Opposite Kratie, on the Mekong, the island of Koh Trong is reached in just a few minutes by ferry from the northern bank of the town. Here you will find a largely preserved Khmer rural lifestyle, pomelo orchards renowned throughout the province, a Vietnamese floating village, and on the western bank, the habitat of soft-shelled Cantor's turtles.

Why Visit Koh Trong

Koh Trong offers a stark contrast to the urban banks of Kratie. The island, crossed by a circular track of roughly 9 kilometres connecting two villages, can be explored by bicycle, scooter or ox-drawn cart. The absence of motor traffic, wooden houses on stilts with tiled roofs and rice paddies structure a short but refreshingly different visit. Travellers come here mainly for the slowness, encounters with local producers and sunsets over the river.

What to See and Do at Koh Trong

The Island Cycle Tour

The 9 km circular track crosses two villages and skirts the orchards. The route, flat and shaded by mango trees and giant bamboos, takes half a day. Along the way, you pass rice paddies at various stages (young shoots, golden paddy, rice drying), tomato fields, vegetables and pomelo plantations.

Pomelo Orchards and Local Production

Koh Trong is renowned throughout the region for its pomelos. The island community lives self-sufficiently through diverse production: rice, soybeans, custard apples, coconuts and vegetables, some of which are sold daily in Kratie's markets. Buying a pomelo directly from a producer remains one of the simplest ways to connect with the locals.

The Vietnamese Floating Village

In the south-west of the island lies a floating village inhabited mainly by families of Vietnamese origin. Its position varies with the seasons: hugging the banks during the rainy season, it shifts towards the middle of the river in the dry season. It is accessed by boat or wooden footbridge depending on the Mekong water level. A Vietnamese temple also stands to the south of the island, testament to this community's deep roots.

Cantor's Turtles on the Western Bank

The western bank of Koh Trong is home to Cantor's turtles, also known as Mekong soft-shelled mud turtles. This soft-shelled species burrows into sand and mud, often leaving only eyes and nose exposed. Sightings are occasional and depend on conditions; check with your accommodation or local conservation organisations before heading there.

The Sunset

The western bank is also the best spot to watch the sunset over the Mekong. Several small cafés allow you to settle in as evening falls. Remember to plan your return: the ferry to Kratie stops running in early evening.

Practical Information

• Duration of visit: allow half a day for the island tour, a full day if you include the floating village and a sunset.
• Transport on the island: bicycle (simple rental on the island or brought from Kratie on the ferry for a modest extra fee), scooter, ox-drawn carts.
• Accommodation: a few simple guesthouses with locals and a handful of more comfortable resorts with swimming pools. Booking advised during high season.
• Food and drink: small cafés-restaurants scattered along the track, simple Khmer cuisine.
• To bring: hat, water, small denomination notes (riels), mosquito repellent.

When to Go

Koh Trong follows the monsoon climate of Kratie province, with three seasons:

• Cool season (November to March): the most pleasant period, comfortable temperatures and clear skies.
• Hot season (March to May): marked heat, but pomelos and certain harvests structure agricultural life.
• Rainy season (May to October): the Mekong regularly overflows and flooding affects part of the island; some access routes become difficult.

The most comfortable window for visiting is therefore November to early March.

How to Get There

The ferry landing is on the northern bank of central Kratie. The crossing to Koh Trong takes just a few minutes and ferries run at regular intervals throughout the day. The last departure from the island is in early evening (around 18:30, check locally). The passenger fare is very low, with a small extra fee if you take a bicycle on board. During the rainy season, check navigation conditions with your accommodation provider.

What to See Nearby

Koh Trong combines well with other stops in Cambodia:

• The Mondulkiri coffee plantations, to the east, to extend the rural experience.
• Phnom Penh's Central Market, an urban stop on the route between Kratie and the capital.
• Bayon Temple, at Angkor, for the heritage dimension of your trip.
• Kep's Crab Market, on the south coast, for another side of rural Cambodia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Trip

Koh Trong naturally fits into an itinerary connecting Phnom Penh, Kratie and the north-east of the country. To build a coherent stay around this rural Mekong stop, consult our bespoke travels in Cambodia.