Koh Rong in Cambodia is the definition of paradise. Bungalows on the beach, countless hammocks and wooden swings line the gulf. One dollar beers and women walking down the beach asking you if you’d like fresh pineapple, mangos, and coconut…I mean what more could you ask for?
Every time I visit Southeast Asia, I am always drawn to Cambodia and this trip was no exception. Instead of making my normal rounds to Siem Reap and through Angkor Wat, I wanted to see what all the hype with the Cambodia Islands was about. Let me tell you Koh Rong did not disappoint.
In this article, I’ll go over anything you need to know before traveling to the Koh Rong Islands including how to get there, what to do and where to stay. Then at the end of the post, I’ll add some Cambodia travel guides to help you plan your travels.
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Koh Rong Islands | A Guide to Koh Rong Cambodia
Is Koh Rong worth visiting? Before we get started with the travel guide to Koh Rong in Cambodia, you may be wondering if Koh Rong is worth visiting?
If secluded beaches, bioluminescence plankton dives and lounging in hammocks is your cup of tea then I would say that Koh Rong is definitely worth a visit.
Average Daily Budget in Koh Rong
Budget | $15-20 USD’s
- Dorm bed with a fan.
- Street food.
- Lots of hammock lazing and snorkeling.
Mid Range | $60 USD
- Average cost for a couple.
- Double bed with air conditioning.
- Occasional happy hour and beach rave.
Luxury | $100 and Up
- Staying at the high end resorts in Koh Rong.
- Dining in restaurants.
- Private diving excursions.
How to Get to Koh Rong Island
Koh Rong is 25km from Sihanoukville pier. There are two options to get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong – the slow boat or the fast boat.
The slow boat takes about two and a half hours and costs $5 and the fast boat runs 3 times a day 9 am, 1130 am, and 130 and cost $25 round trip and takes 45 minutes.
The first stop on the ferry is the quiet part of Koh Rong island and the second stop is Koh Touch Village.
Where to Stay in Koh Rong Cambodia
There are a few different areas to stay when choosing hotels in Koh Rong. You can stay in town which is the first ferry stop or you can stay at a nicer resort in Koh Rong which will more than likely be the second stop on the ferry.
Budget Places to Stay in Koh Rong | Koh Touch Village
We stayed in Koh Touch Village the first night and switched to a nicer resort for the remainder of our stay. It was an easy way to get your bearings and after a long day of travel on the first day. Here are a few options on where to stay in town on Koh Rong Island.
Green Ocean
The Green Ocean is the definition of budget accommodation, you get what you pay for. $10 a night for a basic room with a fan.
The walls were thin and completely open at the top by the ceiling so you could hear everything going on but the location is excellent.
Coconut Beach Bungalows
The Coconut Beach Bungalows have sasic fan rooms that are clean with mosquito nets. Located on the beach and has a fun game area. Prices start at $10 a night.
Paradise Bungalows Koh Rong
The Paradise Bungalows are a great place to stay in Koh Rong if you want to be in a bungalow but still close to town. The rooms are basic and come with hammocks. Prices start at $25 per night.
Where to Stay in Koh Rong for Luxury
Below I have listed some of the best places to stay in Koh Rong for luxury on the beach.
Secret Garden Koh Rong
The Secret Garden Koh Rong is a stunning resort on a beautiful white sand beach. Here you’ll experience an enchanting escape into a hidden paradise nestled on the pristine shore of Koh Rong Island.
Surrounded by lush tropical foliage, this eco-friendly resort offers a secluded oasis where tranquility and natural beauty abound.
Golden Beach Resort
Golden Beach Resort is a top pick of where to stay in Koh Rong for pampering on the beach, no need to leave the hotel. Situated directly on the beach, enjoy luxurious amenities such as beachfront accommodations and the spa.
Anaya Koh Rong
Anaya Koh Rong is a stunning resort in Koh Rong that features an outdoor pool and top notch service. If you are looking for secluded luxury, look no further than this hotel in Koh Rong.
Things to do in Koh Rong
If you’ve managed to make your way to the Cambodia islands of Koh Rong, you probably already know that the main attraction here is relaxation and the point is to slow down. But with that being said, there still are a few things to do in Koh Rong while you are here.
Go on a Private Snorkel Tour
One of the best things to do in Koh Rong is to go on a Private Snorkel Tour. The waters are clear and filled with all types of marine life. Being on a boat, in the water, diving or snorkeling is always one of my favorite past times.
This Koh Rong tour takes you to Koh Toch and Koh Koun, one of the best islands to snorkeling Koh Rong with tropical marine fish and both soft and hard corals.
See the Bioluminescence Plankton
Bioluminescence Plankton are tiny marine organisms that emit light through a chemical reaction in their cells. This natural phenomenon happens on the shoreline here in the Cambodia Islands.
When there is rapid movement in the water this certain type of plankton lights up a fluorescent blue. You can swim with them on a $5 tour or opt out of the tour and do it on your own.
Tours start at 7 pm every night. It’s a fun, inexpensive and unique experience to have. Or if you’d rather spend that $5 on beer, find an empty beach and see the plankton yourself.
Have a Drink at a Beach Side Cafe
Having a drink at a beach side cafe is a great way to spend a few hours. Most of the restaurants/cafes in town offer a free beer with every meal.
Beach Rave
We happened to arrive to the Cambodia islands on a Friday and every Wednesday and Friday nights Koh Rong has an all night party til’ sunrise on Police Beach (in town). It costs $6 to get in if you buy your ticket ahead of time and it comes with a free drink.
Of course we partied the night away. The party didn’t get going until midnight but there’s a handful of bars to socialize, play beer pong, and entertain yourself until then. Pace yourself.
Go Diving in the Cambodia Islands
If you’ve always wanted to try diving, an inexpensive place to try diving is in Koh Rong Samloem. This thing to do in Koh Rong promises an unforgettable exploration of vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and crystal-clear waters teeming with underwater wonders.
Catch Sunrise or Sunset
One of the best things to do in Koh Rong that is very budget friendly is to catch sunrise or sunset. I love starting my days with a beautiful sunrise.
Rent a Jet Ski
One of the most fun and thrilling things to do in Koh Rong is to rent a jet ski. If you’re tired of swinging in a hammock, opt for a jet ski session.
Enjoy a Secluded Cambodia Beach
It’s no surprise that Koh Rong is lined with countless white sand beaches that trail into the clear turquoise waters. Finding a secluded beach all to yourself won’t be a problem as many of the beaches can only be reached by foot.
If you wander down long beach towards paradise beach, stop and take photos with one of the many swings along the way. Climb on the rocks, and explore the small ship wreck. We were the only ones on the beach when we were exploring the shipwreck and it was awesome.
Day Trip to Koh Rong Samloem
If you have already spent a few days on Koh Rong, explore its neighbor island Koh Rong Samloem. To reach Koh Rong Samloem, it’s only a $5 ferry ride from Koh Rong.
On this less populated slice of paradise, you’ll find hammocks in the ocean where you can laze all day and enjoy the warm tropical waters with a pina colada in your hand.
Best Beaches in Koh Rong
- 4k
- Long Beach
- Palm Beach
- Lonely Beach
Koh Rong Cambodia Travel Tips
- 🏧 These Cambodia islands don’t have ATM’s so plan accordingly.
- 💰 There is a cash out service which they slide you credit card, give you money you request and then take a service fee, which is much, much more expensive than an ATM fee but this is an option for cash if you find yourself in a pickle.
- ⛑️ There are no hospitals on the island but there is a pharmacy.
- 🚤 It’s $5 to travel between Koh Rong and Koh Samloem so it’s possible to do a day trip
- 🪳 Beware of bed bugs and sand fleas.
- 💡 Don’t be surprised if you experience numerous power outages, especially at night.
- 🩴 There are no roads on Koh Rong just worn paths, so prepare to do a lot of walking.
- 🪂 Purchase Travel Insurance – It’s very affordable when you consider the alternative.
- 📖 Read: The Ultimate Guide to Cambodia
Cambodia Travel Guides ↓
📍 Planning a trip to Cambodia? Check out the guides below to help plan your trip through this beautiful southeast Asian country.
7 Incredible Places to Visit in Cambodia
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