Cambodia

Koh Rong Island, located off the coast of Sihanoukville Bay, is one of the paradise islands in the Gulf of Thailand in Southeast Asia. Here, there are no paved roads, no motorcycles, no trucks, or even tuk-tuks… Only paths trodden by locals and tourists alike, eager to discover this wild and authentic island. The white sand, turquoise sea, blue sky, and silence – all the characteristics are in place for a wonderful stay on this enchanting land.

Visiting Koh Rong

Description

Koh Rong Island is an elongated territory stretching from northwest to southeast. With an area of 75 km², it extends 15 kilometers long and 9 kilometers wide. A total of 43 km of beaches border its coasts and enclose a wooded and hilly heart. Several bays give an authentic and secluded character to the coastline, while forests of palm trees and large broadleaf trees grow on uneven terrain that reaches an altitude of 320 meters. The majority of the tourist beaches are found on the southern tip of the island near the village of Koh Tuigh, which is separated from the other localities – Soksan, Damskal, and Prek Svay – to the north. The island is home to more than 1,000 inhabitants who primarily rely on fishing, livestock, trade, and tourism.

Authentic Charm

Sailing from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong will give you a positive shock. The contrast is striking. Within minutes, you’ll transition from a city under perpetual construction – the eternal sight of ongoing construction sites, the continuous noise of traffic, jackhammers, and cranes, the smell of mud and stagnant water – to this little piece of paradise on earth. The pristine sand reflecting the sun's rays during the day feels like it melts under your feet, while the turquoise and warm sea has such a clear tint that you can discern its depths from the beach. The ambiance is calm and relaxed, making you feel safe, far from the urban din. The view of the dense forested heart in the background, dark green due to the richness of the flora, invites you to venture out and uncover the island's secrets. Two beautiful hills overlook this territory, witnessing the environmental diversity endemic to these Southeast Asian island lands.

Island Activities

Fishing coupled with snorkeling

The main activity you'll enjoy upon your arrival on Koh Rong is found off its shores. You will board a small trawler for half a day and sail away from the island’s coast. You’ll stop near a rocky bay, don your flippers, mask, and snorkel, and dive into the turquoise waters. You’ll practice snorkeling, where you can admire the colorful corals, long and fine sea urchins, coastal fish, and other marine life. The calm of this place combined with the warmth of the water provides a convivial moment to chat about your discoveries with friends or family.

This activity typically lasts no more than 45 minutes. Afterward, you’ll board the boat again and head farther out to sea. Your captain will find a prime spot surrounded by schools of fish, where you can fish alongside him! The technique used here is casting. You attach bait, like shrimp, squid, or even pork or chicken, to a metal hook. The bait is tied to a reel that is operated with a hand crank. The goal is to cast the bait as far away from the boat as possible and wait for a bite. If you feel a tug, it’s the crucial moment. Reel in firmly to bring your catch back to the boat and discover what you’ve caught! Then, depending on your mindset, you can release the fish, give it to your captain for his dinner, or keep it to enjoy around a campfire on Koh Rong’s beach. It’s guaranteed to be a fun, joyful, and competitive moment. Who will catch the most fish?

Discovering the Luminescent Plankton Banks

After sunset, and a few hours back on the island, you can board a boat to admire the glowing plankton banks. Be mindful of the moon: if it’s full and too bright, you won’t see much. However, if you find yourself in the middle of a dark night, the opportunity is perfect! You’ll sail out to find a secluded bay to isolate yourselves. Don’t forget to bring a towel! The bright sunlight during the day will dry you quickly, but while the water temperature remains pleasantly warm, the chill felt on the boat’s deck during the return journey can be uncomfortable, so be prepared. Once at the spot, dive into the water and stay near the boat's hull, sheltered from the moon’s rays. Wave your hands underwater and watch as these tiny underwater creatures glow with your contact!

Sport, then Comfort

Koh Rong Island is full of both marine and terrestrial natural sites to explore. Since the island has no paved roads, you’ll need to wear hiking shoes to walk along forest trails in search of breathtaking views. Depending on where your accommodation is on the island, follow the trails to reach the highest point located in the northwest. Here, you can ascend to nearly 320 meters in altitude to enjoy the sweeping views of the surrounding forests and the surrounding maritime expanse. A few kilometers east of there is the indigenous village of Prek Svay. Near the exotic huts, you’ll find the Kbal Chhay Prek Koh waterfalls, a great place to spend quality time with family and maybe even have a picnic. The water, deep in the forest, is very clear and perfect for a dip. Buddhist temples are located in the north, near the village of Prek Svay, and also along the eastern coastline as you head down toward Damskal. You are free to wander wherever you please to find the area that pleases you most.

Back at your beach, it seems like the perfect moment to set up your lounge chair, enjoy the sea breeze, and fully appreciate your vacation. It’s a simple and ideal activity to reflect on your travels through Cambodia, between temples and tropical forests.

Climate

Koh Rong's island climate protects it from the intense temperatures often seen in the country, such as those in April. The southern winds help regulate the temperature. The seasons follow the mainland’s patterns, so it’s best to visit between December and April for relatively dry and sunny weather. During this period, temperatures range between 28°C and 35°C. A grayish sky appears starting in May, and precipitation gradually increases from June to October. This period is the least favorable for visiting Koh Rong as daily rains may disrupt many activities.

How to get there

To reach Koh Rong, you must first go through Sihanoukville in the southwest of Cambodia. The journey from Phnom Penh takes about 5 hours, but it can be reduced to 3 or even 2 hours if you are coming from Kep or Kampot. It’s also possible to reach Sihanoukville by air. We’ll always suggest flying from Siem Reap, with a flight time of approximately 50 minutes.

Once in Sihanoukville, you’ll need to reach the pier and board a shuttle boat. The journey to Koh Rong Island takes about 45 minutes.