Koh Rong Island

Koh Rong is an up-and-coming destination in the global travel market. Its 23 amazing white-sand beaches and azure seas are only just being discovered and enjoyed, making it still very much an unspoilt paradise. Situated just off the Cambodian coast, near Sihanoukville, there are five tiny islands in the area, though three are uninhabited. Of the other two, Koh Rong is gradually becoming a bit of a party island, popular with backpackers, while Koh Rong Sanloem has a quieter and more easy-going atmosphere. While there isn’t much on the islands yet – other than those fantastic beaches – we have assembled all of the essential information about the best things to do, what to see, where to eat and party and, of course, where to stay on Koh Rong. Take a look and prepare to enjoy the ultimate getaway beach holiday in Southeast Asia.

Frequently asked questions

Over the past year many new attractions and activities have opened up on Koh Rong. Below, we are going to summarise the best things to see and do on the beautiful island – From snorkelling / scuba diving with the exotic marine life, to watching mesmerising sunsets and seeing glowing plankton, to paddle boarding, kayaking, windsurfing, jet skiing, and more.

1. Zip Line through the Jungle

zip-lineGet in touch with your inner spirit animal that loves heights, speed, and climbing around the rainforest securely strapped into a safety harness. High Point Zip Line is the most thrilling ropes course and zip line that you’ll come across during your whole SEA excursion.

Join one of the super experienced guides who will take you on an adventure through a creatively designed course that involves climbing, swinging and sliding high above the forest floor. I warn you, though, this course is intense. If you freak out and freeze, don’t worry- you’re not the first. The guides are also quite experienced in the art of calming reassurance.

2. Go on a Boat Trip

boat-trip-in-koh-rongBeaches, bikinis and beers- that’s what you came here for, right? Get it all on a Koh Rong Boat Trip.

Hit the crystal waters with boat tours for a full day of fun. This long tail excursion gives you glimpses into island life that you couldn’t possibly experience from the shore. In between the best snorkel spots and whitest sand beaches, you’ll have the chance to visit local villages and buy homemade snacks and treats.

From 9am, you’ll join a group of other eager travelers who have signed up for the boat trip, making this an ideal adventure for solo travelers. The tour includes a big Cambodian BBQ lunch, snorkel gear, life jackets, beers, and whiskey to make for the best day ever on Koh Rong.

3. Sun Bathe on White Beach

sun-bathe-on-white-beachRight at the foot of Koh Rong’s guesthouses, bars, and restaurants lies White Beach. It takes zero effort to crawl out of bed, throw on your suit and flop down under the sun with a towel and a good book. The sand is powdery soft and the sea is almost always bathwater warm. In between sunning sessions, you can run into the water to cool off.

There are some shady palm trees for when you get too hot, vendors selling ice cold coconuts when you get thirsty, and volley ball nets when you get antsy.

4. Join in on a Beach Clean Up

beach-clean-upNot only is the beach clean up a great way to meet new people, but it also gives you a chance to give back to the island that gives so much to you.

KREA (Koh Rong Ecological Alliance) is run by a mix of local Cambodians and some island expats who are dedicated to keeping the island clean, the animals safe, and educating the local kids about how they can be environmental ambassadors in the future.

5. Jungle Trek to Long Beach

jungle-trek-to-long-beachLong Beach, the gorgeous white sand stretch as far as you can see, is on the other side of the mountain from Koh Toch Beach and is certainly worth the voyage. The hike gets your heart pounding as it’s a bit steep at times but the bright green jungle scenery is so beautiful that you probably won’t even notice.

Once you arrive, cool off in the turquoise water or grab a fresh fruit shake from one of the shacks on the beach. As the day nears the end, groups of people gather on the shore to watch the sun set into a gorgeous orange and pink painting in the sky. There will be long tail boats waiting to take people back to the main beach if you don’t want to brave the trail in the dark.

Hiking shoes, flip flops, bare feet- its all been done before. The most important thing to bring on this trek is a flashlight in case you decide to hike back after sun set.

Day 1: Phnom Penh Arrival

the-100-pillar-pagodaUpon arrival, you will be met outside the baggage claim area by your guide who will escort you to a waiting vehicle for your transfer to downtown with a brief introduction en route. Your guide will be holding a welcome signboard with the AsiaTourAdvisor Logo & your name. During the drive your guide will provide an introduction to Phnom Penh.

The riverside capital of Phnom Penh, once known as “The Pearl of Asia” and long considered the most beautiful French-built city of the Orient, is a charming and captivating city. The old French ochre-coloured colonial buildings are now being filled with trendy cafes, boutiques and art galleries and many traditional ornate temples still remain. The bustling squares and frangipani-lined boulevards create an atmosphere that is unlike any other city in South East Asia. Rich in history, Phnom Penh has a number of cultural and historical sites including the National Museum, Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, and offers an insight into its darker past with the haunting Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum

Day 2: Phnom Penh City tour

wat-ounalom1After enjoying breakfast at hotel, join us on a full day sightseeing tour that covers all the key attractions. Start with the Royal Palace which is regarded as the nation symbol and home where the royal family live. Next, move to the National Museum- an introduction deeper into ancient Khmer art and civilization. Continue to the top of Wat Phnom and have your fortune told. In the afternoon, focus on the national recent history by a tour to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which documents atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s – a chilling window into Cambodia’s violent past. Finally, try out your bargaining skill at Phnom Penh’s airy Central Market.Transfer back to the hotel where you will spend the rest of day on your own.

Day 3: Phnom Penh – Oudong – Battambang

jungle-trek-to-long-beachAfter breakfast, we travel to Battambang, Cambodia’s second largest city. On the way, you will visit Silversmith village, Oudong Mountain, and Pottery Village in Kampong Chhnang province.
Upon arrival in Battambang, enjoy a walking tour through the city’s bustling boulevards lined with quaint French colonial buildings.

Day 4: Battambang – Sightseeing – Drive to Siem Reap

boat-trip-in-koh-rongSpend the day exploring Battambang and its surrounding countryside. After breakfast we start our day visiting the local marketplace, then head out of town to visit surrounding Angkorian and post-Angkorian temples, including Wat Ek and Wat Toul Bassaet. Then explore the Bat Cave and visit some local Khmer Villages.

In the afternoon, leave Battambang on a 3.5 hour car ride for Siem Reap. On arrival in Siem Reap hotel, check in and free at your leisure. You are recommended to visit the nearby Old market and Pub Street on your own.

Day 5: Siem Reap – Angkor temples – Sunset at Phnom Bakheng

baphuon-siem-reap-1Breakfast at hotel followed by an exploration of Angkor Thom, first start with its South gate which is famous for its majestic doors and artifacts. Then, go further to the heart of Angkor Thom where you will visit the monumental temple of Bayon facing the tropical forest and Baphuon and Phimeanakas mountains, elephant terrace and Terrect of the Liper King, Takeo “Jewel of Crystal” is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva and was erected at the end of the 10th century. Continue to Ta Prohm temple which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty. Giant trees have grown there for centuries.

In the afternoon, visit Angkor Wat, the 7th World heritage wonder, its founder was Suryavarman II who reigned Cambodia from 1113 to 1152 and built the five towers in the 12th century and dedicated them to the Hindu God Vishnu. The plan of the pyramidal conception of the temple combined with spaces, alleys, ditches is an ancient masterpiece of architectural design and construction. After exploring the astonishing Angkor Wat with your guide, it will be time to head to Bakheng Mountain to watch the sunset. From a height of 65 meters at the top of the hill, you will witness the most spectacular views of the temple complex against the backdrop of changing colors in the evening sky.

Day 6: Siem Reap – Cooking Class – Tonle Sap Lake

asiatouradvisor-tonle-sap-lThis morning, join us on a half day cooking class to discover the secrets of authentic Khmer cuisine. Begin with a guided walk in the local wet market where you will learn about Cambodian vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients before returning to the classroom for a hands-on culinary experience. Sample your efforts then transfer to Tonle Sap where you will board a traditional wooden boat ride visiting the floating villages. Tonle Sap is the largest permanent fresh-water lake in South Asia and flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. On the way back to your hotel, stop at one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Chass, called the “Old Market”, where you can discover more about the local life!

Day 7: Siem Reap – Fly to Sihanouk Ville – Speedboat to Koh Rong Samloem

Cambodia-Sihanouk-ville3After breakfast at hotel, our driver will take you to Siem Reap airport for your short domestic flight to Sihanouk Ville. Upon your arrival, the driver will wait you at the airport and transfer to the pier where you catch the local speedboat to Koh Rong Samloem. Check in and relax then.

Day 8: Koh Rong Samloem Free

sun-bathe-on-white-beachEnjoy an entire day free for basking in the sun or bathing in the warm coastal waters. This is the time when the dream of spending holidays in an exotic country becomes a reality.

Day 9: Koh Rong Samloem Free

You will have one more day free to explore this beautiful island. You can just enjoy yourself at the beautiful beach or perhaps, you may contact with the hotel for the arrangement of the following activities.

  • SnorkelingVisit fishing village in M’Pei BayTrekking through the jungle to Lazy beach/Sunset beach
  • Swimming with plankton.
  • BBQ dinner on the beach

Day 10: Koh Rong Samloem Free – Sihanouk Ville – Drive to Phnom Penh

beach-clean-upHave breakfast at hotel then transfer by the local speedboat back to main land where you will meet your driver at the dock for 3.5 hour transfer to Phnom Penh.Enjoy your last night at our bustling capital.

Day 11: Phnom Penh Departure

After a breakfast at the hotel, you are free for shopping or relaxing until our driver will drive you to the airport for departure.

Note: Please be aware that flight times, hotels and all other logistics, services and days of travel are subject to availability. If the listed hotel is fully booked, alternate accommodation will be offered.
All hotels are rated according to local standards.
All itineraries are flexible and can easily be altered to suit your needs and interests.
Please contact one of our travel consultants for more information.

Finish unforgettable Cambodia Tour with Asia Tour Advisor Co.,. Good bye & see you in the next time! AsiaTourAdvisor can arrange additional customized trips for you if the above itinerary does not match your expectations.

The eye-catching blend of colors and flavors causes the visitor to love this dish. Red curry made from beef, chicken, or fish, processed with eggplant, green beans, potatoes, fresh coconut milk, citronella, and peppers, creating a rich flavor. This is not to be missed when coming to Koh Rong, especially when traveling to Cambodia.

1. Cambodia Kdam Chaa – Fried Crab

fried-crabKdam Chaa is a delicacy of the coastal town in Cambodia. Lively crabs are caught and handled immediately to keep their freshness. The crab is prepared with Kampot – one of the most famous spices in the world and some garlic flavors. Although Kampot pepper is sold on the international market, only in Cambodia, you will be able to taste the unripe green pepper with a special taste. The dark red color of the crab with large and fragrant sharks will attract you from the first time you taste this food.

2. Cambodia Stir-Fried Beef

cambodia-stir-fried-beefIt sounds “scary” but you will find a lot of food prepared with insects on the menu here. Stir-fried beef with basil and other spices such as ginger, citronella, garlic, and shallots. The unique sour taste is derived from the ants and is absorbed into the beef, creating a rich flavor. This Cambodian food is served with rice.

3. Cambodia Ang Dtray – Meuk (Grilled squid)

grilled-squidIt is easy to see the seafood stalls along the beach on Koh Rong Island. Grilled squid in which the squid is marinated with lemon or fish sauce, served with special Cambodian sauce made from garlic, fresh peppers, fish sauce, lemon, and sugar. It’s a great experience when enjoying the sea breeze while eating the hot grilled squid.

4. Cambodia Fried Fish

cambodia-fried-fishFish is crispy, especially the rich dipping sauce is made from coconut curry, yellow kroeung, and chili. Fried fish is often eaten with rice, accompanied by vegetables such as cauliflower and cabbage. This is easy to eat for tourists on Cambodia trips.

5. Cambodia Fish Amok

asiatouradvisor-amok-fishIt would be a pity if you did not try the famous amok fish on Koh Rong Island – one of the dishes that contribute to the impression of Cambodian cuisine. Amok fish is full of Cambodian flavor when it is made from snakehead or catfish with jellyfish, coconut milk, prohok sauce, wrapped neatly in green banana leaves, some more leaf slok Ngor.

6. Cambodia Bai Sach Chrouk

bai-sach-chroukThis dish is very popular on Koh Rong Island, the bai sach chrouk is a white rice dish with thinly sliced pork, pork is marinated in coconut milk or garlic and grilled to create an attractive aroma. Chicken bowls, fresh cucumbers, and red ginger pickled ginger to increase the intensity of the dish. When touring Koh Rong, you will meet this dish on every corner in the early morning.

7. Lap Khmer

asiatouradvisor-lap-khmerThe Khmer salad is delicious and extremely unique. Beef is sliced thin, marinated with lemon juice, mixed with lemongrass, dried onions, garlic, fish sauce, and aromatic herbs. This is a very popular dish in the local Koh Rong as well as Cambodia restaurants.

Koh Rong enjoys a tropical monsoon climate in accordance with the Köppen-Geiger classification. The yearly average maximum temperature in Koh Rong is 30°C (ranging from 29°C in january to 31°C in may). Annual rainfall is 4988mm, with a minimum of 75mm in february and a maximum of 821mm in august.

zip-lineBetween the months of january and february the climate is good. At lunchtime, it’s 29°C in average and it rains about 13% of the time in february.

Between the months of march and april the climate is correct. the thermometer goes up to 31°C°C and it rains about 48% of the time in april.

In may the climate is not good. It is for example 31°C as maximum temperature in may and you can expect to have 437mm of rainfall/month during this period.

sun-bathe-on-white-beachFrom june to september the climate is very unfavorable. The record temperature this month is 31°C and, in september, 21 days of rain are expected.

In the month of october the climate is unfavorable. In average, on the morning it is 27°C.
Between november and december the climate is passable, but still OK. The record temperature this month is 31°C and you can expect to have 135mm of rainfall/month during this period.

Throughout this article, we wish you to have an idea of how to travel to Koh Rong Island for your best experience. In case you are looking for your own travel agent, who can offer a wonderful and hassle-free trip to Koh Rong Island, please feel free to let us know. We always commit our best to make it your once-in-a-lifetime journey.

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