Koh Rong is often reminded of a paradise island for tourists in Cambodia. Questioning why? Read the following Koh Rong travel guide.
A sub-decree issued in January 2019 formed Koh Rong from the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem. It has a population of about 4,000 people. This is the largest of the islands in the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Sihanoukville. It is roughly elongated in shape, stretches from southeast to northwest, and covers an area of 78 km2 (30 sq mi). Koh Rong has 43 kilometers (27 miles) of pristine beaches. Along the majority of the coastline, there are no fewer than 23 beaches of varying length and coloration, ranging from (predominantly) white to beige to rose-colored sands.
It’s famous for its tranquil beauty, sandy coves, and coral reefs, such as those around Koh Rong Pier. The dense jungle terrain inland is dotted with coconut palms and waterfalls. Jewel Orchids, a small zoo with butterflies, snakes, and birds, and lively Police Beach, a party destination, are located in the south. High Point Rope Park features suspension bridges, rope walks, and zip lines. Known for its pristine white sand beaches, warm crystal-clear ocean waters, and hot tropical climate, the island is often described as a paradise island by tourists.
Weather and best time to visit
Koh Rong weather information
Koh Rong’s weather features two distinct seasons typical of Southeast Asia‘s tropical climate. The high season is characterized by clear skies and calm seas, whereas the rainy season is the polar opposite. Rainy days during the high season are not unheard of, but they are extremely rare. Dry days during the rainy season, on the other hand, are relatively common.
Even during the coldest months, the temperature on Koh Rong averages above 25°C. In contrast, humidity varies greatly throughout the year, peaking in April and May and falling in December and January. Because it is so close to the equator, the length of the days does not differ significantly between the wet and dry seasons.
The hottest months in Koh Rong are usually between March and May. Average temperatures can reach 35°C, with increased humidity likely contributing to the area’s otherwise quite stable temperatures. The weather is still generally pleasant at this time of year, with rainfall being relatively infrequent and brief.
The high season in Koh Rong runs from mid-November to early May, but the best months to visit are December and February. This is the peak season for arrivals, so expect more hotels and busier beaches during this time. Nonetheless, the weather is at its best and most consistently sunny at this time of year, with the least amount of rain generally fewer than 5 wet days and comfortable temperatures around 25°C.
Getting to Koh Rong
When it comes to getting to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem, the only way to get there is by boat. On either island, there is no bridge or airport. Most ferries dock at Koh Tui (White) Beach, but there are now three more piers on the island, so double-check where your ferry will dock. Every day, ferries depart in both directions several times. A round-trip ticket costs $22, and you can return from nearby Koh Rong Samloem.
Sihanoukville International Airport is the closest airport for those flying directly to Koh Rong from abroad (KOS). You must then travel to either the Serendipity Pier or the Sihanoukville Port ferry terminal. Before you book a boat ticket, make sure you know where you’re going. If you arrive at the wrong pier, you may have to pay for a long-tail boat ride or walk a long distance overland.
If you want to experience something new and fabulous, take a helicopter from Phnom Penh Airport, tickets start at around US$4,500.
Getting around Koh Rong
Koh Rong is small enough to be walked around, but there is now a road connecting the island. Visitors can rent motorbikes or scooters and ride around, but be cautious as there are many potholes and rough patches. You can also hire a boat and a driver to tour the island. If it’s too hot or raining to ride, for your convenience, we highly recommend renting a car.
Where to Stay in Koh Rong
Koh Rong has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from hostels to luxury resorts. Most hotels and hostels are located around Koh Tui Beach, which is where most of the action takes place. Here you can enjoy a vibrant party atmosphere on a tropical island paradise. As soon as getting off the ferry, travelers will find guest houses, bungalows, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs here. You can expect a vibrant nightlife with late nights, cheap alcohol, and heavy dance music. We recommend Sok San Village on the north side of Long Beach, just north of Koh Tui if you are looking for something more basic and private.
Best places to visit & things to do in Koh Rong
Saracen Bay – Koh Rong Samloem
Saracen Bay
Saracen Bay is the most popular tourist destination in Koh Rong Samloem. It is ideal for a peaceful relaxing experience where you can lie back and take in the breathtaking views. Because all of the major ferry services stop here on a regular basis, it is one of the more convenient locations. Several new resorts, shops, and tours are opening along the bay’s beachfront, making it a more convenient tourist destination. The only issue is that the shops may be too far away for people staying near the bay’s ends – walking on the beach can be exhausting in peak season when temperatures can reach 40°C.
Lonely Beach – Koh Rong
Lonely Beach
Many locals consider Lonely Beach to be Koh Rong’s most beautiful beach. The small alcove, located on the island’s northern side, feels like a true desert-island paradise, with crystal clear ocean waters, soft white sandy beaches, tall palm trees all around, and very few people nearby. With only a few crickets chirping in the background, the atmosphere is serene. However, this part of Koh Rong has only one resort, appropriately named ‘Lonely Beach Resort.’ It takes about 2-3 hours to get there from Sihanoukville, and the trip involves small boats that aren’t very stable on the water. In addition, there are no shops or other amenities nearby, which is inconvenient.
Koh Touch
Koh Touch
Several places on Koh Touch organize snorkeling trips that take you to great snorkeling spots around the island. This is the best way to see the islands’ wonderful miniature ecosystems, coral, seahorses, and nudibranchs. Booking a trip is simple; they are advertised on the main beach at very reasonable prices. A typical snorkeling excursion will also include fishing, viewing glowing plankton, BBQs, and sunsets. If you want to go further north to Pineapple Island, we recommend hiring a private long boat to take which costs around $70.
Lazy Beach – Koh Rong Samloem
Lazy Beach
Lazy Beach, one of National Geographic’s “Top 21 Beaches in the World,” is a beautiful little alcove quietly tucked away on the western side of Koh Rong Samloem. The beach area around here is truly beautiful; the sands are silky smooth, the blue waters glisten in the sun, and the surrounding mountains provide stunning views. Apart from the scorching sand on the way to the entrance, perhaps what strikes you first is the peaceful tranquil atmosphere that Lazy Beach creates – With a few crickets chirping in the background, it was peaceful and relaxing. However, Lazy Beach, like Lonely Beach, is not the most accessible location on the islands. Although a private taxi boat from Saracen Bay is available, many guests choose to walk the 40-minute jungle trail to get there.
Sok San Falls
Sok San Falls
Sok San Falls is only a 5-minute walk away from the village of the same name. It is located on the island of Koh Rong and is a good place to go if you want to relax in a beautiful natural setting. There will be no water if you visit during the dry season, so don’t bother unless you’re in Koh Rong during the wet season.
Glowing Plankton
Glowing Plankton
Koh Rong’s bioluminescent plankton are a wonderful sight to see at night, sparkling like a starry sky all around you. Although the glowing plankton is abundant on the islands, it can only be seen in places with very little light pollution. As a result, if you’re staying on Koh Touch or Saracen Bay, the best way to see the plankton is to book a boat tour. On non-party nights, you can also walk to Police Beach (15 minutes left from the main pier) and Tree House Bungalows (15 minutes right from the main pier) on Koh Touch, or head to Long Set Beach. Booking a tour is simple as you’ll see advertisements all around the beach. A trip to see the plankton will set you back about $5.
What & where to eat in Koh Rong
Sol Beach Resort
Fish Amok
Many delectable Cambodian cuisines can be found at Sol Beach Resort’s fantastic restaurant, which is located near the bay’s center. Even if you’re not staying here, come in for one night and give it a shot. They also have a fantastic wine list to complement the meal, so you’re in for a fantastic overall dining experience.
The Moon Restaurant
Khmer Red Curry
The Moon is one of Koh Rong’s best beachfront restaurants. By beach shack standards, the interior is quite elegant. It has welcoming owners, a convenient location near Sok San Village, impressive wine and cocktail lists, and a menu of Khmer and Thai dishes. Fish amok, pad Thai, and papaya salad are among the most popular dishes. Prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere and views are both enjoyable.
Da Matti?
Italian food in Da Matti
“Da Matti?” is an odd combination of an Italian restaurant and a reggae bar. It was previously known as La Mami and was located on one of Koh Tui’s three piers. Excellent gnocchi, arguably the best pasta on Koh Rong, and romantic candlelit table settings along the pier are among the Italian influences here. The vibrant color scheme, good cocktail selection, floor cushions, and low tables all contribute to the reggae theme.
Paradise Bungalows
Khmer Spiced Tofu
The bungalows are comfortable, right on the beach, and serve the best vegan food on the island. Even if you stay at a different hotel or hostel, I recommend stopping by Paradise Bungalows for some good food and beach views. A veggie burger, veggie noodles, soup, veggie curry, and spring rolls are among the many dishes available. Rudy, the owner, is German, and the menu includes a few German specialties. Many Khmer dishes, such as Khmer Spiced Tofu, are also available for visitors to try. It was hot, flavorful, and packed with fresh vegetables.
Monkey Island
Pad Thai
It is well-known for its British pub food and reasonable prices. The manager’s Thai wife, who is also the restaurant’s cook, prepares amazing, authentic Thai curries that are worth a try, though you’ll struggle to finish the massive bowl.
Saracen Bay Resort
Crab and papaya salad
The Saracen Bay Resort is very close to the main pier (5 minutes walking after getting off the boat), and its restaurant is on its own pier. Travelers can eat delicious meals while gazing out at the magnificent sparkling ocean waters directly beneath. If you want to try something different besides seafood, we recommend Crab and papaya salad.
We hope the information in the article above will be helpful to you. If you want to have more information and ideas to build an unforgettable itinerary in Koh Rong, do not hesitate to contact us!
