Koh Kong sits on the southwest Cambodian coast, a vibrant border town with Thailand, offering a unique casino experience set against the backdrop of beaches and Cardamom Mountains. Here’s a deep dive into casino resorts, safety tips, travel logistics, and what makes Koh Kong worth visiting for gamblers, holidaymakers, and SEA border travelers.
🏖️ 1. Koh Kong Resort & Casino
The main casino hub in the province:
- 39,000 ft² gaming area, open 24/7, featuring ~100 slot machines, electronic roulette, classic table games like baccarat, blackjack, and poker
- Located beachfront in Hero Wing, with resort-style accommodations and spectacular sea views
- 519 guest rooms/suites, an outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, gym, spa, café, bars
- Tournaments and events are held periodically, including promotional slot and blackjack competitions
- Noisy border town atmospherics, but standout for Khmer-friendly resort gaming
🏗️ 2. Dara Sakor Special Economic Zone (Upcoming)
- Located a bit south, part of a massive Chinese-backed Dara Sakor SEZ, with planned mega-resorts, golf courses, ports, and a new Koh Kong casino complex
- Targeted for high-end gaming tourism, though current political scrutiny—especially from the U.S.—casts uncertainty
- No actual casino open yet, but big plans are on the table for 2025+ travelers
🚗 Travel & Logistics
- Border access: Just 10 km from the Thai border crossing at Cham Yeam–Hat Lek
- Travel routes: Accessible from Phnom Penh (~260 km) and Thailand (via Trat → border → Koh Kong)
- Currency: USD dominates in casinos; some Thai Baht accepted along border
- Accommodation: Stay at the casino’s Hero Wing, or budget riverside hotels like Koh Kong City Hotel
🛡️ Safety & Legality
- All casinos are legally open to foreign passport holders only; Cambodian citizens technically need foreign ID or must risk entry via unofficial means
- The casino is legal under Cambodian law, but the owner Ly Yong Phat (Oknha) and affiliated resorts have drawn U.S. sanctions over alleged human trafficking and online scam ties
- Border area reputation means you should be cautious at night, keep cash discreet, and stick to the resort premises
🀄 Games & Amenities Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Table Games | Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Poker — all classic favorites |
| Slots | ~100 electronic & video machines |
| Poker Room | Casual play, small tournaments |
| Tournaments | Slot and blackjack events periodically hosted |
| Hotel & Spa | Full-service resort amenities including spa, pool, sauna |
| Casino Hours | Open 24/7, solid for SEA tourists and gamblers |
💡 Best For…
- Players heading from Thailand via Trat/Hat Lek border, looking for a quick beachfront casino stop
- Travellers wanting to combine beach stay with gaming and resort relaxation
- Escape from major cities—easygoing atmosphere with decent gaming without Poipet’s hustle
🧭 Final Verdict
Koh Kong offers a unique blend: beachside resort with a real casino—rare in Cambodia outside major hubs. The Koh Kong Resort Casino is your best (only) bet for gambling by the sea, whereas the upcoming Dara Sakor SEZ expansion may redefine mid-2020s casino tourism in the region.
Ideal for SEA gamblers seeking a relaxed border-side play, sunset ambiance, and a coastal casino break—but watch out for legal risks and compliance issues tied to ownership under U.S. sanctions.