Getting Around Koh Rong - Local Transport Guide for Island Travelers

Koh Rong is a jungle-covered island off the coast of Sihanoukville with an area of about 78 km² and 43 km of beaches.^[1] It has four communities: Koh Touch in the south-east, Prek Svay in the north-east, Daem Thkov in the east and Sok San on the west side.^[1] Koh Touch and Sok San are the two hubs most visitors use. Plan on getting around by walking, by boat and, in places, by scooter, and sort out your options before you arrive.

Getting Around Koh Rong on Foot

Walking is the default in Koh Touch. The village is compact, with guesthouses, restaurants, dive shops and bars close together, so you do not need any transport to explore it.

Beyond the village, walking becomes an adventure. Jungle trails lead across the island, but after rain they get muddy and slippery and are not always clearly marked. Wear proper shoes rather than flip-flops, bring water and start early to avoid the midday heat. Ask your guesthouse for current trail conditions, because paths change with the seasons.

Tips for Walking on Koh Rong

• Bring a headlamp or phone flashlight if you plan to walk after dark. Outside the villages there is little street lighting.
• Mosquito repellent is useful on jungle trails, especially near dusk.
• Dry bags protect your phone and valuables from sudden rain showers.

Getting Around Koh Rong by Boat

With dense jungle in the interior, boats are the main way to reach beaches beyond walking distance. Water taxis and long-tail boats are arranged on the spot rather than on a fixed schedule: ask boat drivers at the pier or your guesthouse, and agree on the price and whether it is per person or for the whole boat before you board.

Island Speed Ferry says that a direct boat to Sok San is occasionally available with Buva Sea or Island Speed Ferry, at $11 one way.^[2] It also mentions boat tours around the island and nearby islets with snorkeling and a barbecue for about $15 to $25 per person.^[3]

In the wet season the sea can be rough and some boat operators will refuse certain trips. Do not push a reluctant captain to sail in bad weather, and ask for a life jacket if none is offered.

Getting Around Koh Rong by Scooter

Island Speed Ferry notes that you can rent a scooter to explore the roads that connect some beaches, with dusty and sometimes muddy trails.^[3] If you are not an experienced rider, this is not the place to learn. Medical care on the island is basic, so check that your travel insurance covers motorbike riding.

Comparing Your Options

Practical Tips for Getting Around Koh Rong

Cash is king. Island Speed Ferry advises that there are no ATMs on the island and that you should carry enough US dollars.^[3] Small bills help, because boat drivers and rental shops rarely have change for large notes.

Download offline maps before you arrive. Mobile data can be patchy, so download the island area while you still have a good connection in Sihanoukville.

Plan around the weather. Island Speed Ferry names November to May as the dry season with calm seas and the peak months as December to February.^[3] In the wet months, build flexibility into your plans.

• Always confirm your return boat before heading to a remote beach.
• Negotiate boat prices before boarding, not after arriving.
• Wear reef-safe sunscreen near the coral reefs.
• If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before boarding any boat.

Safety at night. The terrain is difficult enough in daylight, and the lack of lighting makes it worse after dark. Do not attempt jungle trails or beach walks to other areas at night. Island Speed Ferry lists bioluminescent plankton tours by kayak or swimming as a night activity;^[3] book them with a reputable operator.