Koh Rong is not expensive compared to many other parts of South East Asia. If you are travelling on a budget you can easily afford the trip to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem. Lets break down the costs of getting to Koh Rong, average accommodation costs and the price of food & excursions.
Ferry Costs
The average price for a ferry to Koh Rong costs is $25 for a return ticket. If you pay one way, the price is the same on most occasions, so if you have an open travel schedule, we suggest getting the one way ticket as this allows you flexibility on when are where you leave from. You can usually buy a ferry ticket from the main piers on the same day you want to leave, but in peak season, buying a ticket the day before is advisable.
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation costs on Koh Rong obviously depends on your criteria and budget, but for the budget minded travelers, you can stay for as low as $5 per night in a dorm in low season to $10 a night in peak season. Low season and peak seasons are very different and in in peak season accommodation on the island is usually at full capacity, which reflects on price.
If we look at the average couple travelling to Koh Rong for a romantic trip away, if you budget between $20 – $45 a night dependent on time of year, you will be in the ball park. You can get a nice bungalow on the beach in Long Set and other areas in that price range. If you want a 5 star hotel, the sky is the limit from a private pool villa at The Royal Sands or Song Saa Private Island. Koh Rong offers a variety of hotels & guesthouses and if you are travelling in leak season (November to March), we suggest booking in advance.
Restaurant Prices
Basic restaurant prices on the islands are around $3-$6 a plate in most areas, Fine dining at the resorts are obviously more and offer a wider range of choices and service. Many of the hotels, hostels & guesthouses have their own restaurants and offer a mix of western and Khmer food at reasonable costs. It might be a little more expensive than mainland Cambodia but keep in mind that all of the food on Koh Rong comes by boat daily and that has an added cost to the restaurants.
Excursions & Tours
Touring around Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem is relatively cheap and many boat trips are around $10 or day of snorkeling including lunch at between $10 – $20 depending on time of year and your location. If you would like to rent a motorbike on the islands prices range from around $10 – $15 a day which to many travelers seems a little expensive, but remember that all bike parts have to come by boat and many tourists go off road and their is more wear and tear on the bikes.
Summary
For the budget traveler, if you budget between $25 – $30 a day for a dorm room and eating at many of the mid range restaurants this is very achievable. If you like a few drinks and a night out, this also very inexpensive as local beer prices are around $1 a bottle and happy hours usually around 75 cents for a draft beer.
For the couple looking for a few days away staying in a bungalow on the beach, eating locally in the varied restaurants and go on a tour or two, this is very achievable around $100 a day. Is Koh Rong Expensive? We think not, and hope to see you on the island soon.