Why Should I (Not) Move to Koh Kong ?

Anchor Moy · Post by **Anchor Moy** » Sun Apr 15, 2018 2:37 pm

Calling expats who know something about Koh Kong.
In the long term, staying in Sihanoukville is not viable the way things are developing here. In the immediate future, I count on hanging around for a while, but now I'm sounding out some alternative places in Cambodia. I have never been to Koh Kong. I like the coast and the beach, which is why I don't really want to relocate upcountry.
Reasons for choosing SHV were beach, shopping (basic western food and stuff available) and nightlife (and day life). However, I'm ok to be home at 10pm most of the time. Don't need lattes or vegan restaurants, but would like more than two expat restaurant/bars in town. An edible pizza from time to time, as well as a few different places to drink with expats of different nationalities and locals sounds good.

So, I'd like some impressions from Koh Kongers and ex-Koh Kongers on the positives and negatives of living there.
Right now, I have some positives - small, close to the sea, close to Thailand.
Negatives are: small, close to Thailand ( border town), and a bit off the map in Cambodia - not so easy to get to internationally, or to travel within Cambodia.
There is ( Chinese?) development planned for the area, but will it be positive or negative ? Just throwing this out there for some feedback or ideas. Would you move to Koh Kong and why (not) ?
Thanks all.

Post by **Username Taken** » Sun Apr 15, 2018 3:40 pm

I think the positives and negatives that you have mentioned pretty well have it nailed. Though, it's been a long time since I was there ( before the bridge was built).
Back in the day, the close proximity to Thailand was a good thing as you could travel to Trat for a days shopping and be back in the evening, or stay over for a night or two. Nowadays with Thailand allowing only 2 border crossings a year you will probably feel more isolated.
I'm not familiar with the beaches on the other side of the bridge as they didn't exist back then.
Fishing was good. It's the only place in Cambodia where I've actually caught decent sized fish trolling off the coast.
I can't comment on the expat restaurant/bars situation, but I would expect that it would better than a choice of Otto's or nothing.

Beerinthemorning · Post by **Beerinthemorning** » Sun Apr 15, 2018 3:44 pm

koh kong is small , lots of weirdos around that area.

that genius · Post by **that genius** » Sun Apr 15, 2018 4:11 pm

Beerinthemorning wrote: ↑Sun Apr 15, 2018 3:44 pm koh kong is small , lots of weirdos around that area.

ROTFLMFSAAO!

I don't know if Cafe Laurent is still there, but very good value and lovely place to eat, right on the river.

phuketrichard · Post by **phuketrichard** » Sun Apr 15, 2018 4:26 pm

wait for andy KK to comment, he has been there almost 2 years .... according to him lots of Chinese development planned.
i have only passed thru a few times, seemed a bit sleepy and dependent on Thailand for just about everything..
Its to bad Thailand has a 2 MAX visa exempt land entries /year as other wise living in KK an shopping in Trat would be ok

Beerinthemorning · Post by **Beerinthemorning** » Sun Apr 15, 2018 4:41 pm

phuketrichard wrote: ↑Sun Apr 15, 2018 4:26 pm wait for andy KK to comment, he has been there almost 2 years .... according to him lots of Chinese development planned.
i have only passed thru a few times, seemed a bit sleepy and dependent on Thailand for just about everything..
Its to bad Thailand has a 2 MAX visa exempt land entries /year as other wise living in KK an shopping in Trat would be ok

leo beer is 12 baht in KK

kiwiincambodia · Post by **kiwiincambodia** » Sun Apr 15, 2018 4:48 pm

that genius wrote:
ROTFLMFSAAO!
.

Rolling On The Floor Laughing My Fucking South African Ass Off?

Kammekor · Post by **Kammekor** » Sun Apr 15, 2018 5:05 pm

Koh Kong is much more of a sleepy town, much smaller than SHV and less facilities. The trip to SHV is also pretty long, so weekly visits to SHV for shopping for instance will be quite inconvenient. While Trat is not that far, it's also pretty time consuming to get there, and unless you have a visa to enter Thailand the number of entries are restricted.

If I were you I'd take the bus to KK after Khmer New Year and stay there for a week or two, and see if it suits you. Also imagine the town in rainy season... During July and August the weather can be pretty sad there for a few days in a row.

that genius · Post by **that genius** » Sun Apr 15, 2018 5:24 pm

kiwiincambodia wrote: ↑Sun Apr 15, 2018 4:48 pm
that genius wrote:
ROTFLMFSAAO!
.
Rolling On The Floor Laughing My Fucking South African Ass Off?

6/11, not bad for an Aussie.

explorer · Post by **explorer** » Sun Apr 15, 2018 5:35 pm

It is not right on the beach. You need to travel to the beach.

I suggest, visit various places and see which you like.