Hat Lek & Koh Kong Border Crossing

The Koh Kong-Hat Lek Crossing: The Southern Coastal Gateway

The border crossing at the Cambodian city of Koh Kong, which connects to the Thai post of Hat Lek via the Cham Yeam checkpoint, is the main southern coastal gateway between the two kingdoms. It is located right on the Gulf of Thailand, in a beautiful setting where the foothills of the Cardamom Mountains meet the sea. This crossing is a key link for travelers moving between the undeveloped coastline and islands of southwestern Cambodia and the popular tourist islands of eastern Thailand, such as Koh Chang. The border is busy but generally less chaotic than the main Poipet crossing. The atmosphere is that of a tropical frontier, a place where backpackers, local traders, and Thais heading for the large border casino all converge. For the traveler, it is a scenic and adventurous route, a passage from the wild jungles of the Cardamom Mountains to the well-trodden tourist trail of the Thai islands, or vice versa.

A History of a Remote Frontier and a New Corridor

For many years, this was a very remote and undeveloped frontier. The Koh Kong province in Cambodia was a wild and isolated region, partly controlled by remnants of the Khmer Rouge and known for smuggling and illegal logging. The border was difficult and sometimes dangerous to cross. The construction of a series of major bridges on the Cambodian coastal highway (National Highway 48), with Thai and international assistance, transformed the region. This new road, which winds through the spectacular scenery of the Cardamom Mountains, effectively opened up Cambodia’s coastline to development and tourism. The Hat Lek-Cham Yeam crossing became a major international gateway. On the Cambodian side, a large casino and hotel complex was built right at the border, attracting a steady stream of Thai visitors and further boosting the crossing’s importance. It has evolved from a sleepy, remote outpost into a key pillar of Cambodia’s coastal tourism strategy, a symbol of the region’s dramatic transformation from a backwater into a destination.

The Border Crossing Procedure: A Two-Part Process

The border is open during daylight hours (typically 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM). The process is straightforward and well-accustomed to tourists.

Exiting Cambodia (Cham Yeam): The Cambodian immigration post is a large, imposing building at the Cham Yeam checkpoint, a few kilometers from Koh Kong city. You will present your passport to the officer, who will stamp you out of the country. The process is usually quick and professional.

The Walk Across: You will then walk a short distance down a hill through the no-man’s-land to the Thai side. The views of the coastline from here are beautiful.

Entering Thailand (Hat Lek): The Thai immigration office is a simple building on the main road in the village of Hat Lek. You will present your passport to the officer. For most nationalities, Thailand offers a visa exemption stamp for a specific period (e.g., 30 days). The officer will stamp your passport, and you are officially in Thailand. The process is typically very fast and hassle-free.

Route, Onward Travel, and Eco-Tourism

On the Cambodian side, the city of Koh Kong is the main hub. From the border, it is a 15-minute motorbike taxi or tuk-tuk ride to the city. From Koh Kong, you can get buses and shared taxis to other destinations in Cambodia. The journey to Sihanoukville takes about 4-5 hours on the scenic coastal highway. The Koh Kong region itself is a major eco-tourism destination, serving as the gateway to the Cardamom Mountains, one of the largest remaining rainforests in Southeast Asia. You can arrange jungle treks, kayaking trips, and visits to mangrove forests from the city of Koh Kong. On the Thai side, from the border village of Hat Lek, you will need to take a minibus or songthaew for the 1.5 to 2-hour journey to the city of Trat. From Trat, you can get buses to Bangkok and other parts of Thailand. Trat is also the main departure point for the ferries to the popular islands of Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak. Many travel agencies in Koh Kong sell through-tickets that include transport to the border and the ferry to Koh Chang, which can be a convenient option.

Final Planning Advice for the Coastal Route

The Koh Kong-Hat Lek crossing is a popular and spectacular journey. The key to a smooth crossing is to have your documents in order and to be aware of the transport logistics on both sides. If you are entering Cambodia, be prepared for the visa on arrival process (if you haven’t obtained an e-visa), which requires a passport photo and US dollars. The crossing is a fantastic gateway to the wild and beautiful coastline and mountains of southwestern Cambodia, and a perfect link to the beautiful islands of eastern Thailand. It is a border that offers a wonderful blend of adventure and convenience, a passage through some of the most beautiful and undeveloped coastal scenery in all of Southeast Asia.