Koh Rong Island is a Cambodian seashore paradise with lodging from finances digs to deluxe high-end escapes. Our information to Koh Rong consists of get there, the place to remain and what to do on this Cambodian island getaway.
By: Mark Barnes |
Printed: 27 Mar 2024
Koh Rong is an idyllic island simply off the Cambodian mainland. A jungle-clad inside is surrounded by gorgeous white sandy seashores and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
At a mere 9 kilometres lengthy and 6 kilometres extensive, Koh Rong is filled with a number of the best seashores you’ll discover anyplace, every with a singular vibe.
There are additionally loads of nice issues to do once you’re feeling lively. Hit the water on a kayaking journey, snorkel in pristine waters or rent a scooter to discover the native aspect of the island.
On this compact island there’s all kinds of hostels, guesthouses and resorts providing all the things from finances dorms to unique non-public resorts.
Our information to Koh Rong features a breakdown of every of the totally different seashores, suggestions for the place to remain, plus suggestions for getting there and round.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Koh Rong is a lovely jungle clad island with seashores dotted round its edge, however there are some things to know earlier than you select the place to remain.
Garbage – Plastic is an issue in Cambodia, and sadly, you’ll discover it littering a number of the seashores at Koh Rong. A lot of it will get carried throughout the water from Sihanoukville, however there’s additionally loads being dumped immediately on this stunning island.
Each morning, resort workers (and vacationers) will clear up the seashores and customarily hold the realm in entrance of the resorts pristine. However away from the principle resorts, the seashores is usually a mess with litter. Staying in lodging surrounded by different resorts and guesthouses is helpful as a big stretch of the seashore will likely be clear.
Improvement – Whereas improvement is going on on lots of Cambodia’s seashores, Koh Rong has been comparatively untouched. The centre of the island remains to be primarily jungle and there was little signal of mass improvement whereas we have been there.
Sandflies – Sandflies is usually a downside when mendacity immediately on the seashore at Koh Rong. Nevertheless, the method of raking the sand helps to considerably scale back the variety of these pesky little bugs. So, discovering a seashore in entrance of a resort or guesthouse is a good suggestion. In any other case, discover a lounger or hammock.
Money – Most guesthouses, accommodations, and resorts take credit score and debit card, however the native bars and eating places will need money. There are not any ATMs on the island so carry sufficient with you.
WHEN TO VISIT KOH RONG
The most effective time to go to Koh Rong is from Mid-November to February when the temperature is between 25°C-30°C (77°F-86°F), the skies are usually clear and the ocean is calmer.
March to Might might be highly regarded and humid with temperatures reaching as much as 35°C (86°F) however rainfall can nonetheless be comparatively rare.
All through June to mid-November you’ll be able to anticipate some wind and rain on about half the times. Periodically boat crossings to the island are cancelled and snorkelling and diving is unimaginable. The upside is that lodging is cheaper.
GETTING TO KOH RONG
To get to the Kohn Rong islands you are taking a ship from Sihanoukville’ Autonomous Port.
SIHANOUKVILLE AUTONOMOUS PORT
Sihanoukville’s Autonomous Port might be reached by bus from most different Cambodian cities. The most well-liked are Phnom Penh (3 hours), Kampot (3 hours) and Siem Reap (10 hours).
Rithy Categorical Buses cease simply across the nook from the Autonomous Port. Vireak Buntham buses require a brief tuk-tuk experience ($3)
There’s additionally a brand new flight from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville (1 hour 10 minutes) with Cambodia Angkor Air.
SPEEDBOAT FROM SIHANOUKVILLE PORT TO KOH RONG
5 corporations run common speedboat journeys from Sihanoukville Autonomous Port to 3 totally different seashores on Koh Rong Island: Koh Contact, Lengthy Set Seaside, and Sok San Village (Lengthy Seaside).
Timing – The boats run from about 8 am, to between 3 pm and 5 pm relying in your vacation spot.
Value – Tickets are $14-17 a technique or $25-$30 return. It’s worthwhile to ebook a ticket to a particular seashore, so ensure you know essentially the most handy pier for the place you might be staying.
Journey Time – The boats will cease wherever individuals have booked tickets for. The journey takes between 40 minutes and 1 hour 20 minutes relying on whether or not you’re the first or final cease. In case you purchase a return, it’s good to let the ferry firm know what time you need to return the day earlier than you permit.
Bookings – Ebook on-line prematurely, particularly in peak season. We used GTVC, it had the most effective scores, simple on-line reserving, and the service was good. Nevertheless, its arrival instances have been a bit optimistic, so permit additional time for any connections on the best way again.
GETTING BETWEEN KOH RONG & KOH RONG SANLOEM
You may get between Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem by way of longtail boats. There are usually 2 companies day by day. They depart from Koh Contact and Lengthy Set Seaside on Koh Rong, and cease at M’Pai or Saracen Bay on Koh Rong Sanloem. Journey time is about 60 to 90 minutes and the fee is about $14 per particular person.
ACCOMMODATION BOOKING TIPS
Rooms are pricier in the event that they overlook the seashore and lodging is costliest in December & January. Here’s a tough estimation of what you would anticipate to pay:
- Price range – $ – as much as $30
- Midmarket – $$ – $30 to $75
- Upmarket – $$$ – $75 to $200
- Luxurious – $$$$ – $200 plus
When reserving, ensure you know in case your room comes with air-conditioning and/or mosquito nets. With a lot of bugs and night-time temperatures round 25°C, they’ll make sleeping a lot simpler.
If you’re staying for greater than 3 or 4 days, it’s price splitting your lodging and staying at a few totally different seashores.
Alternatively, you would spend 3 days on Koh Rong after which jump over to equally gorgeous Koh Rong Samloem and keep just a few days there.
WHERE TO STAY IN KOH RONG
Lovely seashores are dotted across the coast of Koh Rong. Every seashore has a special vibe attracting a special crowd with totally different ranges of lodging.
Now we have a quick description of every under together with our suggestions for the most effective locations to remain, and a tough indication of the worth.
1. KOH TOUCH
Koh Contact is the principle city on Koh Rong Island. The road alongside the entrance, ranging from the pier is back-to-back hostels, bars, tour suppliers and eating places.
A white sand seashore stretches from the pier north for about 1 kilometre. It may be slightly soiled close to the village and locals usually experience their motorbikes throughout the sand, so it’s not essentially the most stress-free place to hang around.
However slightly additional alongside the seashore, away from the city, it begins to get extra mellow. Stroll across the headland to Treehouses for essentially the most stress-free stretch of seashore.
From Koh Contact it’s simple to rent a scooter to succeed in Lengthy Seaside (quarter-hour) or stroll alongside the seashore by means of the jungle to Lengthy Set Seaside (45 minutes).
Within the night, music from hole-in-the wall bars goes head-to-head with DJs on the seashore. It’s not as wild because it was just a few years in the past, however if you’re on the lookout for finances lodging the place you can also make new associates and get together, then Koh Contact is the place for you.
GETTING THERE
All the principle ferry corporations run boats to Koh Contact. The pier is on the southern finish of the seashore, proper in entrance of the village.
KOH TOUCH ACCOMMODATION
SWEET JUNGLE BUNGALOWS ($)
On the sting of Koh Contact Village however nonetheless quiet, these bungalows overlook both the jungle or the seashore. They arrive with a balcony and a few hammocks. That is a particularly budget-friendly method to keep on Koh Rong.
TREEHOUSE BUNGALOWS ($$)
Simply around the headland from Koh Contact seashore, you get all the advantages of the close by village whereas sleeping in peace and quiet. These picturesque bungalows are constructed on stilts overlooking the ocean and include their very own strip of seashore with first rate snorkelling.
2. LONG SET (4K) BEACH
Lengthy Set Seaside (also called 4k Seaside) is an extended stretch of lovely white sand lapped by clear turquoise water. The western finish of the seashore is populated by a collection of bars that again onto a lagoon. The bars don’t take care of the seashore, so numerous garbage can pile up.
The japanese finish of the seashore is beautiful with a sweeping arc of sand backed by jungle. There’s a mixture of hostels and accommodations offering a spread of choices for various budgets. Resort workers rake and clear up the seashore each morning, so by round 7.30am the seashore is sort of pristine (though trash can drift again in through the day).
The hostels and accommodations every serve their very own meals, providing a wide range of choices to eat alongside the seashore.
Lengthy Set Seaside is the place to come back for a basic stress-free seashore, with just a few several types of eating places and bars to select from within the night.
GETTING THERE
All the principle ferry corporations run boats to Lengthy Set Seaside. The pier is within the centre of the seashore.
LONG SET (4K) BEACH ACCOMMODATION
NEST BEACH CLUB ($)
Close to the southern finish of Lengthy Set Seaside, Nest Seaside Membership is a blended dormitory hostel recognized for its Saturday night time Nestival get together. It has a cool vibe with its personal seashore, and it’s an excellent place to fulfill different individuals. Some company have complained that the loos might do with a clear and an improve.
MAD MONKEY KOH RONG ($/$$)
With a selection of dormitories or non-public rooms, Mad Monkey has an excellent location on the centre of Lengthy Set Seaside. Tables and hammocks line the ocean entrance, and there are books and video games obtainable for company. It’s obtained a vibe within the night that retains individuals hanging round.
BEACHWALK KOH RONG ($$$)
Positioned on essentially the most stunning a part of the seashore, BeachWalk Koh Rong is the most effective upmarket place to remain on Lengthy Set. The big plot of land means the bungalows are nicely unfold and the seashore entrance loungers are spaced out properly beneath the palm timber. There’s a big pool and the meals on the restaurant is a reduce above.
3. PAGODA BEACH
Pagoda Seaside is, in our opinion, essentially the most stunning seashore on the island. Delicate white sand is lapped by clear water and the entire seashore feels secluded with no large ferry corporations stopping.
The seashore is backed by a number of upmarket resorts with their entrances down a gravel monitor from the again, retaining the entrance peaceable and quiet.
The resorts additionally take nice care to maintain the realm freed from garbage and the seashore is raked each morning.
There are not any native bars or eating places, however the resort eating places serve non-guests, so there are 5 or 6 locations to eat within the night. Scooters might be employed to discover the island through the day.
Pagoda Seaside is the most effective place on Koh Rong for a romantic escape on a shocking seashore.
GETTING THERE
The Pagoda Pace Ferry, operated by the resorts, leaves day by day at 1:30 pm from Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. The direct journey prices $40 return and takes 40 minutes.
If the timing of the day by day Pagoda Pace Ferry is just not handy, take the common speedboat to Lengthy Set Seaside and organize pick-up out of your resort ($5 per particular person).
PAGODA BEACH ACCOMMODATION
THE SECRET GARDEN KOH RONG ($$$)
An ideal selection on this gorgeous seashore. It has superbly appointed rooms in a well-maintained 4-star lodge with glorious workers. All rooms include a terrace and most have ocean views. It’s the sister lodge of BeachWalk on Lengthy Set.
YOU & ME RESORT ($$$)
One other nice 4-star lodge on a main a part of the seashore. It has clear and spacious rooms with two beautiful swimming pools and a jacuzzi. The workers are pleasant and may help with boat journeys or transport throughout the island.
4. PALM BEACH & SONG SAA ISLAND
Palm Seaside and Track Saa Island are reverse one another divided by a slim strip of water.
Track Saa is a tiny non-public island, the place villas are perched on stilts above the water, related by picket walkways. It’s Cambodia’s model of the Maldives and comes with an analogous price ticket. There’s a tiny white sand seashore at one finish of the island with snorkelling, sea kayaking and yoga actions on provide. It’s the place to remain if you’re after a slice of personal luxurious.
Palm Seaside and Naroth Seaside are reverse Track Saa on predominant Koh Rong Island. These two seashores are only a 5-minute stroll aside and are very secluded. Nobody else comes right here so that you’ll have the seashores virtually solely to your self.
The draw back is you’re a little confined to the resort within the night, so don’t anticipate any nightlife. It’s not as stunning as Pagoda seashore, however it’s less expensive and nonetheless extremely stress-free.
GETTING THERE
Palm Seaside Resort run their personal boat. It leaves day by day at 2 pm from the Royal Pier in Sihanoukville and prices about $25 return. If the timing of the boat is just not handy, take the speedboat to Lengthy Set Seaside and organize pick-up.
Track Saa Personal Island consists of speedboat transfers in its costs.
PALM BEACH & SONG SAA ISLAND ACCOMMODATION
NAROTH BEACH BUNGALOW ($$)
Naroth Seaside has properly appointed, snug bungalows proper on the seashore. Free snorkelling and kayaks are offered, and the pleasant house owners meticulously clear the seashore each morning.
SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND ($$$$)
Track Saa villas are both positioned over the water or on the sting of the island. Commonplace charges embody speedboat transfers from Sihanoukville, breakfast, snorkelling gear, SUP, kayaks and hobie sailboats. In addition they provide all-inclusive charges.
5. PREK SVAY VILLAGE
Constructed alongside a river inlet within the far north of Koh Rong, Prek Svay is a tiny fishing village. There are not any nice seashores right here, however it’s a beautiful riverside location beside a mangrove forest. It’s an excellent place to calm down in guesthouses and take kayaks out to discover the river.
Lodging, perched on stilts above the river, is primary however good. The village is distant, however scooters might be rented to get to different seashores, just like the great Lonely Seaside (see under).
HOW TO GET THERE
There’s an area village provide boat that goes from Pier 52 at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port to Prek Svay Village pier. Tickets value $7.50 every manner for foreigners and the journey takes 2.5 to three hours. In any other case, you may get a tuk-tuk from Palm Seaside or Lengthy Set Seaside.
PREK SVAY VILLAGE ACCOMMODATION
LILY’S RIVERHOUSE ($)
Lily’s is a beautiful little guesthouse perched above a quiet stretch of river, simply inland from the ocean. Kayaks might be employed to move up and down the river or you’ll be able to simply calm down of their rustic outside house.
FIREFLY GUESTHOUSE ($)
Firefly has dorms and primary non-public rooms excessive up on stilts the place the river meets the ocean. It’s a beautiful spot to observe life on the water and within the village go by. Dawn adopted by a swim is the right method to begin the day.
6. LONELY BEACH
Lonely Seaside is a well-named seashore within the far north of the island. It’s a 4-kilometre bike experience down a dust monitor adopted by a 1.5-kilometre stroll (and even trickier bike experience) alongside a slim sandy path.
With no resorts or main improvement, Lonely Seaside is a slice of golden sand that’s virtually solely untouched. The seashores are backed by a rocky cliff and lined with swaying palms. It’s an idyllic and tranquil setting.
It makes a wonderful day journey (by scooter) from different elements of the island, however it’s potential to remain right here. The rooms could also be primary however it’s a real distant expertise. Within the night, when the day trippers have left, you’ll be able to swim out to the bioluminescent plankton that glow within the sea.
GETTING THERE
Lonely Seaside is just not the best place to get to, however that’s a part of its magnificence. Get the Palm Seaside boat, then rent a scooter or get a tuk-tuk to move down the sandy monitor in the direction of the seashore. The final 1.5 kilometres is slim, so it’s possible you’ll need to park on the little parking station at the beginning of the monitor and hike in.
LONELY BEACH ACCOMMODATION
LONELY BEACH ($)
Fundamental solar-powered bungalows tucked into the forest behind the seashore. Hammocks, bucket showers and no wi-fi add to the primitive life-style. The onsite restaurant serves a mixture of Asian and western meals.
7. LONG (SOK SAN) BEACH
One of many few seashores on the western aspect of the island, Lengthy Seaside (or Sok San Seaside) is 7 kilometres of dazzling white sand. Watch the color drain from the blue-green as you get pleasure from among the finest sunsets on the island.
On the northern finish lies Sok San Village, a small neighborhood of fishermen residing in tightly packed homes with conventional picket boats moored exterior. The village has a few eating places, shops, and a laundry. It’s a great little slice of Cambodian life on an in any other case tourist-focused island.
Lengthy Seaside begins proper subsequent to the village. A few boutique resorts personal the prime spot with quick access to the village and the seashore. These resorts are glorious locations to remain on Koh Rong.
The seashore is basically undeveloped nonetheless just a few resorts (various in high quality) have popped up. The additional south you go the extra distant it will get and the extra you might be confined to your lodging. Outdoors the resorts the seashore can get slightly soiled with trash, however contained in the workers make a whole lot of effort to maintain it clear.
Together with Pagoda Seaside, Lengthy Seaside is among the greatest seashores on the island. Even for those who don’t keep right here, come for a cocktail at Lengthy Set Seaside resort and watch the dying embers of the solar glint off the waves.
GETTING THERE
GTVC runs a number of journeys day by day from Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. Lengthy Set Seaside Resort additionally runs its personal boat. The seashore is lengthy, so if you’re not staying close to Sok San Village it’s possible you’ll want a tuk-tuk to take you to your resort.
LONG (SOK SAN) BEACH ACCOMMODATION
WHITE SAND ARK RESORT ($$)
Excellently positioned on the northern finish of the seashore, this can be a excellent spot to remain to get a mixture of stress-free on the seashore and having fun with life in a Cambodian village.
GOLDEN BEACH RESORT ($$/$$$)
Additionally excellently positioned proper subsequent to White Sand Ark Resort. The bungalows overlook a fairly swimming pool with sweeping ocean views behind. The seashore is pristine, there’s a health club, spa, and dawn yoga.
THE ROYAL SANDS KOH RONG ($$$$)
The choose of the resorts on the southern finish of Lengthy Seaside, these luxurious villas overlook miles and miles of white sand. All villas have an outside lounge space, and a few include their very own non-public pool. The draw back is you might be primarily confined to the resort within the night.
KOH RONG MAP
Now we have marked the seashores and our really helpful locations to remain on the map under. They’re colour-coded that can assist you get your bearings.
- Koh Contact Seaside – pink
- Lengthy Set Seaside – blue
- Pagoda Seaside – orange
- Palm Seaside & Track Saa Island – gray
- Prek Svay Village – purple
- Lonely Seaside – inexperienced
- Lengthy (Sok San) Seaside – brown
Easy methods to use this map / Click on on the highest left of the map to show the listing of places, then click on on the places to show additional info. Click on on the highest proper nook of the map to open a bigger model in a brand new tab or the star to avoid wasting to your Google Maps.
GETTING AROUND KOH RONG
Seaside holidays are sometimes about lazing within the resort, however one of many joys of Koh Rong is the totally different seashores you’ll be able to go to. A large paved highway connects most of the greatest seashores on the island in addition to just a few minor sights.
There are only a few autos on the highway and hiring a scooter for the day (about $10 per day) is an effective way to discover. If a scooter doesn’t attraction highway buggies and tuk-tuks are additionally obtainable.
Shuttle Boats plough the waters across the island. There are normally one or two a day connecting Koh Contact with Sok San Seaside and Village. Alternatively, you’ll be able to rent a non-public longtail boat to take you wherever you need.
THINGS TO DO ON KOH RONG
Whilst you is likely to be completely satisfied to simply laze on the seashore, there are just a few different actions that the majority hostels, guesthouses and seashore resorts can organise for you.
Snorkelling – There’s some first rate snorkelling across the island. Common half day journeys run on transformed fishing boats. One of the vital standard is Koh Contact to Lengthy Seaside (and again) stopping for snorkelling and swimming.
Diving – There are two diving operators on Koh Rong. Khmer Dive Group are on Lengthy Set Seaside and Koh Rong Dive Centre is predicated in Koh Contact.
Bioluminescent Plankton – One of the vital standard journeys is to move out to sea simply after nightfall and watch the bioluminescent plankton flip the ocean an eerie inexperienced.
Scooter Day Journey – Rent a scooter (about $10 per day) and discover the island making stops at Lengthy Set Seaside, Pagoda Seaside, Mangrove Boardwalk, Lonely Seaside (requires 4 km off highway and a 1.5 km hike), Sok San Village, and finish with sundown drinks on the Lengthy Seaside Resort. It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to experience from one finish of the island to the opposite, however visiting all these locations is a good day trip.
Water Sports activities – Many resorts and guesthouses have kayaks and SUPs you can both use at no cost or hire. Head out within the morning when it’s cooler and normally calmer.
