Traveling to Koh Rong in Cambodia is a journey to explore a pristine, beautiful island that attracts international tourists. Let’s explore the details with Living Nomads through this Ultimate Koh Rong travel guide: Top attractions, best things to do, see, tips & MORE!
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Koh Rong – a beautiful island located in the Gulf of Thailand – has long attracted tourists from all over the world with its unspoiled beauty and friendly locals. Amidst the growing tourism industry in Cambodia, Koh Rong Island has emerged as a fantastic destination, a pure oasis in the midst of majestic nature. Let Living Nomads share some tips for traveling to Koh Rong Island if this is your first time visiting this beautiful island!
Where is Koh Rong Island? General Introduction to Koh Rong Island
Koh Rong is located in Sihanoukville and has long been considered one of the most beautiful islands in Cambodia for resort tourism. With an area of approximately 78 km², Koh Rong is the second largest island in the southern region, but what truly makes it appealing is its unspoiled natural beauty and slow pace of life, a rarity in more crowded coastal areas.
Over 40 km of coastline and dozens of beaches of varying sizes create diverse spaces, from soft white sand perfect for relaxing to areas suitable for snorkeling, kayaking, or watching the tranquil sunset.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap
A major advantage of Koh Rong is its easy accessibility. From Sihanoukville, it only takes about 2.5 hours by slow boat or about 40 minutes by speedboat to reach the island – far enough away from the city but still convenient for short trips.
Ferry companies such as Speed Ferry Cambodia, GTVC, and Buva Sea operate this route with fairly regular schedules, making Koh Rong an ideal choice if you want to add a few relaxing days at the beach to your Cambodia travel itinerary.
Guide to Getting to Koh Rong Island from Vietnam
Traveling by Plane
Currently, two airlines operate flights from Vietnam to Sihanoukville: Vietnam Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air. However, the frequency of direct flights from Vietnam to Sihanoukville (KOS) is limited and inconsistent. If you want to fly, the most popular option is to fly to Phnom Penh (PNH), then take a bus or taxi to Sihanoukville (approximately 4-6 hours depending on traffic).
Traveling by Bus
Ho Chi Minh – Phnom Penh (Cambodia) Bus and Vice Versa
From Ho Chi Minh City, you can choose reputable bus companies such as Ha Tien, Tuan Nga, Kumho, etc., to reach the Ha Tien border gate. From there, you continue by bus to Sihanoukville city. After arriving in Sihanoukville, you need to take a ferry to Koh Rong Island. The cost is approximately 1,000,000 – 2,000,000 VND/one way.
You can check the ferry schedule and book to suit your itinerary, or book a Round-Trip Ferry Ticket from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong – Speed Ferry Cambodia on Klook for more convenient travel.
Famous Beaches in Koh Rong
Lonely Beach
Located on the north side of Koh Rong island, Lonely Beach is a gem with its pristine, unspoiled beauty. With its curving L-shaped beach and headland jutting out into the sea, Lonely Beach is surrounded by dense primary forest. Here, you can breathe in the fresh and pleasant air. Lonely Beach is an ideal place to enjoy peaceful and tranquil relaxation.
Phnom Penh 3-Hour Evening Food Tour with Rooftop Bar
Koh Rong travel guide: Koh Touch Beach
With its fine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Koh Touch Beach is just a few minutes’ walk from Koh Touch village. This beach is not only famous for its natural beauty but also offers a variety of entertainment and exploration options, such as local restaurants and bars. This creates a vibrant atmosphere for Koh Touch. It’s the perfect place to combine the experience of pristine nature with the lively nightlife of Koh Rong Island.
Lazy Beach
Lazy Beach is located on the west side of Koh Rong Samloem Island. It’s ranked second on National Geographic’s list of the 21 most beautiful beaches in the world. Lazy Beach offers a relaxing experience where you can rest, immerse yourself in the sound of the waves, enjoy the cool sea breeze, and admire the distant mountains. Lazy Beach is a must-visit destination if you’re looking for peace amidst majestic nature.
White Beach
White Beach is just a 10-minute walk from Koh Touch’s main pier and is a convenient destination on Koh Rong Island. It’s a convenient beach with many upscale beachfront resorts. This means that as soon as you step out of your room, you can touch the soft white sand and immediately enjoy the cool sea water. In particular, White Beach also has convenience stores and transportation rental services on the island.
Sok San Beach
One of the most pristine and beautiful paradises on Koh Rong Island, Sok San Beach attracts visitors with its clear blue water and 7 km long stretch of soft white sand. Famous for its budget-friendly resorts, Sok San has over 500 villas and a variety of amenities, from restaurants and bars to convenience stores.
Not only does it offer comfort and convenience, but Sok San Beach also attracts you with its unique Khmer identity. You can come here to explore and experience the rich culture of Cambodia’s red soil region.
Saracen Bay
Saracen Bay is a peaceful and relaxing destination with minimal nightlife. The scenery in Saracen is truly stunning – pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a vast expanse of surrounding primary forest.
Conveniently, most major ferry services stop at this bay, making it easy to get around. While it can get crowded during holidays, Saracen maintains a fresh atmosphere, creating the perfect conditions for experiencing the tranquility of Koh Rong Island.
Koh Rong travel guide: What to Do on Koh Rong Island? Suggestions for a Self-Guided Trip to Koh Rong Island
Watching the Sunrise and Sunset
Koh Rong Island is not only an attractive destination for travelers wanting to enjoy the cool feeling of swimming in the sea, but also a paradise for sunset enthusiasts. Imagine yourself lying on the sand, a gentle breeze blowing, and admiring the magical sunset while reading your favorite book – that’s definitely an unforgettable vacation.
Island Exploration
Strolling around Koh Rong to enjoy the Lazy Beach, exploring Saracen Bay, or taking a boat trip to smaller islands like Koh Thmei and Koh Kon will give you wonderful travel experiences. Exploring neighboring islands not only provides an interesting experience of local culture but also opens up opportunities to admire the diverse beauty of the Cambodian sea.
Snorkeling and Coral Reef Viewing
Koh Rong Island is still largely undeveloped for tourism, retaining its pristine beauty, so the marine environment here has a diverse and rich ecosystem. This is a great destination for snorkeling and admiring colorful and exotic fish. You can rent snorkeling equipment right on the island to immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters and explore the magical ocean at Koh Rong.
Observing Bioluminescent Plankton
If you’ve ever been to the famous Koh Phi Phi island in Thailand, you’re probably familiar with bioluminescent plankton. When you dive and observe these plankton, every movement will create shimmering spots around you, like a sky full of twinkling stars. This close encounter with these creatures will give you many priceless moments, connecting you with the mysterious beauty of the sea.
Surfing
(Free e-SIM) Classic Angkor Wat Sunrise or Sunset Full DayTour
With its long coastline and many waves far from shore, Koh Rong is a paradise for surfing enthusiasts. One of the most popular surfing spots on the island is Long Set Beach and Lonely Beach, where the waves are moderate, suitable for both beginners and those who want to challenge themselves.
If you lack experience, consider taking short surfing lessons at professional centers on the island to hone your skills before attempting surfing. Enjoy the fun and immerse yourself in the vast ocean at Koh Rong Island!
Kayaking
At Koh Touch village, you can rent a kayak to freely immerse yourself in the dreamy blue sea. Kayaking is a fantastic exploration, allowing you to admire Koh Rong Island from a new perspective and enjoy the fresh sea air. This is an ideal opportunity to combine physical activity and relaxation, while enjoying memorable moments on the waves.
What is the Best Time to Visit Koh Rong Island?
Phnom Penh Killing Fields & Prison S21 Bus Tour
Cambodia has two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The best time to visit Koh Rong is from November to May. During this period, Koh Rong enjoys gentle sunshine, clear blue water, and pleasant weather, perfect for exploring the sea or engaging in outdoor activities.
Other Popular Tourist Attractions in Sihanoukville
Otres Beach
Unlike other famous beaches, Otres retains its pristine beauty with a 3km long white sand beach and clear blue water. You can explore the life of fishermen in small fishing villages, experience sailing, kayaking, and surfing. Exploring Otres Beach will be a wonderful journey, offering you a relaxing and peaceful vacation.
Independence Pier
Angkor Wat Temples and Countryside Tour with Sunrise or Sunset
With its strategic location on the Gulf of Thailand, Independence Pier is not only a departure point for many trips to beautiful islands like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem but also an important connection point to other domestic and international tourist destinations. Independence Port is known as one of the best sunset viewing spots in Sihanoukville.
Kbal Chhay Waterfall
Amazon Angkor Restaurant Apsara Cultural Show and Dinner
Exploring Kbal Chhay Waterfall is a time to breathe in the fresh air and immerse yourself in the cool water. Surrounded by lush green forests, Kbal Chhay Waterfall creates a pleasant atmosphere, making the adventure even more enjoyable. Don’t forget to enjoy the local specialties right at the waterfall to make this trip even more complete and memorable.
What to Eat in Koh Rong? Delicious Specialty Dishes of Koh Rong, Cambodia
Exploring Koh Rong Island is not only an experience of stunning nature but also a journey of diverse culinary delights. Here, you’ll find many restaurants serving a wide variety of food, from Asian to European cuisine, at reasonable prices. In particular, don’t miss the chance to try famous dishes like seafood BBQ and Khmer cuisine. Additionally, cocktails and fruit smoothies are also very popular for their freshness and natural flavor.
Hotels and Resorts in Koh Rong, Cambodia
- The Royal Sands Koh Rong (agoda)
- Tamu Koh Rong (agoda)
- Anaya Koh Rong (agoda)
- DG Royal Resort
- Mafiya Resort (agoda)
Frequently Asked Questions for Independent Travel to Koh Rong Island
1. What personal items should I pack?
You should bring high SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and flip-flops. Don’t forget a small first-aid kit and a waterproof bag for electronic devices.
2. Are there ATMs on Koh Rong Island and what currency should I use?
ATMs are quite limited, mainly in the Koh Touch area. It’s best to exchange your money for US dollars (USD) or Cambodian Riel (KHR) before going to the island. Cash is important as not all places accept cards.
3. Where can I buy a SIM card and which network is popular?
You should buy a SIM card in Sihanoukville with networks like Smart Axiata or Cellcard. Phone and internet signals on the island may be unstable, especially in remote areas.
4. Besides speedboats, are there other ways to get between beaches on the island?
You can hire a motorbike taxi for short distances, but the roads can be difficult. To explore more distant beaches or nearby islands, hiring a private boat is a more popular and flexible option.
5. Should I book a hotel/resort in advance or can I find one upon arrival?
During peak season (November – May) and holidays, you should book your accommodation in advance to ensure you have a suitable place to stay. If you travel during the off-season, you have more flexibility, but your choices may be limited.
6. Are there any medical services on Koh Rong Island?
There are basic clinics or health centers on the island; there is no large hospital. For serious cases, you need to travel to Sihanoukville. Therefore, purchasing travel insurance is essential.
A trip to Koh Rong, Cambodia will be a wonderful journey to explore the pristine, picturesque beaches.
Pack your bags and get ready for a memorable trip to Koh Rong Island, Cambodia!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Koh Rong island you can refer to
- Koh Rong Samloem Snorkeling and Diving Experience from Sihanoukville
- Speed Ferry Cambodia Round Trip Ferry to to Koh Rong Island (Sihanoukville Departure)
- Koh Rong Samloen Snorkeling with Bioluminescent Plankton from Sihanoukville
- Speed Ferry Cambodia Round Trip Ferry to Samloem (Sihanoukville Departure)
Read more Cambodia guide here.
