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14 Best Things To Do Koh Rong!

Koh Rong Activities Full Guide

Is Koh Rong worth visiting? Well, it has crystal clear waters and the whitest-sugar-sand I have ever seen. You have got to see this tropical island before tourism ruins it! This is why I have created this list of the best things to do Koh Rong, Cambodia. Such as visiting the amazing paradise island of Koh Rong Samloem or staying in the Koh Rong bungalows!

So is Koh Rong worth visiting? Without a doubt, yes! The Koh Rong island is without a doubt the number one place to visit in Cambodia, a tropical located in the Sihanoukville Province of Cambodia. It has unbelievable, pearling white beaches that are surrounded by stunning coconut palm trees and the most crystal clear water you will ever see. You have to visit this island before tourism takes over! Koh Rong is

We visited the Koh Rong island in the so-called rainy season of late July and in 6 days we had one spell of 10 minutes rain. We enjoyed some great activities, sunsets and met some amazing people. This post will take you through everything you need to know for a visit to the Koh Rong Island.

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The amazing views on Koh Rong

Is Koh Rong Expensive?

The island is not expensive at all and to be fair it’s cheap for a lot of things. However, it’s more expensive than mainland Cambodia.

Cocktails and other higher-end drinks are more expensive as you could imagine. But you can still get local food at a low cost and you can get a meal for around $2.

If you’re looking to stay on Koh Rong, you can get a room for less than $10 a night.

Is there ATMs on Koh Rong?

No there is no ATMs on the island, however, you can get money out from the Eftpos terminals that are available in the main part of the island.

How to get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong

Unless you can parachute out of a private plane, the only way to get to Koh Rong is via a boat. Furthermore, you will need to get a boat from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong. There are plenty of places to book a boat ticket from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong. The boat ride Sihanoukville to Koh Rong is a mega little adventure, you will get to see a more tropical side to Cambodia. There’s some cool little Cambodian islands to see along the way. However, be prepared for a bit of bumpy ride, the water can get a little choppy and you expect some mini nosedives with the boat. All part of the fun I guess.

Getting to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville is pretty easy, here is the step-by-step guide for getting there.

  • Take the fast boat from Sihanoukville | Serendipity Beach Pier
  • Your boat ride will take about 40 minutes which is by the fast boat
  • Times of boat ride | 8:30 am, back 9:30 am
  • 11:00 am, back 12:00 pm.
  • 3:00 pm, back 4:00 pm.
  • Cost $22 return (You can use this anytime within a month) | $15 one way
  • The boat will drop you off at the main pier on the Koh Rong island

You can book a cheap ticket from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong here

Also check out this guide on where to stay in Sihanoukville if you’re planning on staying there overnight!

How to get from Koh Rong to Koh Rong Samloem

Throughout the day there are numerous boats that leave Koh Rong fro Koh Rong Samloem. There are two types of boat you can choose from. The first boat is the regular one and will only cost you $5 and the second one is the speed ferry which will cost you $11. Furthermore, the crossing between the two islands will take around 25 mins for the fast ferry and 60 minutes for the regular boat. Also, if you bought a return ticket from Sihanoukville you can use it on either islands.

KOH RONG TO KOH RONG SAMLOEM You can book a ferry ticket from Koh Rong to Samloem here

Make sure to check the Koh Rong Samloem weather to see if you can have an awesome day on the beach.

If you’re looking for accommodation on Koh Rong Samloem, then you need to check out the Koh Rong Mad Monkey which is probably best places to stay on the island!

Koh Rong Samloem vs Koh Rong

Koh Rong Samloem is a very laid-back and peaceful island within nothing much there other than beaches and culture. However, Koh Rong is a backpacker’s paradise and you won’t have to search far for the famous Koh Rong parties! Which is why many young backpackers jump at the chance for a Koh Rong holiday

How to get from Siem Reap To Koh Rong?

You will have two options to get from Siem Reap to Koh Rong. You can either book a flight from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville or get the bus.

#Bus

You first option is to get the bus from Siem Reap to SihanoukvilleYour bus will take around 15-hours and I know this is a long time! You can get an overnight sleeper bus if the day journey is not for you.

Also, you should know that the bus will stop in Phnom Penh and then carry on from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville.

How much is the bus from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville?

The full bus journey will only cost around $15. Make sure you have $4/5 for snacks a long the way.

#Flight

If you’re looking for Koh Rong flights, you should know that you can’t actually fly to Koh Rong as there is no airport. You will have to fly from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville

Then you will have to get the ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong.

How much are the flights to Sihanoukville?

Flights will cost you around $60 which is a low price to be fair.

Best things to do on Koh Rong

There is not many things to do on the Koh Rong island, it is more a place to relax, take in the epic views and dip in and out of the clear watered sea. However, there is a couple of things you can try to keep you entertained if you start to get bored.

#1 koh Rong plankton tour

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Koh Rong is the plankton tour. This is where you will take a boat tour from Koh Rong and head out into the night to see the plankton light up in the dark.

Now, here is my recommendation, make sure you pay the bit extra and book onto a good boat tour from Koh Rong. The cheap ones are terrible, believe me! How much is the plankton tour? You will pay around ($15 – $20) and this will include a full day in the boat, drinks and food.

Alternatively, you can visit these beaches to see the glowing plankton;

  1. Long Set Beach
  2. Lonely Beach
  3. Coconut Beach

plankton boat tour in Koh rong

You can book your plankton boat tour in the Koh Rong town centre and from most hotels.

Cost: The price of the Koh Rong plankton tour is ($15 – $2o)

You can book the plankton tour here

#2 Try diving with the Koh Rong dive center

If you like diving, you have come to the perfect island! Koh Rong offers awesome dive experience in the form of both fun dives and PADI training courses! Diving is cheap in Koh Rong and definitely one to check out. However, the visibility in the water is not 100%, but it’s better at certain times of the year.

Where is the Koh Rong dive centre? The Koh Rong dive centre can be found at the beach on the ferry pier.

Cost: $40 – $70 (1-3 fun dives) – $350+ (Open Water Certificate)

koh rong diving prices, reef dive resort, koh rong, koh rong samloem dive center, the dive shop cambodia

#3 High Line Zip Wire

The Koh Rong zip wire is the most adventurous thing to do on the Koh Rong island. It will cost you $30 and you will spend your time laughing whilst making your way through the trees via zip lines and other obstacles lines. You can think of yourself as Tarzan.

To get to the Koh Rong zip-line adventure, you just need to head towards Police beach and you will see a small opening into the forest! There are signs showing where it is and all the locals will be able to point you in the right direction.

Cost: $20 low season and roughly $30 high season

#4 Kayak to Koh Toch Island

Koh Toch island is the awesome litlle island you can see from Koh Rong’s beaches. It’s a small island and is home to monks, praying areas and a circular track. It will take you around 20-30 minutes to kayak from Koh Rong to Koh Toch island, also make sure the sea isn’t rough 🙂

Renting a kayak on the Koh Rong island is a sweet way to spend your day There are plenty of places dotted around the island that you can rent a kayak from and the cost is $7 for half a day or $12 for a full day. Kayaking is a great way to make your way around the shores of Koh Rong and see some of the corals around Koh Rong.

Personally I recommend half a day as this is plenty of time to see the best things. Most beaches on Koh Rong provide Kayak rental, but they don’t really budge on price so you will mostly likely have to pay what they are offering.

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Kayaking on Koh Rong

Cost: $7 for half a day, $12 per day

#5 Spend your day sun-bathing and sea dipping on the Koh Rong island 

The waters are crystal clear and the sands are pearling white. Take full advantage of this unbelievable scenery by spending your day catching sun rays and swimming in these divine waters. I did get the snorkel out, however there is only certain points around the island that is good for snorkelling. Anyway, I have never seen waters like this and you have to see it to appreciate it.

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Amazing travel photography on Koh Rong

#6 Snorkelling in Koh Rong 

As I just mentioned there is some great places on the island for seeing some cool unique fish and it won’t cost you a penny. The best place for snorkelling is the piers past the 4K beach. Furthermore, there is snorkelling trips that will take you to snorkel points around the island. However, be careful if you do go on one of these as I had a shocking experience. We thought we was going on an epic snorkel tour, but it turned it to be primarily a booze cruise! Just find out exactly what you paying for.Koh Rong worth visiting pier

Cost: You can rent equipment for $3

#7 Dance the night away at Nestival

The Nest on Koh Rong is a popular place to stay for travellers and backpackers. The nest is know for a lively and cool atmosphere and is also owned by an English manager, so I think the backpackers enjoy knowing this. The Nest throws a crazy party once a week called Nestival, which start around 2pm and can go on till 4am (crazy, imagine the hangover after that). The daytime partying is more beer games and music. Then, at night is when they crank the music up and everybody goes wild. However, this party is not for the light drinkers so be warned 🙂

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Koh Rong palm trees

#8 Koh Rong beaches

There is some amazing beaches on Koh Rong and to be fair some of them are the best I have seen in Southeast Asia. The beaches have pearling white sands, crystal-clear waters and awesome beach bars so you can enjoy a cocktail in the sun.

All the beaches on Koh Rong are fairly accessible and quite easy to get too. Unless your staying on one of the hotels on the beaches and you have to drag a suitcase across the sands (There isn’t really any roads on  Koh Rong). Anyway let’s have a look at some of the best beaches on Koh Rong;

One of the best ones to visit is Lonely beach which is to the north of Koh Rong. Many tourists say Lonely Beach is the best on the island. I’ll let you decide that one.

How to get to 4k beach from the central pier?

4k beach is probably the best beach on Koh Rong and it is blessed with white sand, amazing clear water and a tranquil atmosphere. We spent the day here just relaxing and swimming in the crystal-clear sea. It’s crazy how quiet it is, there will be times when you have Koh Rong’s best beach to yourself. There aren’t loads of beaches on Koh Rong and this one is definitely the best of the bunch. However, there isn’t much around such as restaurants, bars and shops. You can find the odd shak that sells smoothies and coconuts. The best place to eat on 4k beach is at the Reef on the beach hostel, as they sell great food and at cheap prices.

There are two ways to get to 4k beach, either boat taxi or walk. We walked because it is just over a mile and you get to discover some of the island’s jungle and beaches. Furthermore, the walk will take you about 25/30  minutes so be ready to get hot and sweaty. The boat taxi prices differ so get your bartering skills ready and get the price lower.

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Koh Rong 4k beach

You may like 14 epic things to do on the Gili islands

#9 Koh Rong party

If you didn’t already know, the parties on Koh Rong are a big thing! You can dance the night away at one of the popular parties such as the Friday night event at Jungle bar.

Don’t worry if parties are not your jam you can avoid them!

If I can give you any tips, it’s to stay safe and don’t drink too much. Also, if you’re travelling to Koh Rong alone you should ask some of the other guys in you hostel on Koh Rong if they would like to go with you to the party (obviously if they look trustworthy!).

friday night dance event at jungle bar koh rong island

#10 Visit Koh Rong Saloem

If you’re backpacking and you have some time on your hands, then you should visit the Koh Rong Saloem island as it’s only 4km away from the Koh Rong island.

You can easily jump on the ferry across.

This island is very reserved and doesn’t have many luxuries, for example, the electric. Yes, electric gets turned off at times to preserve it. No WIFI for you lol. Don’t worry just do an overnight stay on Koh Rong Saloem to experience a truly unique backpacking adventure!

Here is a few of the best things to do on Koh Rong Saloem;

  • Snorkelling on Koh Rong Saloem
  • Go diving
  • Hire a kayak
  • Explore by bike
  • Trek through the jungle

You can also check out the Koh Rong Saloem lazy beach or there’s also a plankton tour for you to day.

#11 See Thansur Island

Also known as the secret Gili beach, Thansur Island is a stunning part of the Koh Rong Island.

It’s not easily accessible but it’s definitely worth the visit!

So, what’s the easiest way to get to one of the best beaches on Koh Rong? Well, you should get the boat to the beach. You can pay for a boat ride to Thansur Island for around $5-$10.

This amazing place is fringed by tropical waters and crystal-clear water. Not to mention the white sands!

No backpacking trip or Koh Rong holiday package is complete without visiting Thansur island!

#12 Kaoh Bek Chheb

Why not visit the amazing Kaoh Bek Chheb river to fill your camera with some epic photography!

This is an awesome part of the island of Koh Rong and as you can tell by now in this post, this island really is paradise!

If you want to see Kaoh Bek Chheb, then you should ask the locals and they will be able to give you advise. Some of the boats will take you there, but you will have to arrange a boat ride etc.

koh rong, Kaoh Bek Chheb

#13 Get a Boat ride to Pineapple island

If you have some time to play around with, why not visit the amazing Pineapple island.

You will have to book a boat ride to the island if you’re thinking of going.

Where is the Pineapple island to Koh Rong?

The island is in between Koh Rong and Boutim Sakor National Park.

Pineapple island, koh rong, koh rong to Pineapple island

#14 Visit Olga’s Jungle Zoo

This is a very unique activity to do on Koh Rong and one many tourist tend to skip! You will get to explore this oasis of tropical animals, lush plants and singing birds. This awesome experience is a great way to pass a few hours and enjoy what some people refer to as “the best thing to do on Koh Rong”.

Olga’s Jungle Zoo was created by a Russian lady that wanted to create her own piece of paradise on the Koh Rong island. And this is exactly what she has done! You will most likely get to meet here whilst you’re there and get to learn about why and how she built this zoo on Koh Rong.

Cost: It’s just$5 including tea/coffee and a tour, bargain.

Where is the Koh Rong island Cambodia?

Located in Koh Kong Province about 25 kilometres off the Sihanoukville’s coast in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Rong can seem a little of the typical path of a backpacker, this is why you’re wondering if Koh Rong worth visiting. I had the same thought, my path was to visit Phnom Penh first and then to travel to Siem Reap to see the famous temples. However, it is definitely worth making the trip south to see this amazing island. You may feel like it’s out of the way but you should take a few days out of your journey to get here.

We decided to travel from Phnom penh, to Koh Rong, to Siem Reap and then made our way to Ho Chi Minh city. If it wasn’t for discovering koh Rong, our visit to Cambodia would been a bit of a let-down. Therefore, if you want to see one of the most tropical and best islands in Asia, then you should amek your way to visit Koh Rong.

The island has 43 km of beaches epic beaches.

You may like Cheapest things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Check out the exact location of Koh Rong on the Google Map below;

Best place to stay in Koh Rong?

There’s some really cool accommodation for you to stay at and the Koh Rong bungalows on the beach are amazing.

Let’s have a look at some of the best places to stay.

Reef On The Beach Bungalows | Cost | $3 a night

Reef on the beach is one of the cheapest of the available accommodation on Koh Rong. It is an amazing price for the location. Furthermore, for the $3 a night you get your own bungalow on the beach and you will more or less get the beach to yourself as it is very quite. Also, there is things happening every day for the guests, such as BBQs, quiz nights and game nights.

This accommodation on Koh Rong is probably more suited to backpackers, as it seems the type of place where everyone likes a beer and a party. So if you’re looking for a place to stay on Koh Rong for maybe a honeymoon or a relaxing holiday, then I would probably look for somewhere to stay on the island. Although, this accommodation is probably one of the located hostels on Koh Rong. You will be staying more-or-less on the beach and the beach is stunning and very quiet. There is also plenty of places to hire Kayaks to enjoy some water-fun.

Koh Rong worth visiting accommodation
Best place to stay on Koh Rong

Sok San Beach Bungalows is situated on Koh Rong Island.  Some rooms include a seating area and guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Every room includes a private bathroom fitted with a shower. Furthermore, there is plenty to do on you stay at the bungalows such as hiking, fishing and snorkelling. This is one of the places you must stay at on your visit to the Koh Rong island.

Tips and what to know for visiting Koh Rong in Cambodia

  • SNAKES – The island is known for having snakes that are poisonous, BUT don’t worry there are very unlikely to come near you and you will only mostly likely see one in the jungle. They don’t usually come to the beaches and everyone I spoke to said they hadn’t seen one. One thing I would say is if you are trekking at night just be careful making your way through the jungle.
  • Prices on Koh Rong – Koh Rong is obviously a remote island, therefore you can expect the prices to be a little higher than on mainland Cambodia. So if you are visiting Koh Rong for a couple of days, then I would take essentials that you might need from Cambodia mainland. A list of essentials you might need; Razors, sunblock, deodorant, snacks and whatever other bits you can think off. TOP TIP – Some of the restaurants on Koh Rong provide a free drink with your meal, this will save you money.
  • Koh Rong worth visiting sunset
    Koh Rong amazing sunset

So is Koh Rong worth a visiting in Cambodia?

My visit to the Koh Rong island has been one of the most memorable places and experiences so far. You get a place of absolute paradise for a quarter of what you would pay for somewhere like the Maldives. The island of Koh Rong is a hidden gem in Cambodia and if you really want to see this paradise island, I would get there before tourism ruins it over the not so distant future. Nevertheless, nothing will take anything away from the best place to visit in Cambodia.

Like I said if I hadn’t visited this amazing island, my visit to Cambodia really wouldn’t have been that great. Phnom Penh is a tourist trap and I definitely recommend not visiting there and the temples in Siem Reap are cool. But, overall Koh Rong was my favourite place in Cambodia and this is why you should know, yes Koh Rong is worth visiting.

Koh Rong worth visiting beaches
Koh Rong relaxing on the beaches

 

Koh Rong worth visiting swimming
Swimming on the epic waters on Koh Rong

Final thoughts

You now have your complete guide of things to do on Koh Rong. Honestly, if you’re unsure whether to visit this island, I couldn’t recommend it any higher! It’s amazing

This was the best place to visit in Cambodia in my eyes.

If you like paradise islands, you’ll love Nusa Penida and Gili Trawangan.

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