Port information & tips for Koh Chen
Koh Chen is a picturesque island in the Tonle Sap and is considered the vibrant center of Cambodian craftsmanship. The idyllic location directly on the riverbank radiates an authentic charm and offers travelers fascinating insights into traditional rural life as well as the mastery of the local silver- and coppersmiths. Cultural highlights include the artistic workshops in the village, the nearby sacred mountain Oudong with its magnificent stupas, and the welcoming atmosphere of the local school. Cruise ships use the central pier of Koh Chen, which provides direct access to the historic village core, allowing guests to comfortably reach the handcrafted treasures and sights on foot within a few minutes.
Koh Chen is an idyllic stopover for unforgettable river cruises on the Mekong, leading travelers into the heart of Cambodia. This charming artisan village on an island in the Tonle Sap River is primarily visited as part of river cruise itineraries, with the actual embarkation for Mekong cruises usually taking place in the capital, Phnom Penh.
Airplane
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) serves as the central aviation hub for your arrival in Cambodia. It is conveniently located only about 10 kilometers from Phnom Penh city center and offers excellent connections for international flights, including from the DACH region with a layover at major hubs. Thanks to the relatively short distance, a quick onward journey into the city is comfortably guaranteed.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), you can easily reach the piers in Phnom Penh by taxi or via the organized transfers provided by the cruise lines. Koh Chen itself is about 35 kilometers from Phnom Penh and can be reached from there by boat or local transport such as a taxi or tuk-tuk in less than an hour. For river cruise passengers, the transfer to Koh Chen is usually already part of the cruise program.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Given the long journey from the DACH region, a relaxed arrival with an overnight stay before embarkation in Phnom Penh is highly recommended. Numerous hotels in the capital offer comfortable accommodations, allowing you to acclimatize before the start of your river cruise and gather your first impressions of the vibrant city.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Accordingly, plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Koh Chen is an idyllic stopover for unforgettable river cruises on the Mekong, leading travelers into the heart of Cambodia. This charming artisan village on an island in the Tonle Sap River is primarily visited as part of river cruise itineraries, with the actual embarkation for Mekong cruises usually taking place in the capital, Phnom Penh.
Airplane
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) serves as the central aviation hub for your arrival in Cambodia. It is conveniently located only about 10 kilometers from Phnom Penh city center and offers excellent connections for international flights, including from the DACH region with a layover at major hubs. Thanks to the relatively short distance, a quick onward journey into the city is comfortably guaranteed.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), you can easily reach the piers in Phnom Penh by taxi or via the organized transfers provided by the cruise lines. Koh Chen itself is about 35 kilometers from Phnom Penh and can be reached from there by boat or local transport such as a taxi or tuk-tuk in less than an hour. For river cruise passengers, the transfer to Koh Chen is usually already part of the cruise program.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Given the long journey from the DACH region, a relaxed arrival with an overnight stay before embarkation in Phnom Penh is highly recommended. Numerous hotels in the capital offer comfortable accommodations, allowing you to acclimatize before the start of your river cruise and gather your first impressions of the vibrant city.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Accordingly, plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
From the pier in Koh Chen, you can reach the heart of the famous silver smith village quickly and easily. Thanks to its central location on the Tonle Sap River, the most important destinations are within easy reach.
On Foot
The village's workshops and residential houses are located directly on the riverbank and can be reached within 5 minutes on foot. A stroll through the alleys also offers an authentic insight into the region's traditional craftsmanship.
Tuk-Tuk (Remork)
The local tuk-tuks, also called remorks in Cambodia, wait for visitors directly at the landing site. They are ideal for trips into the rural surroundings or to the historic Oudong Mountain and offer a pleasantly breezy ride at the same time.
Boat & Water Taxi
Small boats are available at the riverbank and provide a convenient connection to neighboring coastal settlements. A ride on these water taxis also offers a picturesque perspective of the passing river landscape and daily life on the water.
To make the most of your limited time in Koh Chen, we recommend a combination of visiting traditional craft workshops directly at the harbor and an exploration tour to the significant historical sites in the nearby area.
The Artisans’ Village of Koh Chen
This charming settlement directly on the riverbank is famous for its centuries-old tradition of silver and copper processing and allows visitors authentic insights into the precise handiwork of local masters. Thanks to the open workshops, guests can experience the creation of artistic vessels firsthand, while small stalls invite you to a relaxed stroll for handcrafted treasures.
Oudong Mountain
The former royal capital of Cambodia sits majestically on a nearby hill and houses magnificent stupas and sacred relics in a peaceful setting. This cultural highlight is ideal for a shore excursion due to short travel times and simultaneously offers an unforgettable panoramic view over the vast, palm-fringed landscape of the Tonle Sap basin.
Kampong Tralach
The rural idyll around the neighboring village can be perfectly explored during a traditional oxcart ride, leading past lush green rice fields and traditional stilt houses. This region is ideal for nature lovers, while the historical pagoda of Kampong Tralach Leu, with its rare murals, offers an impressive testimony to Cambodian art history.
The Silversmith Village of Koh Chen
The traditional village of Koh Chen is located directly at the pier of your ship on the Tonle Sap River and is world-famous for its master craftsmanship in silver and copper smithing. During a relaxed stroll through the settlement, you can observe the artisans directly at their intricate work and also find unique, handmade souvenirs in the small family businesses. The atmosphere is characterized by warm hospitality and authentic insights into Cambodian rural life, ideally complemented by the picturesque backdrop of the riverbank. It is best to visit the village right after arrival in the morning to experience the craftsmen in their most active phase, and take advantage of the short distances for a completely stress-free return on board.
Returning to your ship in Koh Chen is very relaxed thanks to the manageable size of the craft village and the warm hospitality of the locals.
Tuk-Tuks and Remorks
In the central areas of the village as well as near the famous silver workshops, local drivers are ready with their tuk-tuks to take you comfortably back to the riverbank. These rides can be easily arranged on site and also offer a wonderful opportunity to take in the rural surroundings of Cambodia at your leisure.
On Foot
Since Koh Chen is a compact village, you can walk back to the pier on the Tonle Sap River from most sights and workshops in just a few minutes. The path leads along the paved main street directly to the water and is easy to find thanks to the clear structure of the town and the presence of crew members on the shore.
Organised Meeting Points on the Riverbank
For guests on organised tours, central squares or the prominent area at the village entrance often serve as a gathering point for the return journey together. Your cruise line's signs on the shore as well as the waiting tenders ensure that you reach your ship punctually and safely.
