Located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 25 km off the coast of Sihanoukville, the island of Koh Rong in Cambodia is still often referred to as the “paradise on Earth”.
Koh Rong is famous for the pristine beach, white sand, tropical climate. In addition to natural beauty, there are other elements that attract the attention of tourists such as friendly people and original gastronomy. Most Cambodians are Buddhists, so I’m always available to help you whenever you want and they also talk to you. You will be impressed with the local food. Local food here is made of raw materials, colorful spices, special recipe. If you are a seafood fan, Koh Rong is the perfect destination for you.
Most travelers prefer to visit this island between the months of December to February. The weather is generally sunny, hot and less humid. This is the high season, so everyone have to accept higher prices, a lot of people and crowded beaches. It can be difficult to find favorable offers during these months, but it’s worthy to enjoy best beach in Cambodia.
From Phnom Penh Central Station, take a bus to Sihanoukville province, the province where Koh Rong is located. While traveling by bus, you will see the incredible beauty of Cambodian countryside. The high way from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville often has traffic jam.
From Sihanoukville Port, you need to take a ferry to get to the island. The ferry trip takes about 45 minutes and will leave the coast on the island three times a day.
You should be aware that the weather can be quite hot here, so even on the ferry trip, you should wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen if you are sensitive to the sun’s rays. You may also want to bring snacks and water for the one-hour ferry ride because not all ferry rides have snacks and drinks available.
Swimming and snorkeling in the most beautiful beaches
Koh Rong is Cambodia’s pride when it is called a tropical paradise. The pristine beaches with the white and creamy sand and crystal water has become a famous image of Koh Rong Island.
Long Set is a beautiful beach named after the farmer who planted cashews, mangoes and coconut trees to create lush woods right behind the beach. Long Set Beach is unspoiled with pretty bungalows located on the beach, so this place will be suitable for travelers who want to find peaceful vacations.
Long Beach is the most beautiful and longest pristine beach on Koh Rong. With a 7km long white sandy beach with palm trees and crystal clear waters, the western part of Koh Rong is a tropical paradise. The beach is almost deserted, if you want to find a restaurant or a rest service, you have to go to the end of the beach in the village of Sok San. Koh Rong also has beautiful coral flags with many types of fish, so snorkelling becomes an unmissable activity for tourists when they visit this island. Long Beach also has the most beautiful sunset place in Koh Rong, after a day of snorkeling and swimming, you can immerse yourself in a corner of the sand and enjoy the wonderful sunset on horizon.
Boat trip
Boat trip program will bring you to take a boat to dive to see the coral (snorkeling). Then go to Long Beach to swim and wait to watch the sunset. That Magical sunset scenery is so romantic. The water in Long Beach is clear, white and smooth sand. The beach is deserted and therefore has an indescribable attraction. After diving, it’s time to barbecue, drink beer &, vodka. In the evening before returning to the island you can observe the plankton. With a tour boat trip like this, you can discover almost the whole island.
Plankton – The stars of the sea
This is the activity that attracts a lot of tourists on the island of Koh Rong because the sea here hosts many plankton. It is described as the small lights that glow in the sea water and you will feel like you are in a science fiction movie. Imagine a beautiful night lying on the sea, surrounded by you are tiny bright spots like thousands of stars. Jumping into the sea, you just have to move your arms or feet, you will see every point of light that emanates from the plankton & shines with your every movement in the water.
Try Zipline and see Koh Rong from above
Zipline at High Point: Another interesting experience should definitely be tried when visiting the island of Koh Rong. Zipline is a high-slope suspended rope and rope climbing game, however it is equipped with a solid safety belt.
You will go from the center of the mountain to the tallest trees, with a panoramic view of the fishing village, which dominates the entire island of Koh Rong Saloem which is 4 kilometers from the island.
Playing the zipline is not as scary as you think, the speed is not too fast to admire Koh Rong from above, with two 10 m and 7 m long lines, plus an unlimited number of times to play at an economic price only 25-35 dollars per person, $25 in low season, $35 in high season. For people who like adventure sports, zipline is truly a activity not to be missed.
Trekking through the forest
The small sloping path in the fishing village takes you to the forest, no sign, only a few signs are left on the tree (a sign, a sandal, a rope) you will find yourself through the forest to Long Beach.
One of the interesting experiences brings a sense of discovery. A little adventure in the forest where you are not a professional, tracing the tracks left by the previous person on the tree. The paths are small paths, sometimes covered by leaves. About 30 to 45 minutes, if you go fast, you will see Long Beach from the top of the mountain.
Row Kayak
For people who love sports, rowing kayaks will be a more interesting activity. Anywhere on the beach in the village of Koh Toch you can rent a kayak or paddle and freely explore the beautiful waters. You can spend an afternoon to enjoy your holiday to sit on a kayak and enjoy the ocean’s beauty.
This is high quality resort for western tourists in Koh Rong. On Koh Rong’s beach there are plenty of bungalow but their quality is not very high.
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Sok San Resort
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Long Set Resort
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Royal Sand Resort
You can find easily restaurant with different style from Italian, French, Chinese, Thai to local Khmer food near the Koh Rong port.
Be careful with monkeys, they can rob your stuff and bite you. Wear mosquito repellent. When walking in the forest, you can spray mosquito repellent on your feet and shoes to avoid insects. Save water on island. Watch out for reefs on some beaches that can tear your feet.