Koh Paen Travel Guide

Koh Paen is an islet in the Mekong River located a few miles south of Kampong Cham city center. While it’s by no means a headlining attraction, this island is certainly a worthwhile diversion for tourists who find themselves in the area.

During the wet season, ferries connect to the island. When the weather is dry, it is possible to walk over the top of the river on a rickety bamboo bridge. Tourists who have trouble braving the bridge can at least take solace in the fact that it’s rebuilt every year.

Another perk of the dry season is sand bars and smaller islets that appear in the river. There’s no ocean in sight, but locals treat these swatches of sand like proper beaches. Visitors can easily head down for a picnic or a swim if the mood strikes.

Koh Paen is a big enough island to have its own infrastructure, even when the river swells during the rainy season. Budget accommodation abounds, and since there aren’t any cars on the island, most of the hotels have bicycles for hire. Add the possibility of spending a day at Koh Paen Beach, and there is enough to warrant spending a night on the island.

In brief

What is it? An islet with accommodation in the Mekong River. 


Opening hours: 08:00 to 18:00, daily.
Entrance fees: no entrance fee.


Address/website: www.tourismcambodia.com/travelguides/provinces/?AtID=123&ProID=4&ItemN=9&View=Detail.

Where: near Cambodia’s Kampong Cham town.

How to get there: take a ferry from the river bank or walk across the bamboo bridge in the dry season. Buses take a few hours to reach Kampong Cham from Phnom Penh.