong residents worship there and often visit the site on national holidays and traditional festivals. Khun Chhang Khun Phen is related to a Khmer legend. Once upon a time, there was villager's daughter named Thim, who was loved by a man named Khun Chhang. Khun Chhang was bold-headed and not very handsome, but his family was rich.Thim, however, did not love Khun Chhang, they became engaged and Khun Chhang married her.

She later betrayed her husband to love a commander named Khun Phen. When Khun Chhang learned of his wife's affair, he complained to the King. The King decided to cut Thim's body into two parts. After Thim died, Khun Chhang buried her at the same place where she was killed. Because he wanted her to be reincarnated, Khun Chhang put up a soul flag pole on the east bank of the stream, facing where Thim was buried. Then he built a stupa in memory of their love. Later, the west bank of the stream was named Chetdey (a stupa) village, and the east bank was named Dangtung (a flage pole) village.

Koh Moul Resort

Koh Moul Resort Koh Kong, the biggest island in Cambodia, is 22 kilometers long and 7 kilometers wide. The island is located in Koh Kong district, about 24 kilometers south of Koh Kong provincial town. Koh Moul is 350 meters above sea level. The island has many hills and is rich in natural scenery. Koh Kong Krav has more than 10 waterfalls that range from 6 to 25 meters in height. Koh Moul features 6 beautiful beaches, known as Deum Dong Beach 1 to 6, that range from 3,000 to 5,000 meters long. All have beautiful white sand and limpid water. The water surrounding the island are full of black and white dolphines that appear along the beach from 9 to 10:30 in the morning and 5 to 7:30 in the evening. 

Koh Mool Resort (Kor Kong Krau), Koh Kong is visited by thousands of travelers from all over the world as is counted among the topmost tourist attractions in Koh Kong. Situated at one of the idyllic locations of Koh Kong the Koh Mool Resort (Kor Kong Krau), Koh Kong is next to paradise. Known as the ?largest island in Cambodia?, Koh Mool is only a little away from the charming town of Koh Kong. Although much of Koh Kong still remains unexplored the tourism industry is flourishing and you will see some of the finest places of interest in Koh Kong. Koh Mool Resort (Kor Kong Krau) is only 24 km away from the centre of the town and you can hire a car to visit this lovely place. It is the natural splendor of Koh Moul Resort (Kor Kong Krau) in Koh Kong that attracts thousands of travelers.

Apart from the lovely retreats one can find waterfalls and you will stand mesmerized before the cascading waters of the fall from the height of 25 m. Apart from the tall waterfalls one can also see a number of small springs, and nooks in Koh Moul Resort (Kor Kong Krau), Koh Kong. Apart from the gushing springs you will see some the dolphins which will playfully come near you. As you stand on the beaches you will be simply surprised to see the black and white dolphins which are fearless of human touch. Your kids will enjoy the dolphin show that is organized at the Koh Moul Resort (Kor Kong Krau), Koh Kong for the recreation of the guests. if you are planning to stay for sometime then you can put up at any of the lovely retreats near the beach. A walk on the beach in the moonlit night is an experience you will never forget.

Koh Sdach

Koh Sdech Koh Kong is located in Kirisakor district, about 81 kilometers south of Koh Kong provincial town. It attracts visitors from Sihanoukville and Sre Ambil district. Koh Sdech features a long beach, and the sea is filled with a variety of fish. The site is excellent for snorkeling or scuba diving, as the water is clear, and an array of coral can be seen growing at the bottom of the sea. According to legend, there once was a king who commanded an army on the island. Because there was no fresh water, the king searched everywhere to find some.

At last he found a rock near the sea. Thinking the rock might contain water, the king drew his sword and split open the rock, releasing an endless flow of water that local people still use today. This small fishing village island sits at the half way mark between Ko Kong and Sihanoukville. Accommodation is available on the island, and for those interested in experiencing a totally unadulterated stay in a Cambodian fishing village, then this isn't a bad choice.

Located just a twenty minute boat-ride off the Cambodian coast, Ko Sdach is dominated by a sizeable fishing village that stretches along the side of the island that faces the mainland. While fishing is the mainstay of the local economy, the village also has a large ice-making plant, where you can watch it being made and ferried off by boat to the surrounding islands. On the far side of the island lies the island's main beach, a somewhat rocky affair that sits beside the island's premiere karaoke bar. You can swim here if you wish and the water is crystal clear -- as an added bonus, while you're underwater you can't hear the karaoke. Ko Sdach is surrounded by a bunch of other islands and the mainland, many of which have spectacular and totally deserted beaches all of which can be visited on daytrips by longtail from Ko Sdach.

Lam Da Beach

One of the best places to visit is the Lam Da Beach, Koh Kong as you can spend some time amidst sea, sand and serenity. The long stretch of the golden beach shining in the warm rays of the sum makes it a favorite tourist sports for young and old alike. The global travelers can find traces of almost every natural element if they come to the province of Koh Kong. The Lam Da Beach, Koh Kong features as an integral part in the tourist attractions in Koh Kong. All the travelers hire a car or drive down in their own if they are the residents of the adjoining areas to the Lam Da Beach in Koh Kong. If you are planning to have a wonderful time with all your near and dear ones, then visit the Lam Da Beach, Koh Kong. It would take around one hour forty-five minutes to get to the Lam Da Beach as it is ideally situated about twenty kilometers away from the provincial town. 

The exact location of the Lam Da Beach is that it is placed in the Lam Da Village of the Koh Kapi Commune both of which come under the Koh Kong District. Your kids as well as all your family member whether young or old are surely going to have a great time at the Lam Da Beach in Koh Kong. The calm waters of the sea and the picturesque locales surrounding it are definitely a treat for the eyes!

Prek Chik O'srey Sranash

The Prek Chik O' srey Sranash, Koh Kong is one of the tourist attractions in Koh Kong which the global travelers love to visit owing to its idyllic location. You are definitely going to have one of the most memorable moments of your life if you take some time off from your busy schedule to visit the Prek Chik O' srey Sranash, Koh Kong. The stunning locales which surround the Prek Chik O' srey Sranash in Koh Kong draw the travelers from all across the globe. Since it is placed conveniently at a distance of about six kilometers from the heart of the provincial town, therefore it acts as a perfect picnic spot for all.

You can hire a car and drive down for about ten minutes to reach the Prek Chik O' srey Sranash in Koh Kong. The actual location of the Prek Chik O'srey Sranash is in the village of Chhmarbak of the Bakclong Commune in the district of Smachmeanchey. There are many tourist attractions in this Smachmeanchey District so it has become a favorite tourist haunt. The lush green forests of the adjoining areas of the Prek Chik O' srey Sranash in Koh Kong acts as a natural habitat for the extensive flora and fauna of Cambodia. The travelers can see some of the nature and wildlife reserves while visiting the Prek Chik O' srey Sranash in Koh Kong.

Sner Beach

The Sner Beach, Koh Kong is one of the frequently visited tourist attractions in Koh Kong. The international travelers coming to the province of Koh Kong from the different corners of the world prefer to visit the Sner Beach, Koh Kong as it offers one of the stunning beauties of the sea and its coastline. The long stretch of the sandy beach sparkling in the shining rays of the sun is sure to be an ideal pace to spend some quality time with your loved ones. The cool waters of the sea and the unspoilt beauties of nature acting as the backdrop make the Sner Beach in Koh Kong a favorite for the young and old alike. Recreational area: parks and beaches. Road 48, Dong Tung Commune, Smachmean chey District. 17km(25mn) From Provincial Town.

How to get to Sner Beach Koh Kong

You can either hire a car or drive down in your own to the Sner Beach which is located at a distance of about 17 kilometers from the heart of the provincial town of Koh Kong. You will come across the Sner Beach in the Dong Tung commune of the Smachmeanchery District of the province of Koh Kong. The natural beauty of the beach and its adjoining areas which lie tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the cities is going to compel the tourists to come back here time and again!

Tatai Waterfall

Tatai waterfall is a semi-natural site located in Ta Tai village, Ta Tai commune, Smach Meanchey district, about 20 kilometers east of Koh Kong provincial town along National Road 48. There are 84 families living in this area. They earn their living by fishing and hunting. The waterfall has two stages. The first stage is 5 to 6 meters high; the second stage is 12 to 15 meters high. Ta Tai waterfall was developed as a model site in Koh Kong to attract local and foreign tourists.Ta Tai waterfall is also known as Ta Eysei waterfall. According to legend, a man named Ta Tai and his son went to the waterfall to fish because the waterfall was the joining point between fresh water and salt water. There was a storm and the resulting floods carried away Ta Tai's son.

Four or five days later, however, the boy was found at the same spot from where he disappeared. When Ta Tai questioned his son, the boy said: "There is someone who took me to a secret place, where he turned into a vampire and wanted to kill me. But suddenly Ta Eysei (a hermit) appeared to save me and took me back." After hearing the story, Ta Tai and his wife believed that their son was saved by Ta Eysei or Neak Sachang (another mane of hermit). Ever since then, the Waterfall has been called Ta Eysei Waterfall or Ta Tai Waterfall.

How to get to Tatai Waterfall Koh Kong

When driving east from Krong Koh Kong along NH48, the first bridge you come to - after about 20km - spans the Tatai River (Stung Tatai). Set in a lushly forested gorge a bit upstream from the bridge, Tatai Waterfall is a thundering set of rapids in the wet season, plunging over a 4m rock shelf. In the dry season, when water levels drop, you can walk across much of the ledge and take a dip in the gently-flowing river.

The water is fairly pure, as it comes down from the high Cardamoms, where there are very few human settlements.To get to the falls from Krong Koh Kong, you can either take a moto (the turn-off from NH48 is a couple of kilometres west of the Tatai River bridge).

Veal Achaut Waterfall

The Veal Achaut Waterfall, Koh Kong with its stunning locales is sure to make an ideal ambiance for the travelers. The tourists will have a wonderful time while enjoying the lush green landscape surrounding the Veal Achaut Waterfall in Koh Kong. Everyone wants to spend some time amidst nature as the bustling city life becomes boring after a certain point of time. The cool waters of the waterfalls and the rich flora and fauna in its adjoining areas attract the tourists from across the globe. The idyllic environment makes the Veal Achaut Waterfall in Koh Kong a perfect place for excursions.

How to get to Veal Achaut Waterfall Koh Kong

You will come across the Veal Achaut Waterfall placed conveniently at a distance of about 45 km from the provincial town of Koh Kong. The whole journey to the Veal Achaut Waterfall, Koh Kong takes about one hour as it is situated away from the heart of the town in the Dong Tung Commune of the Smachmeanchey District. The surrounding areas of the VealAchaut Waterfall, Koh Kong acts as nature and wildlife reserves as many animals have made it their natural habitat. While planning your trip to the province of Koh Kong make it a point to include the Veal Achaut Waterfall as it offers a Rare beauty!

Original Source: www.angkorfocus.com 

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