Koh Kong to Samraong: A Complete Road Trip Guide

This route follows National Highway 48 and then connects to National Road 4 near Poi Pet (though that's the wrong direction—actually, the direct route is via National Road 48 east, then north on NR 57 through the Cardamom Mountains). The drive covers 220 kilometers and typically takes 4.5 to 5 hours without long stops. The road is a mix of newly paved sections and winding mountain passes, with little urban sprawl except for the endpoint towns.

Before you set off, note that the border town of Koh Kong is a gateway to the Gulf of Thailand, while Samraong sits near the Thai border in Oddar Meanchey Province. The geographical contrast—from coastal mangroves to upland forests—is the trip's main draw.

Plan fuel stops wisely: petrol stations cluster in Koh Kong and then are sparse until Treay (about 70 km in) and again around Kravanh. Carry cash for fuel; some rural pumps don't accept cards. The cost of gasoline averages 4,500 riel per liter (around $1.10), slightly higher than in Phnom Penh due to transport costs.

Road quality is generally good, with the main challenges being potholes near construction zones and seasonal washouts during the rainy season from May to October. The Cardamom Pass can be slippery when wet.

• No tolls on NH48 or NH57
• Driving time: 4.5–5 hours nonstop
• Best time: early morning to avoid heat

Safety on this route is adequate but requires vigilance: paved roads narrow unpredictably, and livestock often cross without warning. Use the breakdown lanes for emergency stops, and check your spare tire and coolant before departure. Mobile phone coverage is patchy; download offline maps.

For families, the route offers modest accommodations in Kravanh, with a few guesthouses and basic restaurants. The Teuk Chhouu waterfall (about 4 km from Koh Kong) is a popular picnic spot, and the Samraong museum has interactive exhibits on Khmer culture.

Fatigue is a real concern on the monotonous northern stretch. Plan to stop every two hours at one of the rest areas near -site 12-30 km signs, which often have shade and drinks. Sipping coconut water helps, and energy drinks are available at petrol stations.

The Cardamom Mountains dominate the first half of the journey, with misty peaks and waterfalls like Kbal Chhay, just 15 km from Koh Kong. These forested slopes are part of a protected biosphere, home to Asian elephants and clouded leopards, though sightings are rare. The road snakes along rivers, where roadside stalls sell fresh fruit and grilled skewers for about 2,000 riel each.

As you descend into the lowlands, agriculture takes over: rice paddies, cassava fields, and mango orchards. Local markets in towns like Trapeang Rung operate on a five-day cycle, offering a glimpse into rural commerce. You can stop at the Krang Teaksapottery village near Kravanh, where artisans craft pots using ancient techniques. Farther north, the Raung village is known for its silk-weaving cooperatives.

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