Prek Svay: Traditional Fishing Village & Mangroves in Northern Koh Rong (2026)
Last fact-checked: October 2026
Tucked along a tidal river estuary on the north-eastern coast of Koh Rong, Prek Svay (ព្រែកស្វាយ — 'Mango Creek') is the largest traditional Cambodian fishing community on the island. Built on wooden stilts over the water and surrounded by dense mangrove forests, Prek Svay offers a genuine glimpse into everyday island life far removed from tourist bars.
Top Things to See & Do in Prek Svay
Since the concrete road linked Koh Touch in the south with Prek Svay in the north, visiting the village has become one of the best half-day cultural and nature excursions on Koh Rong:
- Stilt-House Harbor & Fishing Boats: Walk respectfully along the village lanes and wooden walkways to see colorful longtail fishing boats, crab traps being mended, and fish drying in the sun.
- Kayaking the Prek Svay Mangrove Estuary: Rent a kayak in the village ($8–$10) and paddle up the calm, shaded mangrove river where macaques, kingfishers, egrets, and river otters live.
- Low-Tide Sandbanks: Where the Prek Svay estuary meets the sea facing Song Saa island, wide white sandbars emerge at low tide, creating shallow natural lagoons.
- Prek Svay Waterfall: Located deeper in the jungle south-west of the village; best visited during the rainy season (June–October) with a local guide from the village.
How to Visit Respectfully & Practical Tips
Prek Svay is a working Khmer community rather than a resort zone, so a few simple etiquette tips go a long way:
- Dress Modestly: Wear a t-shirt and shorts/skirt covering knees when walking through the village and near the local school and pagoda (save swimwear for the beach).
- Support Local Family Shops: Stop for iced coffee, fresh coconut water ($1), or a simple noodle soup and grilled fish lunch at a local family eatery.
- Getting There: Ride 30–35 minutes north from Koh Touch/Long Set on the concrete road, stopping at the Prek Ta Sok Mangrove boardwalk along the way.
Location of Prek Svay Village
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Prek Svay FAQ
Is the road to Prek Svay paved all the way?
Yes, the wide concrete road runs all the way from Koh Touch and Long Set in the south right into Prek Svay village in the north, making it an easy 30–35 minute scooter ride.
When is the best time of day to visit Prek Svay?
Morning (08:30–11:30) is best: fishermen return with the night's catch, temperatures are cooler for mangrove kayaking, and you can continue to Palm Beach or Lonely Beach for lunch.