Cyclists, slow travellers and anyone after quiet village life
Rivers, lakes and beachesType
In short
Koh Trong is a car-free island in the Mekong opposite Kratie town, reached by a short ferry. A roughly 9 km loop road passes stilt houses, pomelo orchards, rice fields, sandbars and a small floating village, making it ideal for a half-day bike ride or an overnight community homestay.
Koh Trong is a peaceful island in the Mekong directly opposite Kratie town, a few minutes away by ferry. With no cars, a quiet loop road, wooden stilt houses, pomelo orchards and wide sandbars, it is one of the most relaxing places in Cambodia to spend a day on a bicycle, or a night in a village homestay.
About 9 kmIsland loop road
A few minutesBy ferry from Kratie
PomelosThe island’s famous fruit
Half a dayTo cycle the loop
Nov to MarBest time to visit
Kratie is best known for the Irrawaddy dolphins of Kampi, but many travellers find the unhurried rural life of Koh Trong the highlight of their stay. Children cycle home from school, farmers drive bullock carts along sandy lanes, and cows graze by the river. It is a glimpse of the Cambodian countryside at its gentlest.
What to see on Koh Trong
Village life
Stilt houses and gardens
Traditional wooden houses on stilts line the island road, surrounded by banana palms, vegetable plots and fruit trees.
Farming
Pomelo orchards
Koh Trong is famous for its sweet pomelos, grown in orchards across the island. The harvest is busiest in the hot season, from about March to May.
The river
Sandbars and beaches
In the dry season the Mekong drops and reveals wide sandbars and quiet river beaches, especially on the western side.
Culture
The floating village
A small floating and stilt village in the south-west is home mainly to Vietnamese-Cambodian fishing families. Reach it on foot or by boat, depending on the water level.
Faith
The island pagoda
A small temple with colourful statues stands near the ferry landing and makes a peaceful stop.
Wildlife
Rare river turtles
The endangered Cantor’s giant softshell turtle lives in this stretch of the Mekong. Sightings are rare, but conservation work in the area is well known.
Cycling the island loop
A narrow concrete and sand track runs around Koh Trong for about 9 kilometres, passing through two villages and along the orchards and riverbanks. It is mostly flat and easy, so a gentle ride with stops takes around half a day.
8:00 am Ferry across from Kratie and rent a bicycle at the landing
8:30 am Ride north through orchards and rice fields
10:00 am Stop for a drink and fresh pomelo at a roadside stall
11:00 am Visit the floating village in the south-west
Late afternoon Return for sunset over the Mekong from the Kratie riverfront
Staying on the island
For a slower experience, spend a night in one of Koh Trong’s community homestays. Families offer simple rooms under the house, home-cooked Khmer meals and a warm welcome, and the income goes straight to the villagers. See our Koh Trong Island Homestay for details.
There is also a small resort on the island for travellers who want a pool and more comfort. Book ahead in the cool season.
Ferry, bikes and practical information
Ferry
From the Kratie riverfront boat landing; a few minutes’ crossing, leaving when full
Ferry fare
A small fare in riel, with a small extra charge for bicycles; confirm locally
Last ferry
Reported at around 6:30 pm from the island; confirm locally
Bike rental
At the island landing, for a few dollars; bicycles and scooters available
Loop length
About 9 km, mostly flat
Time needed
Half a day, or overnight in a homestay
Payment
Cash, in riel or US dollars; small notes help
Best time to visit
The cool, dry months from November to early March are the most comfortable for cycling, and the sandbars appear as the river falls. The hot season from March to May is pomelo harvest time. In the rainy season, from about June to October, the Mekong rises high, parts of the island can flood and the ferry may be less frequent.
Tips for your visit
Our advice
Start early. Morning light is lovely and the heat builds quickly after 10 am.
Bring the essentials. A hat, sunscreen, water, insect repellent and small riel notes.
Combine it with the dolphins. Spend the morning on Koh Trong and the late afternoon with the Irrawaddy dolphins at Kampi.
Stay the night. A homestay is the best way to experience the island’s slow pace.
We plan Kratie stays around the river: dolphins at Kampi, cycling on Koh Trong and a night with a host family. Kratie is a natural stop between Phnom Penh and the eastern highlands, and we can add it to any trip heading east, such as our Mondulkiri farm immersion.
Questions travellers ask
What is Koh Trong?
Koh Trong is a rural island in the Mekong River opposite Kratie town, known for cycling, pomelo orchards, stilt houses and community homestays.
How do I get to Koh Trong?
Take the small ferry from the Kratie riverfront landing. The crossing takes a few minutes and boats leave when full.
How long is the Koh Trong bike loop?
About 9 km. Cycling it at an easy pace with stops takes around half a day.
Can I rent a bike on Koh Trong?
Yes. Bicycles and scooters can be rented near the ferry landing on the island for a few dollars, or you can bring a bike from Kratie for a small extra ferry fare.
Can I stay overnight on Koh Trong?
Yes. Community homestays offer simple rooms and home-cooked meals, and there is also a small resort on the island.
When is the best time to visit Koh Trong?
November to early March is the most comfortable. Pomelo harvest is in the hot season, and parts of the island can flood in the rainy season.
Is there a floating village on Koh Trong?
Yes. A small floating and stilt village of mainly Vietnamese-Cambodian fishing families lies in the south-west of the island.
Can I see dolphins from Koh Trong?
Not usually. The Irrawaddy dolphins are best seen at Kampi, about 15 km north of Kratie.
