Koh Rong to Kampong Cham: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

One unique aspect of this journey is that it spans two distinct Cambodian ecosystems: the tropical island of Koh Rong and the Mekong riverside town of Kampong Cham. The route crosses the country from coast to interior, passing through Phnom Penh, the capital. You'll traverse National Road 4, then National Road 5, and finally National Road 6, with a total distance of approximately 300 km. The drive itself takes 6-7 hours, excluding ferry time.

The landscape transitions from coastal mangroves near Sihanoukville to palm-fringed rice paddies and sugar palm groves as you head inland. The Tonlé Sap lake region is lush after the rainy season, offering scenic beauty from June to October. However, the best visibility for distant views is during the dry season (November to February).

In Kampong Cham, visit Wat Nokor, an ancient temple complex dating to the 11th century, which is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site but holds significant historical value. The real UNESCO sites are farther afield: Angkor Wat in Siem Reap is 6 hours north, and Preah Vihear is also distant. So, your trip won't take you to any UNESCO-listed sites directly.

Local commerce thrives around pepper farms near Kampong Cham, where you can buy Kampot pepper at roadside stalls. In Sihanoukville, the fishing villages offer fresh seafood. For a broader selection of local crafts, the central market in Phnom Penh is a must-visit. To find more such stops, refer to how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Both National Road 4 (NR4) and National Road 5 (NR5) are well-maintained, while National Road 6 (NR6) is mostly two lanes. In 2023, the new Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway opened, offering a faster alternative for the Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh stretch, cutting time to about 2.5 hours. Toll fees for the expressway are roughly $10 for cars and $17 for pickup trucks, payable at toll plazas.

• Fuel stations are abundant along all major roads, with prices around $1.20 per liter for gasoline. Plan for a total fuel cost of $30-40 for the entire trip.
• Currency: Cambodian riel is widely used, but US dollars are accepted everywhere; small notes are handy for tolls and street food.
• Always carry cash, as card payments are rare outside Phnom Penh.

Road quality is generally good, but beware of motorbikes and tuk-tuks in urban areas. Driving at night is risky due to unlit roads and large trucks; plan to drive during daylight hours. The speed limit on national highways is 90 km/h, but enforcement varies.

For families, plan rest stops at the Skuon district along NR6, known for its grilled spiders for adventurous eaters. A safer stop is the riverside town of Skun, which has parks and eateries. For children, the Riverside Park in Phnom Penh is a pleasant break. If you're traveling with pets, many guesthouses along the route accept them, but beach resorts on Koh Rong may not; check in advance.

To combat fatigue, take breaks every 2-3 hours. Besides the above, comfortable rest stops include the Prek Tamak bridge area near Kampong Cham, offering river views. For a quiet break, deviate 10 km south of NR6 to the hilltop temple of Wat Cheung Phnom, which provides panoramic rice field views.