Gplace > Cambodia > Campong Gam > Campong Gam > Koh Pen Island

“Koh Pen is an essential destination for experiencing peaceful rural life and is uniquely distinguished by its nearly 1-kilometer-long bamboo bridge (seasonal) that once connected the island to the mainland. Although a permanent bridge has been built, smaller tourist bamboo bridges are sometimes erected to preserve this unique tradition.”

Koh Pen is a small island located in the middle of the Mekong River, close to Kampong Cham City. It offers an authentic rural experience, far from the hustle of large cities. The roads on the island are mostly clean concrete and shaded by trees, making it an ideal place to rent a bicycle and explore slowly to absorb the atmosphere. Traditional raised wooden houses are scattered along the paths, and the islanders are friendly, welcoming visitors with smiles.

Visiting Koh Pen is often planned as a day trip, perfect for cycling to admire the views of fruit orchards, mixed farms, and rice paddies. The island also has interesting pagodas, such as Wat Kaoh Pen, which features beautiful murals. During the dry season, small sandy beaches appear along the Mekong River, which are popular spots for locals to relax and swim.

The island is particularly popular among cycling enthusiasts who want to peacefully explore the Cambodian countryside and photographers looking to capture simple local life and the impressive bamboo bridge structure. It is also an agricultural hub for crops like coconut and various vegetables, providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors.

How to Get There

Local Ferry (Wet Season/Year-round): Local ferry services are available to cross the Mekong River to the island.
Concrete Bridge (Year-round): The nearby permanent concrete bridge can be used to cross to the island by car or motorcycle.

Travel Tips

Island Exploration: Renting a bicycle is the best and most popular way to travel around the island. The roads are smooth and the distances are not too far, allowing you to stop freely to observe local village life and the surrounding rice fields.
Preparation: Make sure to bring enough drinking water and wear light, comfortable clothing suitable for the tropical climate. Sunscreen and a hat are recommended to protect yourself from the sun during the day.
Local Etiquette: Koh Paen is a conservative local community. Visitors should dress modestly when entering temples on the island and ask for permission before taking close-up photos of local residents as a sign of respect.

Admission Fee: