Casinos in Koh Kong: A Guide to Gambling in Cambodia's Coastal Province

Koh Kong is a hidden gem for gamblers who want to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Cambodia

If you are looking for a gambling destination that offers more than just casinos, you might want to consider visiting Koh Kong, a province in southwestern Cambodia that borders Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Kong is a place where you can experience the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Cambodia’s coastal region, while enjoying the thrill and excitement of gambling in some of the best casinos in the country.

Koh Kong has a long and rich history, dating back to the ancient Khmer Empire, when it was part of the maritime trade route between India and China. It was also a strategic location during the colonial era, when it was under the control of Siam, France, and Japan. Today, Koh Kong is a modern and progressive province, with a booming economy, a vibrant tourism industry, and a friendly and hospitable population.

Koh Kong is also a paradise for nature lovers, with a variety of landscapes, wildlife, and biodiversity. It has a long and undeveloped coastline, with pristine beaches, islands, and coral reefs. It also has a mountainous and forested interior, with part of the Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia’s largest national park, and a section of Kirirom National Park. It also has a number of natural attractions, such as waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and mangroves.

But what makes Koh Kong a unique and attractive destination for gamblers is its casino industry, which is one of the most advanced and promising in Cambodia. Koh Kong has a strip of casinos that are located between the Cambodian and Thai passport control counters, which are open 24/7 and cater to foreign tourists. The casinos are mostly owned and operated by Thai or Chinese investors, and offer a variety of games, such as slot machines, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, poker, and sports betting. The casinos are not very large or glamorous, but have a casual and friendly atmosphere, where you can gamble with low stakes and negotiate the prices and the rules.

In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about gambling in Koh Kong, including how to get there, what to expect, what to avoid, how to make the most of your trip, and how to stay safe and have fun. We will also give you some tips on how to win in Koh Kong, and how to enjoy the other attractions and activities that the province has to offer.

How to Get to Koh Kong

Koh Kong is located in the Samraong Municipality of Oddar Meanchey Province, about 41 kilometers north of the provincial capital of Samraong, and about 200 kilometers northwest of Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat. The province is accessible by road from both Thailand and Cambodia, but the road conditions are not very good, and the journey can be long and bumpy.

From Thailand

The easiest way to get to Koh Kong from Thailand is to take a bus or a minivan from Bangkok to Surin, a province in northeastern Thailand that borders Cambodia. The journey takes about 6 to 7 hours, and costs about 300 to 400 baht (about 10 to 13 USD). From Surin, you can take another bus or a minivan to Chong Chom, a town that is adjacent to Koh Kong on the Thai side of the border. The journey takes about an hour, and costs about 50 to 100 baht (about 2 to 3 USD).

Alternatively, you can take a train from Bangkok to Surin, which takes about 8 to 9 hours, and costs about 200 to 500 baht (about 7 to 17 USD), depending on the class and the service. From Surin, you can take a bus or a minivan to Chong Chom as described above.

Once you reach Chong Chom, you can walk across the border to Koh Kong, which is only about 500 meters away. You will need to show your passport and get a stamp at the Thai immigration checkpoint, but you do not need to go through the Cambodian immigration checkpoint, as you are only visiting the casino strip, which is considered a duty-free zone. You can also exchange your Thai baht for US dollars or Cambodian riel at the border, as these are the currencies used in the casinos.

From Cambodia

The easiest way to get to Koh Kong from Cambodia is to take a bus or a taxi from Siem Reap, the most popular tourist destination in the country, famous for its ancient temples. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours, and costs about 10 to 15 USD for a bus ticket, or about 50 to 80 USD for a taxi. You will need to take Road 68, which turns north off National Highway 6 at Kravanh in Siem Reap Province. The road is paved, but not very well maintained, and can be dusty and bumpy.

Alternatively, you can take a bus or a taxi from Phnom Penh, the capital and largest city of Cambodia, which has more options for transportation and accommodation. The journey takes about 7 to 8 hours, and costs about 15 to 20 USD for a bus ticket, or about 100 to 150 USD for a taxi. You will need to take National Highway 5, which goes north from Phnom Penh to Battambang, and then take Road 57, which goes west to Samraong, and then take Road 68, which goes north to Koh Kong.

Once you reach Koh Kong, you can check in to one of the casino hotels, or find a guesthouse or a homestay in the town. You will need to show your passport and get a stamp at the Cambodian immigration checkpoint, but you do not need to go through the Thai immigration checkpoint, as you are only visiting the casino strip, which is considered a duty-free zone. You can also exchange your US dollars or Cambodian riel for Thai baht at the border, as these are the currencies used in the casinos.

How to Gamble in Koh Kong

Koh Kong has a strip of casinos that are located between the Cambodian and Thai passport control counters, which are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The casinos are mostly owned and operated by Thai or Chinese investors, and cater to Thai or Chinese gamblers, who make up the majority of the customers. The casinos are not very large or glamorous, and have a variety of games, such as slot machines, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, poker, and sports betting. The casinos are not very strict or regulated, and have a casual and friendly atmosphere, where you can gamble with low stakes and negotiate the prices and the rules.

What to Expect

Here are some things to expect when you gamble in Koh Kong:

You will need to show your passport and get a stamp at the immigration checkpoints, both when you enter and when you exit the casino strip. You do not need a visa or a fee to enter the casino strip, as it is considered a duty-free zone. However, you will need a visa and a fee to enter the rest of Cambodia or Thailand, if you plan to do so.
You will need to exchange your currency at the border, as the casinos use Thai baht as the main currency, and US dollars or Cambodian riel as the secondary currency. The exchange rates are not very favorable, and you may be charged a commission or a fee. You can also use your credit card or debit card at some of the casinos, but you may be charged a surcharge or a fee. It is advisable to bring enough cash with you, and keep it in a safe place.
You will need to pay an entrance fee to enter some of the casinos, which ranges from 100 to 500 baht (about 3 to 17 USD), depending on the casino and the time of the day. The entrance fee may include some free drinks, snacks, or coupons. You can also get a membership card at some of the casinos, which may give you some discounts or benefits, such as free parking, free wifi, or free shuttle service.
You will need to follow the dress code and the etiquette of the casinos, which are not very formal or strict, but still require some respect and decency. You should wear clean and comfortable clothes, and avoid wearing shorts, sandals, or hats. You should also avoid being loud, rude, or drunk, and respect the staff and the other players. You should also tip the dealers and the servers, as it is customary and expected.
You will need to be aware of the games and the rules of the casinos, which are not very standard or consistent, and may vary from casino

You will need to be aware of the games and the rules of the casinos, which are not very standard or consistent, and may vary from casino to casino, or even from table to table. You should ask the staff or the other players for clarification, and negotiate the prices and the rules before you start playing. You should also check the payouts and the odds of the games, and avoid playing the games that have a high house edge or a low return to player. You should also set a budget and a limit for yourself, and stop playing when you reach them.

What to Avoid

Here are some things to avoid when you gamble in Koh Kong:

You should avoid gambling with the locals, as they may be scammers or hustlers, who may cheat or trick you into losing your money. You should also avoid gambling with the police or the military, as they may be corrupt or violent, and may extort or harass you. You should only gamble with the foreigners, who are mostly Thai or Chinese, and who are more likely to be honest and fair.
You should avoid gambling with the illegal or underground casinos, which are not licensed or regulated by the authorities, and which may operate in shady or hidden locations, such as back alleys, basements, or warehouses. These casinos may have rigged or tampered games, unfair or unclear rules, or violent or criminal staff or customers. You may also face legal or safety risks if you get caught or involved in any trouble. You should only gamble with the legal or official casinos, which are located on the main strip, and which have signs and logos.
You should avoid gambling with the online or mobile casinos, which are not reliable or trustworthy, and which may have malware or viruses, phishing or hacking, or fraud or scams. You may also face technical or connectivity issues, or lose your data or money. You should only gamble with the offline or land-based casinos, which are more secure and stable, and which have physical and human presence.
You should avoid gambling with the drugs or alcohol, which are not good for your health or judgment, and which may impair your ability or performance, or cause addiction or dependency. You may also face legal or safety risks if you get caught or involved in any trouble. You should only gamble with moderation and responsibility, and keep yourself hydrated and alert.

How to Make the Most of Your Trip

Koh Kong is not only a gambling destination, but also a cultural and natural destination, where you can explore and enjoy the local life and scenery. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your trip:

You should visit the Koh Kong Resort, which is the largest and most luxurious casino hotel in Koh Kong, and which offers a range of facilities and services, such as a swimming pool, a spa, a gym, a restaurant, a bar, a nightclub, a karaoke, a cinema, a shopping mall, and a golf course. You can also stay at the hotel, which has comfortable and spacious rooms, with air conditioning, wifi, cable TV, and minibar. The hotel also has a free shuttle service that can take you to and from the border.
You should visit the Koh Kong Island, which is the largest and most beautiful island in Koh Kong, and which is accessible by boat from the mainland. The island has a long and pristine beach, with clear blue water, white sand, and palm trees. The island is also a marine reserve, where you can see a variety of fish, coral, and dolphins. You can also snorkel, kayak, or fish on the island, or just relax and sunbathe.
You should visit the Koh Kong Safari World, which is a wildlife park that is located near the border, and which is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. The park has a variety of animals, such as tigers, lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, and birds. You can also see some shows and performances, such as crocodile wrestling, elephant riding, or bird singing. The park also has a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and a playground.
You should visit the Koh Kong Community, which is a rural community that is located around Koh Kong, and which is composed of mostly ethnic Cham people, who are Muslims, and who live in traditional wooden houses, and who practice fishing, weaving, or trading. The community is a friendly and hospitable place, where you can interact and learn from the locals, and where you can join or observe their daily activities, such as praying, cooking, or singing. You can also stay at a guesthouse or a homestay in the community, which can give you a more authentic and immersive experience.

How to Stay Safe and Have Fun

Koh Kong is a safe and fun place to gamble, but it also has some risks and challenges that you need to be aware of and prepared for. Here are some tips on how to stay safe and have fun:

You should bring your passport and a photocopy of it, and keep it in a safe place. You will need your passport to enter and exit the casino strip, and to prove your identity and nationality. You should also bring some cash and a credit card or debit card, and keep them in a safe place. You will need cash to gamble and to pay for things, and you will need a credit card or debit card as a backup or an emergency.
You should check the weather and the road conditions before you travel to Koh Kong, and plan accordingly. The weather in Koh Kong can be hot and humid, or cold and rainy, depending on the season and the time of the day. You should dress appropriately and bring some sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, umbrella, or raincoat. The road conditions in Koh Kong can be rough and bumpy, or muddy and slippery, depending on the weather and the maintenance. You should drive carefully and slowly, and bring some spare tires, tools, or water.
You should respect the culture and the customs of the people in Koh Kong, and follow the laws and the regulations of the countries in Koh Kong. You should dress modestly and conservatively, and avoid showing too much skin or affection. You should also greet and thank the people with a smile and a bow, and avoid touching their heads or feet. You should also avoid talking about politics, religion, or history, and avoid criticizing or insulting the leaders or the symbols of the countries. You should also avoid gambling on Muslim holidays, such as Ramadan or Eid, as it is considered disrespectful and unlucky.
You should be careful and cautious when you gamble in Koh Kong, and avoid any trouble or conflict. You should only gamble with the legal or official casinos, and avoid the illegal or underground casinos. You should also only gamble with the foreigners, and avoid the locals, the police, or the military. You should also only gamble with moderation and responsibility, and avoid gambling with the drugs or alcohol. You should also set a budget and a limit for yourself, and stop playing when you reach them. You should also keep your winnings and your losses to yourself, and avoid bragging or complaining.

Conclusion

Koh Kong is a hidden gem for gamblers who want to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Cambodia’s coastal province. It is a place where you can gamble legally and cheaply, and where you can enjoy a different culture and scenery. It is also a place where you need to be prepared and careful, and where you need to respect and follow the rules. If you are looking for a gambling destination that offers more than just casinos, you might want to consider visiting Koh Kong, and follow this guide to make the most of your trip.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about gambling in Koh Kong:

Q: Do I need a visa to enter Koh Kong?
A: No, you do not need a visa to enter the casino strip in Koh Kong, as it is considered a duty-free zone. However, you will need a visa to enter the rest of Cambodia or Thailand, if you plan to do so.
Q: What are the best casinos in Koh Kong?
A: The best casinos in Koh Kong are the Koh Kong Resort, which is the largest and most luxurious casino hotel in Koh Kong, and the Ha Tien Vegas, which is the most popular and crowded casino in Koh Kong. Both casinos offer a variety of games, facilities, and services, and have a good reputation and quality.
Q: What are the best times to visit Koh Kong?
A: The best times to visit Koh Kong are from November to February, which are the cool and dry months, and from March to May, which are the hot and dry months. These are the best times to enjoy the weather and the road conditions in Koh Kong, and to avoid the rainy and muddy months from June to October.
Q: What are the best things to do in Koh Kong besides gambling?
A: The best things to do in Koh Kong besides gambling are to visit the Koh Kong Island, which is the largest and most beautiful island in Koh Kong, to visit the Koh Kong Safari World, which is a wildlife park that has a variety of animals, and to visit the Koh Kong Community, which is a rural and friendly place.
Q: What are the best tips to win in Koh Kong?
A: The best tips to win in Koh Kong are to do your research and know the games and the rules, to negotiate the prices and the rules, to check the payouts and the odds, to avoid the games that have a high house edge or a low return to player, to set a budget and a limit, and to stop playing when you reach them.