Visit Koh Rong: The Complete Guide

A fishing village turned ultimate holiday destination, Koh Rong Island is the next big destination in South East Asia. It is a stunning island in Cambodia known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and lush tropical landscapes.

It is a paradise for nature lovers, beach enthusiasts, and those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, there are plenty of things to do on this beautiful island.

The best weather to visit Koh Rong

Koh Rong, located in the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Cambodia, experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The weather is generally warm and humid throughout the year.

Dry Season (November to April):

• November to February: This is the cool and dry season, which is considered the best time to visit Koh Rong. During these months, the weather is relatively pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C.
• March and April: As the dry season progresses, temperatures start to rise, and it becomes quite hot. Daytime temperatures can reach 35°C or higher. This is a good time for beach activities and water sports.

Wet Season (May to October):

• May to September: Koh Rong experiences the wet season during this period, with heavy rainfall, occasional thunderstorms, and high humidity. The peak of the monsoon is from June to September. Rainfall is heaviest in August.
• October: The wet season begins to taper off in October, with less rainfall compared to the previous months. However, occasional rain showers are still possible.

Things to do in Koh Rong

Long Set Beach

Long Set Beach, also known as 4K Beach, is a peaceful and pristine stretch of coastline. This beautiful beach offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Long Set Beach is known for its soft white sand and calm, clear waters. It’s an ideal spot to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Long Set Beach is ideal for swimming due to its gentle waves and shallow waters. You can also snorkel near the beach to learn about the underwater world and marine life.

Moreover, Long Set Beach offers stunning sunsets. In the evening, find a comfortable spot on the beach and watch as the sun sets over the horizon, creating a breathtaking display of colors.

Sok San Beach

Sok San Beach is a pristine and less-crowded beach. Sok San Beach is known for its soft, powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters. Spread out a beach towel, sunbathe, or simply lounge under the shade of palm trees.

Sok San Village, located just north of Long Beach, is a traditional fishing village known for its seafood restaurants (very reasonably priced!) and the best sunset spot on the island.

If you’re interested in exploring more of the island, consider taking a boat tour to visit nearby islands, snorkeling spots, or hidden coves.

Go Kayaking

Kayaking on Koh Rong Island in Cambodia is a wonderful way to explore the island’s stunning coastline, hidden coves, and pristine waters.

Rent a kayak from one of the local rental providers on the island. Many accommodations, beachfront resorts, or water sports centers offer kayak rentals. Choose a single or double kayak depending on your preference and group size.

There’s a lot to see and do on Koh Rong, including “Small Island” visible from the main shore, mangroves on Long Set Beach, and nearby beaches like Police Beach. You don’t have to be an expert kayaker to navigate these waters because they are relatively calm, and you won’t have to venture too far out into the sea to find them.

Jungle Trekking

Jungle trekking is a fantastic way to explore the island’s lush interior, discover hidden waterfalls, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the jungle.

Koh Rong offers a variety of trekking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Consider your fitness level and the amount of time you have to decide on the trekking route you’d like to explore.

If you’re not familiar with the jungle terrain or prefer to have a local guide, consider hiring a guide from the island. Local guides can enhance your experience by sharing their knowledge of the flora and fauna.

Go Snorkeling

On Koh Rong Island, snorkeling is one of the best things to do on there. You can take a private boat to Lonely Beach, on the northern side of Koh Rong, where the snorkeling is said to be the best on the island.

Several places on Koh Touch organize snorkeling trips that take you to good locations around the island. This is the best way to see some of the islands’ wonderful miniature eco-systems, coral, seahorses, and nudibranches.

Make sure you have all of the necessary snorkeling gear, including a mask, snorkel, and fins. If you don’t have your own snorkeling equipment, many accommodations and beachfront resorts on Koh Rong rent it.

Bioluminescent Plankton Tour

Experience the mesmerizing glow of bioluminescent plankton on a nighttime tour. These tiny organisms light up the water when disturbed, creating a magical spectacle.

Although this phenomenon is abundant on the islands, the glowing plankton can only be seen in places with very little light pollution.

Most bioluminescent plankton tours last for approximately two to three hours, giving you ample time to witness and enjoy the natural light show.

Visit the Jungle Zoo

This adventure is one for people who enjoy something quirky! The Jungle Zoo is a garden created by a passionate Russian lady who has escaped the daily grind to create her own oasis.

The zoo, which is nestled amongst a beautiful garden of native plants, houses exotic birds, butterflies, and other wildlife like civets, a monitor lizard, a sugar glider and a surprisingly tame bat. Find Olga’s Jungle Zoo just south of Police Beach, near the pier. It just takes 5 minutes to walk.

High Point Adventure Park

The High Point Adventure Park on Koh Rong Island in Cambodia is a thrilling outdoor adventure attraction that offers a range of activities for visitors seeking an adrenaline rush.

The park typically features ziplines that allow you to soar through the treetops and enjoy panoramic views of the island. It’s an exhilarating experience that combines adventure with stunning scenery.

Keep an eye out for local wildlife while you’re in the treetops. You might spot birds, monkeys, and other creatures that inhabit the island’s jungle.

Visit Koh Rong Samloem

Koh Rong Samloem is similar to what Koh Rong looked and felt like 5 years ago. With only a few guesthouses, a fraction of the tourist crowd, and only a couple of boats docking on the island per day, this is the place to go to experience the low-key island life.

Here are a few of the best things to do on Koh Rong Samloem: Snorkeling, going diving, hiring a kayak, exploring by bike.

Full Moon Party

Unlike other tourist destinations’ overcrowded and overpriced Full Moon parties, the Full Moon Party on Koh Rong is the ideal place to get weird with new friends while still enjoying paradise.

You can expect fully equipped sound systems with killer DJs playing house, techno, and EDM, as well as fire spinners and jugglers to keep you entertained in the idyllic beach cove of Police Beach.

Restaurants in Koh Rong

The Moon Restaurant

The Moon is one of the nicest local beachfront restaurants. The restaurant has quite a classy interior, by beach shack standards. It has friendly owners, a great location near Sok San Village, impressive wine and cocktail lists and a menu of Khmer and Thai dishes.

Enocafe Coffee & Italian Restaurant

Enocafe Coffee & Italian Restaurant is an excellent choice for Italian cuisine. They have over 20 flavors of espresso and coffee, as well as paninis and sandwiches stuffed with cheese, salami and prosciutto. The pizza is also excellent, and they offer a variety of smoothies. If you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience, be sure to check out Enocafe Coffee & Italian Restaurant!

Falafel Sok San Restaurant

The cleanliness of the restaurant, the enthusiastic staff is the plus point for Falafel Sok San, the restaurant specializes in unique, fresh Western dishes, and being always careful in processing has left a deep impression on the tourists of Cambodia tourism package.

Eat Pray Love Restaurant

Italian-style Mediterranean, this restaurant is very popular with Western visitors by familiar cuisine and taste close to Europe. Every dish is delicately prepared by the Italian chef, and you must try the unique pizza, which is also the most popular dish here.

The open-air upstairs dining area is the best place to enjoy the sunset. Note that the owners often go for breaks, so it’s best to call if they’re open before your visit.

Where to stay in Koh Rong

Best hotels in Koh Rong

The Secret Garden Koh Rong: Facing the beachfront, The Secret Garden Koh Rong offers 4-star accommodation on Koh Rong Island and has an outdoor swimming pool, garden and terrace. With a bar, the property also features a private beach area. At The Secret Garden Koh Rong you will find a restaurant serving Asian and international cuisine. Vegan and gluten-free options can also be requested. The cost is about $99 per night.

Anaya Koh Rong: Anaya Koh Rong is a 4-star hotel on Koh Rong Island with an outdoor swimming pool, garden, and terrace. A bar and a private beach area are among the amenities. Guests at Anaya Koh Rong will be able to enjoy activities on and around Koh Rong Island like snorkeling. The cost per night is approximately $90.

BeachWalk Koh Rong: Long Set Beach is a few steps from BeachWalk Koh Rong. BeachWalk Koh Rong, located on Koh Rong Island, offers 4-star accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, garden, and terrace. The accommodation features room service, and organising tours for guests. Breakfast is available each morning, and includes continental, American and Asian options.

Tamu Koh Rong: Set on Koh Rong Island, Tamu Koh Rong is situated 6 km from Sok San Port. Tamu Koh Rong provides certain units with sea views, and all rooms include a terrace. The daily breakfast offers continental, American or Asian options. The hotel has an outdoor pool that is open all year. A variety of popular activities are available in the area around Tamu Koh Rong, including cycling and hiking.

Best resorts in Koh Rong

Long Beach Resort: Stay in Koh Rong Island, Preah Sihanouk Province region, Long Beach Resort is situated 1 km from Sok San Port. Long Beach Resort provides certain units with sea views and sunset, and all rooms include a terrace.

The Royal Sands Koh Rong: Located on the beach of Koh Rong, The Royal Sands Koh Rong offers luxurious villas with a private beach area and stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand. Guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar. The Chill Beach Bar & Grill located right on the beach serves Asian, European and Mediterranean dishes daily. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including snorkeling and cycling.

How to get to Koh Rong

Phnom Penh to Koh Rong

Via Sihanoukville

From Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, you can travel by bus, van, train or plane (direct flights). A good and cheap way to come to Koh Rong from Phnom Penh (via Sihanoukville) is to travel by bus, van+ferry. It takes about 6-8 hours to get there by bus+ferry. And it takes about 7 hours to travel by train.

If you’re looking for a bit of comfort during your trip, then a private taxi is your best option. On average a private taxi from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville will cost in the region of $60 (that’s usually the quote from Phnom Penh airport to Sihanoukville).

Sihanoukville to Koh Rong

By Ferry

It will take about 40 minutes to get to your destination if it’s the first stop. If the boat first stops elsewhere, it may take 1 hour or so. The cost is about $22/ return and $15/ one way.

Siem Reap to Koh Rong

You will have two options to get from Siem Reap to Koh Rong. You can either book a flight from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville or get the bus.

By Plane

You will have to fly from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville because there is no airport on Koh Rong Island. Then you will have to take a ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong. Flights will cost you around $60 which is a reasonable price.

By Bus

It will take around 15 hours and this is a long time! You can get an overnight sleeper bus if the day journey is not for you. The full bus journey will only cost around $15. Make sure you have $4-5 for snacks a long the way.