Things to Do on Koh Rong Island: A Tropical Paradise

Koh Rong, a stunning island nestled off the coast of Cambodia, is a true tropical paradise. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, and diverse marine life, Koh Rong offers a plethora of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, this island has something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll highlight the best things to do on Koh Rong, allowing you to make the most of your time in this breathtaking destination.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Dive into a Marine Wonderland

Immerse yourself in the vibrant underwater world surrounding Koh Rong by indulging in snorkeling or scuba diving. This island is renowned for its exquisite marine life, making it a haven for diving enthusiasts. The Koh Rong Dive Center, located in Koh Touch, and the Khmer Dive Group on Long Set Beach offer exceptional diving experiences. These centers provide guided tours to the best snorkeling spots, where you can witness miniature ecosystems, colorful coral reefs, seahorses, and nudibranchs. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing marine life in these pristine waters. Snorkeling trips typically include fishing, BBQs, and the chance to witness the captivating glowing plankton phenomenon.

For a more exclusive experience, consider hiring a private long boat to explore the northern regions of Koh Rong. These areas boast pristine beaches and superb snorkeling locations. You can even try your hand at local Khmer fishing techniques using basic equipment like a plastic bottle and fishing wire.

Glowing Plankton: A Night Time Spectacle

As the sun sets on Koh Rong, a magical phenomenon occurs – the bioluminescent plankton light up the night. Sparkling like stars in the water, the glowing plankton create a mesmerizing spectacle. To witness this enchanting display, venture to places with minimal light pollution. If you’re staying in Koh Touch, booking a boat tour is the easiest way to experience the glowing plankton. Long Set Beach offers an excellent vantage point to witness the ethereal glow. Boat tours typically cost around $5 and depart at 7pm. Alternatively, you can spot the plankton during a boat trip to explore the island.

Mesmerizing Sunsets: Nature’s Canvas

Koh Rong is blessed with breathtaking sunsets, and there are several spots on the island where you can witness nature’s canvas come alive. The western and northern sides of Koh Rong and its sister island, Koh Rong Samloem, offer the best sunset views. Sok San Beach Resort, The Royal Sands, and Lonely Beach on Koh Rong, as well as M’Pay Bay, Lazy Beach, and Sunset Beach on Koh Rong Samloem, are some of the recommended locations to capture the awe-inspiring sunset moments. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting hues of orange, pink, and purple across the sky, you’ll be captivated by the beauty of this island paradise.

Island Tours: Discover Hidden Gems

Koh Rong is a treasure trove of stunning locations waiting to be explored. Embark on an island tour to discover the hidden gems and experience the true essence of this tropical paradise. These tours offer a full day of adventure, taking you to pristine, untouched beaches, little-known resorts, private islands, and charming fishing villages. Hiring a tour boat is a convenient option, and you can find operators along the beach in Koh Touch. A long boat can accommodate up to 10 people, and the cost for a full day tour is approximately $100. The flexibility of island tours allows you to customize your itinerary, whether you want to visit the best snorkeling spots or explore deserted islands like Pineapple Island.

Jet Skiing: Thrills on the Water

For adrenaline junkies seeking high-speed action, jet skiing is a popular activity on the clear waters of Koh Rong.  Zoom across the waves and feel the rush as you explore the island’s coastline. Prices for jet ski rentals vary depending on the season, with rates typically starting at $100 for an hour of exhilarating fun. However, it’s important to be cautious of snorkelers and divers in the water to ensure everyone’s safety.

Windsurfing: Harness the Island’s Breezes

If you’re in search of windswept adventures, Koh Rong offers excellent conditions for windsurfing. Rong Wind, located at Reef on the Beach on Long Set Beach, provides windsurfing lessons and rentals for both beginners and experts. Feel the thrill as you ride the waves and harness the island’s breezes. Whether you’re a seasoned windsurfer or a novice looking to learn, this exhilarating activity is a fantastic way to embrace the island’s natural elements.

Kayaking: Explore the Calm Waters

On calm days, the tranquil waters surrounding Koh Rong beckon you to embark on a kayaking adventure. Rent a kayak and navigate your way to small islands for snorkeling or explore the mangrove river on Long Set Beach. Kayak rentals are available for approximately $5 per hour or $12 per day. Paddle at your own pace, taking in the scenic beauty of the coastline and immersing yourself in the serenity of the island.

Paddle Boarding: Gentle Adventures on Calm Waters

If you prefer a more relaxed water activity, paddle boarding is the perfect choice. Enjoy the calm waters of Koh Rong as you glide on a paddleboard, taking in the stunning surroundings. Paddle boards are available for rent on Koh Touch, and you can easily find them along the main beach. Embrace the tranquility of the island while engaging in a gentle and enjoyable activity.

Bicycle Rental: Explore the Island at Your Own Pace

The Royal Group has constructed a road connecting the island, making it possible to explore Koh Rong by bicycle. Renting a bicycle offers a fantastic opportunity for a day trip, allowing you to relax on the soft white sandy beaches with few people around. Cruise along the coastline, taking in the scenic beauty of the island at your own pace.

Walk to Long Beach: A Scenic Stroll

If you’re a fan of sightseeing, embark on a fantastic walk along Long Beach (Sok San Beach). This picturesque beach, located near The Royal Sands, offers a tranquil and secluded setting away from the bustling tourist areas. This beach is approximately 7 km’s long and as you walk along the beach, you’ll pass many high end and lower budget resorts.  Marvel at the untouched beauty of the beach, with its soft sands and pristine waters. This walk is a must-do for those seeking a quieter and more serene experience on Koh Rong.

FAQs

Q: When is the best time to visit Koh Rong?

A: The best time to visit Koh Rong Island is between the middle of November and the start of May. During these months, you can enjoy warm and dry weather with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. June to August is hot and wet, while September to October offers warm and wet conditions. For more detailed weather information, refer to our Weather Guide.

Q: How do I get to Koh Rong?

A: There are several modern ferry services available from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Island. Speed Ferry Cambodia, Island Speed Boat Cambodia, Buva Sea, Angkor Speed Ferry, and GTVC operate frequent services from the Ochheuteal (Serendipity) pier in Sihanoukville to the main tourist beaches on Koh Rong. These services provide comfortable seating, life jackets, and onboard facilities. It is recommended to purchase ferry tickets in advance, as these services can be busy during peak seasons.

Q: Is Koh Rong a party place?

A: While Koh Rong’s main tourist areas are Koh Touch & Long Set Beach, known for their lively atmosphere, the island offers much more than just a party scene. There are numerous peaceful and relaxing areas on the island, perfect for those seeking a quieter holiday. Places like Lonely Beach, Coconut Beach & Nature Beach are very relaxed and you will find these locations a great place to unwind in relative solitude.

Q: Where are the best beaches?

A: Koh Rong is blessed with many stunning beaches. Lonely Beach, located to the northern side of the island, is often regarded as the best beach. Its secluded alcove offers crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and a serene atmosphere. Another top beach is Long Set Beach, which stretches for approximately 3 kilometers. This beach is relatively undeveloped, but is the main backpacker area now, & provides a pristine and tranquil setting.