Koh Trong River Cruises

Discover the Timeless Beauty of Koh Trong

As your riverboat gently glides toward the island, you’ll witness a landscape shaped by water and time. The Mekong, rich with sediment and stories, surrounds the island in life-giving currents. Riverbanks lined with banana palms and mango groves reflect in the shimmering waters. Fishermen cast nets from narrow boats, and children splash along the shore, their laughter echoing through the air. This is Cambodia unplugged—a soulful destination where travelers are guests, not tourists.

Koh Trong is a standout stop on Mekong River cruises, offering a rare opportunity to explore an island accessible only by boat or ferry. Whether by bicycle or oxcart, you’ll encounter welcoming locals, small family farms, Buddhist stupas, and perhaps even the ghostly banyan tree believed to house ancient spirits. It’s a place where storytelling, spirituality, and everyday life blend seamlessly along the banks of one of Asia’s great rivers.

The Mekong River: Cambodia’s Lifeline

The Mekong River is the defining artery of mainland Southeast Asia, running over 4,000 kilometers through six countries. In Cambodia, it provides fertile ground for culture, cuisine, and commerce, and it’s the central stage for immersive river cruises that connect destinations like Phnom Penh, Angkor Ban, and Koh Trong. Cruises along the Cambodian Mekong offer a sensory journey through floating villages, riverside temples, bustling markets, and tranquil natural scenery.

Kampi: Home of the Irrawaddy Dolphins

Just north of Koh Trong lies Kampi, one of the last remaining refuges of the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. A boat trip through these calm waters may reward you with glimpses of these elusive freshwater creatures. The area is also known for its bamboo bridges and sandbar picnics during the dry season.

Kampong Laeang: Temple-lined Shores

Located on the Tonle Sap River, Kampong Laeang is adorned with ancient pagodas and riverside monasteries. It’s a place where saffron-robed monks chant in morning light, and markets teem with local produce and handmade wares. The riverbanks here glow with spirituality and tradition.

Kampong Tralach: Oxcart Charm

Famed for its oxcart rides through emerald rice paddies, Kampong Tralach delivers an authentic slice of Cambodian life. Cruises stop here for visits to ancient temples and strolls through quiet villages framed by sugar palms and lotus ponds.

Kampong Chhnang: Clay and Culture

Known for its floating villages and distinctive pottery, Kampong Chhnang ("Port of Pottery") is a cultural highlight. Cruise visitors can see artisans at work crafting clay vessels and explore stilted homes that rise with the tides of the river.

Kampong Cham: A Colonial Legacy

With French colonial architecture, leafy boulevards, and the iconic Bamboo Bridge to Koh Paen, Kampong Cham is a blend of old-world charm and local vitality. Temples like Wat Nokor and lively local markets make it a key stop on longer Mekong itineraries.

Prek Bangkong: Gateway to Phnom Penh

A smaller riverside stop en route to the capital, Prek Bangkong is known for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional crafts. It’s a quiet preview of the urban dynamism to come in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh: Cambodia’s Dynamic Capital

Phnom Penh is where Cambodia’s complex history and vibrant modernity collide. From the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda to the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, it’s a city of contrasts. Cruisers often dock here for immersive day tours and street food discoveries.

Tonle Lake: Southeast Asia’s Largest Freshwater Lake

Tonle Sap Lake is a vital ecosystem, with floating villages like Chong Khneas and Kompong Phluk that change shape with the seasons. Visiting by boat offers insight into the rhythms of life that follow the tides of this unique body of water.

Angkor Ban: A Timeless River Village

At Angkor Ban, you’ll find wooden homes on stilts that have survived for generations. The village is known for its preserved architecture and unspoiled traditions, making it a favorite among travelers seeking authenticity.

River Cruise Itineraries Featuring Koh Trong

Short Itineraries (3–5 Days)

Short cruises often begin or end in Phnom Penh and include highlights like Kampong Tralach, Koh Trong, and Kampi. These itineraries are perfect for travelers seeking a compact yet enriching river experience that captures rural life, local wildlife, and cultural heritage.

Medium Itineraries (6–9 Days)

Mid-length voyages may traverse from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh or extend into Vietnam. These cruises typically feature Kampong Cham, Tonle Lake, and a full day in Koh Trong. Guided bicycle rides, cooking classes, and spiritual encounters enhance the cultural immersion.

Long Itineraries (10+ Days)

Longer cruises cover significant stretches of the Mekong, often connecting Cambodia with Vietnam or Laos. Koh Trong becomes a mid-point jewel in an itinerary that includes visits to Angkor Wat, Sa Dec, and Ho Chi Minh City. Days are balanced with both onshore exploration and onboard leisure.

Special Interest Cruises

• Art and History Tours: Explore temples, colonial buildings, and local crafts from Kampong Cham to Koh Trong.
• Culinary Cruises: Sample Khmer specialties, attend cooking demonstrations, and dine with local families.
• Wellness Cruises: Yoga at sunrise, spa treatments, and healthy cuisine combine to create a rejuvenating journey.
• Festive Cruises: Celebrate Khmer New Year or experience traditional boat races and water festivals.

The Onboard Experience

Ship Sizes and Ambiance

Mekong cruise vessels range from intimate, 20-passenger boutique boats to more luxurious ships accommodating up to 60 guests. Most offer air-conditioned cabins, open-air lounges, and panoramic decks designed for relaxed river viewing. The ambiance is informal but elegant, with a focus on comfort and cultural engagement.

Cuisine and Wine

Dining aboard a Mekong river cruise is a highlight in itself. Meals often feature fresh Cambodian ingredients such as lemongrass, coconut, river fish, and tropical fruits. Guests enjoy multi-course dinners, often paired with regional wines or local beer. Special events, such as onboard BBQs or alfresco breakfasts in Koh Trong, add to the flavor of the journey.

Excursions and Enrichment

Daily shore excursions bring travelers face-to-face with Khmer heritage. From temple tours and village walks to dolphin spotting and market visits, expert guides lead the excursions. Onboard enrichment includes lectures on Khmer history, dance performances, and language classes. Koh Trong often features a unique storytelling session with local elders.

Something for Everyone

• Couples: Romantic and slow-paced, Mekong cruises appeal to couples seeking a meaningful travel experience.
• Families: Some cruises cater to multi-generational groups with flexible itineraries and kid-friendly excursions.
• Solo Travelers: Communal dining and small-group excursions make solo exploration social and secure.
• Luxury Travelers: For those seeking comfort with cultural depth, high-end ships deliver personalized service, spa treatments, and gourmet dining.

Let Koh Trong Leave Its Mark on Your Soul

“In Koh Trong, time doesn’t just slow down—it deepens. With every bend of the river and every smile from a villager, you’re reminded that the richest journeys aren’t measured in miles, but in moments.”

Whether you’re sipping lemongrass tea on a shaded deck or riding a bike along Koh Trong’s sandy trails, you’ll carry a piece of this island with you.