If you are looking for an island paradise with blue water and not yet affected by mass tourism then you should definitely visit Koh Rong in Cambodia. Mainly visited by backpackers and hippies, Koh Rong offers pristine beaches and affordable prices for both food and accommodation. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before venturing yourself in this paradise – I will get into details below. But first, let’s talk about the things you can do in Koh Rong.
Koh Rong travel guide quick jump list:
- Things to do in Koh Rong
- The best Koh Rong beaches
- Things to keep in mind when visiting Koh Rong
- How to get to Koh Rong
Things to do in Koh Rong
The most popular Koh Rong beach is Koh Touch. Being the most developed one, Koh Touch offers a wide range of activities and tours. As you will walk on the beach, you will often be approached by tour operators trying to sell you one of the activities below.
1. Watch the plankton
Watching the bioluminescent plankton glowing in the dark in Koh Rong can be an unforgettable experience. Since you need total darkness to see these little creatures, you will have to take a boat tour at night and head away from Koh Touch.
2. Get your PADI at Koh Rong Dive Center
If you want to get your PADI licence or just snorkel, check out the Koh Rong Dive Center located at the main Koh Touch pier. By choosing their services, you will also help the local community. The center employs local people, giving them the chance to train in diving at no cost. Also, the part of the money will be used to open a clinic for the locals and a school for the children in the village.
3. Take a boat tour
You can choose a half day tour or a full day tour around the island. Most of the tours include food, drinks and some other activities like fishing or snorkeling.
4. Go zip lining at High Point Adventure Park
Looking to add a bit of adventure into your life? Then definitely try zip lining at High Point Adventure Park. The park has 3 zip lines, 25 platforms and a circuit of 400 m. Sounds like the perfect activity to make your adrenaline pump.
5. Party at Police Beach
Most of the pubs and clubs on Koh Touch Beach close at 12 am. However, if you want to party longer you should try the Police Beach parties. The Police Beach is situated at about 10 min walking distance from Koh Touch. There are parties every Wednesday and Saturday and the entrace fee is $10 if you purchase the ticket from Koh Touch or $12,5 at the entrance.
The best Koh Rong beaches
The only way of getting from Koh Touch Beach to other beaches from the island (apart from Long Set Beach – you can walk there) is by boat. Koh Rong’s infrastructure is still underdeveloped. Therefore, you will have to pay about $5 – $7 for a boat taxi but it’s worth it – the beaches of Koh Rong are great.
1. Koh Touch Beach
Koh Touch is the most popular and the most developed beach in Koh Rong. This is the place where the ferry will leave you and where most of the fun stuff happens. What I loved about Koh Touch was that it had many restaurants and pubs to choose from as well as many accommodation options. However, if you want that ‘me time’, Koh Touch is not for you since it is always very busy.
2. Sok San Beach
I absolutely loved Sok San Beach. It has an incredible, clean beach and blue water. There are a few restaurants and supermarkets on this beach so don’t worry about finding food. If you are planning to spend more days here, do not hesitate to check out Sok San Beach Resort. This beach is great if you are looking for some quiet while still having all the necessary facilities.
Check out my review of Sok San Beach Resort here!
3. Long Set Beach
Just a short walk from Koh Touch, Long Set Beach is the perfect place to take a walk at sunset. To get to Long Set Beach, you will have to walk for about 10 min through the forest but there’s no need to worry since there are some restaurants and bungalows around and the area is quite populated.
Things to keep in mind when visiting Koh Rong
Yes, Koh Rong is a beautiful paradise, not yet affected by mass tourism but not everything is perfect. Just make sure to keep these things in mind when visiting this beautiful island and you will have a great stay.
1. You won’t find hot water everywhere
Most of the hostels/ guesthouses on Koh Rong do not have hot water. If hot water is something you cannot live without, I would suggest looking for hotel or resort to stay at.
2. The internet is bad
I would strongly suggest having your own internet SIM card even though this does not guarantee a good connection. Expect to have a few hours per day with no internet.
3. There are sand flies
Nothing can erase from my mind the pink-ish marks on my legs from sand flies bites. You can usually spot them in the morning and evening, or right after the rain. I would suggest buying some coconut oil to keep them away.
4. Koh Rong does not have a sewage system
Yes, this is the nastiest part of them all and it basically means that all the waste is going directly into the water. By all means, stay away from entering the water at beaches near populated areas like Koh Touch. I have read many stories on the internet with people getting sick from swimming in these areas.
5. There are no ATMs
Currently, there are no ATMs in Koh Rong. Make sure to bring with you all the cash you need.
6. Laundry
If you are looking to do your laundry in Koh Rong, I recommend going to White Rose or Green House. The price is $1/ kg and it usually takes about one day to get your clothes back.
How to get to Koh Rong
The only way to get to Koh Rong is by ferry from the Sihanoukville Ferry Terminal. The round trip ticked costs $21 and the trip will take 45 to 90 minutes. One important thing to remember is to confirm your return ticket one day before departing from Koh Rong. You can book your tickets here or you can buy them directly from the ferry terminal.
Koh Rong ferry schedule
From Sihanoukville to Koh Rong:
7:30am, 9:00am, 11:30am,1:30pm, 3:00pm, 4:30pm
From Koh Rong to Sihanoukville):
6:00am, 10:00am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm
Koh Rong is rapidly developing and plans have been made to build a casino, airport and big hotel resorts on the island. If you want to enjoy the still untouched beauty of Koh Rong, I would suggest visiting it as soon as possible. I hope you found useful my Koh Rong travel guide.
May the travel bug bite you!
More about Cambodia:
- Koh Rong or Phu Quoc – which one to choose – click here
- Sok San Beach Resort – Koh Rong paradise – click here
- Independence Hotel Sihanoukville – click here
- Visit Angkor Wat by tuk tuk – everything you need to know – click here
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Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.
She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here.
To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!
The pictures look lovely! I’ve only been to Siem Reap in Cambodia, need to make a trip to the south next time!
Definitely! Phu Quoc is such a beautiful island!