Koh Rong Island is a beautiful island off the southern coast of Cambodia, closest to the town of Sihanoukville. Known for its white sand beaches, clear blue waters and tropical climate, the island is the perfect spot for a tropical vacation. Comprising of two isles, Koh Rong main and the sister island of Koh Rong Samloem, there is a myriad of things that you can do here to relax and have fun. The island is unique in the breadth of experiences it has to offer – while the public beaches are lively hotspots bursting with restaurants, clubs and people, there are also quieter beaches and hiking trails through the islands where you can relax and unwind alone.
Koh Rong island, Cambodia is one of the principal attractions in the beautiful Gulf of Thailand, for tourists from around the world. Read on to find out all you need to know about the island and what it has to offer before you plan your Cambodian trip.
Koh Rong Island Map
Koh Rong Island Weather
While the paradise island is a beautiful getaway at all times of the year, mid-November through the first two weeks of May is an especially great time to visit Koh Rong island in Cambodia. With average temperatures hovering around a comfortable 25 degrees Celsius and low humidity, the winter months ring in the good Koh Rong island weather. June through the August is relatively hot, with maximum temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius, and significant rains that continue until October. So make sure to plan according to the weather while taking a Koh Rong Island Tour.
How To Reach Koh Rong Island
By air: The nearest international airport to the Koh Rong Island is in Sihanoukville, located 20 kilometers east of the town. To get to Koh Rong, you can take a taxi from the airport to the Occheuteal pier, where you can find ferries that leave for the island (see below).
By ferry: The Koh Rong Island in Cambodia is very accessible through the town of Sihanoukville. Ferries are run by five major operators that you can choose from – Speed Boat Cambodia, Island Speed Boat, Buva Sea, Angkor Speed Ferry and GTVC. Average fares for a two-way trip is around INR 1800. Typically a 40-minute boat ride, it may take an hour to get to the island if the ferry makes a stop in between. There are also slower ferries, costing INR 350 to 700, that take about 2 hours to get to Koh Rong. However, because these are not professionally operated, they are generally considered unsafe and should be avoided.
All ferries leave from the Occheuteal pier in Sihanoukville and have stops at all major beaches in Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem(this is where the majority of the hotels are located). If your hotel is inland, you can ask them for transfer services from the nearest ferry stop. The commercial ferries are very comfortable, with food and air conditioning on board for your comfort. The last ferries depart from either end at 5 PM and are usually full so be sure to book your tickets well in advance.
Things To Do In Koh Rong Island
Wondering what to do when you’re on this island in Cambodia? Fret not. We got you a range of activities you can try here that will make you want to stay here forever!
1. Koh Toch Beach : Party the night away!
The Koh Toch beach is the island’s most popular beach. While the island is by no means a party island, Koh Toch is where you should go if you are looking to cut loose for a while. Koh Toch is the last calling station of all the main ferry services, and with its ultra-cheap accommodation and even cheaper booze, this is where most people end up staying. With a large number of bars and clubs located right on the beach, late night parties are quite common. While most places are okay to stay in, the crowded nature of the beach means it can get dirty in places. Also, if you are looking for a quieter time, avoid staying here as late night parties are often loud.
Must Read: Koh Rong Samloem Island Guide: All About Cambodia’s Perfect Island!
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2. Lonely Beach : Chill!
Once a quiet escape on the far side of the island, the Lonely Beach arguably the most beautiful on the island. The beach used to be a favorite with backpackers visiting Cambodia, but Lonely Beach has moved away from its image as the cheap stoner paradise with the emergence of new luxury resorts along the beach. Nevertheless, the white sand and turquoise blue waters are still as inviting, and the beach is a nice place to sunbathe and relax, especially when it is not peak season. There are also quite a few nightclubs and bars on the beach, getting a party going every night.
3. 4K Beach : Walk on the secluded shores
Also called the Long Set Beach, this beach is only a short distance from the main tourist area at the island, Koh Touch. Often counted as the second best beach on the island, after Lonely Beach, the 4K is a nice place to take a break from the crowded beaches and bars on the rest of the island. There are some nice places to stay on the 4K Beach too, although as a general rule, the newer places are not as cheap as places in Koh Touch.
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4. High Point Park : Go Rope Coursing
This world-class park, located deep in the tropical forests that cover most of the island, is a novel experience for tourists. If you are picturing zip lines everywhere, you are not far off, although there is a lot more at the park. Made up of multiple courses, the park is built around 21 well selected trees that have platforms located at height going from 4 metres to 25 metres. All platforms are connected through ladders, ziplines and cables, and at no point while traversing the course will you set your foot on the ground. The rope course park provides visitors with beautiful views of the rainforest, one thing that you do not get to see if you just stick to the beaches.
5. Vietnamese Beach : Photograph starfishes
There are 28 beaches on the Koh Rong, but the Vietnamese beach is a definite must-visit. Also known as the Ow Kasang, the Vietnamese beach is most well known for the beautiful corralled starfish that flood the beach after high tide. Sons of Beaches Resort has leased out the beach, and you can stay in cheap dorm/hotel rooms here at the beach itself. The relatively uncrowded beach can be reached from the Long Set Beach through a 20 minute jungle trail, or by boat from the Koh Toch port in Cambodia.
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Koh Rong Island Accommodation
Koh Rong has a range of good places to stay that fit all kinds of budgets. You can find both cheap and luxurious accommodation options here.
1. High Land Beach Bungalow
Situated only a 100 metres from the Koh Toch beach, the High Land Beach Bungalow offers extraordinary views of the ocean. The rustic theme is complemented by basic amenities like fans, mosquito nets and clean bathrooms. With an English speaking staff and a 24 hour help desk, this place has been rated as one of the best value-for-money Koh Rong Island resorts.
TripAdvisor rating: 3/5
Starting price: INR 1262
Location: Koh Rong Village, Koh Rong Island, Cambodia
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2. Sunrise Resort
Situated by the Coconut Beach, the Sunrise Resort is one of the most romantic Koh Rong Island resorts. With a sun terrace, an outdoor pool and access to private portion of the beautiful beach, the Sunrise Resort offers all the great perks of a tropical vacation, away from the noise and crowd of the main tourist areas in Koh Toch.
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5
Starting price: INR 5610
Location: Koh Rong Island, Coconut Beach, Koh Rong Island, Cambodia
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3. Nest Beach Club
One of the most popular hostels in Koh Rong Island, the Nest Beach Club offers amazing views of the waters and the jungle on the Long Set Beach. The beds here are clean and big, and because the hostel is so popular with backpackers, you can be relatively sure that your belongings will be safe. The hostel also offers laundry services for guests, and there is also a restaurant and bar on site.
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5
Starting price: INR 2098
Location: Chhak Kampong Som, Koh Rong, 4k Beach, Koh Rong, Cambodia
Further Read: War Museum In Cambodia: Get Introduced To The Country’s Rich History
Koh Rong is the size of the island of Hong Kong, with most of it covered in rainforests. Its 28 beaches offer a range of different experiences for travelers, ranging from wild, all-night parties to quiet, relaxed settings with beautiful views of the sunset. With easy access to the island and its various beaches from Sihanoukville, Koh Rong island is the perfect beach vacation spot. So if you are planning to travel to Cambodia soon, book with us today for the perfectly planned trip!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Koh Rong Island
What is the biggest island in Cambodia?
Koh Kong island in Cambodia is the biggest island located at the Gulf of Thailand.
How do you get to Koh Rong Cambodia?
The nearest airport from the island is the Sihanouk airport from where one has to take a shuttle bus which will take to the center of Sihanoukville.
Does Cambodia have beaches?
There are many famous beaches in and around Cambodia which offers a pristine view and a relaxing surrounding. Some of the most beautiful beaches are located around the Koh Ta Kiev island.
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