Koh Rong: A Complete Travel Guide to Cambodia’s Hidden Paradise

When you think of Cambodia, what comes to mind? If “pristine, white sandy beaches” wasn’t one of your answers, you’re not alone – it certainly wasn’t on our radar when we planned our Cambodia trip. But the island of Koh Rong, just off the mainland, luckily proved us completely wrong. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about this still relatively unknown slice of paradise, including how to get there, where to stay, and what to expect as a vegan traveler exploring Koh Rong.

Introduction

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Cambodia

Cambodia is part of Southeast Asia, bordering Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. The Mekong River runs through the country, while its southern coastline meets the Gulf of Thailand. Although Phnom Penh is the capital, the most famous city among travelers is undoubtedly Siem Reap, home to the impressive Angkor Wat temple complex.

Cambodia often seems less popular compared to its well-known neighbors, but we absolutely fell in love with the country! From the quirky Phnom Penh to the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat, from the idyllic beaches of Koh Rong to the remote Cardamom Mountains: Cambodia offers both incredible cultural landmarks and breathtaking natural beauty. But what touched us the most was the warmth and friendliness of its people.

Koh Rong

Koh Rong is located off the southern coast of Cambodia, in the Gulf of Thailand, and sits just beside its smaller sister island, Koh Rong Samloem. It covers an area of about 78 km² and is home to around 4,000 people, most of whom live in one of the island’s four main villages: Koh Touch, Prek Svay, Daem Thkov, and Sok San. The island is easily accessible by ferry from the mainland and ticks every box on our personal definition of “paradise”: white sandy beaches, crystal-clear, bathtub-warm water, and still untouched by mass tourism. Koh Rong is the perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. And it also offers ideal conditions for witnessing bioluminescent plankton at night, a natural phenomenon where tiny marine organisms emit a magical blue glow.

Before our trip, we came across several articles claiming that the island is changing rapidly, mentioning large hotel developments and increasing influence from Chinese investors on both Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. However, this wasn’t our experience at all, at least for Koh Rong. During our 5-day stay in November, we explored most parts of the island and found it peaceful, uncrowded, and still largely natural, with accommodation options that remain modest and suitable for relaxed, nature-focused tourism rather than overly luxurious resort development. If you’ve had a different experience, we’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Practical Tips for Koh Rong

Best Time to Visit

Koh Rong has a tropical climate with two main seasons:

• Dry Season (November – April): Best time to visit, with sunny, calm seas, great visibility for snorkeling and diving.
• Rainy Season (May – October): Expect short but heavy showers and rougher seas, which can affect ferry schedules.
  Most travelers prefer December to March for the most reliable beach weather.

Visa

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Cambodia.

• Many travelers can apply for an e-visa online (usually valid for 30 days).
• Visa on arrival is available at major entry points, including Sihanoukville Airport.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival.

Money & ATMs

• Cambodia uses both Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollars (USD). You can pay in a mix of both and receive change in either currency

• ATMs on Koh Rong exist but are not reliable, as they often run out of cash or temporarily shut down.
• Bring enough cash from the mainland (Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh) before taking the ferry.
• Most restaurants, shops, activities, and ferries are cash-only.

Internet & SIM Cards

On the mainland of Cambodia, you can buy a SIM card from several providers such as Metfone, Smart, or Cellcard. Alternatively, you can opt for an eSIM (which is what we did!) – it’s usually more expensive, but significantly more convenient. You don’t need to replace the physical card in your phone, and you can even purchase your data plan before traveling, so it activates automatically as soon as you arrive in the country. We used Saily, which worked very well across Cambodia.

On the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, internet access can be more tricky and ureliable. At our accommodation for example, we had Wi-Fi only at the reception area, and there was no 4G connection at the property itself. It’s an ideal opportunity to unplug, just be prepared 😉

Budget & Typical Costs

Koh Rong is slightly more expensive than mainland Cambodia due to transport and logistics, but still very affordable.

Typical daily budget:

• Budget traveler: €25–40/day (simple guesthouses, local food)
• Mid-range: €50–80/day (beach bungalows, nicer cafés, island tours)
• Comfort/luxury: €90–150+/day (boutique resorts, private transfers)

Boat taxis and diving/snorkeling trips are the main extra expenses.

Useful Things to Pack for Koh Rong

• Cash
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Mosquito repellent
• Waterproof bags for boat rides
• Snorkeling gear (optional, you can always rent it)
• Headlamp (for walking after dark)
• Reusable water bottle (many places offer refills)

Getting to Koh Rong and Getting Around

How to Get To Koh Rong

Koh Rong is easily reached by ferry from the mainland. All boats depart from Sihanoukville, and the journey takes 45–90 minutes, depending on sea conditions and ferry type. Ticket prices start at around 11 EUR, and you can conveniently book them in advance through 12Go.Asia.

Most travelers don’t stay in Sihanoukville and instead travel directly from Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Kampot using combined bus/van + ferry tickets. Here’s an overview of the most common routes:

Phnom Penh to Koh Rong

Buses and minivans leave Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, multiple times per day. The trip to Sihanoukville takes about 6 hours, after which you connect to a ferry heading to Koh Rong. You can book combined tickets through 12GoAsia.

Siem Reap to Koh Rong

This is the longest route, but very doable if you want to reach the island right after visiting Angkor Wat. Many companies operate overnight buses that arrive in Sihanoukville in the early morning, but daytime departures (around 7 am) also exist.
Check available schedules on 12GoAsia.

Kampot to Koh Rong

Going to Koh Rong from Kampot is a popular option among travelers and the one we chose as well for our trip, taking a 3.5-hour minivan to Sihanoukville followed by the ferry to Koh Rong. Recently (starting in late 2025), a direct ferry from Kampot to Koh Rong started operating. It’s by far the most convenient and fastest option. Both the minivan and direct ferry can be booked through 12GoAsia.

Arrival Points in Koh Rong

In Koh Rong, ferries stop at several piers, most commonly Kaoh Touch and Long Set Pier. Depending on the ferry company, some boats also continue to Sok San Port on the island’s west side, although this wasn’t the case for our ferry. Before arriving, the crew usually asks each passenger where they want to get off, so don’t worry about disembarking at the correct pier.

Getting Around Koh Rong

Once arrived on the island, to get around Koh Rong you can either take a tuk-tuk or drive on your own by scooter. Expect prices to be slightly higher than on the mainland. To get from Long Set Pier to our accommodation on the west side for example (about 10 km), we paid 12 USD for a tuk-tuk. If you’re looking for a driver, we can wholeheartedly recommend Kert from Tuk Tuk Adventures, reachable via WhatsApp at +855 93 545 407. Not only was he super kind and friendly, but he also gave us lots of useful information about Koh Rong and the best places to visit. Otherwise, you can also easily find a driver at the pier or ask your accommodation to arrange transport or a rental scooter for you.

Where To Stay in Koh Rong

We stayed at Soksan Natura Beach on the west side of Koh Rong. While the accommodation is rather simple, it lies right on the sea and makes you feel like almost being on a private beach. The owner is incredibly kind and helped us with anything we needed during our stay. There’s also a restaurant on site, that serves vegan curry with vegetable.

There is Wi-Fi at the reception, a free water refill station, and an on-site restaurant with a few vegan options, such as vegetable curries or fried rice (unfortunately, they don’t use tofu or other plant proteins). You can also rent motorbikes directly from the property for around 13 USD per day.

What To Do in Koh Rong

Explore the Beaches (Or just Stay on One)

The beaches are the main reason to visit Koh Rong. We’d recommend to book an accommodation close to the beach to get the most out of your stay. If you’ve been dreaming about that island getaway with house-with-beachview, Koh Rong is the ideal place to do just that! After that, the hardest decision you’ll have to face is the following: staying on one beach or moving around to discover more of the island?

Long Beach

Long Beach (also known as Sok San Beach) is the beach we stayed at, and it was honestly perfect. We had a beautiful sea view from the balcony of our accommodation, and even though it wasn’t officially a private beach, it felt like one – the only people around were guests from our hotel and the one next door. The sand is soft and white, and the water is crystal-clear and warm, perfect for swimming, floating, or just relaxing in the calm sea. Since the beach is located on the island’s west coast, you can also expect beautiful sunsets on most evenings.

Lonely Beach

Lonely Beach is another stunning spot on Koh Rong, but it’s a bit more challenging to reach. If you’re looking for a truly remote, untouched slice of paradise, this might be exactly what you’re after! The beach is accessible either by motorbike (recommended only for confident riders, as the road can be rough) or by tuk-tuk. You’ll also find a few accommodations right on the beach, such as Lily’s Beach Bungalows or Lonely Beach.

Pagoda Beach 

Pagoda Beach was another wonderful surprise. It offers the same calm, warm, and crystal-clear water as the other beaches, but with much easier access. There are a few more holiday accommodations here, and although some of them are on the fancier side, we still found the buildings tasteful and well-integrated into the natural beach setting. When we arrived, we had the beach almost entirely to ourselves. However, features like the water swings and the fact that many day visitors arrive by boat suggest that it can get quite busy during peak hours. If you’re considering staying in this area, have a look at resorts such as Anaya Koh Rong or The One Resort.

Coconut Beach

Coconut Beach is another beautiful, small beach in the South West of Koh Rong. Picture white powdery sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and palm trees straight out of a postcard. The beach is small and peaceful, ideal for swimming and relaxing. If you’d like to stay here, you’ll find a few accommodation options such Bunnan Bungalows or the fancier Amor Resort.

Kaoh Touch Beach

Kaoh Touch Beach might not be the most tranquil beach on the island, but it’s definitely one of the most convenient thanks to its location right by the main pier where many of the ferries arrive. Despite being busier than other beaches, the water still keeps its beautiful turquoise color. Around the area, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and small supermarkets, making it a practical base if you prefer having everything close by.

A curious detail from our stay in November 2025: the town of Kaoh Touch was actually one of the trickier places to access due to ongoing road construction on the main roads in and out of town. If you’ve visited more recently, we’d love to know whether the situation has improved – feel free to share your experience in the comments!

Snorkel and Diving

Snorkeling and diving are possible on both Koh Rong and its sister island, Koh Rong Samloem. While you can snorkel directly from the shore, the best experiences come when you go out by boat. For example, Koh Rong Dive Center offers both snorkeling and diving trips.

Another magical experience you shouldn’t miss is seeing the bioluminescent plankton at night. This natural phenomenon where tiny glowing particles light up with water appears on several beaches around Koh Rong and can be seen on guided night-snorkeling tours or even directly from the shore on darker nights. A truly magical experience!

SUP/Kayaking

Both stand-up paddling (SUP) and kayaking are popular on Koh Rong, and the calm waters make them relatively easy and safe. Many accommodations even let you rent the equipment for free. Heading out after sunset can be an incredible experience as well: if you’re comfortable paddling in the dark, you might spot the glowing bioluminescent plankton around your board or kayak.

Waterfalls

On Koh Rong, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore waterfalls. Firstly, there’s Varisan Nureach Waterfall, near Sok San Village. It is relatively easy to reach, requiring about 10 minutes from the beach. There are some rocks to climb over for the upper, main section of the waterfall, but otherwise the path is straightforward. Water flow varies by season, yet during the wetter months it’s a refreshing stop after exploring the west side of the island.

For something more adventurous, head to the Prek Svay Waterfall in the island’s northeast. This is a much more impressive waterfall hidden deep inside Koh Rong’s jungle. The trail is not well marked, so going with a guide is recommended. Just ask your accommodation to arrange one for you! The hike takes you through green, wild forests and feels far more remote, making it a great option for those looking for a bit of jungle exploration beyond the beaches.

Ride A Scooter Around the Island

If you like spontaneity and exploring, renting a scooter on Koh Rong is one of the coolest and most flexible ways to discover the island. Imagine riding with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair, stopping wherever something catches your eye: a beautiful beach, a breathtaking viewpoint, or just a place that feels right. Isn’t that the true definition of freedom?

Most accommodations can either rent you a scooter directly or help arrange one. At Soksan Natura Beach, where we stayed, rentals were available for 13 USD per day. Driving on Koh Rong is generally easy: most of the main roads are very well maintained and straightforward to navigate. The biggest challenge during our stay (November 2025) was actually around Kaoh Touch, where several access roads were under construction. Reaching the southern part of the island was trickier than expected, and in those cases it was easier to head back east and cross the island via the central road to reach the west coast. If you’ve visited recently, we’d love to hear in the comments whether the road situation around Kaoh Touch has improved!

Vegan Food in Koh Rong

Vegan Food Map

Is Koh Rong Vegan-Friendly?

Compared to the mainland, islands tend to be less vegan-friendly, and Koh Rong is no exception. There are several reasons for this: most ingredients need to be shipped over by boat, tourism is still developing compared to more well-known destinations, and restaurant options in general are limited. You also won’t find big supermarkets here; instead, expect small local mini-markets with only the basics. We did however come across plant-based milk, vegan instant noodles (always check the ingredients!), and a few snack options (yes… Oreos once again saved the day😄). We were also pleasantly surprised by the vegan options available at a handful of restaurants on the island. During our stay, we mostly alternated between the provisions we brought from mainland Cambodia and the places we found to eat out. More on both of these below!

Preparations for Being Vegan in Koh Rong

First, let us start by saying that both of us are planners when it comes to food, and we take our daily meals very seriously. We don’t enjoy going hungry or ending up with meals that feel unsatisfying, so we sometimes (okay… often 😄) carry more food than strictly necessary. For Koh Rong, we had no idea what to expect in terms of vegan availability. We only knew that:

• our hotel on the west side of the island was quite remote,
• there weren’t any obvious vegan options nearby,
• we didn’t want to rent a scooter every day,
• and Koh Rong, in general, is not the cheapest destination, especially compared to much of Southeast Asia.

So stocking up on the mainland and not relying exclusively on restaurants turned out to be the perfect strategy to save money, stress, and time. Here’s exactly what we did:

• Breakfast supplies: We stocked up on oats, plant-based milk, and peanut butter before boarding the ferry. With this combo, we could easily make breakfast every morning. Bread + peanut butter (or whatever spread you like!) works just as well. Just keep in mind that bread in many Southeast Asian countries often contains milk or milk powder – that’s why we usually buy bread in larger supermarkets, where the selection is bigger and the chances of finding vegan options are much higher.

• Vegan Instant Noodles: We also bought several vegan instant noodle bowls for lunches or simple dinners. We prefer the ones that come in a bowl rather than sachets: that way, you already have a container to eat from. Most accommodations provide a kettle, or like ours, a water dispenser with hot water, which makes this the easiest budget-friendly vegan meal ever.
  
• Snacks You Can Find on the Island: Small snacks like bananas and mangoes (fresh or dried) are easily available everywhere, same as nuts or seaweed snacks that can keep you full or a while.

Bonus: Vegan Translation Card

Save, screenshot or print this card to make your vegan orders in Cambodia and Koh Rong easier.

Vegan Restaurants on Koh Rong

To our surprise, there were a few restaurants on Koh Rong with really decent vegan options! If you’re staying in one of these areas or have a scooter, congrats – life as a vegan on Koh Rong will be a breeze for you 😉

White Rose

White Rose is a local restaurant conveniently located right on the pier in Kaoh Touch. It serves a range of delicious and affordable Khmer dishes, and there are several vegan-friendly options on the menu. You’ll find vegetable or tofu curries, simple stir-fries with tofu, mushrooms, or mixed veggies, and even a tofu burger. A great spot for a quick, budget-friendly meal before or after your ferry.

Enocafe Coffee & Italian Restaurant

Enocafe Coffee & Italian Restaurant is located in Kaoh Touch, making it a convenient stop if you’re arriving or leaving here by ferry. They serve a tasty bean-based burger and offer plenty of vegetarian dishes that can be veganized on request, such as pizzas and paninis.

Jungle Bar and Kitchen

Jungle Bar and Kitchen is a restaurant located near Kaoh Touch with a diverse menu. Visitors report that the staff is happy to adapt dishes to make them vegan, for example pizza. They also serve one of the best coffees on the island!

La Cocina Mexican Restaurant

La Cocina Mexican Restaurant is located just a few minutes’ walk from Long Set Pier, one of the island’s main ferry stops. We ate here on both our first and last day, right before boarding the ferry, and it was such a great find. This Mexican restaurant offers vegan versions of classics like burritos and tacos. What really impressed us is that they make their own vegan cheese and vegan sour cream using coconut – super tasty! It’s a perfect spot, especially (but not only) if you want a break from typical Asian dishes and crave something different.

Too Easy Restaurant & Sports Bar

Too Easy Restaurant & Sports Bar, also located close to Long Set Pier, offers a nice mix of local Khmer dishes and international options. You’ll find curries, Pad Thai, fried rice, and even a tofu burger and tofu wrap on the menu. As always, it’s worth double-checking ingredients, especially sauces, to ensure they don’t include shrimp paste or fish sauce (commonly used in Pad Thai), or dairy-based sauces for the burger or wrap.

Indian Cuisine Halal Food

Indian Cuisine Halal Food, like every good Indian restaurant, is another reliable stop for vegans on Koh Rong. Our favourite was the Chana Masala: rich, flavourful, and perfectly spiced. The staff is incredibly kind, service is fast, and they use fresh, high-quality ingredients,

Lonely Resto

Lonely Resto is located near Lonely Beach that offers several vegan-friendly dishes, including curries, tofu sandwiches, and fresh salads. What makes it especially great is that many of the meals are based on local Khmer specialties, a really cool way to try Cambodian cuisine in a plant-based version.

Natural Kitchen

Natural Kitchen is located on the northeast side of Koh Rong and offers a truly unique dining experience in a peaceful setting, with beautiful views over the river and mangrove forest. They don’t have a fixed menu; instead, the dishes change daily based on fresh ingredients – vegan options included.

Local Restaurants

Even beyond the restaurants we’ve listed above, you’ll find plenty of small, local eateries on Koh Rong serving traditional Khmer dishes — many of which can be adapted to a vegan version. Typical options include curries, stir-fried vegetables, or simple fried rice. Sometimes tofu is available as a meat replacement, though not everywhere. Just make sure to ask about hidden ingredients such as fish sauce or shrimp paste, which are common in Cambodian cooking. Since most dishes are prepared fresh, staff are usually very willing to leave things out or adjust the recipe if you explain that you don’t eat animal products.

Conclusion

As you might have already guessed from this article, we absolutely loved our time in Koh Rong. We arrived without big expectations and were mainly looking for a few days to relax after experiencing mostly rainy weather during our trip through Vietnam. Koh Rong surprised us in every way: the beaches were among the most beautiful we’ve seen in Southeast Asia, the water was warm and calm, and the local people were incredibly friendly. We spent a few wonderful days here, mostly relaxing on the beach and exploring the island by scooter.

If you’re looking for a peaceful place to slow down, disconnect, and enjoy nature at its best, Koh Rong might just be the perfect destination for you.

FAQ: Koh Rong Travel Guide

Where is Koh Rong located?

Koh Rong is an island off the southern coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, located near its smaller sister island, Koh Rong Samloem. It’s easily reached by ferry from Sihanoukville.

How many days should I spend on Koh Rong?

We recommend spending at least 3–5 days on Koh Rong. This gives you enough time to relax on the beaches, explore different parts of the island, snorkel, and enjoy the laid-back island vibe without rushing.

When is the best time to visit Koh Rong?

The best time to visit Koh Rong is during the dry season from November to April, when seas are calm and weather is sunny. December to March offers the most reliable beach conditions. The rainy season (May–October) brings fewer tourists but rougher seas.

How do I get to Koh Rong?

Koh Rong is reached by ferry from Sihanoukville, with travel times between 45 and 90 minutes. Many travelers arrive via combined bus or van and ferry tickets from Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Kampot.

Where do ferries arrive on Koh Rong?

Ferries mainly stop at Kaoh Touch and Long Set Pier. Some ferry companies also continue to Sok San Port on the west side of the island. The ferry crew usually asks passengers where they want to disembark.

How do you get around Koh Rong?

You can get around Koh Rong by tuk-tuk, scooter, on foot, or by boat taxi. Roads are limited but generally easy to navigate. Tuk-tuks are available at ferry piers, and many accommodations offer scooter rentals.

Is Koh Rong vegan-friendly?

Koh Rong is moderately vegan-friendly. While options are more limited than on the mainland, several restaurants offer vegan or veganizable dishes. Bringing snacks and basic food supplies from the mainland is highly recommended.

What are the best beaches on Koh Rong?

Some of the best beaches on Koh Rong include Long Set Beach (Long Beach), Sok San Beach, Pagoda Beach, Coconut Beach, and Lonely Beach. Each offers a slightly different atmosphere, from lively to completely secluded.

Can you see bioluminescent plankton on Koh Rong?

Yes! Koh Rong is one of the best places in Cambodia to see bioluminescent plankton. It can often be spotted at night on darker beaches or during guided night-snorkeling tours.

Is Koh Rong expensive?

Koh Rong is slightly more expensive than mainland Cambodia due to transport and logistics, but it remains very affordable. Budget travelers can expect to spend around €25–40 per day, while mid-range travelers usually spend €50–80.

Is Koh Rong safe for travelers?

Yes, Koh Rong is generally safe and relaxed. Violent crime is rare, and locals are friendly. As always, take basic precautions, especially when riding scooters or swimming in rough sea conditions.

Further Reading

Blog Articles

• Canvas & Orchids Retreat: Cambodia’s Romantic Getaway for Nature Lovers
• Vietnam Itinerary: 1 Month from North to South

Other island destinations:

• Tioman Island: A Hidden Paradise in Malaysia

Useful Resources

• HappyCow Cambodia