Welcome to Koh Rong Island, where time slows down, and nature’s beauty takes center stage. Situated off the coast of Sihanoukville, Cambodia, this pristine gem of the Gulf of Thailand seduces travelers with its unspoiled landscapes and tranquil shores. As you step onto the powdery sands of Koh Rong, you will feel the stresses of modern life melt away, replaced by a sense of serenity and wonder.
Encompassing an area of approximately 78 square kilometers, Koh Rong boasts a diverse array of ecosystems, from dense jungles teeming with wildlife to vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine creatures. Whether you are an avid adventurer, a beach lover, or a nature enthusiast, this island paradise offers endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
Best Time to Travel:
The best time to visit Koh Rong Island is during the dry season, which typically spans from November to April. During this time, you can expect clear skies, balmy temperatures, and perfect beach weather, ideal for exploring the island’s treasures without worrying about rain showers.
5 Must-Sees in Your Itinerary:
1. Explore the Beaches: the island is renowned for its stunning beaches, each offering its own unique charm. Long Set Beach, also known as 4K Beach, stretches for kilometers along the island’s eastern coast, boasting powdery white sands and calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Long Beach, on the island’s western coast, offers a more secluded escape, with pristine sands framed by lush jungle foliage and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. For those seeking a livelier atmosphere, Kaoh Touch Beach is the place to be, with its vibrant beach bars, bustling backpacker scene, and lively nightlife. However, if tranquility and natural beauty are what you seek, Long Set Beach reigns supreme, offering a serene oasis away from the crowds and commercialization of other beaches.
2. Island Hopping: embark on an adventure beyond the shores of Koh Rong and discover the hidden treasures of neighboring islands like Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Touch. Whether you are seeking secluded beaches, vibrant coral reefs, or bustling fishing villages, each island has its own unique charm waiting to be explored. Hop aboard a traditional long-tail boat and set sail for adventure, cruising along turquoise waters and uncovering hidden coves and secret bays accessible only by sea. From the pristine sands of Koh Rong Samloem to snorkelling at Koh Touch.
3. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Expeditions: dive beneath the surface and discover a world of wonder on scuba diving and snorkeling expeditions around Koh Rong’s vibrant coral reefs. Strap on your mask and fins, and dive into the crystal-clear waters, where colorful fish dart among intricate coral formations and graceful sea turtles glide effortlessly through the sea. One of the best areas to dive is around Koh Touch, where a diverse array of marine life awaits beneath the surface.
4. Jungle Trekking: lace up your hiking boots and venture into the heart of Koh Rong’s lush interior on a jungle trekking adventure. Follow winding trails that lead through dense forests, where towering trees canopy overhead and exotic wildlife squeaks in the underbrush. Koh Rong Island is home to a national park, offering protected habitats for a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species like the endangered pangolin and the playful gibbons swinging through the trees. Along the way, you will discover hidden waterfalls cascading into crystal-clear pools, panoramic viewpoints offering sweeping vistas of the island below.
5. Night Swimming with Bioluminescent Plankton: dive into a world of magic and mystery as you take a nighttime swim with bioluminescent plankton. Admire these tiny organisms light up the water around you with their ethereal glow, creating a surreal spectacle that feels like something out of a fairy tale. Koh Rong’s bioluminescent plankton are most commonly seen in the waters around Long Set Beach, where the lack of light pollution allows their glow to shine brightest.
How to Move Through Koh Rong Island:
For short distances around your hotel, walking or renting a bike are convenient options. Motorbike rentals are also available for exploring the rest of the island, but keep in mind that the roads can be rough, so prior experience with a motorbike is advisable. Long-tail boats are another option for traveling to other islands or different parts of Koh Rong Island.
To get to Koh Rong Island you can take speedboats or ferries from Sihanoukville, we leave you here the best platform to book your tickets for this trip.
Where to Sleep in Koh Rong Island:
Accommodation options on Koh Rong Island range from rustic beach bungalows and eco-friendly resorts to luxury villas and boutique hotels. Whether you prefer to sleep under the stars in a hammock or indulge in a lavish seaside retreat, there’s something to suit every budget and taste. Long Set Beach stands out as a prime location for a serene getaway, offering pristine waters with fewer crowds, allowing you to bask in the tranquility of this untouched paradise. On the other hand, if you prefer a livelier atmosphere and more activity, staying near Kaoh Touch Beach is ideal, as it tends to be the bustling hub of the island with plenty of entertainment options.
Here we leave you some hotels:
- Luxury: enjoy Koh Rong Island from the comfort of your hotel. BeachWalk Koh Rong, welcomes you with oceanfront villas and great service ensuring a truly unforgettable island retreat.
- Mid-Range: Koh Rong Hill Beach Resort, is the perfect mid-range choice for travelers seeking comfort. Nestled amidst lush greenery overlooking the azure waters, Koh Rong Hill Beach Resort offers comfortable accommodations and breathtaking views.
- Budget: embrace affordability without compromising the comfort. Mad Monkey Koh Rong, is the perfect choice for budget-friendly travelers. Here you can enjoy social events every afternoon, beachfront dorms, and cozy private rooms.
Where to Eat in Koh Rong Island:
Depending on where are you staying, Koh Rong Island offers a variety of dining options, from local to western cuisine. However, due to the touristy nature of the area, local cuisine might not be the highlight. For a taste of delicious and affordable meals, head to Long Set Beach where “Aussie Le Thai Restaurant” and “Sunny Turkish Fast Food” offer mouthwatering dishes. Alternatively, if you’re staying around Kaoh Touch Beach, don’t miss “Enocafe Coffee & Italian Restaurant” for a blend of Italian flavors and beachside ambiance.
Our opinion of Koh Rong Island:
Our time in Koh Rong was truly unforgettable. Initially torn between staying near Kaoh Touch Beach or Long Set Beach, we ultimately opted for the second one, and it turned out to be the best decision. With Long Set Beach practically to ourselves, we relished tranquil mornings by the shore, indulging in beachside relaxation, paddle surfing, and soaking in the serenity of this idyllic paradise. Although we went to Kaoh Touch Beach for a day, in our opinion it’s to crowed for the little amount of space that you have in that area. For future travelers, we highly recommend spending a bit more to stay near Long Set Beach for a more peaceful and enjoyable experience. As for activities, reach out to your hotel, as they have all the necessary contacts to arrange your desired adventures.
Other areas of Cambodia to explore:
Phnom Penh: delve into the vibrant capital city of Cambodia, where ancient history and modernity collide to create a dynamic urban landscape. From the majestic Royal Palace to the poignant reminders of Cambodia’s tragic past at the Killing Fields, Phnom Penh offers a captivating blend of old-world charm and contemporary allure. Explore bustling markets, sample authentic Khmer cuisine, and uncover the rich cultural variety of this bustling metropolis nestled along the banks of the mighty Mekong River. More information in our travel blog of Phnom Penh here.
Siem Reap: discover the enchanting gateway to the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat, where vibrant markets, lush countryside, and captivating culture await. Whether you are exploring the majestic temples of Angkor or immersing yourself in the lively streets of Pub Street, Siem Reap offers a blend of history and modernity that promises an unforgettable adventure. More information in our travel blog of Siem Reap here.
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Tell us in the comments your opinion about Koh Rong Island!
