Koh Rong Cambodia: A True Island Getaway in Southeast Asia

Koh Rong is a beautiful Cambodian tropical island known for its stunning white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and laid-back island vibe. Koh Rong is a great place to enjoy swimming and snorkelling, host beach parties or just relax away from busy city life.

Introduction To Koh Rong

One of the most popular island getaway destinations in Cambodia, Koh Rong Island can be found situated off the southern coast of the popular beach resort destination of Sihanoukville. Formerly known as a tranquil fishing village, Koh Rong Island has transformed itself into a bustling holiday destination that offers tourists a vast array of activities that can be enjoyed in a breathtaking beachside setting that stretches across about 78 km2.

Koh Rong is a beautiful Cambodian tropical island

Although it has gained popularity among tourists, it still has a lot of natural allure with long bays of white sand, forested slopes, and marine biodiversity that suit a variety of tourists. Whether you like your beach bars lively at Koh Touch or quiet at Long Set Beach or Palm Beach, there is something for every type of tourist here – be it adventure-seekers or those looking for a tranquil holiday destination.

History Of Koh Rong

The name “Koh Rong” is thought to derive from the Khmer word “Rong” (រូង), which refers to the cave or tunnel that acts as a shelter. Therefore, this name reflects the tranquil, remote environment and pristine coastal view of the island. Although Koh Rong was mostly undeveloped for many decades and the local fishing communities relied heavily on marine resources to support their livelihoods, in more recent times, as Cambodia has started opening up to tourism, Koh Rong has quickly become one of the premier island destinations within Cambodia.

Today, Koh Rong is the second biggest island in Cambodia and is famous for the very clear waters, white sand beaches and lush tropical forests. While several modern resorts and bungalows have been built in the last few years, much of the island’s raw and natural beauty remains intact, giving Koh Rong an image of “true island paradise.”

Top 7 Iconic Attractions In Koh Rong

Koh Rong boasts a host of varied beaches, each having a different ambiance – right from being a natural wilderness zone to a popular resort destination. From a completely secluded setting to easily accessible facilities, these world-famous beaches reflect the unique character of this beautiful destination.

Lonely Beach

A part of the distant north of Koh Rong, the Lonely Beach is known as one of the most beautiful and most isolated spots in this tropical destination. Here, visitors can enjoy soft and pristine white sand, crystal-clear blue waters, tiny rocky shores, and a row of palms mirroring the colors of the sky in a calm and peaceful atmosphere. The silence and remoteness from the rest of the world make this destination perfect for travelers who prefer being cut off from civilization.

Accessing the island involves a local boat or a longer journey from Sihanoukville and basic accommodations with a focus on nature rather than luxury. The island of Lonely Beach is most suitable for a person who loves isolation and a raw island experience rather than one with luxurious facilities.

Lazy Beach

Lazy Beach, on the other hand, is renowned worldwide. In fact, it made it to the list of most beautiful beaches in the world according to National Geographic. This resort can be found on a remote side of Koh Rong Samloem, with a perfect blend of golden sand, turquoise water, and sunsets accompanied by mountains covered with lush vegetation. Relaxation in this resort comes with a perfect ambiance devoid of noise with the exception of waves pounding on the sand and wind swinging through trees. This place has only one eco-style resort available with a minimum number of facilities such as no internet connectivity, no shops, nor night-life activities.

Long Set Beach (4K Beach)

Long Set Beach, or 4K Beach as it is sometimes referred because of its four kilometer long coastline, is among the most easily accessible and well-rounded beaches on Koh Rong. Long Set Beach features white sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, along with a beautiful background of tropical trees. There are resorts and bungalows situated along the coastline for tourists to choose from, which offer fairly reasonable prices as well. Long Set Beach is easily accessible on foot from Koh Touch Beach, ensuring it is quiet and peaceful. Long Set is also among the best spots on Koh Rong where people can enjoy watching both sunrise and sunset.

Saracen Bay

Saracen Bay is another popular landing area in Koh Rong and is preferred by many tourists for its calm and developed facilities. This bay is shaped like a semi-circle and is known for its white sandy beaches and calm water. In recent years, Saracen Bay has experienced rapid growth in terms of development, from fashionable hotels and beachside restaurants to nightlife outlets lining its shores. Saracen Bay is preferred by couples, families, and first-timers who want to enjoy comfort and scenic beauty at once and can even serve as an effective departure point for island-hopping and snorkeling tours.

White Beach

One of the most accessible beaches on Koh Rong is White Beach, which is only a short walk away from Koh Touch. Although this beach is not so spectacular in terms of its landscape, its advantage is its convenience and comfort. Luxurious hotels and restaurants are positioned directly on the beach, so tourists can directly access the beach from their hotels. It is an ideal place for swimming since the beach is quiet and its water is very calm. It attracts those tourists who prefer to have an easy and comfortable stay on this island.

Sok San Beach

Located on the western side of Koh Rong, Sok San Beach provides a unique blend of local culture and high-end resort facilities. On one side of the beach lies a traditional fishing village with houses made entirely out of wood, where tourists can stay in budget accommodations that provide direct immersion in the local island lifestyle. On the other side of the beach is a giant high-end resort complex offering accommodations, eateries, and beachside bars with a finished look and amenities to boot. Regardless, the beach itself is impressively long, wide, and natural, which is why it was picked to feature in the Survivor reality TV series. Sok San Beach is perfect for those seeking a balanced cultural immersion with a comfortable stay.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is flanked by palm forests, so it has a strongly tropical and relaxed atmosphere about it. It is less crowded than many other beaches on Koh Rong, so Palm Beach is an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful and budget-friendly island vacation experience. Palm Beach accommodations are very simple but pleasant enough, and they can feature hammocks and open views of the sea and the horizon. Palm Beach is an excellent destination for those seeking value for money and somewhere to relax and do absolutely nothing for several days of their island vacation.

Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

Koh Rong has a lot to be proud of other than having some very lovely beaches, such as all the beautiful experiences that help you experience the beauty of nature, connect with the local culture, and embrace the chill vibe of the community. So whether it be snorkeling, kayaking, yoga, hiking, fishing or just taking it slow and easy, these types of activities will make your time on Koh Rong unforgettable.

Snorkeling in Crystal Clear Waters

Snorkeling in Koh Rong is a memorable activity and adventure due to the warmth and clarity of the water and its rich ecosystem. In some of the beaches such as Long Set Beach, Sok San Beach, and Saracen Bay, one is able to observe various fish and small marine life a few meters away from the shore. Some of these beaches offer snorkeling gear or boats that one can use for snorkeling in distant points of Koh Rong. The calmness of the waves and the shallow water make snorkeling an ideal activity even for beginners. The activity of snorkeling above the reef of Koh Rong is an ideal way of appreciating the natural beauty of Koh Rong.

Bioluminescent Plankton Swimming at Night

Swimming with bioluminescent plankton is said to be an experience of a lifetime when you visit Koh Rong. During the night when the moon is not visible, with the new moon shining bright, the ocean is literally abuzz with microorganisms that emit lights when you move your body through the water. Tours will take you away from the light sources shining bright along the beaches so that you get the best view of this magical phenomenon that lights up the ocean.

Jungle Trekking Across the Island

Trekking in the jungle gives visitors a whole other side of Koh Rong, one not visible when they are enjoying the beach. There are famous trails available from popular areas such as Koh Touch and Long Set, where you make your way through tropical forest, hills, and internal landscapes of the island. While trekking, you will be able to hear the sounds of birds, see some butterflies, and appreciate the views of the sea. Factor in some wet and rough terrain, especially when it’s raining, and it would be best to wear the right hiking gear and stay hydrated.

Kayaking And Paddleboarding Along Our Coast

Kayaking and paddleboarding are very relaxing activities for those interested in exploring Koh Rong’s coastline in a different manner. While paddling along the coastline, tourists can discover various isolated bays and beaches, which are inaccessible on foot. The water is generally flat in the early morning, making it the ideal time for a novice to try out these water activities. Various resorts lining the beaches offer affordable kayak and paddleboard rentals so that tourists can relax at their own pace. This water experience offers a combination of exercise and relaxation.

Watching Sunrise And Sunset on the Beach

Enjoying the sunrise and sunset on Koh Rong is a great experience that is etched in memory for a long time. Early risers usually go to Long Set Beach to witness the sunrise, which rises gently beyond the horizon, throwing a golden glow on a peaceful sea. In the evening, Sok San Beach or Lazy Beach on the western side of the island is just right for people to get a glimpse of orange, pink, and purple hues on a bright sky. Sitting on the shores or having a drink nearby, tourists take back wonderful memories of the peaceful life on the island.

Living Local Island Culture

Visiting the villages around Koh Rong will allow you to discover the natural lifestyle that exists on the island. Understanding fishing villages, such as Sok San, will involve watching daily activities like the making of fishing nets, drying fish, or going out to sea at dawn. Living in local guesthouses or enjoying local homestays will enable you to interact with the locals directly. Such activities will enable you to understand the culture behind the destination rather than just the landscape.

Entrance Fee

Visitors are not required to pay an entry fee to Koh Rong since it is classified as a natural island and open to the public. Expenses related to transportation and services available on the island should be taken into account when planning a trip to Koh Rong. The cost of taking either a speedboat or ferry from Sihanoukville will be required, as well as any further expenses incurred through use of the provided services on the island (e.g., lodging, snorkeling excursions, boating trips, food and drink, motorcycle rentals, guided tours).

Best Time To Visit Koh Rong

If you want to maximize your time on Koh Rong’s beaches and hiking trails while also avoiding large crowds, then its best to come during dry season, between the beginning of November to the end of April. At this time, you will experience mostly sunny weather, very little rain and calm seas, making it perfect for swimming and snorkelling, island hopping and going out into nature.

However, if you are looking for a less crowded experience during the rainy season (May to October), there is also an option to visit near the end of October. During this time, rainfall is still common and seas tend to be rough, but you will get to see Koh Rong’s untouched beaches and lush, green beauty.

How To Get To Koh Rong

After arriving at Sihanoukville, the fastest and most popular way to get to Koh Rong is by speedboat or ferry. These boats travel from Ochheuteal Pier every day and directly to Koh Rong, but first, they will stop at Koh Touch Village, which is known as the main landing place for Koh Rong Island. This takes about an hour depending on the sea conditions.

Speedboat Schedule (Subject to change):

Sihanoukville to Koh Rong: 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM.
Koh Rong to Sihanoukville: 10:00 AM, 12:30 PM.

For a return ticket, the fare ranges between USD 20 and 27, depending on the provider and the level of service. While making the booking, you get the opportunity to select the time you would like to leave and return. However, to avoid waiting or situations where the ferries are fully packed, prior booking using travel apps is advisable while ensuring that you have the departure time scheduled at least a day before departure.

Things To Know Before Traveling To Koh Rong

Before embarking on a trip to Koh Rong, it is essential to be aware of the fact that this particular island is still in a developing state and has a completely different experience from that which is offered on crowded mainland tourist sites.

Be sure to bring sufficient money with you. There are very few ATMs available on the island. In many places, money is expected. Especially in smaller villages and beach bungalows.
There will be limited power and internet connectivity, especially off Koh Touch, so get power-hungry appliances charged before arriving and prepare for a more laid-back lifestyle.
Carefully choose your beach destination, since you can find lively places with nightlife in Koh Rong, and also peaceful beaches for relaxation, because transportation in between may take considerable time.
It is recommended to wear robust footwear if the jungle trails leading to some beaches might be sloppy with rain or consist of many hills to climb.
Check the boat schedules and sea conditions when traveling in the rainy season as the ferries may be cancelled or delayed due to rough weather.
Please be mindful of the surroundings by not littering using plastics, treating the marine life with respect, and choosing eco-friendly hotels.
Expect minimal accommodation requirements because most of these guesthouses revolve around nature and location rather than luxury, which is actually a charm of Koh Rong.

Final Thoughts: Is Koh Rong Worth Visiting?

A visit to Koh Rong is definitely a must if you’re in the market for a tropical getaway that offers both nature and fun island activities. The island features all the makings of an unforgettable experience – from its picturesque white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters to its lush forests. Popular activities include snorkeling and trekking. Seni World will be the source of all the inspiration you need to experience the best that Koh Rong has to offer.

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