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Guide To Visit Koh Rong Island Cambodia For The First Timers
Debating a trip to Koh Rong, Cambodia? Discover pristine beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture. Learn why Koh Rong might be your perfect island getaway. Not far off the southern coast of Cambodia, the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem have become increasingly popular among travelers seeking their little piece of paradise with pristine beaches strewn with towering coconut palms, lapped by crystal-clear waters against a backdrop of lush jungle. However, with so many tropical destinations across Southeast Asia to choose from, many wonder if Koh Rong and its smaller sister island, Koh Rong Samloem, are really worth visiting while in Cambodia. Having spent considerable time on the islands (having been stranded there at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020), I hope my experience and this article will help you decide whether you should add it to your itinerary with your tour guide, Siem Reap Cambodia. It will explain how to get there, highlight the islands’ attractions and popular activities, provide accommodations to suit all budgets, and provide some practical advice and tips to consider.
Table of Contents
Getting There
From Siem Reap to Sihanoukville

To reach the islands, you must first travel to Sihanoukville on the south coast of Cambodia, the main gateway to these tropical beach destinations. There are several travel options from both Siem Reap and the capital, Phnom Penh. If you have a tour guide or a tour operator, they will be able to adjust your itinerary to make time for this journey and will arrange pick-ups and drop-offs. The three main ways to get there are:
- By Air: The fastest and most convenient way is to take a direct flight from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Several operators provide these flights, which take approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Phnom Penh.
- By Bus: For budget travelers, buses are widely available, with several companies offering an overnight sleeper service. I have found that the beds are small. Although built for two people, in order to get a good night’s sleep and not be forced to sleep beside a stranger, it can be worth booking two beds for yourself, especially if you are a solo female traveler. The journey takes 8–10 hours, and costs range from $15 to $20, depending on the bus and class of service.
The bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville takes approximately 4-5 hours, depending on the bus company, traffic conditions, and the number of stops along the way. It is worth checking the different services available from both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
- By Car: For a more comfortable and flexible way to travel, consider hiring a private car from Siem Reap. The journey takes approximately 10 hours and costs between $150 and $200. Alternatively, from Phnom Penh, the journey takes 4-5 hours and costs between $60 and $100. Prices vary depending on the service and the quality of the vehicle.
- Minibuses: These are also popular with travelers; they travel from Phnom Penh to the coast and cost around $15-$20.
- Helicopters: Yes, you heard right! If you are considering a luxury vacation at one of the high-end resorts on Koh Rong, helicopters are also available from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. You have the option to travel privately and in style directly to The Royal Sands, a high-end resort on Koh Rong, which has its own helipad. The journey time is one hour from Phnom Penh. Staff will greet you upon arrival and a beach buggy will transport you to your beachfront villa. Helistar Cambodia, the company providing this service, also provides a 20-minute city tour in Phnom Penh and services to Siem Reap.
From Sihanoukville to the Koh Rong Islands

Once in Sihanoukville, you will make your way to the ferry terminals and travel to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem. To ensure that you arrive at the correct dock and avoid delays in your travel, communicate well with your driver exactly which ferry operator you have booked with (or are planning to use).
If you arrive by bus or flight, take a taxi or tuk tuk to the ferry terminal, making sure to clarify which ferry operator you are traveling with. Should you not have a ticket for the ferry, ask to stop at one of the many offices issuing ferry tickets and then go to the relevant dock. I personally prefer to use the company Buva Sea speed ferry because their services have never let me down, and I find one of the most reputable.
The Speed Ferry: Speed ferries are the quickest option, with several companies offering multiple daily departures (I personally like to use the Buva Sea speed ferry, as their services have never let me down and I find one of the most reputable). The journey takes between 40 and 60 minutes, depending on where you are going and the stops the boat may make to drop off passengers en route. (Ask on arrival and make sure to get off at the correct pier, as I have made this mistake before!) The cost of tickets for a return trip is approximately $25, and the price may vary depending on the time of year.
Slow Boats: Slow boats are available for a more leisurely trip to the islands, taking around 2 hours and costing slightly less, at around $15 return.
Exploring Koh Rong

Koh Rong is renowned for its stunning beaches, each offering a unique charm and beauty. The main port on the island is Koh Touch (or Koh Tui), which is the primary arrival point for most ferries coming from Sihanoukville. It is also the main hub of activity on the island, with restaurants, bars, basic services, and a variety of accommodations, making it a popular base for those exploring the island and its other beaches.
When I first traveled to Koh Rong, the only means of getting to other beaches was by taxi boat and the occasional motorbike ride through the rugged, sandy paths that traverse the island. The island is 78 square kilometers, stretching 15 km in length and 9 km wide, and today there is a road that almost circles the island, making the island’s 23 unique beaches more accessible.
Koh Rong served as the backdrop for the popular American television show “Survivor” for two seasons. During my initial visit, I sought out a secluded beach. I succeeded in doing so and spent a month living in a small hut on the water’s edge, far from the bustle of the city. Although that is not for everyone, Koh Rong offers many beaches. Each has its own characteristics and varies in terms of amenities and the kind of experience it offers, from the tourist beaches to the serene and secluded bays.
- Sok San Beach, also known as Long Beach, boasts clear turquoise waters and a very long stretch of white squeaky sand, making it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking. Because the beach is so long, you will rarely encounter other people on it. It is on the south side of the island, home to luxury resorts with private beach areas (including the aforementioned Royal Sands), and offers spectacular sunsets.
- Long Set Beach, also known as 4K Beach, has a laid-back atmosphere with budget-to-midrange accommodations that include restaurants and bars. Ideal for relaxing, walking, and enjoying the sunset, it is a favorite area for many.
- Lazy Beach: Aptly named, Lazy Beach is perfect for enjoying chilling in hammocks and bathing in its tranquil surroundings.
Things to do
Apart from soaking up the sun and relaxing, Koh Rong offers a plethora of activities for all kinds of tourists.
- Snorkeling and Diving: With the wealth of rich marine life and coral reefs, Koh Rong is a haven for underwater enthusiasts. There are several dive shops offering boat tours to enjoy. There are also boat tours that take you to see other parts of the island; many offer snorkeling, fishing, a BBQ lunch on board, and sunsets, depending on the time of day booked.
- Night Plankton Tours: The mesmerizing bioluminescent plankton that lights up the waters at night is something very special. Although it is possible to see the plankton from the shore, you must be in a dark area with little light pollution. It also shows better when the moon is not full for the same reasons—the less light, the better! Night boat tours are available for that extra special experience.
- Mangrove Forest Tour: On the northeastern side of the island, close to Prek Svey village, you can hire a guide with a boat or kayak through the mangroves. This fragile ecosystem is home to kingfishers, herons, other bird species, fish, crabs, and exotic marine life.
- Jungle Trekking: Discover the interior of the islands on a guided tour that will take you through dense jungles to waterfalls. The best times are obviously after the rainy season, when the water is flowing.
- Hire a moped or bicycle. Tour the island by road to visit the other villages and beaches. For a day of thrilling exploration, journey across the rolling hills and jungle paths that run off-road.
- Take a wellness class, massage, or spa. Many resorts offer wellness retreats and spa treatments.
Accommodations on Koh Rong
There is accommodation to suit everyone’s needs on Koh Rong:
- Budget: Hostels around the island offer dorm beds for as little as $5 per night. You can find basic bungalows for around $10–$20.
- Midrange: Midrange options include hotels and guest houses, unique bungalows on beaches, or tree houses. These provide private rooms with comfortable amenities and range from $30 to $70 per night.
- Luxury: For those seeking luxury, the south and east of the island in particular offer high-end beachfront villas (some with their own private pool) and exquisite services. Prices will start at $150 per night and rise depending on the season.
Exploring Koh Rong Samloem

So, is it worth visiting Koh Rong Samloem? Koh Rong’s little sister island, Koh Rong Samloem, is just a short boat ride away, and although the lesser-known of the two islands, it boasts even more tranquil and beautiful beaches. Because it is a smaller island and not yet as developed as Koh Rong, there are only a few beaches to stay at, but I can assure you that they will not disappoint.
Beaches
- Saracen Bay Beach: This is the island’s most popular beach and place to stay. The bay is a beautiful crescent shape, and the beach, stretching 3 km, is known for its powdery white sand, stunningly clear turquoise waters, and laid-back, calming atmosphere. Various accommodations and restaurants line the bay’s beach, making it a popular destination for relaxation and water activities. Like Koh Rong, it offers a variety of places to stay, from budget bungalows to more upscale resorts, providing visitors with choice and everything they need for a pleasurable stay. It is simply beautiful to wake up to these views.
- Lazy Beach: Located on the other side of the island and currently only accessible by boat or hiking, this beautiful beach is perfect for those who love nature and monkeys! Although it has limited facilities, it offers seclusion and stunning views, making it ideal for those who really want to get away from it all. National Geographic has also named it as one of the world’s 21 most beautiful beaches!
- Sunset Beach: Like the name suggests, Sunset Beach is one of the island’s best spots to see the breathtaking sunsets. To reach Lazy Beach on the opposite side of your island, you will need to hike from Saracen.
- M’Pai Bei: This is actually the only village on the island (and became my home for 6 months during the pandemic). In the most stunning setting where these cliffs rise out from the sea, M‘ Pai Bei Beach is only a 5-minute beautiful coastal walk from the center. It is a stunning and colorful, well-maintained, small fishing village where the locals welcome and interact with local guest houses and visitors. The two communities work together and have built a small school. With restaurants and guest houses offering amazing sunset views from the cliff restaurants, the island provides a wonderful stay, especially for those who are curious about authentic island life.
Things to do
Like Koh Rong, it offers many of the same activities:
- Snorkeling and Diving: The island’s marine diversity is impressive, with dive centers on Sacaren and at M’Pai Bei (check out Bubblesupcambodia for more information). They will offer guided tours and equipment rentals.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding: Explore the calm, warm waters around the island, taking in the breath-taking scenery.
- Hiking: Several trails lead through lush jungle to secluded beaches, and the trek to the lighthouse offers panoramic views of the whole island and its surroundings.
- Yoga and Wellness: Like Koh Rong, many resorts on the island offer classes and retreats.
Accommodation on Koh Rong Samloem
- Budget: It is possible to stay in dorm rooms for $5, and larger hostels offer affordable basic bungalows for $10–$20 per night.
- Midrange: Options at Saracen are more varied than those at M‘Pai Bei, with private rooms, bungalows, and some fun modern-designed glass and tubular rooms, all with modern amenities, costing $50-$100 per night. The guest houses at M’Pai Bei Village offer equally good accommodation, both budget and midrange.
- Luxury: For luxury, consider the resort on Saracen, which has a beachfront villa and high-end services starting at $150 per night.
Practical Tips for Visiting the Island

Since the mainland supplies most items to the islands, anticipate a slight increase in price. Sometimes, due to weather conditions, there may be a shortage of certain items until the next supply boat arrives, so it’s important to be patient with the locals. Other considerations to keep in mind include:
- Cash: ATMs are scarce on the islands, if there are any at all, so it is advisable to bring enough cash. While some resorts and restaurants now accept credit cards, there can be occasional issues. I found some places that offer cashback on a card, but they charge an 8% fee, which may have increased since my last visit.
- Health and Safety: Pack mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit, as there are no hospitals on the islands. Drink bottled or purified water to avoid any health issues. Bring your own bottle, if possible, and refill it.
- WI-FI: Internet access has improved on Koh Rong, but it can be limited and unreliable on the islands. I bought a Cambodian SIM card and topped up credit as needed for hotspotting, which worked fine for my needs.
- Environmental Responsibility: To preserve the islands’ pristine environment, avoid single-use plastics and always dispose of waste correctly, especially to preserve marine life.
Conclusion
So the question is, “Is it worth visiting Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem?” My answer would have to be a resounding “yes!” Both islands are true gems of Cambodia, offering the perfect getaway and idyllic escape for those wishing for some relaxation coupled with adventure. These islands are among the most tropically beautiful places I have had the pleasure of visiting during my travels. From the whitest pristine beaches to exploring the lush jungle and relaxing in the clear waters that are home to a vibrant marine life, I find it hard to compare with anywhere else. The laid-back friendliness and welcome from the locals enrich the whole experience. There are accommodations for all budgets, meaning that it is inclusive, and everyone who comes to Cambodia can have the chance to witness paradise on earth. So if you have a day or two (or more! ), pack your swim suits and make Koh Rong and/or Koh Rong Samloem a part of your Cambodian adventure.
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