Koh Trong Island, Kratie

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Koh Trong Island, Kratie

Cambodia

Kratie

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Overview

Koh Trong is a beautiful quiet island opposite the riverfront of Kratie Town, an almighty sandbar in the middle of the river. No cars, but carts, smiling peasants, craggy fishermen and a rich soil that man turned into an orchard, Koh Trong is a small paradise. It is a short ferry ride between town life and a slice of Cambodia’s rural ways.

Surrounded 8 months a year by white sandy beaches, constantly refreshed by the river’s breeze, the island of Koh Trong is some sort of an ideal Cambodia. The beaches call out to be lazed upon with a picnic after a dip in the Mekong (DON’T swim in the river during the rainy season, when the water level is high and the flow is fast!).

One of the prettiest places we’ve visited in Cambodia, Koh Trong is worth taking a slow morning or afternoon over for a chance to meander through litter-free, picture-perfect villages, maybe catch a swim off the beach on the west side, and enjoy a slice of peaceful, rural Cambodian life, with no chance of being blown over by a Lexus.

The ferry runs from below Jasmine Boat restaurant and leaves at regular intervals all day, every day, until 18:30. It costs 1,000 riel per person each way. You can bring a bike over for an additional 500 riel, but really shouldn’t bother as you can hire them on the island for $1 to $2.

When you arrive, the top of the walkway off the beach brings you directly to the Community Based Tourism Centre. Here you can hire your bicycles, book your homestay if you wish, and pick up a coconut.

The nine-kilometre trail around the island has been given a narrow concrete path in many places. We’re still idiotic enough to rue this, though imagine the locals must be thrilled, particularly during rainy season. It doesn’t impair the pleasure of the journey though, and you’ll probably be grateful too if you happen to hire one of the $1 bikes.

Because it really is beautiful. The scenery is lush, and unspoilt, with a few villages, grazing cows, and smiling kids around the perimeter and fluorescent rice paddies in the centre.

Among other points of interest, there is a temple at the southern tip, a floating Vietnamese village to the southwest and a newer temple and ancient chedi near the centre.

Accommodation

It is possible to stay overnight on Koh Trong. You have the option of sleeping at a homestay, or if you want more luxury, a resort (including swimming pool).

Homestays
Koh Trong has two homestays, one to the south of the boat landing and the other to the north. The latter is the better, with public sleeping on the floor of the stilted wooden house or in a private room (with shared bathroom). All sleeping arrangements include a mosquito net, fans, and bedding.

Prices
Dorm bed $3.00
Private room $7.00

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