The Best Tropical Island You've Never Heard Of: Koh Rong, Cambodia
Tucked away in the Gulf of Thailand, off the southwestern coast of Cambodia and nearby Vietnam’s Phu Quoc, lies the breathtaking island of Koh Rong. If you're looking for an unspoiled tropical paradise with beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear water, where you can find an authentic experience, this is the destination you never knew you needed.
Where is Koh Rong Located and How Do I Get Around There?
Koh Rong is situated close to the shores of both Thailand and Vietnam, making it an ideal addition to any Southeast Asia itinerary. Specifically, it's about 25 kilometers off the coast of Sihanoukville in Cambodia. To get to Koh Rong, you can take a ferry from Sihanoukville. The ferry usually drops you off at Koh Rong's main area, Koh Touch (Koh Toch). From there, you have two options to reach Sok San Beach Resort, our chosen slice of paradise on the island:
Private Boat Transfer: For a hassle-free journey, you can arrange a private boat transfer from the main pier directly to the resort's pier. There are usually boats waiting for your arrival and you can negotiate a price with one of them.
Tuk Tuk: For a more adventurous and bumpy ride, you can take a tuk-tuk from Koh Touch to Sok San Beach Resort.
Upon our arrival at the ferry dock and with all our luggage in tow, we opted for the private fast boat transfer, which was a seamless transition from ferry to resort.
What is Special About Koh Rong?
Koh Rong stands out for its unspoilt and less commercialized charm compared to other popular Southeast Asian beach destinations. The island boasts stunning white sand beaches, warm bathtub-like waters, and a tranquil atmosphere that offers visitors a chance to experience Cambodia's natural beauty beyond its ancient temples and bustling cities.
How Many Days Do You Need in Koh Rong?
We spent a total of four days and three nights in Koh Rong, and it felt just right. This gave us ample time to relax on the pristine beaches, explore the local village, and soak in the natural beauty of the island. Whether you're looking to unwind for a weekend or escape for a week, Koh Rong offers a perfect retreat.
Our Luxury Experience at Sok San Beach Resort Hotel
We chose to stay at Sok San Beach Resort Hotel, located away from the lively and bustling atmosphere of Koh Touch. This decision was a trade-off we gladly made for the tranquil serenity offered by Sok San. The resort, while simple, provided everything we needed for a no-frills beach vacation.
We opted to upgrade our room to the beachfront suite chalet, and it was worth every penny. The traditional Khmer-style wooden cottage accommodation featured a separate living area, two washrooms, and a sprawling front patio with a stunning beach and ocean view. The beachfront accommodation options are the only two chalets with a view, and spending our afternoons lounging on the front patio playing cards as the sunset was a luxurious experience we'll never forget.
Dining and Local Experiences
While the resort's food was standard and satisfying, we preferred venturing out to the local village for meals. The nearby village offered a couple of seaside restaurants serving a variety of delicious Cambodian dishes, including fried rice and curries. We would choose our seats near the edge of the wooden decks overlooking the ocean, and settle in for a few rounds of Cambodian beer.
It was here that we discovered Koh Rong's magical bioluminescence plankton phenomenon. Unlike other destinations where you have to venture into the water and agitate it yourself to witness this magical event, Koh Rong offers a unique and effortless spectacle. There is a pier with posts extending down into the water, and every time a wave crashed against it, electric blue lightning bolts of bioluminescence plankton would shoot across the surface of the sea.
Because the area beneath the pier was pitch black, this phenomenon was clearly visible even from the shore. It made for a magical and unforgettable night, as the glowing waves illuminated the ocean with a surreal blue glow, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere that felt like something out of a fairy tale.
Exploring Koh Touch (Koh Toch) Village
We spent one day exploring the main area of Koh Touch (Koh Toch), soaking up the hustle and bustle of this vibrant beach town. This time we made the bumpy tuk tuk journey, and as we arrived at the pier, we were greeted by a kaleidoscope of colorful boats bobbing up and down in the turquoise ocean—a beautiful sight to behold.
The atmosphere in Koh Touch (Koh Toch) is lively and bustling, with numerous beachfront restaurants offering a variety of local and international dishes. We grabbed a seat on a couple of chairs in the sand, ordered some Cambodia draft beers with fried rice and morning glory, and settled in to enjoy the view and the gentle sea breeze. Here we made friends with the local dogs who call this beach their home. These friendly canines became our companions for the afternoon, enjoying the shade and watching the waves roll in right by our side. We sat here for hours watching what we dubbed the "Koh Rong Highway"—the thin strip of sand along the water's edge where locals and visitors alike rode their scooters back and forth, creating a unique and entertaining spectacle.
Next, we took a long walk along the water’s edge, all the way down to Long Set Beach (Long Beach). After that effort, it was time to indulge in relaxation, so we stopped at a bar followed by a local shop for some very affordable massages to spend a blissful hour away.
As night fell, more street vendors set up along Long Beach, offering a variety of tasty treats. We savored some delicious ramen and seafood dishes, once again sitting beside the ocean and enjoying the sounds of the waves crashing nearby.
Common Questions about Koh Rong Island:
Can You Swim at Koh Rong and in Cambodia?
Absolutely! The beaches at Sok Sand in Koh Rong are postcard-perfect, with warm bathtub-like waters, crystal-clear blue hues, and soft white sand. There's no need for water shoes here, as the seabed is free of coral or rocks. The waters surrounding Koh Rong are safe for swimming, with warm temperatures and clear visibility.
Are Beaches Better in Cambodia or Thailand or Vietnam?
Cambodia boasts some stunning beaches, with Koh Rong being one of the most picturesque. The country's coastline along the Gulf of Thailand is home to several pristine beaches, offering visitors a chance to experience Cambodia beyond its ancient temples and bustling cities.
While Thailand and Vietnam are renowned for their beautiful beaches, Cambodia's Koh Rong stands out for its natural beauty and less commercialized charm. If you're seeking a tranquil and authentic beach experience away from the crowds, Koh Rong is the place to be. In fact if you are looking for an even more dialed back experience, we have heard that Koh Rong’s neighbor Koh Rong Sanloem (Koh Rong Samloem) is even smaller and more unspoilt.
Conclusion on Koh Rong Island Cambodia
If you're in search of a natural paradise with pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, look no further than Koh Rong, Cambodia. Escape the touristy crowds and indulge in an authentic Robinson Crusoe-esque luxury travel experience. With its untouched beauty and serene atmosphere, Koh Rong is truly the best tropical island you've never heard of—but won't forget once you've visited.
So, pack your bags and discover the hidden gem that is Koh Rong, Cambodia, before the secret gets out!
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