Koh Rong Islands: Cambodia's Tropical Beach Paradise

White sand so fine it squeaks underfoot, water so clear you can see the fish from the shore, and at night, the ocean itself glows blue. The Koh Rong islands sit off the coast of Sihanoukville in the Gulf of Thailand, and they remain Southeast Asia's best-kept beach secret. While neighboring Thailand's islands have been developed into full-scale resort destinations, Koh Rong and its smaller sibling Koh Rong Samloem still offer the kind of unhurried tropical experience that travelers dream about but rarely find.

Cambodia's second-largest island, Koh Rong covers roughly 78 square kilometers and has more than 30 beaches, many of them reachable only by boat. Development has accelerated in recent years with roads now connecting much of the island, but large stretches remain wild, forested, and blissfully empty. Whether you want beach parties, jungle hikes, diving, or simply a hammock and a book, these islands deliver.

Koh Rong vs Koh Rong Samloem

The two islands cater to different travel styles, and choosing the right one makes a significant difference to your experience.

Koh Rong

The larger island has more beaches, more accommodation options, and more infrastructure. The main hub is Koh Toch (Touch) village on the southeast coast, a compact strip of guesthouses, restaurants, bars, and dive shops. This is where most ferries dock and where the nightlife concentrates.

Beyond Koh Toch, the island opens up dramatically. Long Set Beach (also called Long Beach or 4K Beach) stretches for 4 kilometers of uninterrupted white sand along the western coast, one of the finest beaches in all of Southeast Asia. The northern beaches like Sok San and Palm Beach are quieter still, with small resort communities and genuine seclusion.

Koh Rong now has concrete roads connecting most of the island, and scooter rental is easy from Koh Toch or Long Set Beach. This makes exploring multiple beaches in a single day practical for the first time.

Koh Rong Samloem

The smaller sister island retains more of the laid-back, off-grid charm that Koh Rong had a decade ago. The main beach is Saracen Bay on the east coast, a crescent of sand with a line of bungalows and small restaurants. The west coast has a few isolated resorts accessible only by boat, offering near-total solitude.

Koh Rong Samloem has less infrastructure, fewer roads, and limited electricity in many areas (some places run on solar only, without 24-hour power). Air conditioning is rare outside a handful of upmarket resorts. If that sounds like a drawback, it is actually the island's greatest asset: it forces you to slow down completely.

Beaches Worth Finding

On Koh Rong

• Long Set Beach: The star attraction. Four kilometers of white powder sand facing west for spectacular sunsets. The southern end near Koh Toch is busier; the northern end is nearly deserted. Multiple accommodation options line the beach.
• Sok San Beach: On the northwest coast, a long stretch of sand with a fishing village at one end and a resort community at the other. Quieter than Long Set and good for long walks.
• Palm Beach: A small, secluded beach on the north coast with just a few bungalow operations. Feels genuinely remote.
• Lonely Beach: Lives up to its name. Reachable by a jungle trail from Long Set or by boat, this small cove is often completely empty.

On Koh Rong Samloem

• Saracen Bay: The main beach, a sheltered crescent with calm water perfect for swimming and kayaking. Most accommodation is here.
• Lazy Beach: On the west coast, reachable by jungle hike (about 40 minutes from Saracen Bay) or by boat. One small resort, gorgeous snorkeling offshore, and a genuine castaway atmosphere.
• Sunset Beach: A tiny, beautiful cove with just a couple of accommodation options. The name is accurate - the sunsets here are extraordinary.

Bioluminescent Plankton

One of Koh Rong's most magical experiences happens after dark. The waters around both islands contain bioluminescent plankton - tiny marine organisms that emit fluorescent blue light when disturbed. Swimming or splashing in the water at night creates trails of electric blue that follow your movements like liquid starlight.

The phenomenon is visible year-round but is most dramatic on dark, moonless nights in areas with minimal light pollution. Boat tours to bioluminescence spots cost $5-10 per person and depart from Koh Toch on Koh Rong and Saracen Bay on Koh Rong Samloem. Some quieter beaches allow you to see the plankton simply by wading into the water from shore after dark.

For the best experience, check the lunar calendar and aim for nights around the new moon when the sky is darkest. Even on brighter nights, the plankton is visible, just less intense.

Things to Do

Diving and Snorkeling

The waters around Koh Rong have good visibility and healthy coral reefs, making them excellent for both diving and snorkeling. Several PADI dive shops operate from Koh Toch, offering everything from discovery dives for beginners to advanced certification courses.

Popular dive sites include the coral gardens off the south coast, the rocky outcrops between the two islands, and deeper sites with potential encounters with rays, reef sharks, and barracuda. Open Water certification courses cost roughly $350-400, among the cheapest in Southeast Asia.

Snorkeling is possible directly from many beaches, with the best spots around Lazy Beach on Koh Rong Samloem and the rocky headlands at either end of Long Set Beach on Koh Rong. Snorkel gear rental costs $3-5 per day.

Jungle Trekking

The interior of Koh Rong is densely forested and several trails connect beaches across the island. The hike from Long Set Beach to Lonely Beach takes about 45 minutes through jungle that feels genuinely wild. On Koh Rong Samloem, the cross-island trail from Saracen Bay to Lazy Beach is a popular 40-minute walk through thick forest.

Wear proper shoes (not sandals), bring water, and be aware that trails can be muddy and poorly marked. Going with a local guide is advisable for longer or less-trafficked routes.

Kayaking

Kayaks are available for rent at most beachfront accommodations on both islands, typically $5-8 per hour. Paddling along the coastline lets you discover small coves and rocky outcrops inaccessible by land. The sheltered waters of Saracen Bay on Koh Rong Samloem are particularly good for kayaking.

Getting to Koh Rong

Both islands are reached by ferry from Sihanoukville.

Buy tickets at the ferry offices near the Sihanoukville pier or book online in advance during peak season. Ferries can be cancelled in rough weather during the monsoon season (June through October), so allow flexibility in your schedule.

Getting to Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville connects to Phnom Penh by bus (5-6 hours, $8-15), by flight (45 minutes, $50-100), and by taxi. From Siem Reap, the fastest option is a domestic flight to Sihanoukville, though buses via Phnom Penh are the budget choice.

Where to Stay

Accommodation ranges from basic beach bungalows to mid-range resorts. True luxury options are limited, which is part of the islands' charm.

• Budget ($5-15/night): Basic bungalows with fan, mosquito net, and shared bathroom. Found across both islands, with the widest choice in Koh Toch on Koh Rong and Saracen Bay on Koh Rong Samloem.
• Mid-range ($20-60/night): Private bungalows with en-suite bathroom, some with AC and hot water. Good options on Long Set Beach and Sok San on Koh Rong.
• Upmarket ($80-200/night): A handful of boutique resorts on quieter beaches, particularly on Koh Rong Samloem's west coast. Book well in advance during peak season.

Practical Tips

• Best season is November through May. Dry weather, calm seas, and reliable ferry services. December through February is peak season with higher prices and more visitors. The wet season (June through October) brings rough seas, occasional ferry cancellations, and some closures, but also lower prices and fewer crowds.
• Bring enough cash. ATMs exist on Koh Rong but are unreliable. Many businesses accept only cash. Withdraw what you need in Sihanoukville before taking the ferry. Budget more than you think, as island prices are higher than the mainland.
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen. The coral reefs around the islands are under pressure. Chemical sunscreens damage coral. Use mineral-based (zinc oxide) sunscreen to protect both your skin and the reef.
• Bring insect repellent. Sand flies and mosquitoes are active, especially at dawn and dusk. Long sleeves in the evening help.
• Electricity is not guaranteed everywhere. Some budget accommodation runs on solar power with limited hours. Charge devices when you can and bring a power bank.
• Book accommodation in advance during peak season (December through February). Popular spots on Long Set Beach and Saracen Bay fill up. Outside peak season, you can easily find a place on arrival.
• Respect the environment. The islands' beauty depends on keeping them clean. Bring a reusable water bottle, avoid single-use plastics where possible, and take your rubbish with you. Waste management infrastructure on the islands is limited.

The Koh Rong islands offer beach experiences that rival destinations costing several times more. For help planning your Cambodia itinerary and connecting the islands with the temples and mainland attractions, GoAsia.cc has comprehensive route guides.