Trat to Koh Kong Road Trip Guide: Routes, Stops & Tips

The 90-kilometer journey between Trat, Thailand, and Koh Kong, Cambodia, crosses the Hat Lek–Cham Yeam checkpoint. This route, part of National Highway 3 in Cambodia, is the quickest land crossing between the two countries. The drive typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours, including border formalities.

Historically, this area was a stronghold of the Khmer Rouge in the 1990s, but today it is a bustling trade and transit point. The road itself is a mix of Thai asphalt and Cambodian concrete, winding through estates of rubber and cashew trees.

Safety on this route is adequate: Thai roads are well-marked, while Cambodian sections may have uneven surface patches and occasional livestock crossings. Drive defensively, especially during the rainy season when visibility drops. For families, note that the border crossing involves lots of walking; strollers are inconvenient but not impossible. Child seats are not mandatory in Cambodia, but recommended.

Pet-friendly: most border officials do not require special documentation for pets, but ensure your pet has a rabies vaccination certificate. For rest breaks, the town of Laem Ngop has a convenient rest stop with a seafood market. The best stops Trat to Koh Kong are the Trat Botanical Garden and the Khlong Kaew waterfall, about 20 km from Trat. On the Cambodian side, the Tatai Nature Lodge is a great spot for kayaking, and is it worth driving Trat to Koh Kong? Absolutely, for the diversity of landscapes. There are plenty of things to do between Trat and Koh Kong, including birdwatching at the Gulf of Thailand, cycling through rubber plantations, and visiting the Koh Kong National Park.

• Rest zones: Thai side has frequent service with coffee and clean restrooms; Cambodian side has fewer options—plan ahead.
• Fatigue: Take breaks every 2 hours; the border wait can be tiring if it's busy.

The route passes through the Trat River estuary, a mangrove wetland teeming with birdlife. In Cambodia, the Cardamom Mountains loom to the east, while the road hugs the Gulf of Thailand coast, offering glimpses of sandy beaches near Koh Sdach. This area is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site; however, the nearby Khao Yai National Park in Thailand is worth a detour if time permits.

Climate: tropical monsoon, with a dry season from November to February. The road is most scenic during the green season (May to October), but expect heavy downpours. Local commerce thrives at the border market in Hat Lek, where you can buy duty-free alcohol and Cambodian crafts. In Koh Kong, try the famous saltwater crocodile farm—the largest in the country—and sample fish amok at riverside restaurants.

Thai Route 318 connects Trat to the border town of Hat Lek, and after crossing, Cambodian National Highway 3 leads into Koh Kong. The roads are generally well-paved, but potholes can appear after the rainy season. Fuel considerations: petrol stations are frequent on the Thai side, but sparse in Cambodia, so fill up before crossing.

• Currency: Thai baht is widely accepted in Cham Yeam and Koh Kong; bring US dollars for larger purchases.
• Visa: Available on arrival for most nationalities (approx. $30, have a photo handy).
• Insurance: Check if your Thai car insurance covers Cambodia; if not, purchase temporary coverage at the border.

For advice on spotting worthwhile diversions, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.