Koh Rong Travel Guide
A comprehensive travel guide to Koh Rong, including its top tourist spots, culture and customs, transportation options, and more.
- Introduction to Koh Rong
- List of Places to Visit in Koh Rong
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Koh Rong
- Best Things to Do in Koh Rong: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Koh Rong
- Food and Drink Scene of Koh Rong
- Where to Stay in Koh Rong: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Koh Rong: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Koh Rong
- Best Time to Visit Koh Rong
- Do’s and Don’ts of Koh Rong
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Koh Rong: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Koh Rong
- Where to Go Next from Koh Rong: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Koh Rong
Koh Rong is a picture-perfect island paradise located in the Gulf of Thailand, off the coast of Cambodia. It boasts of pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant underwater world. Visitors to this island paradise can indulge in a range of activities, including swimming, snorkelling, diving, sunbathing, hiking, and more. It is a perfect destination for backpackers, families, and couples who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and relax amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
List of Places to Visit in Koh Rong
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Koh Rong doesn’t have many historical sites, but there are a few places that showcase the unique culture of the island:
Koh Rong Museum
The Koh Rong Museum showcases the island’s history, culture, and wildlife. The exhibits include artifacts, photos, and information about the island’s inhabitants, flora, and fauna.
Koh Rong Village
The Koh Rong Village is a traditional Cambodian village that gives visitors an insight into the daily life of the island’s inhabitants. Visitors can learn about the locals’ livelihoods, traditions, and culture.
Natural Attractions of Koh Rong: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Koh Rong is renowned for its natural beauty, and some of the top attractions include:
Long Beach
Long Beach is the longest beach on the island, featuring soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters. It is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
Koh Rong Waterfall
The Koh Rong Waterfall is located in the heart of the island and is a great attraction for nature lovers, hikers, and adventure seekers.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Koh Rong
Koh Rong is a hiker’s paradise, and there are many hiking and biking trails that traverse the island’s scenic areas. Some of the best routes include:
Koh Rong Hilltop
The Koh Rong Hilltop Trail offers breathtaking views of the island and its surroundings. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the stunning coastline and nearby islands from the trail.
Island Tour
An island tour is a great way to explore the lush greenery, pristine beaches, and scenic landscapes of Koh Rong. Visitors can arrange tours with local operators or rent bikes to explore the island at their own pace.
Best Things to Do in Koh Rong: Activities and Tours
Koh Rong offers a plethora of activities and tours for visitors. Some of the top things to do include:
Snorkelling and Diving
Koh Rong is a popular destination for snorkelling and diving, with clear waters and vibrant marine life. Visitors can rent snorkelling and diving equipment or take a guided tour to explore the underwater world.
Sunset Sailing
Watching the sunset is an experience in itself, and doing so while sailing on the open water is even more memorable. Visitors can take sunset sailing tours to enjoy the stunning sunset views from a different perspective.
Week-Long Itinerary for Koh Rong
Visitors planning to spend a week in Koh Rong can follow this suggested itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Koh Rong and spend the day exploring the island’s beaches and waterfalls. Day 2 and 3: Take a snorkelling or diving tour to explore Koh Rong’s spectacular underwater world. Day 4: Explore the island’s hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. Day 5: Take an island tour to experience Koh Rong’s unique culture and heritage. Day 6: Go on a sunset sailing tour to enjoy the stunning sunset views. Day 7: Relax and enjoy the pristine beauty of Koh Rong’s beaches.
Food and Drink Scene of Koh Rong
Must-Try Dishes
Koh Rong offers a range of culinary experiences for visitors, and some of the must-try dishes include:
Fish Amok
Fish Amok is a traditional Cambodian dish made with steamed fish, coconut milk, and spices.
Khmer Curry
Khmer Curry is a spicy and flavourful curry made with coconut milk, lemongrass, and a range of vegetables and meats.
Local Beverages
The local beverages available in Koh Rong include:
Beer Lao
Beer Lao is a popular beer brewed in Laos and is widely available in bars and restaurants on the island.
Fresh Coconut Water
Koh Rong is abundant in fresh coconuts, and visitors can enjoy fresh coconut water or coconut milk throughout the island.
Where to Stay in Koh Rong: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Koh Rong offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some of the top options include:
Mad Monkey Hostel
Mad Monkey Hostel is a popular backpacker hostel located on Long Beach. It offers comfortable dorm rooms, private rooms, and a range of facilities, including a bar, restaurant, and swimming pool.
Paradise Bungalows
Paradise Bungalows is a beachfront accommodation option that offers cosy bungalows and suites. It also features a restaurant, beach bar, and massage services.
What to Buy in Koh Rong: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Koh Rong offers a range of souvenirs and local products that visitors can take home as mementoes of their trip. These include:
Handmade Crafts
Koh Rong’s inhabitants make a range of handmade crafts, including jewellery, bags, and souvenirs.
Cambodian Silk
Cambodian silk is renowned for its quality and vibrant colours. Visitors can buy silk shawls, scarves, and other garments in Koh Rong’s markets.
Local Culture and Customs of Koh Rong
Koh Rong has a unique culture and customs, and visitors should be respectful of these. Some of the local customs include:
Dress Code
Cambodian culture is conservative, and visitors should dress appropriately, especially when visiting temples and other religious sites.
Respect for Elders
Cambodian culture places great respect on elders, and visitors should be mindful of this when interacting with locals.
Best Time to Visit Koh Rong
The best time to visit Koh Rong is between November and April when the weather is dry and sunny. The humidity drops during this time, and the seas are calmer, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Do’s and Don’ts of Koh Rong
Do:
- Respect the local culture and customs.
- Dress respectfully when visiting temples and other religious sites.
- Take a guided tour or hire a local guide to explore Koh Rong’s natural beauty.
Don’t:
- Leave trash on the beaches or in the sea.
- Damage coral reefs when snorkelling or diving.
- Disrespect locals or their customs.
Safety and Health
Safety in Koh Rong
Koh Rong is generally safe, but visitors should take necessary precautions against petty crime. Some tips for staying safe include:
- Keep valuables in a safe or secure location.
- Keep a close watch on personal belongings in crowded areas.
Health in Koh Rong
Koh Rong has limited medical facilities, so visitors should take necessary precautions to avoid illnesses. Some tips for staying healthy include:
- Drink only bottled water.
- Use insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites.
Getting to Koh Rong: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Koh Rong
The nearest international airport to Koh Rong is in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city.
Bus Stations Near Koh Rong
Visitors can take a bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and then take a ferry to Koh Rong.
Other Options
Visitors can also take a taxi or hire a private car to travel to Sihanoukville and then take a ferry to Koh Rong.
How to Get Around in Koh Rong
Koh Rong is a small island, and visitors can explore most of it on foot. Alternatively, visitors can hire bicycles or motorbikes from local vendors.
Where to Go Next from Koh Rong: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Visitors can explore nearby destinations and excursions from Koh Rong, including:
Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is a bustling city on Cambodia’s southeast coast, and visitors can explore its beaches, cultural attractions, and markets.
Koh Rong Samloem
Koh Rong Samloem is a smaller island than Koh Rong, but it still features pristine beaches, natural beauty, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Conclusion
Koh Rong is a hidden gem in Southeast Asia, offering visitors breathtaking landscapes, a unique culture, and a range of activities and attractions. It is an ideal destination for those looking to relax and soak up the sun on a pristine beach or go on an adventure and explore the island’s scenic beauty. Plan your trip today and experience all that Koh Rong has to offer.
