Cambodia · Southern Cambodia Islands

Koh Rong

Cambodia's Phi Phi — Long Set Beach + bioluminescent plankton + backpacker paradise

Koh Rong is Cambodia's premier island — 7 km Long Set Beach (white sand + turquoise), party at Coco Beach, quieter Sok San Beach, world-famous bioluminescent plankton night swimming + jungle inland with waterfalls. Speedboat from Sihanoukville.

Ferry
30-min speedboat from Sihanoukville
Best season
November-April
Sister island
Koh Rong Samloem (quieter, honeymoon)
Bioluminescence
May-September best

Koh Rong highlights

Long Set Beach (4K Beach)

7 km of white sand — the classic Koh Rong beach. Free public access.

Bioluminescent plankton night swim

May-September best — plankton glow in the wake. Free from any beach after 21:00 on moonless nights.

Coco Beach party

The backpacker hub — Coco Bar, Nest Beach Club, Vagabond. Peak 22:00-02:00.

Sok San Beach

Northwestern beach village + white sand — quieter than Coco. Sok San Beach Resort + Song Saa nearby.

Snorkelling + diving

Koh Ta Kiev + Koh Russei sites — beginner-friendly, cheaper than Thailand. Divers Guy + Koh Rong Dive Center reputable.

Jungle waterfall trek

2h inland walk to a jungle waterfall — free but bring water + shoes.

Party or quiet island choice

Koh Rong = party + budget. Koh Rong Samloem = quiet + honeymoon. Ferry between them 30 min.

Getting there

No airport. Speedboat from Sihanoukville's Serendipity Pier (~30 min, $25 return). Fly Sihanoukville KOS or bus from Phnom Penh (4h) then ferry.

Getting around

Walking + tuk-tuk from ferry pier. No cars or scooters on Koh Rong.

Best time to visit

November-April (dry, calm sea). Avoid May-October (rain, rough sea).

Budget per day

$15-35 backpacker hostel · $50-120 mid-range beach bungalow · $500+ luxury (Song Saa Private Island)

Where to stay in Koh Rong

Frequently asked about Koh Rong

How do I get to Koh Rong?
Speedboat from Sihanoukville's Serendipity Pier (~30 min, $25 return). Buccaneer, Speed Ferry Cambodia, Angkor Speed Ferry all operate.
When is the best time to visit Koh Rong?
November-April is dry season + calm sea. May-October wet season but best for bioluminescent plankton.
Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem?
Koh Rong for party + backpackers + Long Set Beach. Koh Rong Samloem for honeymoon + quiet + Saracen Bay. Do both — 30 min ferry.
How many days do I need on Koh Rong?
3-5 days — day 1 arrive Long Set, day 2 snorkel + bioluminescent night, day 3 Sok San Beach, day 4-5 Koh Rong Samloem.