Things to Do in Koh Kong

Koh Kong sits where Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains crash into the Gulf of Thailand. This border town has long been a transit point for travelers heading to or from Thailand, but it's worth lingering for—the surrounding wilderness offers some of Cambodia's best ecotourism opportunities. The town itself is pleasantly low-key, with a frontier feel that's part Wild West outpost, part tropical fishing village. What makes Koh Kong genuinely interesting is its position as a gateway to landscapes you won't find elsewhere in Cambodia. The nearby Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuary protects vast mangrove ecosystems. The Cardamom Mountains harbor some of Southeast Asia's last intact rainforests. You'll find excellent opportunities for boat trips, jungle treks, and wildlife watching, all without the crowds that plague other Cambodian destinations. The infrastructure is improving steadily, but it retains that rough-around-the-edges charm. Worth the detour.

Koh Kong's dining scene centers around fresh seafood and traditional Khmer dishes. The night market along the waterfront serves excellent grilled fish, squid, and crab at bargain prices. Just point at what looks good. For sit-down meals, try the local restaurants along the main road for fish amok, beef lok lak, and other Cambodian classics. Several guesthouses serve decent Western breakfast options, and you'll find places doing pizza and pasta when you need a break. The seafood is genuinely fresh thanks to the town's proximity to the sea. Prices remain refreshingly low compared to touristy destinations.

November through March offers the most comfortable weather, with lower humidity, minimal rainfall, and temperatures in the mid-80s°F. This is peak season for outdoor activities like trekking and island hopping. Expect more tourists and higher prices. April and May can be brutally hot, while the rainy season (June-October) brings afternoon downpours and higher humidity. Wet season has advantages though. Waterfalls are at their most spectacular, the landscape is lush and green, and you'll have many attractions to yourself—just be prepared for muddy trails and occasional delays.