Koh Rong, Cambodia: travel guide
Island of white-sand beaches and glowing night waters off Sihanoukville
Cambodia's famous backpacker-and-beach island off Sihanoukville, with white sand, snorkelling and bioluminescent plankton.
About Koh Rong
Koh Rong is an island off the coast near Sihanoukville, known for long white beaches, clear water and a laid-back backpacker atmosphere. Most boats arrive at Koh Touch, the main village, from where tracks and boats lead to quieter coves.
Long Set Beach, also called 4K Beach, is a long stretch of sand with calm swimming, while Sok San Beach and Lonely Beach offer different moods. Snorkelling and diving are popular, and after dark the water can glow with bioluminescent plankton on the right nights.
Koh Rong suits beach lovers and groups of friends who want simple bungalows and barefoot days rather than city comforts. The drier months from November to April are the best time to visit Koh Rong for calm seas.
- Country
- Cambodia
- Currency
- KHR
- Time zone
- Asia/Phnom_Penh
- Nearest airport
- KOS
- Typical trip
- 3-4 days
Last updated
Top places to visit in Koh Rong
Koh Rong Sanloem Lighthouse
landmark · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Hilltop lighthouse on Sanloem reached by a jungle trail from Saracen Bay.
Lazy Beach (Koh Rong Sanloem)
beach · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Idyllic west-facing beach famed for sunsets, on Koh Rong Sanloem.
Lonely Beach
beach · 4.6 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Remote far-north beach with great snorkelling and a single eco-resort.
Palm Beach
beach · 4.1 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Quiet boutique-resort beach between Koh Touch and Long Set.
M'Pai Bay (Koh Rong Sanloem)
village · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Laid-back fishing-village hamlet on northern Sanloem, popular with backpackers.
Koh Touch Beach
beach · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The main pier village beach, the island's budget-and-party hub.
Sok San Beach (Long Beach)
beach · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
7 km of near-empty white sand on the island's west side.
Sunset Beach (Koh Rong Sanloem)
beach · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Tiny boulder-strewn cove on Sanloem with the best sunset on the islands.
Coconut Beach
beach · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Quiet palm-backed beach near Koh Touch with mellow bungalows.
Clearwater Bay Dive Site
marine · 4.1 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Sheltered bay with coral and clear water, a top island snorkel-and-dive spot.
Saracen Bay (Koh Rong Sanloem)
beach · 4.0 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Crescent of turquoise water and resorts on neighbouring Koh Rong Sanloem.
Long Set Beach (4K Beach)
beach · 4.8 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Long sweep of squeaky white sand, the island's most beautiful main beach.
Things to do
- Bioluminescent Plankton Night Swim Adventure · 2 h · from KHR 42,400 per person
- Koh Rong Island-Hopping Snorkel Tour Nature · 6 h · from KHR 76,400 per person
- Koh Rong Sanloem Day Trip Nature · 6 h · from KHR 76,400 per person
- Sunset & Fishing Boat Trip Sightseeing · 3 h · from KHR 50,900 per person
- PADI Discover Scuba Diving Adventure · 5 h · from KHR 127,000 per person
- Long Set Beach Day & Jungle Walk Adventure · 3 h · from KHR 25,500 per person
- Sunset Beach (Sanloem) Sunset Tour Sightseeing · 2.5 h · from KHR 34,000 per person
- Stand-Up Paddleboard & Kayak Hire Adventure · 2 h · from KHR 29,700 per person
Day trips and tours
- Koh Rong Island Snorkel & Beach Hop 8 h · from KHR 176,000
- Bioluminescent Night Swim & Sunset Fishing 5 h · from KHR 123,000
- Koh Rong Samloem Day — Saracen Bay & Lazy Beach 9 h · from KHR 141,000
Where to stay in Koh Rong
- Koh Touch Village & Police Beach about KHR 20 per night
The main hub of Koh Rong — ferry pier, beach bars, budget bungalows, and hostels. Police Beach is the party strip. Best for backpackers wanting nightlife, easy connections, and dive shops on the doorstep.
- Long Set / 4K Beach about KHR 70 per night
A short jungle walk or 5-min boat ride north of Koh Touch. Pristine white sand, crystal water, and only a handful of boutique resorts. Same island, entirely different atmosphere — perfect for beach purists.
- Koh Rong Samloem — Saracen Bay & Lazy Beach about KHR 100 per night
The quieter sister island. Saracen Bay has calm turquoise water and mid-range eco-resorts. Lazy Beach faces west for legendary sunsets. No motorised vehicles; absolute peace. A separate speedboat from Sihanoukville or…
Hotels
- Song Saa Private Island 5-star · USD 800 to USD 2,500 per night
- The Royal Sands Koh Rong 5-star · USD 150 to USD 400 per night
- Lazy Beach Resort 3-star · USD 70 to USD 170 per night
- The Sanctuary Villa Koh Rong Samloem 4-star · USD 90 to USD 220 per night
- Vagabonds Hostel 2-star · USD 8 to USD 30 per night
- Lonely Beach 2-star · USD 40 to USD 110 per night
Where to eat
- The Lighthouse Restaurant Cambodian, International, Seafood · about USD 9 per person
- Family Seafood BBQ Seafood, Cambodian · about USD 8 per person
- White Rose Restaurant Cambodian · about USD 4 per person
- Nest Beach Club International, Bar · about USD 10 per person
- Coco Loco Bar & Grill International, Bar · about USD 9 per person
- Vagabonds Restaurant International, Cambodian · about USD 6 per person
- Sweet Dreams Restaurant Cambodian, International · about USD 7 per person
- EYST Restaurant Cambodian, International · about USD 6 per person
Getting to Koh Rong
Nearest airport: Sihanoukville (KOS), about 46 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
How visitors arrive in Koh Rong
- Fast boat from Sihanoukville to Koh Touch By ferry from Sihanoukville · common · unconfirmed
Boats from Sihanoukville (often Serendipity Beach pier) run by operators such as Speedferry Cambodia, Sea Cambodia and Buva Sea; slower boats also exist. Source: tourismcambodia.com
From the port to the centre
- Boat to other beaches or resorts unconfirmed
Not every ferry lands at the same pier; confirm your resort's landing point as some beaches need a further boat. Source: tourismcambodia.com
Getting around
- Bicycle
- Boat
Boats and speed ferries run to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville, and local boats can be hired to travel between beaches around the island.
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Boat Fare Inflation at Koh Touch Pier
Main pier and speedboat landing area, Koh Touch
Operators quote new arrivals 2–3× the going rate. No meters exist and fares are fully negotiated. Tourists who don't know prices pay significantly more.
How to avoid it: Ask your guesthouse for current standard fares before heading to the pier. Quote the local rate politely — another operator will usually accept if the first refuses.
Unofficial Island-Tour Guides at the Pier
Koh Touch pier and beachfront
Unlicensed individuals offer island-hopping and snorkel tours. They take cash upfront then deliver a poor experience, use unsafe boats, or fail to show up.
How to avoid it: Book all island tours through your accommodation or established operators with recognisable signage and life-jacket-equipped vessels.
Unattended Valuables on the Beach
Police Beach and Koh Touch beachfront
Belongings left on towels while owners swim are occasionally taken in peak season when the beach is crowded.
How to avoid it: Use your accommodation's safe for valuables. Swim in pairs so one person can watch belongings. Take only what you need to the beach.
Best time to visit Koh Rong
- Jan 28°C
- Feb 28°C
- Mar 29°C
- Apr 29°C
- May 33°C · calm
- Jun 31°C · moderate
- Jul 31°C · moderate
- Aug 31°C · moderate
- Sep 30°C · moderate
- Oct 31°C · calm
- Nov 29°C
- Dec 28°C
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Frequently asked questions about Koh Rong
- How many days do you need in Koh Rong?
- A typical trip to Koh Rong is 3-4 days.
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Koh Rong?
- The highest-rated places in our Koh Rong guide are Long Set Beach (4K Beach), Sunset Beach (Koh Rong Sanloem), Lazy Beach (Koh Rong Sanloem), Lonely Beach, M'Pai Bay (Koh Rong Sanloem).
- Where should I stay in Koh Rong?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Koh Rong: Koh Touch Village & Police Beach, Long Set / 4K Beach, Koh Rong Samloem — Saracen Bay & Lazy Beach.
- How do I get around Koh Rong?
- Ways to get around Koh Rong covered in our guide: Bicycle, Boat, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Koh Rong?
- Scams reported to us for Koh Rong include Boat Fare Inflation at Koh Touch Pier; Unofficial Island-Tour Guides at the Pier; Unattended Valuables on the Beach. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Koh Rong?
- Average daytime highs in Koh Rong run from 28°C in Jan to 33°C in May.
- Which airport is nearest to Koh Rong?
- The nearest airport to Koh Rong has the code KOS.