Koh Rong — Cambodia's Paradise Island
Koh Rong (កោះរ៉ុង) is Cambodia's largest island and one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful beach destinations. With 43km of white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, bioluminescent plankton, and lush tropical jungle, it's the perfect tropical escape.
Quick Facts
| Location | Gulf of Thailand, off Sihanoukville |
| Size | 78 km² (Cambodia's 2nd largest island) |
| Beaches | 43 km of coastline, 23 beaches |
| Getting There | 45-min speed boat from Sihanoukville |
| Ferry Cost | $15-25 USD return |
| Best Season | November – May (dry season) |
| Known For | White sand, bioluminescent plankton, jungle |
Best Beaches on Koh Rong
Long Beach (Sok San Beach)
7km of pristine white sand — one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia. Quieter than Koh Touch. Perfect for swimming, sunsets, and long walks.
Vibe: Relaxed, scenic, paradise
Koh Touch Beach
The main village beach where most ferries arrive. Bars, restaurants, hostels, and nightlife. The social hub of Koh Rong.
Vibe: Social, backpacker, nightlife
Lonely Beach
True to its name — a secluded, hard-to-reach beach accessed by jungle hike or boat. Untouched and magical.
Vibe: Secluded, adventurous, pristine
Palm Beach
A beautiful stretch with palm trees right to the water's edge. Less developed than Koh Touch, more facilities than Lonely Beach.
Vibe: Balanced, scenic, mid-range
Things to Do on Koh Rong
Bioluminescent Plankton
Swim in glowing blue water on moonless nights. Best June-October.
Snorkeling & Diving
Coral reefs, tropical fish, seahorses. Dive shops on Koh Touch.
Jungle Trekking
Hike through the island's interior to hidden beaches and waterfalls.
Island Hopping
Boat trips to smaller islands and snorkeling spots around Koh Rong.
Kayaking
Paddle along the coastline to secluded beaches and mangroves.
Fishing Trips
Join local fishermen for deep-sea or reef fishing excursions.
Sunset Watching
Long Beach faces west — perfect for spectacular Gulf of Thailand sunsets.
Beach Parties
Koh Touch hosts regular beach parties with fire shows and DJs.
Koh Rong Samloem
Koh Rong Samloem (កោះរ៉ុងសន្លឹម) is Koh Rong's smaller, quieter neighbor. It's the better choice for couples and those seeking peace. Saracen Bay is the main beach — a perfect crescent of white sand with calm, clear water. Lazy Beach on the west side is even more secluded. Fewer facilities but more tranquility.
Where to Stay
Koh Touch (Koh Rong)
Backpackers & social · $5-30/night
Long Beach (Koh Rong)
Mid-range bungalows · $30-150/night
Saracen Bay (Samloem)
Quiet resorts & bungalows · $20-200/night
Lazy Beach (Samloem)
Secluded eco-resort · $40-120/night
Practical Tips
- Cash only: Very few ATMs on the island. Bring enough USD cash from Sihanoukville.
- Electricity: Most places now have 24hr power, but some budget spots still use generators (limited hours).
- WiFi: Available at most accommodations but can be slow. Buy a local SIM with data as backup.
- Mosquitoes: Bring repellent, especially for evenings and jungle areas.
- Shoes: Bring water shoes for rocky areas and reef walking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Koh Rong?
Take a ferry or speed boat from Sihanoukville. Speed boats take 45 minutes ($15-25 USD return). Slow ferries take 2 hours ($10-15 return). Major operators: Island Speed Ferry, Speed Ferry Cambodia, Buva Sea. Boats depart from Sihanoukville's Serendipity pier.
What is the best time to visit Koh Rong?
November to May is the best time — dry season with calm seas, clear water, and sunny skies. Peak season is December-February. June-October is rainy season with rougher seas, but prices are lower and the island is less crowded.
Can you see bioluminescent plankton at Koh Rong?
Yes! Koh Rong is one of the best places in the world to see bioluminescent plankton. The best time is during the rainy season (June-October) on moonless nights. Long Beach and the quieter beaches on the east side offer the best viewing.
Is Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem better?
Koh Rong is bigger with more nightlife, backpacker hostels, and a party scene. Koh Rong Samloem is smaller, quieter, and more romantic — better for couples and relaxation. Both have stunning beaches. Choose based on your vibe.
How much does Koh Rong cost?
Budget: $15-30/day (dorm, basic food). Mid-range: $40-100/day (bungalow, restaurant meals). Luxury: $100-300/day (resort, activities). Ferries: $15-25 return. Food is pricier than mainland Cambodia since everything is shipped in.