Koh Rong Travel Guide

Koh Rong is Cambodia’s second-largest island and the one most visitors encounter first. It sits in the Gulf of Thailand about 25 kilometers from Sihanoukville and has spent the past decade transitioning from a near-deserted backpacker island into a destination with a genuine range of accommodation and activities. That transition is still in progress, which makes 2026 a good time to go: the infrastructure is solid enough to be comfortable, but the island is nowhere near as developed or crowded as Phuket or the Thai gulf islands.

This guide focuses on what Koh Rong actually offers in practical terms: how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and when to go.

Where Is Koh Rong?

• Location: Gulf of Thailand, 25 km from Sihanoukville, Cambodia
• Size: 78 km² (Cambodia’s second-largest island)
• Main settlement: Koh Tuch village (eastern coast), where most ferries arrive
• Currency: US dollars and Cambodian riel both accepted
• Best for: Beach holidays, snorkeling, diving, bioluminescent plankton experiences

Koh Rong is an island in Preah Sihanouk province, Cambodia. The island has no large-scale resort development in the way that Koh Samui or Phuket do. Most accommodation is mid-range to budget, concentrated on the eastern coast near Koh Tuch and on Long Beach on the western side. The interior is a forested national park.

How to Get to Koh Rong

The only way to reach Koh Rong is by boat from Sihanoukville.

Ferry services: Several operators run daily ferries between Sihanoukville’s passenger port and Koh Tuch village. The crossing takes 45 minutes to 1 hour on a fast ferry. Buva Sea and Speed Ferry Cambodia are the most established operators. Tickets are around $10 to $15 each way and should be booked in advance during peak season (November to April).

Getting to Sihanoukville first: Sihanoukville has an international airport (KOS) with direct flights from several Chinese cities and Bangkok. Alternatively, buses from Phnom Penh take about 4 hours, and from Bangkok around 8 to 10 hours via the Thai-Cambodian border.

>>> IDC Travel can arrange Cambodia tour packages that include Koh Rong alongside Sihanoukville, Phnom Penh, or Siem Reap.

Best Time to Visit Koh Rong

November to April is the dry season and the best time to visit. The sea is calm, visibility for snorkeling and diving is at its best, and the beaches are genuinely idyllic. December to February is the peak period and hotels fill up quickly.

May to October is the rainy season. The sea can be rough and some ferry services are reduced or suspended during heavy weather. The island is quiet and prices drop significantly, but you are taking a risk on weather, especially in September and October.

One specific reason to visit at night: bioluminescent plankton. Koh Rong has some of the most reliable bioluminescence in Southeast Asia. After dark, particularly in sheltered bays, the water glows blue when disturbed. It is best seen during the dry season months, on nights without a full moon. Several guesthouses organize boat trips specifically for this.

Top Things to Do in Koh Rong

1. Long Beach (Koh Rong Beach)

The 7-kilometer white sand beach on the western coast is what most photographs of Koh Rong show. It is accessed either by a 20-minute jungle walk from Koh Tuch or by a short boat trip. There is minimal development here: a handful of bungalow operations, no roads, no motorized transport. It is quiet in a way that is increasingly rare on Southeast Asian islands.

2. Snorkeling and Diving

The coral reefs around Koh Rong’s southern tip and around the nearby smaller island of Koh Rong Sanloem (separate island, worth a day trip) offer good snorkeling for beginners and intermediate divers. Several dive shops operate out of Koh Tuch offering PADI courses and guided reef dives.

3. 4K Beach

A lesser-visited beach on the northern coast, 4K Beach (named after the 4-kilometer jungle trail to reach it) rewards the effort with a stretch of sand that is almost always empty. The trail is manageable for reasonably fit walkers but involves some uneven ground; wear proper shoes.

4. Village Life at Koh Tuch

The fishing village at the ferry landing has grown considerably with tourism but retains a working character. The morning fish market near the pier is worth seeing, and the restaurants along the beach road serve fresh catch at prices significantly lower than Sihanoukville.

5. Koh Rong Food and Drink

Seafood is the main event. Grilled barracuda, squid, and prawns ordered by weight at the beach restaurants near the pier are the standard evening meal. Several restaurants also serve Khmer curry dishes, fried rice, and backpacker-oriented Western food.

Drinking water on the island is expensive relative to the mainland. Bring a refillable bottle and use the filtration stations available at most guesthouses.

Koh Rong Travel Tips

• Book ferry tickets and accommodation well in advance for December to February. The island fills up.
• There are no ATMs on most of the island outside Koh Tuch. Bring enough USD cash before you leave Sihanoukville.
• Electricity on the island runs on generators in most areas outside Koh Tuch, typically from 6pm to midnight. Plan accordingly for phone charging.
• Sandflies (no-see-ums) are a real problem on some beaches at dusk. A DEET-based repellent is essential.
• The sea is safe for swimming in the dry season but treat jellyfish warnings seriously. Ask at your guesthouse before swimming in unfamiliar bays.
• Respect the national park regulations. The interior forest is protected and entering it without a licensed guide is not permitted.

Visit Koh Rong with IDC Travel

Koh Rong fits well into a wider Cambodia itinerary, paired with Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Our Cambodia tours include island transfers, accommodation, and guided experiences throughout the country. Contact our team to include Koh Rong in your itinerary.