Do you love beautiful beaches? Then Koh Rong is the perfect island for you! This island is as large as Hong Kong and is blessed with many stunning beaches. For a long time, Koh Rong was an ‘off the beaten track’ destination, but in recent years, that has changed, and almost everyone visits the island during their trip to Cambodia. No worries, Koh Rong is still a paradise; there are just more people now.
Koh Rong is 70% owned by The Royal Group, an international group of investors who have a 99-year contract and are planning to transform this island into a second Bali. So, a lot is going to change in the coming years. These changes are already visible. The first roads are being built, and large resorts are under construction. In a few years, it will even be possible to fly to Koh Rong. Despite this, it’s still a paradise for travelers, and the most beautiful beaches can still be visited without sharing them with hundreds of people.
4K Beach
By far the most tropical beach on Koh Rong right now is 4K Beach. As the name suggests, this beach is 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long, and apart from a small restaurant, there is fortunately nothing to be found here. Expect a pristine white sandy beach and crystal-clear blue waters, especially during the dry season. In the rainy season, it’s still beautiful, but the water may appear greener. This beach is a 15-minute walk from Koh Tuich Village, the village where you probably arrived by ferry from Sihanoukville. Walk along the beach towards the Tree House Guesthouse, passing a small golden beach, and continue on the path towards 4K Beach.
Palm Beach
This delightful beach is naturally full of palm trees and is the perfect place to peacefully watch the sunset. To visit Palm Beach, you currently need to take a boat taxi as the roads are not yet in use. You can also choose to take a tour with ‘Adventures Adam.’ Adam sails around Koh Rong in one day without a fixed schedule. It might take you to Palm Beach or to a beach he has never been to before. You usually visit a fishing village, go snorkeling, or explore the jungle. One thing is for sure, you’ll have a fantastic day and see a lot of secret highlights that hardly anyone has ever heard of.
Long Beach / Sok San Beach
This beach is 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) long, making it the longest beach on Koh Rong. When we first came here in 2012, there was nothing here. Unfortunately, The Royal Group is now clearing large portions of the jungle to build resorts. However, even with these resorts, this is still one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Rong. The water is incredibly clear, and the sand is similar to that of 4K Beach. You can take a beautiful one-hour walk from Koh Tuich Village, walking straight through the jungle, and eventually arriving at Long Beach. If that sounds too tiring, you can also take a boat for about $4 per person.
If you visit any of these beaches, please make sure to take all your trash back with you. There is often already a fair amount of litter, and it’s a shame for these paradise beaches. If you can’t get enough of island life, there’s also Koh Rong Samloem, which is less developed and has equally beautiful beaches!
Our Favorite Places to Stay on Koh Rong
Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort or a budget-friendly hostel, you have plenty of options on Koh Rong. If you want to enjoy peace and luxury, BeachWalk Koh Rong is a beautiful place right on the beach where you can experience the beauty of Koh Rong at its best. If you’re seeking tranquility but have a smaller budget, take a look at Lonely Beach. If you’re a backpacker or prefer a more lively atmosphere, then the village of Koh Tuich Village is the place to be. The hostels here may not be luxurious, but in terms of atmosphere, it’s the best place. Happy Elephant Bungalows offers the best bungalows. They are simple but cozy and a bit away from the hustle and bustle. Of course, you can also spend a few days on one side of the island and then a few days on the other to experience all of Koh Rong. Koh Rong is definitely worth spending a bit more for a beautiful hotel. For a relatively small amount of money, you can have a gorgeous bungalow on a pristine white beach.
BeackWalk Koh Rong |
Lonely Beach |
Happy Elephant Bungalows |