a palm tree on a beach
a beach with palm trees and blue water
a beach with chairs and umbrellas
a straw umbrella on a beach
chairs and umbrellas on a beach

Holiday in Koh Rong

Island in Cambodia — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇰🇭

Country

Cambodia

Type

Island

Best time to travel

November to May (dry, 27-33 °C). December to March is ideal. June to October is rainy season (ferries sometimes suspended, cheaper prices).

Budget/day

35-80 €

Getting there from Germany

Flight to Phnom Penh (PNH) or Siem Reap (REP), domestic flight to Sihanoukville. Fast ferry Sihanoukville-Koh Rong (45 min, from 12 USD). Bus Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville (5 h).

What makes Koh Rong special as a destination?

Koh Rong is Cambodia's tropical island paradise — a 78 square kilometer island in the Gulf of Thailand, known for its 43 kilometers of powdery white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and dense jungle, making it one of Southeast Asia's best-kept beach secrets. While neighboring islands are already overcrowded, Koh Rong maintains a magical balance between tropical wilderness and gentle tourism. Long Set Beach (Long Beach) on the west coast is one of Asia's most beautiful beaches: seven kilometers of uninterrupted white sand, lined with coconut palms and untouched jungle, with no high-rise buildings in sight. At sunset, the light bathes the beach in gold and pink, and at night, the sea glows bioluminescent — millions of plankton organisms create a magical blue glow with every movement in the water. The bioluminescent plankton is Koh Rong's most unique natural wonder: during the new moon, on moonless nights, the shallow water at several beaches transforms into a sea of glowing blue lights. Every step, every swimming movement creates sparks of blue light — an experience that feels like swimming in liquid starlight. The jungle in the interior of the island is home to rare wildlife: long-tailed macaques, hornbills, flying foxes, and pythons live in the dense tropical forest. Hiking trails crisscross the island through the rainforest, past hidden waterfalls and secluded bays that can only be reached on foot.

Nature
90
Relaxation
85
Romance
80
Winter
80
Beach
75

What are the top highlights in Koh Rong?

The top highlights in Koh Rong include Long Set Beach (7 km), Bioluminescent Plankton, Snorkeling & Diving, Jungle Trekking (Crossing the Island), Police Beach & Sok San Village.

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Long Set Beach (7 km)

One of Asia's most beautiful beaches: endless white sand, no high-rise buildings, jungle to the water's edge, and bioluminescent nights.

2

Bioluminescent Plankton

Magical blue glow in the night sea: during the new moon, the water becomes liquid starlight — a unique experience worldwide.

3

Snorkeling & Diving

Coral reefs with clownfish, barracudas, and turtles: clear visibility (15-25 m), PADI dive schools with affordable courses.

4

Jungle Trekking (Crossing the Island)

4-5 hours through the tropical forest: monkeys, hornbills, hidden waterfalls, and secluded bays on the other side.

5

Police Beach & Sok San Village

Quiet alternative: Sok San on the east side with a fishing village atmosphere, local restaurants, and untouched beaches.

6

Sunsets on the West Coast

Koh Rong's west coast offers spectacular sunsets over the open Gulf of Thailand daily — best viewed from Long Beach.

Hotels in Koh Rong

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Reise-SIM für Koh Rong

Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

When is the best time to visit Koh Rong?

The best time to visit Koh Rong is November to May (dry, 27-33 °C). December to March is ideal. June to October is rainy season (ferries sometimes suspended, cheaper prices).. 27-33 °C, humid with afternoon tropical showers (June-October), green jungle In winter: 26-32 °C, dry and sunny, clear water, perfect beach season

Recommended travel time

November to May (dry, 27-33 °C). December to March is ideal. June to October is rainy season (ferries sometimes suspended, cheaper prices).

Summer

27-33 °C, humid with afternoon tropical showers (June-October), green jungle

Winter

26-32 °C, dry and sunny, clear water, perfect beach season

How much does a holiday in Koh Rong cost?

Budget travellers: 15-30 €/day, mid-range: 35-80 €/day, luxury: 90-250 €/day.

Average costs per person per day

Budget

15-30 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

Mid-range

35-80 €

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

Luxury

90-250 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

How do I get from Germany to Koh Rong?

Flight to Phnom Penh (PNH) or Siem Reap (REP), domestic flight to Sihanoukville. Fast ferry Sihanoukville-Koh Rong (45 min, from 12 USD). Bus Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville (5 h).

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What travel tips are there for Koh Rong?

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

Bioluminescence during the new moon — the strongest glow occurs on moonless nights. Plan travel dates according to the lunar calendar. Best at darker beaches without light sources.

Bring cash — there are hardly any ATMs on Koh Rong and only a few accommodations accept cards. Withdraw sufficient USD and Riel in Sihanoukville.

Mosquito spray is a must — tropical island with mosquitoes, especially at dusk. Bring DEET-containing spray, it is expensive and scarce on the island.

Long Beach instead of Koh Touch — Koh Touch Village is the backpacker hub (party, loud). Long Beach is quieter, more nature-oriented, and has the prettier beaches.

Rainy season can be appealing — June-September: fewer tourists, cheaper prices, greener jungle. Showers usually occur in the afternoon, often sunny in the mornings.

What should you eat in Koh Rong?

Typical specialities in Koh Rong: Amok Trey — Cambodia's national dish: fish curry in coconut milk with kröung spice paste, steamed in banana leaves — mild, creamy, aromatic., Lok Lak — stir-fried beef with Kampot pepper and lime dip: Cambodia's most popular meat dish, simple and perfect., Fresh grilled seafood — crabs, calamari, and fish straight from the Gulf: grilled on the beach with garlic butter, tastes best on Koh Rong., Mango Sticky Rice — sticky rice with fresh mango and coconut milk: the Southeast Asian dream dessert, made with island mangoes on Koh Rong., Cambodian BBQ (Phnom Pleung) — table-grilled meat and seafood over charcoal with various sauces and vegetables: a sociable dinner..

These specialties you must try!

Amok Trey — Cambodia's national dish: fish curry in coconut milk with kröung spice paste, steamed in banana leaves — mild, creamy, aromatic.
Lok Lak — stir-fried beef with Kampot pepper and lime dip: Cambodia's most popular meat dish, simple and perfect.
Fresh grilled seafood — crabs, calamari, and fish straight from the Gulf: grilled on the beach with garlic butter, tastes best on Koh Rong.
Mango Sticky Rice — sticky rice with fresh mango and coconut milk: the Southeast Asian dream dessert, made with island mangoes on Koh Rong.
Cambodian BBQ (Phnom Pleung) — table-grilled meat and seafood over charcoal with various sauces and vegetables: a sociable dinner.
Suitable for:IslandBeachBioluminescenceDivingJungleBackpackerCambodia

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