Cruise port Koh Chen
Info for port Koh Chen on 1 Nov 2026
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.
