KH
Koh Rong
Long white-sand beaches, jungle interior and glowing plankton off Cambodia’s south coast
Long white-sand beaches, jungle interior and glowing plankton off Cambodia’s south coast
The main village sits on a curving white-sand beach near the pier, lined with guesthouses, restaurants and bars.
Photo: Peazapata, CC BY-SA 4.0
A long, quiet beach on the west side, reached by a walk or boat from Koh Touch, with clear water and sunset views.
Photo: Rômulo Gama Ferreira, CC BY 2.0
On dark nights, plankton in the shallows glows blue when the water moves. It is easiest to see away from village lights; many operators run evening boat trips.
Best on moonless nights.
Photo: Peazapata, CC BY-SA 4.0
The neighbouring island is smaller and calmer, with Saracen Bay its main beach. Ferries and boat trips connect the two.
Photo: Treehill, CC BY-SA 4.0
Speed ferries from Sihanoukville take about 45 to 90 minutes, with several departures a day.
Seas can be rough in the wet season.
Photo: Wikirictor, CC BY-SA 3.0
Koh Touch has the widest choice, from Khmer dishes such as amok (steamed fish curry) and lok lak to Western food and fresh seafood barbecues on the beach.
Outside Koh Touch, most people eat at their resort.
Fly to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or Sihanouk International Airport (or take a bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville), then catch a ferry. Several companies run speed ferries from Sihanoukville; return tickets are around US$12–20.
On the island, walk, take a boat taxi or use the few island roads.
Cambodia uses the riel (KHR), but US dollars are widely used. ATMs on the island are few or absent, so bring enough cash.
Three days covers the beaches and the plankton.
Arrive, settle in and swim at the main beach.
Walk or take a boat to Long Set Beach, then an evening plankton trip.
Take a boat to Saracen Bay on Koh Rong Sanloem.
Bring US dollars; withdrawals on the island are expensive.
Electricity and Wi-Fi can be unreliable.
Use repellent on the beach.
Ferries may be cancelled in rough weather.
Quick answers for planning time in Koh Rong.
By speed ferry from Sihanoukville, taking about 45 to 90 minutes.
There are few or none, so bring enough cash in US dollars.
In the shallows on dark nights, away from village lights.
Koh Rong is larger, with more nightlife in Koh Touch; Koh Rong Sanloem is smaller and quieter.
November to April, in the dry season.
Planning a wider trip? Our Cambodia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.