The island of Koh Rong, located off the coast of Sihanoukville, ranks among the paradise islands dotting the Gulf of Thailand in Southeast Asia. Here you'll find no paved roads, no motorcycles, no trucks, or even tuk-tuks… Only well-worn trails carved by locals and tourists eager to discover this wild and authentic island. White sand, turquoise sea, blue skies, and silence. Every ingredient is here for a wonderful stay on this enchanting land.

Exploring Koh Rong

Description

Koh Rong is an elongated territory stretching northwest to southeast. Covering 75 km², it extends 15 kilometers long and 9 kilometers wide. A total of 43 km of beaches line the coastline and frame a forested, rolling interior. Several bays lend an authentic and secluded character to the shoreline, while forests of coconut palms and towering hardwoods grow across uneven terrain that peaks at 320 meters in altitude. Most of the tourist beaches are located on the southern cape near the village of Koh Tuigh, away from three other native settlements: Soksan, Damskal, and Prek Svay, further north. The island is home to over 1,000 residents who earn their living primarily from fishing, livestock farming, trade, and tourism.

Authentic Charm

Making the journey from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong will be a positive shock. The contrast is striking. Within minutes, you'll transition from this city in perpetual construction—endless construction sites, constant traffic noise, jackhammers and cranes, the smell of mud and stagnant water—to this little slice of paradise on earth. The immaculate sand reflecting the sun's rays during the day makes you feel as though you'll sink into it, while the turquoise, warm sea displays such clarity that you can see its shallow depths from the beach. The atmosphere here is calm, relaxed, and you'll feel safe far from urban chaos. And the view of this forested interior in the background, wild, a deep green from the sheer density of vegetation, will make you want to venture in and discover the island's secrets. Two striking hills rise above this territory, testament to the environmental diversity endemic to these Southeast Asian islands.

Island Activities

Fishing Coupled with Snorkeling

The main activity you can enjoy upon arriving at Koh Rong will be out on the water. For a half-day excursion, you'll board a small fishing boat and sail away from the island's shoreline. You'll stop near a rocky cove, pull on your fins, mask, and snorkel, then dive into this turquoise water. You'll practice snorkeling, swimming alongside colorful corals, long and delicate sea urchins, coastal fish, and other underwater fauna and flora. The serenity of this setting combined with the warm water makes for a delightful experience in this marine environment, chatting with friends and family about your discoveries.

This activity typically lasts no more than 45 minutes. You'll reboard the boat and venture further from shore. Your captain will find you a prime spot, surrounded by schools of fish, to cast a line alongside him! The fishing technique used here is spinning. You'll attach bait to an iron hook—shrimp, squid, or a piece of pork or chicken—connected to a line wound around a spool operated by a crank. The goal is to cast your baited hook as far from the boat as possible and wait for the bite. When you feel something pulling, it's your moment. Reel firmly to bring your catch toward the boat and discover what you've caught! Then, according to your preference, release the fish, give it to your captain for his evening meal, or keep it to enjoy around a campfire on Koh Rong's beach. One thing's certain—it's a moment filled with joy and laughter, driven by an encouraging spirit of friendly competition. Who will catch the most fish?

Discovering Bioluminescent Plankton Displays

Once night falls and you've returned to the island for several hours, you can choose to board a boat again to witness the spectacular bioluminescent plankton displays. Plan your timing carefully—if the moon is full and bright, you won't see much, but if you find yourself on a particularly dark night, the opportunity is perfect! You'll venture offshore in search of a secluded bay to ensure you remain isolated. Don't forget to bring a towel! The brilliant sun of the day is enough to dry you quickly, but while the water stays pleasantly warm in these late hours, the chill on the boat's deck upon returning can be quite uncomfortable. So plan ahead. Once you reach the spot, dive in and stay close to the boat's hull, in the shadow of the moonlight. Wave your hands underwater and marvel at these tiny marine creatures glowing at your touch!

Adventure, Then Relaxation

Koh Rong abounds with natural spaces both maritime and terrestrial to discover. Since this island lacks paved roads, you'll need to slip on your hiking boots to trek forest trails in search of breathtaking views. Depending on where you're staying on the island, follow the paths to reach, for example, the highest point located northwest. Here you can climb to nearly 320 meters in altitude and admire the vast expanse of sea surrounding the island forests. A few kilometers east lies the native village of Prek Svay. Alongside traditional stilted huts sit the Kbal Chhay Prek Koh waterfalls, an ideal spot for quality family time and perhaps a picnic. The water, deep within the forest, is crystal clear and perfect for a refreshing swim. Buddhist temples are found to the north near Prek Svay village, and also along the entire eastern coast as you make your way south toward Damskal. You're free to explore wherever appeals to you most.

Back at your beach, the moment seems ideal to set up a lounger and enjoy the sea breeze as you rest and fully savor your vacation. A simple activity, perfect for reflecting on your travels throughout Cambodge among temples and tropical forests.

Climate

Koh Rong's island climate shields it from the intense heat experienced in the kingdom during April, for instance. Southern winds help moderate temperatures. The seasons align with the mainland, so it's best to visit between December and April for predominantly dry and sunny weather. Temperatures range from 28 to 35 degrees Celsius. Grey skies begin appearing from May onward, with rainfall increasing steadily from June through October. This period is the least suitable for visiting Koh Rong, as many activities can be disrupted by daily downpours.

To reach Koh Rong, you must pass through Sihanoukville in southwestern Cambodge. From the capital Phnom Penh, the journey takes 5 hours, though it can be reduced to 3 or even 2 hours if traveling from Kep or Kampot. It's also possible to reach Sihanoukville by air. We'll regularly suggest this option departing Siem Reap, with a flight duration of approximately 50 minutes.

Once you've arrived in Sihanoukville, you must reach the pier and board a shuttle boat. The trip to Koh Rong island takes approximately 45 minutes.