Introduction

Welcome to Tiani Travels! If you’re in search of a destination that combines stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and adventure, then look no further than Koh Rong. This beautiful island, located off the coast of Cambodia, boasts pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a range of activities and attractions to suit all tastes.

Whether you’re looking to relax in a hammock with a good book or explore the island’s hidden gems on a moped, Koh Rong has something for everyone. In this blog post, I’ll give you a rundown of the best things to see and do in Koh Rong, as well as tips for getting there, getting around, and making the most of your trip. So sit back, relax, and let me take you on a journey to this tropical paradise.

A Little Bit About Koh Rong

Koh Rong has a long and interesting history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over a thousand years. The island was originally inhabited by the Khmer people, who are the predominant ethnic group in Cambodia. They lived in traditional villages and relied on fishing and farming for their livelihoods.

In the late 19th century, the French colonial authorities took control of Cambodia, including Koh Rong. The island became a centre for rubber plantations and the French also established a leper colony on the island. The colony was closed in the 1950s, but the island remained largely isolated until the 1990s.

In the 1990s, Koh Rong began to attract backpackers and budget travellers, drawn by its pristine beaches and laid-back vibe. Over the years, the island has developed a reputation as a backpacker haven, with a range of budget-friendly accommodations, bars, and restaurants.

Despite the growth of tourism on the island, Koh Rong has managed to retain its unique character and charm. Today, it’s still possible to find secluded beaches and quiet spots to relax, away from the crowds. Whether you’re interested in history, or culture, or just soaking up the sun on a beautiful beach, Koh Rong is a destination that is sure to captivate and inspire.

What To See and Do in Koh Rong

Snorkelling at Treehouse Bungalows Beach

There is a small reef just off the beach in front of Treehouse Bungalows, if you snorkel here you can expect to see lots of species of reef fish like Sergeant majors, parrotfish, and angelfish, as well as sea cucumbers, hermit crabs and so much more! You can hire a mask, snorkel and fins from the Dive Centre in Koh Touch, otherwise, I suggest packing a pair of goggles and using them instead! I travel with a pair of goggles specifically for this reason, I might look a bit silly but at least I’m saving money!

At the Treehouse Bungalows beach, there are sun loungers that you can use if you buy a drink from the bar, as well as much-needed parasols for shade. There is also a restaurant there and their pizzas are to die for!

Visit 4K Beach

4K beach is a heavenly 4km stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise waters. There are a few beach bars and clubs along the beach, including Nest and Bunna Beach Bar. However, there isn’t a great deal of shade along this beach, much to my dismay! You can walk here in 30 minutes from Koh Touch (the main village area).

Hire Mopeds and Drive Around the Island

Hiring a moped in Koh Rong was one of the highlights of my trip! I didn’t realize how large the island actually was until we began driving around it. It’s important to note that in Cambodia, you drive on the right side of the road. However, the roads in Koh Rong are so quiet and enjoyable to navigate.

Having a moped gives you so much freedom to explore the island at your own pace, stopping to take pictures and taking a quick dip in the sea every so often.

There are so many attractions to stop and see on your way around the island, snorkelling spots, hidden beaches, high-end resorts and local villages.

You can hire mopeds from lots of different stalls in Koh Touch. You don’t have to show any ID or driver’s licence, you can just pay $10 per day and ride away! If you do hire a moped, make sure to take pictures of the bike when you first get it to log any damage to it.

Golden Sands Resort Beach

Coconut Beach

Coconut Beach was honestly a little disappointing for me, the resorts there were very quiet when we went and in comparison to the other beaches on the island, it didn’t really stand out! That being said, I’m sure in the high season the area would be more lively with a good atmosphere.

Drive to Lonely Beach

Take a drive to the north of the island and visit Lonely Beach. The natural beauty here is incredible and it does feel a bit lonely but calming at the same time. It is very isolated but well worth visiting!

Enjoy the Nightlife

• Nest Beach Club
• Full moon parties
• Happy Hours in Koh Touch

Best Eats in Koh Rong

The White Rose was our go-to restaurant during our stay in Koh Rong, the menu is huge and they offer a mix of Khmer and Western food. The location is really convenient if you’re staying in Koh Touch and the prices are very reasonable considering the location! The happy hour there is a good reason to go for dinner between 7-9pm!

Another nice option is to eat at the Treehouse Bungalows Resort (after some time snorkelling), they also have lots of options to choose from. A couple of my favourite dishes there included the Sausage and Cheese Pide and the Meze Plate. It’s a little more pricey but it’s worth it, especially if you are spending the day there.

Happy Family Restaurant has a similar menu to The White Rose, but it also serves delicious pizzas! Although it doesn’t serve cocktails, unfortunately, only spirits with mixers.

Where to Stay in Koh Rong

If you want to be in the midst of everything, stay in Koh Touch, this is where the main pier is and where the restaurants and bars are concentrated. There are plenty of hotels, hostels and guesthouses to choose from.

Budget Hotel/Guesthouse: White Rose Guesthouse

Hostel: Lost Boys

Mid-range: White Sand Ark Resort

If you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxing luxury experience, take a look at some of the resorts on the west side of the island.

High-end: Sok San Beach Resort, You&Me Resort and Tamu Koh Rong.

How To Get To Koh Rong

You can get to Koh Rong via ferry and speedboat leaving from Sihanoukville Pier 3-4 times a day.

*Note: Don’t stay in Sihanoukville if you can help it. It’s very commercialised and there are many casinos there.

Tickets from Sihanoukville – Koh Rong cost around £12 per person.

How To Get Around in Koh Rong

Most of the time in Koh Rong you will be walking around, especially if you’re staying in Koh Touch. If you want a little more freedom, definitely hire a moped for a day or two and ride around the island. If you want to spend the day at a different beach but don’t fancy walking, you can always hop on a longtail boat for a price of between $15-$25.

How Long To Spend in Koh Rong

Honestly? I could easily spend 2+ weeks chilling out on this beautiful island, after a few days you really get into the slow pace of island life. I stayed in Koh Rong for 7 nights and I definitely could’ve stayed longer! If you love the beach, the sea, watersports and jungle treks, you’ll fit in perfectly here. If you’re on a tighter schedule, 3 days would be enough to see the island.

Cost of Visiting Koh Rong

Cost breakdown:

When we stayed in Koh Rong, overall we spent the most money on food! The accommodation was cheap enough, at £15.65/night for a double room with a fan. Food, on the other hand, cost an average of £30 per day for the two of us and a total of £210.74 over 7 nights. Transport was relatively cheap, in total it cost £57.38 for 2 boat tickets to the island and 2 days of moped hire. We spent £20.52 on random shopping items like mosquito repellent and toilettries.

The grand total was £410.23 for two people.

Tips For Your Visit

• Take enough cash with you from the mainland. You can withdraw cash from certain bars and restaurants in Koh Rong, like the White Rose, but they charge a 10% fee on each transaction.
• Take lots of bug repellent with you, the sandflies and mosquitoes are evil!
• Hire a moped and explore the island! Just be careful on the roads, some of them are still gravel, and in Cambodia, you drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• Head to The White Rose Restaurant for Happy Hour between 7 pm- 9 pm.
• For cheaper accommodation options, stay in Koh Touch.
• The best snorkelling spot on the island is just in front of Treehouse Bungalows Resort.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Koh Rong is the perfect destination for anyone looking to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a range of activities and attractions to suit all tastes, this Cambodian island is truly a tropical paradise. From snorkelling at Treehouse Bungalows Beach to exploring the island on a moped, there’s no shortage of things to see and do here. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation or a luxury resort, Koh Rong has plenty of options to suit your needs. So why not plan your visit to this idyllic island and experience the magic of Koh Rong for yourself?

If you found this blog helpful, I invite you to explore my other travel guides here! Should you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out to me via email at tianitravels@gmail.com or connect with me on social media.