Pursat to Koh Kong Drive: Stops, Times, Worth It?

The route from Pursat to Koh Kong snakes through the Cardamom Mountains, a region that saw intense Khmer Rouge activity until the late 1990s, leaving vast tracts of pristine rainforest now protected as national parks. National Road 55, completed in 2018, connects the two provinces, cutting travel time dramatically from a 10-hour detour via Phnom Penh to a manageable 3.5-hour drive covering 185 kilometers.

Fuel up in Pursat before departing; the only gas station along the route is in Veal Veng, about 70 km in, and it may occasionally be closed. The road climbs to over 1,000 meters at the Phnom Aural pass, offering spectacular views but also the steepest gradients. There are no tolls on this route, but watch for logging trucks and occasional landslides after heavy rains.

• Highway: National Road 55 (NR55)
• Best time to drive: Early morning to avoid afternoon rain and fog
• Mobile coverage: Patchy; download offline maps

The drive traverses Central Cardamom Mountains National Park, a biodiversity hotspot with rare species like the Siamese crocodile and the clouded leopard. The park is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site (the only one in Cambodia is Angkor), but its conservation status is globally significant. Along the way, small villages sell wild honey and grilled bamboo rice (kralan).

In Koh Kong, the Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuary offers mangrove boat tours. The local specialty is seafood, especially crab with Kampot peppercorns.

The road is generally well-maintained but narrow, with sharp curves and no guardrails in some sections. Drive defensively; animals like cattle and monkeys may cross. For rest, stop at the Veal Veng market (km 70) or the O'Som community lodge (km 120) for coffee and a hike.

Families will find clean eating spots in Veal Veng with Western-style toilets. Pets are allowed at these stops but keep them on a leash. For fatigue, plan to stop every hour; there are viewpoints at Phnom Aural and a memorial at the old Khmer Rouge checkpoint near Thma Bang.

Hidden off-route: a short detour to Tatai Waterfall (10 km from Koh Kong) is a must. Learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities with our guide. For local commerce, purchase handicrafts from the Chhay village cooperative.