Explore Koh Rong: Best Beaches, Hotels, and Activities

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Rong is one of Cambodia’s most stunning and sought-after travel destinations. With over 43 kilometers of white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and turquoise waters, it’s a haven for beach lovers, backpackers, and honeymooners alike.
 

As a tour guide, I often describe Koh Rong as what Thailand’s islands used to be 20 years ago—less commercial, naturally beautiful, and still wonderfully authentic. Whether you’re coming for the nightlife or the serenity, Koh Rong delivers a magical island experience you won’t forget.

📍 Where Is Koh Rong?

Location: Gulf of Thailand, off Cambodia’s southwestern coast

Province: Preah Sihanouk

Distance from Sihanoukville: ~25 km (45-minute speedboat ride)

🚤 How to Get to Koh Rong

You can’t fly to Koh Rong directly. The journey usually involves:

Step 1: Get to Sihanoukville

From Phnom Penh: ~4-6 hours by bus or private car

From Siem Reap: 1-hour flight or ~10-hour bus

Step 2: Ferry to Koh Rong

Speedboats from Sihanoukville Pier (usually Serendipity or Ochheuteal Pier)

Travel time: ~45 minutes

Return tickets: $20–$30 USD

Ferry Operators: Speed Ferry Cambodia, GTVC, Buva Sea

Tip: Confirm whether your ferry stops at Koh Touch (main pier) or Long Set Beach depending on your accommodation.

🏖️ Top Beaches on Koh Rong

Koh Rong boasts over 20 beaches, each with its own character.

1. Long Set Beach (4K Beach)

Powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters

Quieter than Koh Touch

Great for swimming and kayaking

2. Koh Touch Beach

Main backpacker area

Bars, hostels, and beach parties

Busy and social

3. Sok San Beach

Remote and scenic

Beautiful resorts and less crowded

Filming location of Survivor

4. Lonely Beach

Located in the north

Secluded with untouched beauty

Requires a long boat or hike to access

5. Palm Beach

Peaceful beach with hammocks and eco-resorts

Ideal for digital detox and reading by the sea

🎒 Top Things to Do in Koh Rong

1. Swim with Bioluminescent Plankton

On dark nights, the sea glows with natural light! Take a boat tour or swim near the shore (especially at Long Set Beach).

2. Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

Explore colorful coral reefs and marine life, especially near Koh Koun and Damnak Samlanh.

3. Island-Hopping Tour

Visit smaller islands like Koh Rong Samloem, Koh Touch, and Koh Koun on day trips.

4. Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Rent kayaks to explore mangroves, nearby beaches, or even small coves.

5. Trekking to Viewpoints

Hike through jungle trails to panoramic viewpoints with stunning sea views.

6. Zip Lining at High Point Rope Park

Adrenaline lovers can soar through the treetops with great island views.

7. Beach BBQ and Sunset Parties

Koh Rong is known for its beach parties, especially around Koh Touch.

🛏️ Where to Stay on Koh Rong

Koh Rong offers accommodation for every type of traveler.

Budget ($5–$25 USD)

Bunna’s Place – Basic and social

Coconutbeach Bungalows – Remote beach stay

White Rose Guesthouse – Located in Koh Touch

Mid-Range ($30–$70 USD)

Tree House Bungalows – Wooden bungalows near the beach

Paradise Bungalows – Quiet location, good views

Tamu Koh Rong – Stylish and beachfront

Luxury ($100+ USD)

Sok San Beach Resort – Private, tranquil resort with full amenities

The Royal Sands Koh Rong – 5-star comfort with villas and pools

Sweet Dreams Koh Rong – Beachfront luxury with a relaxed vibe

Pro Tip: If you're looking for peace, stay away from Koh Touch.

🍽️ What to Eat on Koh Rong

From Khmer cuisine to international fare, Koh Rong has plenty to offer.

Must-Try Dishes:

Grilled seafood (lobster, squid, snapper)

Khmer curry and Amok Trey (fish curry)

Banana pancakes at local cafes

Tropical fruit smoothies and fresh coconuts

Popular Restaurants:

Da Matti? – Authentic Italian food and pizza

Paradise Restaurant – Khmer and Western cuisine with beach views

The Moon Restaurant – Romantic sunset dining

Eat, Pray, Love – Vegan and vegetarian options

Budget Tip: Street BBQs are popular and affordable (~$3–$5 for a plate).

🍹 Nightlife on Koh Rong

Koh Rong is famous for its backpacker nightlife, especially on Koh Touch.

Police Beach Parties – Full moon parties with DJs and fire shows

Coco Bar – Pool table, beer pong, and dancing

Monkey Island Bar – Laid-back vibes

Skybar – Chill sunset drinks overlooking the beach

Note: The nightlife mostly stays on Koh Touch—other beaches are quiet after dark.

🧳 What to Pack

Swimwear and flip-flops

Reef-safe sunscreen

Bug repellent

Waterproof dry bag

Snorkeling mask (optional)

Headlamp or flashlight (limited electricity in remote areas)

Lightweight clothes (it’s hot and humid!)

🧭 Travel Tips for Koh Rong

There are no ATMs on the island. Bring enough cash!

Electricity can be limited outside luxury resorts (some only have power at night).

Internet is patchy. Perfect place for a digital detox.

Tides can affect ferry schedules—plan ahead for return trips.

Respect local culture—dress modestly outside the beach.

🌿 Environmental Responsibility

Koh Rong is still developing—help protect its beauty:

Avoid single-use plastics

Don’t touch or step on coral

Choose eco-friendly accommodations and tours

Participate in beach cleanups (many hostels organize them)

⛵ Koh Rong vs. Koh Rong Samloem

Koh Rong is larger, busier, and has more options for adventure and nightlife.
Koh Rong Samloem is smaller, quieter, and more suited for romantic or family getaways.

Many travelers combine both islands for a full experience.

🧠 Fun Facts About Koh Rong

Koh Rong has more than 20 beaches

Was a filming location for the French version of Survivor

Home to bioluminescent plankton year-round

Still has local fishing villages like Prek Svay and Sok San

✅ Final Thoughts: Is Koh Rong Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Koh Rong is a true tropical escape where time slows down, and nature takes over. Whether you’re diving into glowing waters at night, sipping cocktails under the stars, or discovering secret beaches by kayak, Koh Rong is the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

It's an essential stop for anyone exploring Cambodia beyond the temples and cities. From beach bums to eco-explorers, Koh Rong welcomes all.