Introduction

Koh Rong, a captivating island nestled in Sihounoukville province of Cambodia, attracts travelers with its pristine beauty and tropical allure. For those who are truly looking for a peaceful, leisurely vacation, leaving behind all stress and away from the dust, Koh Rong is an extremely ideal suggestion. 

overview of koh rong island

Koh Rong, a charming island in Cambodia. (Source: Tripadvisor)

Overview of Koh Rong Island

Koh Rong is the second largest island in Cambodia, covering an area of about 78 square kilometers, and is located about 25 kilometers off the coast of Sihanoukville. It has lovely white-sand beaches, coconut groves, and thick tropical jungles. 

Visitors are drawn to the crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a plethora of outdoor activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and jungle trekking. As the sun sets, Koh Rong comes alive with beach bars and parties, providing a lively nightlife scene. 

koh rong, the second largest island in Cambodia

Koh Rong is the second-largest island in Cambodia. (Source: Travelrebels)

History of Koh Rong Island

From 1979 to 2000, Koh Rong was ruled by the Navy authority. However, since 2000, the Department of Fisheries has taken on the primary role as the government agency responsible for managing living aquatic resources in the region. This includes working together to control the preservation of resources with local government agencies, communities, fishermen, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

In the last few decades, Koh Rong has changed dramatically, going from a relatively unexplored island to a popular vacation spot. The rapid increase in tourism has led to the development of the island's amenities and accommodations.

Koh Rong is a popular vacation spot.

Koh Rong is a popular vacation spot. (Source: xyzAsia)

Best time to visit

The best time of year to visit Koh Rong is from early May to mid-November, when temperatures typically range from 25 to 40 degrees Celsius and there are clearer skies and less humidity. It is advisable to check and stay updated on the current weather conditions before embarking on your travel journey. 

For a warm and dry climate, with temperatures during the day around 25 degrees Celsius, select the period between mid-November and February. If summer vibes are what you love, then the months of March to May would suit you best because it is very hot and dry, with daytime temperatures reaching about 35 degrees Celsius. The same happens from June to August, as the air is still hot and muggy, with daily temps approximating 35 degrees Celsius. On the island, there is a warm and wet season from late September to early November, with average daytime temperatures being as high as 25 degrees Celsius.

best time to visit koh rong

Make sure you are informed about the current weather. (Source: divui)

Read more: Beach Holiday Cambodia

Some destinations of Koh Rong Island

Lazy Beach

Lazy Beach ranked second in the list of “21 most beautiful beaches in the world” voted by National Geographic magazine. This beach is located in the west of Koh Rong island, one of the bright gems that attracts tourists to the island. 

The beach always sparkles under the sunlight during the day, and in the distance are the surrounding mountains, creating a fascinating landscape. The best thing that tourists look for at Lazy Beach is a truly quiet, comfortable, and completely natural relaxing space.

lazy beach in koh rong island, cambodia

Lazy Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. (Source: booking.com)

Saracen Bay

Saracen Bay is one of the main tourist destinations in Koh Rong. Moreover, most of the main boats stop at this bay, so it can be said that traveling is very convenient. 

Saracen Bay offers you a very peaceful and quiet resort space with impeccable scenery. In the past two years, Saracen Bay has been significantly invested in development, with completely new resorts, shops, and tourist service centers running along the coastline.

Saracen Bay provides you with an incredibly tranquil and serene resort area surrounded by stunning scenery

Saracen Bay provides you with an incredibly tranquil and serene resort area surrounded by stunning scenery. (Source: Agoda)

Long Beach (Sok San Beach)

Located in the west of Koh Rong Island, Long Beach, or Sok San, is home to a small, peaceful Khmer fishing village and a very large resort. Inside the fishing village, you will find cheap accommodations and also stay with local people, exploring local life in a friendly and intimate way. 

It is not by chance that the Survivor film crew chose Sok San Beach Resort as a stopover and filming location. There are more than 600 luxury villas, famous shops, restaurants, and bars on the beach. Long Beach will surely bring you a more perfect vacation.

long beach in koh rong island

Long Beach is home to a small, peaceful Khmer fishing village. (Source: Tony Calandruccio)

Koh Touch Village 

The main village on Koh Rong, Koh Touch, is a hub of activity with restaurants, bars, and shops. It's a lively place where visitors can experience the local culture and cuisine. There are some fantastic, quiet, family-friendly areas. Easily accessible by all the main ferry services, Koh Touch is one of the most convenient places to get to on Koh Rong.

Together, these attractions add to Koh Rong's attraction by providing tourists with a unique combination of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural experiences.

koh touch village in koh rong island

Koh Touch  is the main tourist area on Koh Rong. (Source: Expedia.com)

What to do in Koh Rong Island

Island Hopping

Island hopping tours are mostly day trips to lesser-known islands, beaches, resorts, or small, peaceful fishing villages. A group of 10 people will cost around $100 depending on time. You should leave early to see more beautiful scenery.

island hopping

You can travel from one island to another. (Source: Diego Fiore)

Snorkeling

Koh Rong is home to many unique marine life. Therefore, you cannot miss the activity of snorkeling or scuba diving. Contact the Koh Rong Dive Center at Koh Touch or the Dive Resort at Long Set Beach for instructions and rental services.

On Koh Touch, you will find many centers selling day diving tours. They will take you by boat to the most beautiful sea areas, where you can freely admire the miniature marine ecosystems. There are corals, seahorses, sea cucumbers, and many colorful fish. Usually these tours cost more than $10 and will start at 1 PM, ending at 7 PM, so you can fully experience activities such as diving, fishing, seafood BBQ, watching the sunset, and watching plankton glow as the sky darkens.

You can also rent a private boat for around $70 depending on time, go further to some small islands or go around, visit Koh Rong island, enjoy the wild, peaceful scenery,  and experience a day of traditional Khmer fishing.

snorkeling koh rong

You cannot miss this activity. (Source: Viator)

Watching bioluminescent plankton at night

In many seas, plankton is common, but it's not always possible to see them glowing at night. They are only visible in areas with minimal light pollution. Tours of bioluminescent plankton typically leave from Police Beach, Tree House Bungalows, and Long Set Beach at 7 PM and cost approximately $5.

watching glowing plankton in Koh Rong

Watching glowing plankton is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. (Source: Green Discovery Indochina)

Traveling cost 

Accommodation: Accommodation costs on Koh Rong can vary widely. Budget options like guesthouses and hostels may start from as low as $10–$20 per night, while upscale resorts could range from $50 to several hundred dollars per night.

Food: Street food and local restaurants are generally more budget-friendly, with meals costing $2–$10. Dining at mid-range or upscale restaurants may cost $15–$30 per person.

Activities: Prices for activities such as diving, snorkeling, boat tours, or jungle treks can vary. Some day tours may cost $20–$50, while more specialized activities may be higher.

koh rong travel cost

Koh Rong travel costs can vary widely. (Source: Expedia.com)

How to get there

To reach Koh Rong, you can start by flying into Cambodia and landing at either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. From there, travel to Sihanoukville, the coastal town serving as the gateway to the island. You can take a 4-5 hour bus ride, a taxi, or a domestic flight if preferred. 

Once in Sihanoukville, take a ferry to Koh Rong by heading to one of the piers, such as Serendipity Pier or Ochheuteal Pier. There are many different ferry companies to choose from, with travel times ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours. It's advisable to check and book ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Upon arrival on Koh Rong at the main pier, you can search for local transportation, such as a boat or taxi, to reach your specific destination on the island. Keep in mind that travel conditions and schedules may change, so it's crucial to verify information closer to your travel date.

how to get to koh rong

Travel to Koh Rong to see a beautiful part of Cambodia. (Source: Ionut Dabija)

Conclusion

Koh Rong is a tropical paradise waiting to be discovered. With its pristine beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant marine life, there's something for everyone on this stunning island. From snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear waters to exploring hidden waterfalls and ancient temples, there's no shortage of things to see and do

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