Kampong Chhnang to Koh Kong Road Trip: Top Stops, Driving Time, Worth It?

The route from Kampong Chhnang to Koh Kong begins on National Road 5, a historic highway linking the Tonlé Sap basin to the capital, before veering west on National Road 48 into the Cardamom Mountains. What surprises most drivers is the abrupt transition: flat rice paddies give way to winding mountain passes within an hour.

This 250-kilometer journey normally takes 5–6 hours, but road conditions, weather, and your appetite for detours can stretch it to eight. The final stretch into Koh Kong crosses the Stung Kep river, where the air already smells of the Gulf of Thailand.

Kampong Chhnang to Koh Kong driving time hinges on the quality of NR48, which is generally paved but narrow in mountain areas. Fuel stations cluster around the towns of Kampong Chhnang, Oudong, and Koh Kong, so plan your tank before entering the sparser middle section.

• Diesel costs about 4,300 riel per liter (2025).
• Tolls: none on NR5 or NR48, but bridge crossing near Koh Kong is free.
• Cell phone signal is intermittent between Thpong and Sre Ambel; download offline maps.

For planning, the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide is a practical companion.

The Cardamom Mountains, a UNESCO biosphere reserve (not a World Heritage Site), dominate the western half of the trip. This is Cambodia's largest remaining rainforest, with cascading waterfalls and the threatened Siamese crocodile. Just before Koh Kong, the Kirirom National Park offers a detour for pine viewpoints.

Local commerce along the road is opportunistic: fruit stalls pile durian and rambutan during harvest, and in Kampong Chhnang, you can watch artisans mold the famous Kampong Chhnang pottery. In the mountains, small villages sell wild honey and traditional woven baskets.

Cargo trucks and buses dominate NR48, and overtaking in the winding sections demands caution. During the wet season (June–October), landslides are rare but possible, so check the forecast. Always carry water and a first-aid kit, and avoid driving after dark because of unlit curves and wildlife.

For families, the best stops are the Veal Renh market (try the chicken noodles) and the Sre Ambel riverbank, where kids can stretch legs. The trip is moderately child-friendly: there are no high-chair guarantees, but roadside restaurants are spacious.

Pet-friendly framework is limited; bring your own bowl and bedding, and ask about pet policy at guesthouses in Koh Kong. The main fatigue risks are monotony on the flat stretches and eye strain on the twisty bits. Pull over every two hours at the scenic overlook near Phnom Aural (the highest peak in Cambodia) or at the O'Som commune viewpoint.

Hidden off-route spot: a short dirt track at Kapish Waterfall, if you have time and a hardy vehicle.