Chon Buri to Koh Kong Drive Guide: Times, Stops & Tips

The route from Chon Buri to Koh Kong traces the Gulf of Thailand's eastern shore, crossing the Thai-Cambodian border at Hat Lek/Cham Yeam. This corridor is part of the Asian Highway AH123, a vital link for trade and tourism. The journey covers approximately 280 kilometers, with driving time typically 5–6 hours excluding border formalities.

Roads and Border Crossing

The journey uses Thai Highway 3 (Sukhumvit Road) through Chanthaburi and Trat provinces, then continues on Cambodian National Route 48 to Koh Kong. The border at Hat Lek/Cham Yeam is open daily from 6:00 to 22:00.

Fuel and Route Economics

• Diesel prices in Thailand (mid-2025) are approx. 34 THB/liter; in Cambodia about 1.30 USD/liter.
• Both countries accept major credit cards at fuel stations, but cash is useful for smaller stops.
• Tolls: Thai motorway (Route 7) is optional toll road; otherwise no tolls on the route.

The drive passes through rubber plantations, pineapple fields, and coastal mangroves. Near Chanthaburi, the Khao Khitchakut National Park offers hiking up to a 1,000-meter peak, but avoid the rainy season when trails are muddy. The wetlands south of Trat are prime birdwatching spots for migratory species like the eastern sarus crane.

Local commerce thrives on roadside fruit stalls: taste the renowned Chanthaburi durian and rambutan, or sample the dried seafood at Trat's fish market. In Koh Kong, visit the town's riverside promenade where vendors sell traditional Khmer noodles and fresh coconut ice cream. The nearby Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuary protects a 160-square-kilometer mangrove forest, viewable via boardwalks that weave through the canopy.

Thai highways are well-paved and marked, but watch for motorbikes and tuk-tuks cutting across. In Cambodia, expect narrower roads with occasional potholes, especially after rains. Drive defensively, use daytime headlights, and keep a safe distance. The route includes several steep inclines in the Cardamom Mountains; use engine braking to avoid overheating.

Family and Pet-Friendly Stops

• For families, Suan Son Beach in Rayong (detour 10 km) offers gentle waves and shaded picnic areas.
• Chanthaburi's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, a 19th-century neo-Gothic structure, provides a cultural break.
• Bring your pet: many cafés in Trat have outdoor seating; the border crossing requires an international health certificate and rabies vaccination.

To manage fatigue, plan breaks every 2–3 hours. Notable rest stops include the Nong Mon Market in Chon Buri, the Pom Zalen viewpoint near Laem Sing, and the Khlong Yai viewpoint before the border. In Koh Kong, the Koh Kong Beach Resort is popular, but for a quieter stay, try the the eco-lodges near Peam Krasop.

The climate is tropical, with the driest months from December to March; the rest of the year sees heavy monsoon showers, especially from May to October. The best time to drive is during the dry season, when roads are easier and the scenery is lush but not muddy.