Koh Rong, Cambodia: Pristine Beaches and Coral Reefs

Where Seclusion Meets Tropical Bliss

If you’ve been dreaming of a tropical escape where palm-lined beaches stretch endlessly and coral reefs shimmer just beneath the surface, Koh Rong, Cambodia, might be your personal paradise. Tucked away in the Gulf of Thailand, this island offers an alluring mix of secluded tranquillity, vibrant marine life, and laid-back charm that still feels like a secret waiting to be discovered.

In a region where many islands have been transformed by overdevelopment, Koh Rong remains refreshingly raw and untouched. With no airport and limited road infrastructure, getting here takes a bit of effort — but the reward? A genuinely unspoiled experience that reconnects you with nature and yourself.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker chasing the best snorkelling destinations or a serenity lover looking for your next secluded island in Asia, this guide will help you uncover Koh Rong’s magic from shore to reef.

An Island Overview: What to Expect in Koh Rong

The Lay of the Land

Koh Rong is Cambodia’s second-largest island, spanning 78 square kilometres of mostly forested interior, with 43 kilometres of coastline graced by over 20 beaches. The island is home to small fishing villages, eco-resorts, and rustic bungalows scattered across its shores.

Unlike Thailand’s more commercialised islands, Koh Rong retains a backpacker-meets-barefoot-luxury vibe, making it ideal for travellers who value nature over nightlife.

Getting There

• From Sihanoukville: Regular ferries (45–60 mins)
• No airport: Travel includes a flight to Sihanoukville, then a ferry
• Two main piers: Koh Touch (the busier area) and Sok San (quieter west coast)

Top Experiences in Koh Rong

1. Snorkelling and Diving: Coral Wonderland

Koh Rong’s surrounding waters offer incredible visibility and biodiversity. While it’s not as famed as the Maldives or Raja Ampat, the coral reefs here are colourful, thriving, and accessible even for beginners.

Top snorkelling spots:

• Lonely Beach – vibrant corals and fewer crowds
• Sok San Bay – gentle waves and calm visibility
• Koh Rong Dive Centre – offers guided snorkelling and diving packages

Marine life you might see:

• Parrotfish
• Clownfish
• Nudibranchs
• Reef sharks (non-threatening!)

2. Bioluminescent Plankton: Nature’s Night-time Magic

One of the island’s most mesmerising experiences is swimming with bioluminescent plankton. On dark nights, the water sparkles as you move, like you’re swimming through stardust.

Best places to see it:

• Lonely Beach
• Coconut Beach

Tips:

• Go with a guide who knows the safest spots
• Avoid full moon nights for best visibility

3. Jungle Trekking

Venture inland for a different side of Koh Rong. Trekking trails lead through dense tropical jungle, home to butterflies, tropical birds, and the occasional monkey.

Trek to try:

• Koh Touch to Long Set Beach (1 hour hike through jungle paths)

Bring:

• Water
• Insect repellent
• A guide if you’re venturing off the main paths

Love natural ecosystems? Don’t miss How to Travel Responsibly in Fragile Ecosystems Across Asia.

4. Relaxing at Secluded Beaches

Koh Rong’s greatest treasure? It’s quiet beaches where time seems to stand still.

Top beaches for solitude:

• Long Set (4K) Beach – soft sand and shallow water
• Palm Beach – remote, pristine, and backed by jungle
• Sok San Beach – relaxed local vibe with homestays

Grab a hammock, sip fresh coconut water, and unwind beneath the swaying palms.

Planning Your Stay

Where to Stay

• Budget: Treehouse Bungalows, Nest Beach Club (Koh Touch)
• Mid-range: White Beach Bungalows, Coconut Blvd
• Eco-luxury: Sok San Beach Resort, Sweet Dreams Samloem

When to Visit

• Best time: November to May (dry season)
• Avoid: June to October (monsoon season brings rough seas)

What to Pack

• Lightweight clothing
• Flip flops & swimwear
• Dry bag for boat transfers
• Basic medical kit

Local Culture & Responsible Travel

Meet the Island Communities

Koh Rong isn’t just for tourists. Several small fishing villages, like Prek Svay and Daem Thkov, dot the coastline. Spending time in these areas offers a real glimpse into local island life.

Try:

• Eating at a local seafood shack
• Buying handmade crafts
• Supporting village-run snorkelling tours

Eco-Tourism Initiatives

Tourism here has had growing pains, but eco-conscious businesses are helping protect the island. From beach clean-up projects to coral reef monitoring, locals and NGOs are working to preserve Koh Rong’s fragile beauty.

Respect the island by:

• Avoiding single-use plastics
• Using reef-safe sunscreen
• Staying in eco-lodges or solar-powered bungalows

Discover another island championing sustainability in Koh Phra Thong, Thailand: Golden Sands and Sea Turtles.

Conclusion: A Rare Island Gem

Koh Rong, Cambodia, is not your average beach getaway. It’s an island where nature still leads, where coral reefs flourish quietly, and where your biggest decision might be choosing between a sunrise snorkel or a hammock nap.

For travellers craving authenticity, serenity, and ocean magic, Koh Rong delivers without fuss. You won’t find luxury malls or flashy parties here, but you will find something much rarer: peace, simplicity, and unforgettable beauty.

Feeling inspired? Share this with your travel crew, drop a comment about your dream beach escape, or start planning your journey to Koh Rong, one of Asia’s last true island paradises.