Koh Trong is a quaint island sitting in the Mekong river across from Kratie.

Easily accessible by ‘ferry’, the island has a Vietnamese Pagoda, Vietnamese fishing village, considerable ecological diversity for the area, home-stays sponsored by the [Mekong Discovery Trail], and a boutique guesthouse, highly rated by several European visitors. There is an 8-mile road that loops around Koh Trong that can be traveled by either horse-cart or bicycle.

Of special significance here is the Vietnamese community who cannot own land in Cambodia. Despite the immigrant struggles they face, the Vietnamese are culturally visible on the island through their temple, their food, and their lifestyle. A characteristic of immigrant communities the world over they are tenacious, pioneering, and proud to share where they come from.

Take a ferry from Kratie town on the opposite side of the Mekong.

  • What it is: An island to experience local life
  • When to go: Take a ferry over early in the morning
  • Nearest town: On the Mekong River, just opposite Kratie in east-central Cambodia, several hours north of the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh.
  • Don’t miss: The natural beauty of the island. There is a diversity of flora and fauna which inhabits the island, especially for bird watching and frog finding.
  • Trivia: Vietnamese people cannot own land in Cambodia, which is why those on Koh Trong have chosen to live in floating houses.
  • Open hours: 24 hours
  • Entrance fee: The ferry across the river costs a few dollars and it would be smart to bring a little money for food and local handy crafts. There is also a boutique guesthouse there which has a great reputation called