Koh Rong, Cambodia, The dream Island You Didn’t Know You Needed

Sunset in Koh Rong, one of the most fabulous sunset in Cambodia. Sok San Beach.

Koh Rong is one of the most popular dream islands in Cambodia for backpackers and budget travelers. With white-sand beaches, jungle paths, cheap beers, quiet fishing villages, beach parties, and incredible sunsets, Koh Rong offers the perfect mix between adventure, relaxation, and island life.

Whether you are traveling on a budget, looking for nightlife, or simply want to disconnect for a few days, this guide covers everything you need to know about Koh Rong: what to do, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get there from Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Battambang.

📍 Where is Koh Rong?

Koh Rong is an island located off the coast of Sihanoukville, in southern Cambodia. The island is about 45 minutes by speedboat from the mainland.

Nearby, you will also find Koh Rong Samloem, a quieter and more peaceful island, known for its calm beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Many travelers choose to visit both Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem during the same trip.

🚐 How to Get to Koh Rong (Easy and Budget-Friendly)

Good news: at THE PLACE HOSTELS, we sell combo tickets (bus + boat + return boat ticket). No stress, no scams.

From Phnom Penh

• 🚌 Bus/van to Sihanoukville: ~5–6 hours

• 🚤 Speedboat to Koh Rong: ~45 minutes

• 💰 Combo ticket available at our reception

From Siem Reap

• 🚌 Overnight or daytime bus to Sihanoukville: ~10–12 hours

• 🚤 Boat to Koh Rong

• 💡 Overnight bus = save money + time

From Battambang

• 🚌 Bus to Phnom Penh ~5 hours → Sihanoukville ~3 hours

• 🚤 Boat to Koh Rong

• We’ll help you plan the smoothest option

👉 Just ask at reception, we help travelers choose the smoothest route to Koh Rong.

🏖️ Best Areas to Stay on Koh Rong, CAMBODIA Choose Your DREAM ISLAND Vibe

🎉 Koh Touch – Party and Backpacker Energy

Koh Touch is the main backpacker area on Koh Rong.

• Beach bars and nightlife

• Fire shows and cheap drinks

• Social hostels and late nights Perfect if you are looking for parties, meeting people, and budget accommodation.

🌿 Long Set Beach – Balance

Long Set Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Rong.

• White sand and clear water

• Calmer nights than Koh Touch

• Great for swimming and sunsets Ideal for travelers who want comfort and relaxation without being isolated.

🏝️ Sok San Beach – Quiet and Wide Open

• Long and wide sandy beaches

• Fewer tourists

• Peaceful atmosphere Best for travelers who want to disconnect and enjoy nature.

Evening atmosphere on Koh Rong island, near the Village.

🛏️ Where to Stay ON KOH RONG (Budget to Comfort)

💸 Budget Travelers

• Dorms & bungalows in Koh Touch

• Cheap, social, basic but fun

• Expect sand everywhere, island life 😌

🌊 Mid-range

• Bungalows on Long Set Beach

• Private rooms, sea views, good value

🧘 Calm AND Comfort

• Eco-lodges or beach resorts

• More expensive, but worth it if you want peace

🍜 Where to Eat IN KOH RONG (Local, Cheap and Good)

Most cheap and local food options are located in Koh Touch village.

• Khmer food, BBQ fish, amok, fried rice

• Western food is available but usually more expensive

• Beachfront BBQ at night is highly recommended

💡 Bring cash — ATMs on Koh Rong are limited and unreliable.

🛵 Getting Around Koh Rong Island

You can rent a scooter on Koh Rong, but be careful:

• Roads are sandy, muddy and uneven

• Only rent a scooter if you are confident

• Price: 5–8 USD per day

• Helmet is essential

Other ways to get around:

• Walking through jungle paths

• Boat taxis between beaches

🌊 Things to Do on Koh Rong

✨ Bioluminescent Plankton Tour

One of the best experiences on Koh Rong.

• Night boat trip

• Swim in glowing water

• Best during dark, moonless nights

  A must-do activity on the island.

🤿 Snorkeling on Koh Rong

• Coral and tropical fish around rocky areas

• Not world-class, but still enjoyable

• Snorkeling tours available from Koh Touch

🏝️ Beach Hopping

Popular beaches include:

• Long Set Beach

• Coconut Beach

• Sok San Beach

• Sunset Beach

  Each beach has a different vibe and atmosphere.

🎉 Party Scene

• Beach bars in Koh Touch

• Fire shows, DJs, and cheap cocktails

• Easy to party hard, or leave early

🌅 Relax and Do Nothing

• Hammock time

• Swimming and naps

• True island lifestyle

Beach hoping on Koh Rong, you can travel by scooter around the island. Coconut Beach.

🌴 Koh Rong Samloem: Is It Worth Visiting?

Yes, absolutely. Koh Rong Samloem is much quieter than Koh Rong and perfect for relaxation.

Highlights of Koh Rong Samloem

• Saracen Bay: crystal-clear water

• Lazy Beach: jungle setting and sunsets

• No parties, no loud nightlife

How to Get to Koh Rong Samloem

• Speedboat from Sihanoukville

• Or boat transfer from Koh Rong

💡 Many travelers visit Koh Rong first, then Koh Rong Samloem for a perfect balance.

💡 Practical Travel Tips for Koh Rong

• 🏧 Bring enough cash (USD preferred)

• ⚡ Electricity may be limited at night

• 📶 Wi-Fi is slow in many areas

• 🧴 Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are essential; you can find them in some shops

• 🌱 Help keep the island clean. Plastic waste is a real issue

🌊 Final Thoughts

Koh Rong is not a luxury island, and that’s exactly why people love it. It is raw, social, beautiful, peaceful, and fun, all at the same time.

If you come with the right mindset, Koh Rong will easily become one of your favorite places in Cambodia.

📍 Need transport tickets or travel advice? Ask us at The Place Hostels, we help you arrange buses, boats, and island tips so you can focus on enjoying Koh Rong.

See you on the sand 🏝️