Koh Rong, the heavenly beach of Cambodia, is the gathering place of primitive beaches with crystal water and white sand. Whether you enjoy lively parties, quiet relaxation, or exploration amidst nature, Koh Rong has something to make all your wishes come true! This article provides the top 9 best beaches on Koh Rong and a comprehensive guide for first-timers. Let’s find out!
An Overview of Koh Rong
If you are looking for a beach heaven which remains intact, then consider visiting Koh Rong, the stunning island off the coast of Cambodia. About 45 minutes by high-speed train from Sihanoukville, Koh Rong welcomes you with its smooth white beaches, emerald green waters, and a peaceful exotic atmosphere.
The uniqueness of Koh Rong lies not only in its picturesque scenery but also in the experiences that are not to be missed: strolling along Long Beach, diving to admire corals, or kayaking to explore mangroves. At night, you will see a bridge floating phenomenon; the entire ocean shines like stars, breathtakingly beautiful!
Furthermore, despite its booming tourism industry, Koh Rong still maintains its idyllic beauty and friendly nature. Budget homestays and upscale vacation spots are both available here. If you enjoy the sea, tranquillity, and adventure, Koh Rong is a place you should visit at least once in your lifetime!
Koh Rong
When is the best time to visit Koh Rong?
To admire the beauty of Koh Rong, you should visit it at the right time. The best time to visit Koh Rong is from November to May, when the island switches to the dry season, which brings stunning sunshine, quiet beaches, and perfectly blue skies. This is the ideal time for participating in outdoor activities such as swimming, coral diving, or tropical forest exploration, as unexpected downpours are less likely to occur. If you’re seeking a long day of relaxation on Koh Rong, this is the perfect time for you. The months of December through February offer the best weather conditions on the island, with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall.
However, exploring the island becomes more challenging during the rainy season, which begins in June and continues until October, due to the increased wetness and regular downpours. Nonetheless, this is still a viable choice to think about if you like a quiet setting and would want to avoid large groups of people.
Top 9 Best Beaches on Koh Rong
Lonely Beach
Located in the remote northern part of Koh Rong Island, Lonely Beach is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquillity and unspoiled beauty. The fine white sandy beach stretches; the crystal clear seawater and lush coconut trees create a rare peaceful environment. Especially at night, you can experience the phenomenon of plankton glowing, making the ocean shine like a starry sky.
Spending time on Koh Rong is truly a temporary escape because the resort here adopts an ecological mode, using solar energy and without WiFi, allowing visitors to completely stay away from daily life. You can relax on the hammock, enjoy fresh seafood, or participate in activities such as coral diving and exploring the rainforest.
Lonely Beach
Lazy Beach
If you are searching for a place to “disconnect” and enjoy tranquillity amidst intact nature, Lazy Beach, which is listed in the “Top 21 Beaches in the World” by National Geographic, is truly a worthwhile place. Nestled on the western side of the island, this beach features fine golden sand, clear blue water, and pristine natural scenery. Lazy Beach Resort is the only resort on the island, with simple wooden bungalows and no WiFi connection, allowing guests to be completely separate from modern life. You can relax in a hammock, enjoy fresh seafood, or participate in activities like snorkelling and exploring the rainforest. Does it sound like your dream beach holiday?
Lazy Beach
Long Set Beach (4K Beach)
One of Koh Rong Island’s most favourable beaches, Long Set Beach, also known as 4K Beach, will captivate you instantly! The beach is renowned for its smooth sandy stretch of nearly 4km, gently winding beside the crystal water. Each step feels like a touch of peace and relaxation. Imagine walking along the beach, listening to the waves breathe, quietly watching the coconuts swing in the wind, and feeling all your fatigue and stress seem to be swept away.
In the morning, the sea sparkles under the bright yellow sunlight. In the afternoon, the sunset here covers the sea with a gentle layer of orange-pink—a scene that evokes a sense of tranquilly and reflection. Do you feel like you need a place like that to “recharge your batteries”? Long Beach might be the perfect stop for you.
Long Set Beach (4K Beach)
>>> Summer is approaching and you are finding a summer escape destination? Visit our Luxury Beach Vacation in Cambodia 8 Days for more information.
Saracen Bay
Saracen Bay, on the east side of Koh Rong Samloem, is a beautiful beach easily reachable without too much traffic. The white sand beach covers more than 2.5 km of the bay, boasting perfect natural surroundings and crystal water. This crescent-shaped beach is fit for swimming, but it’s also perfect for kayaking, snorkelling, and sunrise viewing. Especially at night, the phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton triggers the sea to shine like a starry sky. Saracen Bay is not only a resort; it is also an experience of slow living, immersing yourself in nature and finding balance in life.
Saracen Bay
Koh Touch
If you love a bustling atmosphere, lots of activities and easy connection with people, then Koh Touch is your beach! Koh Touch is located near the main dock of Koh Rong Island, with convenient transportation and the most vibrant centre of the island. The beaches here have smooth white sandy beaches and clear blue seawater, always crowded with tourists, especially young people and backpackers. There are a series of bars, restaurants, hotels, and nightlife activities on the beach. Although not as primitive as other beaches, Koh Touch has its own charm – young, energetic, and never boring. This is an ideal place to start exploring Koh Rong or enjoy a few days of fun on the blue beach.
Koh Touch
Sok San
Sok San is located on the west side of Koh Rong Island. Although several tourist areas have emerged, this place still retains a very unique natural beauty. The beach stretches, the white sand is as smooth as powder, the seawater is clear, and the bottom is visible. Every afternoon, the sunset here dyes a corner of the sky orange, so beautiful that many tourists say they only need that moment to fall in love with this palace.
Another special feature of Sok San is the nearby fishing village with the same name. There, you can meet friendly locals, enjoy fresh seafood, and feel the slow and uncrowded pace of life. Many tourists said that they want to stay longer because Sok San is not only a beach; it’s also a part of the soul of Koh Rong Island.
Sok San
Sunset Beach
Want to travel like a local? Just find the way to Sunset Beach! Located on the west side of Koh Rong Island, Sunset Beach is an intact, peaceful and less-known beach. To get there, you have to walk about 30-45 minutes through the Saracen Bay Forest. You might think it’s a bit complicated, but the result will be totally worth it! The beach is over 500 metres long, with fine golden sand, clear blue water and pristine natural scenery creating a wonderful relaxing space.
Sunset Beach is famous for its beautiful sunsets. Bright orange paints the sky red as the sun sets and reflects it onto the sea, so producing a romantic and serene scene. Many visitors even claim that this sunset location is the most beautiful one they have ever seen. Besides, this is also a perfect spot for swimming, diving in coral, and beach leisure. Sunset Beach is the perfect place for people who want peace and leisure in the natural surroundings since of its fresh air and natural beauty.
Sunset Beach
White Beach
Located right near the main Koh Touch area on Koh Rong Island, White Beach is an ideal stop for those who want to enjoy the tropical beauty while still maintaining a bit of privacy and quiet. As the name suggests, White Beach is famous for its smooth white sandy beaches that extend beneath green coconut trees. The clear seawater is very blue, and you can see schools of small fish swimming between comfort and relaxation. You can spend a whole day sunbathing, reading in the whisper of the waves, or strolling along the coast, enjoying the sunset behind the distant mountains. The white beach is not too noisy nor too quiet, just enough to fully experience the primitive beauty while discovering yourself living in nature.
White Beach
Coconut Beach
Nestled in the southeast of Koh Rong Island, Coconut Beach is one of the small but charming islands. The name “Coconut” is not accidental – it’s because along the coastline, there are towering coconut rows, casting shadows on smooth white beaches and clear blue waters. No noise, no crowd; this beach is an ideal place for you to relax in a hammock, hear the sound of the waves and let the sea breeze blow away all your troubles.
Coconut Beach has several small resorts, some beautiful seaside villas and friendly local restaurants serving delicious seafood. The biggest advantage is that you can easily dive near the coast; corals and fish of all colours appear under your feet. If you are looking for a place that combines experience and relaxation, Coconut Beach is definitely a place worth staying.
Coconut Beach
How to choose the right beach to visit?
After getting to know the top 9 best beaches on Koh Rong, you might feel a bit overwhelmed deciding which beach to visit. Selecting a beach that fits your vibe is essential for first-timers and has a big impact on the entire experience. Therefore, to find which beach suits your vibe, please continue reading this part.
- Consider the central area of Koh Rong (near Koh Touch) or Saracen Bay on Koh Rong Samloem Island if you enjoy a lively atmosphere. There are many resorts, restaurants and tourist activities in these places – suitable for young people or families who like convenience and communication.
- On the contrary, if you are looking for a quiet place to relax, read a book, or just listen to the waves and breathe fresh air, then Lazy Beach, Coconut Beach, and White Beach are ideal choices. These beaches are sparsely populated, and the landscape is still primitive, giving people a relaxed feeling, which is the essence of “escaping from the world”.
- For those who like exploring and intact nature, you can try Sok San Beach or Lonely Beach. Although this road may be far away or a little difficult to reach, it adds a sense of vastness, tranquillity and adventure.
- Finally, if you are a sunset lover and like a leisurely seaside afternoon, Sunset Beach and Long Beach are two sites that should not be missed. The sunshine here is so beautiful that time seems to have stopped.
Which beach on Koh Rong matches your vibe
>>> Beside stunning beaches, there are so many fascinating activities awaiting you in Cambodia. If you are planning a family trip, please visit this article to creat an unforgettable holiday.
How to get to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville
By speedboat
To reach Koh Rong Island, you’ll need to take a ferry or speedboat from Sihanoukville. There are no bridges or flights to the island; therefore, the only way is by boat. Most boats now depart from the Autonomous Port of Sihanoukville, so it’s a beneficial idea to arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. The most popular option is the speed ferry, which takes around 30 to 45 minutes, with a ticket costing around $14 one-way or $25 round-trip.
By slow boat or private charter
If you are on a tighter budget, you can take a slow boat, which takes around 2 to 2.5 hours and costs only about $5 one way. Locals typically use these boats, which may not have a fixed schedule. For more flexibility or if you’re travelling with a group, you can charter a private boat. These usually cost between $100 and $150 round-trip, depending on the size and destination.
How to get to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville
Helpful Tips for First-Timers
Visiting Koh Rong Island for the first time? You will definitely feel eager and nervous at the same time. The island boasts several coastal charms, including white sand, blue water, rainforest, and the slow pace of coastal life. However, Koh Rong is still intact and wild; it means that your planning process needs more consideration. Below are some helpful tips for first-timers to this stunning island.
- Bring cash: Since Koh Rong has no ATM and most restaurants and resorts do not accept credit cards, visitors should bring cash. USD is widely used; therefore, you can exchange before transferring to the island.
- Choose the reputable shipping company: It takes about 45 minutes by high-speed train from Sihanoukville to the island. There are many ferries to ensure safe, punctual and more comfortable travel.
- Get ready for a “slow life” without Wi-Fi: Not all beaches on the island have strong Wi-Fi, especially quiet places like Coconut Beach or Lonely Beach. Instead of worrying, see it as an opportunity to disconnect and enjoy nature.
- Don’t forget insect repellent and personal medication: Some areas on the island are quite crowded and prone to mosquitoes or insects, especially at night. In addition, pharmacies on the island are very limited, so you should bring necessary medications for abdominal pain, allergies, or personal treatment.
- Experience glowing plankton: As night falls, some beaches on Koh Rong miraculously show glowing plankton, like thousands of stars in the water. Ask residents or staff about the best time and place to watch them.
- Respect the local nature and culture: Koh Rong is still very primitive, so leave nothing but footprints. Clean up your garbage, don’t make noise at night, and be friendly to people; you will receive smiles and sincere hospitality.
Glowing plankton on Koh Rong when night falls
In conclusion, Koh Rong has something for you, whether you are a beach lover or looking for a quiet place to “disconnect”. Each beach here has its charm, making people easily get lost and want to spend more time to indulge in this atmosphere. We hope this list of the 9 best beaches on Koh Rong can help you find an ideal stop to explore this beautiful island. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us; our experts are willing to help at any time!
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I’m heading to Koh Rong next month! This guide is so helpful, but I’m curious — if you had to pick just one beach to spend the entire day at, which one would it be? I’m looking for a mix of good swimming and a bit of shade.
That’s awesome! You’re going to love Koh Rong! If we had to pick just one beach to spend the entire day at, it would definitely be Long Set Beach. It’s got the perfect mix of clear, calm waters for swimming and plenty of palm trees for shade when you need a break from the sun. Plus, the sand is soft, and there are a few cozy beach bars where you can grab a cold drink. It’s a great spot to relax without feeling too isolated!
Enjoy your trip, and feel free to reach out if you need more tips!
Best regards,
IDC Travel Team