Koh Kong Island

Koh Kong (Khmer: កោះកុង; is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, in the coastal waters of Cambodia, around 10 km (6 mi) south of Koh Kong town, as it is part of Koh Kong Province. It is Cambodia's largest island.

The island is roughly a 2.5-hour boat trip away from town, on one of the long cabin boats with longtail propellors. Our group of nine took off at 08:00 for a trip that took us out past the floating village to the south of Koh Kong city, the fishing village at Bak Klang on the other side of the Thai Bridge, and the mangroves of Paem Krasaop Sanctuary.

Ritthy arranged for us to spend four hours on the beach, which left plenty of time for exploring the 700-metre long beach, which we had all to ourselves. Not one other soul was to be seen until a local couple rocked up later on, coming from the now-closed resort on the strand next door. The snorkelling was lively, with plenty of fish to be seen, including moon fish and barracuda. Back on land, the sand is so fine it squeaks when you walk on it.

Location and description

The center of Koh Kong Island (Khmer: កោះកុង; Kaôh Kŏng Krau) is situated around 20 km (12 mi) south-west of Koh Kong town. The island stretches 19.5 km (12 mi) from North to South and 6 km (4 mi) from East to West on average. The strait Passe de Lămdăm that separates the island from the mainland in the north is less than 500 m (1,640 ft) wide. The island's southern tip lies less than 4 km (2 mi) off the mainland, the narrow strait is the gateway to the Bay of Koh Kong (Chhak Kaoh Kong) in the East, which occupies an area of around 135 km2 (52 sq mi).

The only settlements are small fishing villages, Alatang on the south-east corner, Phumi Koh Kong on the west coast and Phumi Thmei (Khmer for new village) on the eastern coast. The interior is rather hilly - the highest peak in the north rising up to 360 m (1,181 ft), rugged rock formations create many waterfalls. Rivers that drain the mountains end in freshwater estuaries and countless lagoons, which are flanked by scenic beaches.

Sleeping

The north end is controlled by the military, camping is allowed at your own risk on the 5th and 6th beaches and also at the military post in the village of Alatang.

Wildlife

On Koh Kong a number of mammals can be found such as macaques, wild boar and indigenous squirrels, bird, such as horn-bills, mynah and small Psittaciformes. The entire eco-region of Koh Kong remains in a relatively original state and is home to a great variety of reptiles and amphibians, invertebrates, fungi and plants. Large areas of Koh Kong's eastern coast and the Bay of Koh Kong are engulfed in extensive mangrove forests, the basis for various aquatic and marine species. The giant moth Attacus atlas can be found on the island.

Marine life
There are also harmless whale sharks, sea turtles, dugongs, dolphins (endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, finless porpoises, and Chinese white dolphins), Parrot fish, snapper fish, barracuda, king fish, cobia fish, wahoo fish, swordfish, grouper fish, crabs, shrimps, squids.

• Area: 100 km²
• Max length: 22 km
• Province: Koh Kong Province
• Ethnic groups: Khmer, Vietnamese
• Location: Cambodia - Southeast Asia
• Coastline: 53 km (32.9 mi)