Just when you believe you’ve seen everything, Koh Rong appears. The high-speed ferry ride will take two hours, and you will arrive at Koh Touch village’s pier.
The sand between your toes will be the first thing you notice once you step off that pier, and you’ll quickly realize that you’ve arrived in hippie heaven. Once you’ve visited Koh Rong or Sanloem, you’ll understand why it’s a true island paradise for expats and backpackers.
Koh Touch, the main part of Koh Rong, is a 2 km long stretch of white sand that is lined with hotels, home stays, eateries, retail stores, and bars.
It’s the only place in Asia where smoking marijuana appears to be legal. Other than that, there are no concrete roads, no 24-hour power supply, and since January, they’ve hired their first police officers.
Eight fantastic activities on Koh Rong Island
Despite Koh Rong’s lack of development and emphasis on relaxation, there are still some things to do there!
1. The ideal day trip on a boat
There are numerous businesses that provide boat tours. You can spend the entire day on a boat for a few dollars. They will take you to a small island where you can snorkel, to long beaches where you can relax, to fish for yourself, and then to have a boat barbecue.
2. Plankton that glows
The bioluminescent plankton of Koh Rong is well-known for glowing in the dark. Because of all the lights, you won’t be able to see the plankton near Koh Toch Village. This can be combined with a boat tour that you go on.
3. Savor the scenery at Skybar
The one and only sky bar in Koh Rong is a great spot to unwind and pass the afternoon. It’s located down a small alleyway that runs between The Minimart and The Rising Sun Guesthouse.
4. Long Beach camping
Spend a day or two sleeping at Long Beach by renting a hammock for $2 per night or a tent for $5 per night.
5. Visit Koh Rong Dive Center to earn your PADI.
Currently the only dive center on the island, Koh Rong dive center is situated at the main pier. Daily diving courses are available from them.
6. Keep the beaches of Koh Rong tidy.
An organization called Friends of Koh Rong supports island development and education on the island. They have many ongoing projects going on, so stop by and ask if you can help if you want to make a positive difference. Once or twice a week, they plan beach clean-ups.
7. Taking a zip line
Taking a zip line through the 160-meter-long Jungle High Point Adventure Park, which is owned by a Russian man. Located high in Koh Rong’s jungles, the park offers rope walking, climbing, and two ziplines.
8. Go on Tuesday night’s pub crawl.
There is a Tuesday Pub Crawl that happens at five different bars around the island. In every bar, you can get a free drink for $5. It seems like a good deal, doesn’t it?
Things to consider before traveling to Koh Rong
There isn’t a functional WiFi network. (Written as of 2016)
ATMs are not present. Bring enough cash with you, though some bars on Koh Rong Island allow you to borrow money.
We were not the only ones who fell ill after visiting Koh Rong. We’ve read and heard that swimming close to the pier—where the sewer empties—is not advised.
Koh Rong is plagued by sandflies. We don’t share these pictures with anyone. By coating yourself in coconut oil, you can shield yourself from sandfly bites. Although the oil layer catches them and keeps them from biting, it doesn’t repel them.
The island is purchased by some wealthy men, which is a tragic twist in the tale of paradise. Plans are underway to turn it into Hong Kong’s replacement. But you should leave now for that reason! Give us one excuse not to participate in this experience.
How is Koh Rong accessible?
To get to Koh Rong, the closest airport is Phnom Phen. However, plane tickets to this airport are typically far more costly than those to Siem Reap.
One or more ferries depart Sihanoukville for Koh Rong. You can go down to the pier, purchase an open return ticket, and board the following vessel. It will take 45 to 90 minutes and cost you about $21.
Tell the ferry company you want to depart the following day and take the boat back to Sihanoukville or Koh Rong Samloem the day before you plan to leave.
- Koh Rong Speed Ferry
- GTVC
- Â Buva Sea Ferry
- Locate a cheap ticket
Where on Koh Rong should I stay?
Many residents of Koh Rong converted their homes into dormitories.Go left to stay in the more tranquil area after leaving the pier across from Coco’s, or right to take advantage of the late-night parties.
- High land beach bungalow
- Coconutbeach bungalow
Travel Information
- Cambodia travel is best from November to March.
- Money: Riel
- Daily spending cap: $40
- Malaria: Spray and medicine
- Visa: at the border