22/11/2023
Koh Pen Island – The Bamboo Bridge
If you find yourself in Kampong Cham, allow me to guide you to an island nestled in the midst of the Mekong River, approximately 3 km from the provincial town. This island boasts white sand beaches that stretch along the Mekong River. In the rainy season, one can reach it by boat from the opposite side of Kampong Cham, and during the dry season, a bamboo bridge extending over 800 meters provides passage. Welcome to Koh Pen Island.
As we stroll across the longest bamboo bridge in Cambodia towards Koh Pen Island at sunset, the fresh air caresses the bamboo panels beneath our feet. The rhythmic "roar" of waves crashing against the shore, coupled with the sight of fish gracefully swimming, washes away all worries.
Beyond its beauty, Koh Pen serves as a crucial economic hub for the local people, sustained by tourism. They offer various services such as food, rented seats for relaxation, sunset viewpoints, and fishing boat trips. Apart from the beach, tourists can explore the island's plantations on bikes, including crops like corn, potatoes, to***co, and an array of fruits such as grapefruit, sugar cane, and watermelon, which are available for purchase.
During the Khmer New Year, the beach transforms, revealing its pristine beauty and attracting Cambodian locals to the Koh Pen resort.
Come nightfall on the shores of Koh Pen, sitting on the beach while listening to the melodic waves, one can almost forget any sorrows. However, turning our gaze to the opposite side of Kampong Cham reveals a vibrant display of colorful lights and the distant hum of people.
As the night unfolds, it's time to bid farewell to Koh Pen. If fate allows, we may meet again. I will always cherish the memories of you, Koh Pen Island.
Writer: Rossslan Ly
credit photo: Koh Pen - កោះប៉ែន ខេត្តកំពង់ចាម
