Con Dao to Koh Rong: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

This route connects two of Southeast Asia's most storied island getaways: Con Dao, an archipelago of 16 islands off Vietnam's southern coast, and Koh Rong, a Cambodian island known for its bioluminescent plankton. The journey involves a ferry to the mainland, a long overland drive through the Mekong Delta and into Cambodia, followed by another ferry.

Road quality varies: Vietnam’s highways are generally in good condition, but Cambodia’s National Road 4 has some rough patches. Always carry an international driver’s license and consider hiring a car with a driver for added safety. Wear seat belts at all times.

For families, several stops are ideal: the monkey sanctuary in Nam Cat Tien National Park, the beach town of Kep, and the educational salt fields in Kampot. Child seats are not common in rental cars, so bring your own.

Pet-friendly accommodations are scarce, but some guesthouses in Kep and Sihanoukville accept pets. Check ahead and bring a travel crate for ferry rides.

To manage fatigue, schedule breaks every 2-3 hours. Notable rest stops: Moc Bai border town, Neak Loeung on the Mekong River, and the coastal town of Kampot. The drive can be monotonous, so rotate drivers or take short naps.

For hidden gems, take a detour to Ha Tien (Vietnam) to see the star-shaped Ma Cau Mountain, or explore the abandoned French lighthouse at Bokor Hill Station in Cambodia.

The only way to start is by catching a ferry from Ben Dam Port on Con Dao to Soc Trang on the mainland. From there, you’ll traverse the Mekong Delta using National Route 1A, cross the border at Moc Bai, and continue via Cambodia’s National Road 4 to Sihanoukville, where you’ll hop on the last ferry to Koh Rong.

• Total driving distance: approximately 550 km (340 miles)
• Driving time without stops: 11 hours, but budget an entire day
• Fuel cost estimate: $25-35 USD in Vietnam, $15-20 in Cambodia
• Border crossing hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Moc Bai)

The route transitions from the karst limestone islands of Con Dao, which are part of a national park, to the flat, fertile floodplains of the Mekong Delta. As you cross into Cambodia, the terrain becomes drier, with cashew and pepper plantations dotting the landscape. The U Minh Forest, a biosphere reserve, is a key stop for its peat swamp ecosystem and birdwatching.

Local commerce thrives along the way, especially in the delta towns of My Tho and Can Tho, where floating markets sell tropical fruits and handicrafts. In Cambodia, the town of Kampot is famous for its pepper farms and old French architecture. Be sure to sample the regional cuisines: Vietnamese pho and Cambodian amok are must-tries.