Koh Rong is the ultimate destination for pure relaxation in Cambodia. The island boasts beautiful beaches, lush jungle, and numerous charming restaurants and bars. While Koh Rong may not have many attractions due to its underdeveloped nature, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained! You’ll likely end up staying longer than expected, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. In this mini travel guide, you’ll find tips about the attractions, how to get there, and a few great hotel recommendations.
Tip: There are no ATMs on Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem, so be sure to bring enough cash with you!
Attractions and Must-Do’s
Swim with Bioluminescent Plankton
One experience you absolutely shouldn’t miss on Koh Rong is swimming with bioluminescent plankton. It might sound a bit strange, and in reality, it is! In the sea around Koh Rong, there’s a specific type of plankton that glows when there’s rapid movement in the water. Find a dark beach like Police Beach and wade a few feet into the water. You’ll see tiny points of light all around you. Don’t forget to bring a snorkel mask to enhance the view; it’s a truly magical phenomenon!
Boat Tours
For just a few dollars, you can spend the entire day on a boat, typically including fishing, snorkeling, visiting Long Beach for the sunset, and snorkeling with bioluminescent plankton. It’s an enjoyable and budget-friendly day out, with prices ranging from $8 to $10, including lunch and beer. If you prefer a more unique boat tour, ask around for ‘Adventures Adam.’ He circumnavigates the entire island in a day, without a fixed itinerary. It’s a new adventure each time, and you’ll get to see the lesser-known parts of Koh Rong. This tour is a bit pricier, costing around $20 for the adventure.
Snorkeling and Diving
There are several dive schools on Koh Rong where you can get your PADI certification or join for a day of diving at one of the many dive sites around the island. If you’re not a diver, be sure to go snorkeling at ‘Small Island.’ Make sure the weather is good, or you may not see much.
Exploring Deserted Beaches
Koh Rong boasts numerous beautiful bounty beaches. Check out our article on the most beautiful beaches of Koh Rong to discover which ones are worth visiting.
Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding
You can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard along the Koh Tuich Village beach. With these, you can spend an afternoon heading to ‘Small Island’ for snorkeling or simply enjoy the sea and the view.
Charming Restaurants and Bars
SkyBar
While most bars are located along the beach, SkyBar is one of the few perched higher up on the hill. Here, you can enjoy a stunning view of the bay and relax for hours in one of the hammocks. They also have a pool table and a few games you can borrow.
Nest Beach Club
At 4K Beach, you’ll find Nest Beach Club—a laid-back spot right on a stunning beach where you can enjoy drinks, food, and often play a game of volleyball. They also host the Nestival here every week, a fun festival with a BBQ and great music.
How to Get to Koh Rong?
Score an inexpensive flight ticket to Bangkok or Phnom Penh and travel from there to the coastal town of Sihanoukville. In Sihanoukville, you can purchase a ferry ticket to Koh Rong at various locations. A round trip will cost you around $20, and you can choose when to return to Sihanoukville. There are different places to stay on the island. For backpackers, Koh Tuich Village is the most popular choice. If you’re looking for more peace and luxury, there are resorts on several quieter beaches.
Is There Malaria on Koh Rong?
Although Koh Rong is marked as a malaria-prone area on the map, you don’t need to worry about it here. The likelihood of contracting malaria on Koh Rong is extremely low. Instead of taking malaria pills, it’s a good idea to use mosquito repellent and sleep under a mosquito net. Malaria is mainly found in rural areas of Cambodia and rarely on the islands or in larger cities.
Our Favorite Places on Koh Rong
Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort or a budget-friendly hostel, Koh Rong offers a variety of options. If you want to indulge in tranquility and luxury, BeachWalk Koh Rong is a beautiful beachfront property. Here, you can experience the beauty of Koh Rong at its finest. If you seek peace on a smaller budget, consider Lonely Beach. For backpackers or those who want to stay on the livelier side of Koh Rong, the village of Koh Tuich Village is the place to be. Hostels here may be less luxurious but offer a vibrant atmosphere. Happy Elephant Bungalows has the best bungalows—simple yet cozy and away from the hustle and bustle. Of course, you can also spend a few days on one side of the island and then move to the other side to experience all that Koh Rong has to offer. Koh Rong is definitely worth spending a bit more for a beautiful hotel. For relatively little money, you can have a stunning bungalow on a pristine white-sand beach.
  BeackWalk Koh Rong |
  Lonely Beach |
  Happy Elephant Bungalows |
