Koh Trong, or as it is also called Koh Treung, Keoh Trung, or even កោះទ្រង់, is a river island located in the Mekong just opposite Kratie.
It is a little-known tourist gem. In fact it was so unknown that if you Googled it years ago results for Koh Rong would appear instead. That is no longer the case because I wrote about it five years ago. I have now been back and can finally update the Koh Trong Travel Guide.
Table of Contents
What is Koh Trong
Koh Trong is a small island in the Mekong River, stretching roughly 7 kilometers long and 1 to 2 kilometers wide. It has a population of around 2,500 mostly Khmer villagers who farm, fish, and grow fruit, especially the famous pomelo. Life here is slow and unhurried and very few tourists venture beyond the occasional day-trippers from Kratie.
Historically the island was used as a riverine outpost and a farming community and many of the old wooden stilt houses still stand, giving visitors a glimpse of rural Cambodian life that has remained almost unchanged for decades. Most of the economy revolves around rice farming, fruit orchards, and small-scale fishing. Tourism is minimal, but growing slowly, mostly people like me who want to see real life on a Mekong island rather than a resort town.
Like most places they suffered under the Khmer Rouge, but for the most part this is no reference here to that era.
What is there to do on Koh Trong
In all honesty there is very little to do on Koh Trong and that is exactly the charm. This is rural Khmer life from a bygone era and a chance to get away from the chaos of the cities. If you are looking for nightlife or crowds this is not it.
According to the official sign there are fifteen things to do on the island. Some are small, some are random, and some are genuinely brilliant. Here is what you can expect.
Drive around the island
By bike, by motorbike, or need just walk the thing. In fact this is not just a highlight, but in fact pretty much the reason that people come to Koh Trong.
Koh Trong Beach
A small strip of sand on the riverbank that appears and disappears with the season. Great for a dip, a photo, or a lazy afternoon.
Community Information Center
The main hub of island activity and home to the tourist office. You can get maps, rent bicycles, or just chat to the locals who run it.
Santubai Baram Pagoda
A peaceful riverside pagoda surrounded by palm trees. A nice place to cool off and watch local life go by.
Riding ox cart, horse cart, and bicycle around Koh Trong
Old school transport at its finest. Ride a cow cart or horse cart like a local or just stick to a bicycle for two dollars a day.
Pomelo Zone
The beating heart of Koh Trong agriculture. Rows of pomelo trees stretch across the island and this is where you can buy or sample the fruit fresh from the source.
Soriyabori Resort
The island’s only proper hotel. Formerly Rajabori Villas, it has a pool, a restaurant, and a touch of luxury among the fields.
Roka Giant Tree
An ancient tree that locals believe brings good luck. Worth the short walk and the photo stop.
Tree Planting Zone
An eco project where visitors can plant their own tree. Costs a couple of dollars and comes with a little wooden name tag.
Bat Watching
As evening falls bats swirl above the trees near the riverbank. Head out just before sunset for the best views.
Sunset
The Mekong does sunsets properly. Grab a cold drink, sit by the water, and watch the sky light up orange and pink.
Tibaram Pagoda
Another small pagoda tucked away inland. Peaceful, simple, and surrounded by rice paddies.
Play Volleyball
Locals gather most afternoons near the centre of the island for a friendly game. You will almost certainly get invited to join.
Vegetable Garden
A community garden project growing fresh produce for the island’s homestays and families.
Cooking Class (Booking)
Run by local homestays. Learn to cook Khmer dishes using island-grown ingredients. Book through the information centre.
Eating and drinking on Koh Trong
Food here is very simple and not comparable to Kratie. Khmer style sausages, some limited BBQ and basic local dishes dominate the menu. You will also find fruity sodas and ramen by the roadside. This pretty much makes up the street food scene on Koh Trong.
If you are wondering what to eat, you cannot miss the pomelo. This is the original citrus fruit, the grandfather of all other citrus. It is grown everywhere on the island and is best eaten with a bit of salt, pepper, and spice.
For something a bit more upscale there is the Soriyabori Resort, previously known as Rajabori Villas. It doubles as the best hotel on the island and offers a decent range of French dishes, Khmer desserts, and even a solid steak.
Hotels on Koh Trong
The main hotel is the Soriyabori Resort. This place is excellent with a fabulous outdoor pool and villas built in the full rural Khmer style.
Other than that your options are limited to homestays scattered across the island. Standards vary but prices start from ten dollars a night. They are perfect if you value an authentic experience over comfort. Yep that is where I am today.
Soriyabori Resort
Outdoor pool, rural Khmer villas, French and Khmer food, around $50 per night.
Homestay A
Basic Khmer accommodation, $10 per night, includes home cooked meals.
Homestay B
Mid-range family stay, $15 per night, simple but comfortable.
Homestay C
Family run, $20 per night, authentic island experience.
How long should you stay on Koh Trong
Most people just come for the day and ride a bicycle around the island. I personally think this does not do it justice. One night is fine if you just want to tick it off your list. Two nights is better if you want a bit of solitude and to really enjoy the pace of life.
Getting to and from Koh Trong
Getting to Koh Trong is stupidly easy and cheap. Head to Jasmine Boathouse Restaurant in the heart of Kratie, literally next to the boat terminal. You will see two boats waiting a big one and a small one. A ride costs 25 cents each way, 1000 Riel. If you are in a rush or fancy a private ride you can grab a boat for five dollars.
The crossing takes less than five minutes tops. Once you hop off you are on the island. From here it is a five minute walk into what I have dubbed Koh Trong Town. Technically it does not exist but it is the closest thing the island has to a centre. Shops are here, the dock is here, and the tourist office is here.
This is also where you sort out your transport. A bicycle is two dollars, a motorbike ten dollars, or if you are feeling absurd you can get carted around by a cow. The tourist office can even hook you up with the chance to plant your own tree but that deserves its own section.
Conclusion on Koh Trong
I could go into great detail about what is so special about Koh Trong and why you should visit. In essence it is simple. It is a great place to relax, admire the scenery, write, read, work, or whatever floats your boat.
It is also a great detour if you are on the hippy trail from Laos or even as a weekend getaway from Phnom Penh. And that is my take on things.
Click yo check my Cambodia Tours with YPT.