Koh Rong, Cambodia: Where It Is, When to Go, and What to See

Koh Rong Island is located in the Gulf of Thailand, in Cambodia. Completely untouched until 2008, the year the first tourist activities opened, it has now become the perfect destination for both young people seeking fun and couples longing for relaxation and solitude. Here are some useful tips on how and when to visit this small and still very wild island.

Travel Smart: Useful Information about Cambodia

Population 14,952,665
Capital Phnom Penh
Languages Khmer
Local Currency Riel (KHR) (€1.00 = 4,601.87 Cambodian riel)
Climate The climate is tropical monsoon. Hot and humid with heavy rains from August to October and more moderate temperatures from November to March. The average daytime temperature is 30 degrees Celsius and remains fairly constant throughout the year.
Vaccinations The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for those coming from countries at risk of disease transmission or who have stayed for more than 12 hours in the airport of a risk country. Here are the maps of risk countries in America and Africa.
Entry Requirements Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country. An entry visa is necessary and is issued by Cambodian diplomatic and consular representations abroad, or it can also be obtained for short tourist stays at land borders or upon arrival at international airports. The fee for a tourist visa (Type "T") is about 30 U.S. dollars (€30.00), lasts for 30 days, and can only be renewed for another month. It is advised to bring two passport-sized photos with a white background for requesting a visa at the border; otherwise, an additional fee will be applied. The tourist visa can also be requested online at www.evisa.gov.kh. This process requires both the scanning of the photos and the passport. Payment is made via credit card. The procedure takes three days.
Distance from the United States 9,271 km (19-30 hours of flight)

Where is it and how to get there

Koh Rong is the second largest island in Cambodia, and is a relatively new municipality, founded only in 2000, and part of Sihanoukville Province. It is less than 1 hour from Sihanouk and is connected by boats that operate between 6 AM and 4 PM. It is about 250 km in a straight line from the capital, Phnom Penh, and the journey takes about 6-7 hours by land.

The main airport is Sihanoukville Airport, also known as Kaong Kang Airport - KOS. From here, you need to reach the port, which is about a 40-minute drive, and board a boat to Koh Rong. The main airlines covering this route from major US cities like New York and Los Angeles are Emirates, Cambodia Angkor Air, British Airways, and Air France. There are no direct flights, and every option requires two layovers, which can vary from 4 to 12 hours: therefore, travel time can reach up to 30 hours. Depending on the chosen airline, layover airports may change, but the itinerary common to most airlines includes a stop in Paris - Charles de Gaulle Airport, and then in Vietnam - Tan Son Nhat - which is 1h 15 min from the destination. Compare Flights

When to Go? Info on Climate and Best Time

Climate tropical, with a rainy season from May to mid-November, and a dry season from mid-November to April, with the first part being the coolest time of the year, while the second, which includes the months from mid-February to May, is the hottest. The daytime temperature begins to rise slightly in January, peaking in April at an average of 35°C (with highs of 40°C), before dropping to about 32/33°C during the rainy months.
Best Time to Visit from December to mid-February, the driest and sunniest period, ideal for swimming.
Times to Avoid during the typhoon season, which runs from June to early December. Generally, the most at-risk period is from mid-October to mid-November, with the highest concentration at the beginning of November.
Advice Lightweight natural fiber clothing, comfortable shoes, and scarves are recommended year-round, useful for evening breezes or entering religious sites where overly revealing clothes are not permitted. From December to March, a light jacket is advised for the evenings, while during the rainy season, a light raincoat or umbrella. It is highly recommended to take out travel insurance, covering medical expenses and potential repatriation or transfer of the patient. It is further advised not to drink tap water and to avoid drinks with ice unless from places that guarantee adequate hygiene conditions. It is also recommended not to buy or drink locally produced wine.

What to See and Do: Beaches and Points of Interest

1 - Koh Toch

Koh Toch is the main village on the island, equipped with the most tourist services, including restaurants, accommodations, currency exchange, and shops. Moreover, it is here that the vibrant nightlife of the island concentrates, helped by the very low prices. The Koh Toch beach is the most beautiful and famous location in the area and offers a stunning view of an islet located a short distance from the coast, which it gets its name from. Get Directions

2 - Long Set Beach (4K Beach)

Located about a 45-minute walk from Koh Toch along the eastern coast, Long Set Beach is four kilometers long and offers tourists a calmer setting compared to Koh Toch, and still "wild" in some areas. It is, in fact, a beautiful beach framed by palm trees and golden sand. The turquoise and calm waters invite swimming and snorkeling, and the tranquil and relaxing atmosphere makes it ideal for a tropical getaway. Nearby, there are several welcoming resorts offering comfort. Get Directions

3 - Chhner Daung Beach

Chhner Daung Beach, whose name means coconut palm beach, is a sandy shore with a gentle slope. Facing east, towards the island of Koh Rong Sanloem and Sihanouk, it is located near the small traditional fishing village of Daem Thkov. We recommend seizing the opportunity to visit this village, and then enjoy some relaxation on the beach. Get Directions

4 - Preak Svay

Preak Svay is a small village located at the northern end of Koh Rong, and is likely one of the most characteristic places on the entire island. Built entirely on water, visiting the village allows you to immerse yourself in the lives of the island's inhabitants. Enjoy a walk along the canals, stop to taste local specialties in one of the small restaurants, and observe how daily life unfolds in the locale. Get Directions

5 - Soksan Bay

Soksan Bay, on the western side of the island, hosts the longest beach on the island, known to locals as the "seven kilometers beach." This area is famous for the colorful water games, mainly visible at sunset, and for the wonderful seabeds suitable for snorkeling. Here you can relax on the golden beach under the sun's rays, take a swim, or enjoy a walk along the shore. There are also several resorts and small restaurants in the area. Get Directions

6 - Koh Rong Samloem

Koh Rong Samloem is an island located about 45 minutes from Koh Rong and is reached by boat. The island is particularly recommended for snorkeling lovers for its vibrant nightlife, but also for couples in search of intimacy and romance. The unique feature of the island? Its bay is heart-shaped. Get Directions

7 - Lazy Beach (Koh Rong Sanloem)

Lazy Beach is a small unspoiled beach immersed in nature, which is reached after a 20-minute walk through the jungle, during which you may also encounter various monkey species. Upon arriving at the bay, you can relax on the beach, admire the landscape, and enjoy all the tranquility this beach offers. There is also a restaurant on-site, so you can spend the whole day here. Get Directions

1-Day Itinerary

Koh Toch Get Directions / Visit Duration: 2 hours
Long Set Beach (4K Beach) To reach this stop: 30 minutes on foot (Get Directions) / Visit Duration: 3 hours
Lazy Beach (Koh Rong Sanloem) To reach this stop: 20 minutes by boat (Get Directions) / Visit Duration: 2 hours

3-Day Itinerary

In 3 days you can have a more in-depth and relaxed visit of the island.

Day 1

Koh Toch Get Directions / Visit Duration: 2 hours
Long Set Beach (4K Beach) To reach this stop: 30 minutes on foot (Get Directions) / Visit Duration: 3 hours
Preak Svay To reach this stop: 45 minutes by taxi boat(Get Directions) / Visit Duration: 2 hours

Day 2

Soksan Bay Get Directions / Visit Duration: 6 hours

Day 3

Koh Rong Sanloem Get Directions / Visit Duration: 6 hours

How Much Does a Vacation in Koh Rong Cost? Prices, Offers, and Tips

Accommodation prices in Koh Rong range from €6.00 for hostels to €107.00 per night in a five-star hotel. The average cost of a three-course meal for 2 people is €17.00 in a mid-range restaurant. From Koh Rong, it is possible to move to nearby islands by ferry.

Where to Stay Hotels and B&Bs starting from €9.00 per room - check offers
Low-Cost Flights starting from €883.00 - check offers
Dining Costs a three-course meal for 2 people costs €17.00 in a mid-range restaurant
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