Koh Rong is a stunning island situated in Cambodia, renowned for its pristine waters and untouched landscapes. It’s an ideal destination for those who want to escape their mundane routines and enjoy a blend of serene beauty and thrilling activities. Travelers can find a unique combination of calm beaches and adventurous outdoor experiences, making it a perfect place for relaxation and excitement.
This guide has compiled the top 11 things to do in Koh Rong, ensuring that your visit is filled with unforgettable memories.
What is Koh Rong Famous For?
Koh Rong is the country’s second-largest island, located off the southern coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand.
Known for its stunning scenery, the island spans approximately 78 square kilometers and features 43 kilometers of beautiful beaches. Its coastline is fringed with white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and dense, lush jungle interiors, making it a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Koh Rong is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and its relatively pristine environment. The island is famous for its bioluminescent plankton, which sparkles along the shores at night, creating a mesmerizing, starry effect in the water. This phenomenon, combined with the island’s unspoiled beaches and vibrant coral reefs, makes Koh Rong a top destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Enjoy a peaceful escape in Koh Rong
The culture of Koh Rong is laid-back and welcoming, with a mix of Khmer hospitality and a small but growing international community. The island does not have the extensive infrastructure found in more developed tourist areas, which adds to its charm and appeal for visitors looking for an authentic and serene beach experience.
Whether it’s lounging on the beach, exploring the jungle, or enjoying the nightlife, Koh Rong offers a unique blend of activities that cater to all types of travelers.
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Best Time to Visit Koh Rong
The best time to visit Koh Rong is during the dry season, which spans from November to April. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions for exploring the island’s natural beauty and engaging in various outdoor activities.
- Dry Season (November to April): Sunny days with clear skies and little to no rainfall make this season ideal for beach activities, water sports, and hiking. Temperatures are comfortably warm, typically ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
- Wet Season (May to October): This season is marked by higher humidity and frequent rains, especially in September and October. While the island becomes lush and less crowded, rough seas and reduced visibility underwater can affect travel plans and water-based activities.
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Uncover The Top 11 Things to Do in Koh Rong
Koh Rong offers a plethora of activities that cater to every type of visitor, from those seeking serene natural encounters to adrenaline junkies craving adventure.
Behold the Glowing Plankton
A truly magical experience awaits you on the shores of Koh Rong at night. The waters around the island are home to bioluminescent plankton that glow and sparkle under the moonlight, creating a surreal underwater light show. For the best experience, visit during a new moon when the darkness enhances the visibility of the glowing plankton. Swimming among these luminous creatures is an unforgettable experience and a must-do for any visitor.
Witness the enchanting glowing plankton at night (Source: Collected)
Take a Day Trip to Koh Rong Sanloem
Just a short boat ride from Koh Rong, its sister island, Koh Rong Samloem, offers a more tranquil and less developed environment. This makes it perfect for a day trip where you can explore pristine beaches, enjoy snorkeling in clear waters, or just relax under the sun. The island’s Saracen Bay is particularly famous for its sweeping crescent beach and crystal-clear waters, providing a peaceful escape from the bustling areas of Koh Rong.
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Scuba Diving
Koh Rong’s underwater world is vibrant and teeming with life, making it a fantastic spot for scuba diving. Both beginners and experienced divers can explore various dive sites around the island, where they might encounter colorful coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, and even sunken artifacts.
Dive shops offer equipment rental and guided tours, ensuring a safe and enriching diving experience. Whether you’re looking to get your first diving certification or simply want to enjoy some leisurely dives, Koh Rong’s underwater beauty should not be missed.
Kayaking and Paddle Boarding
Take advantage of Koh Rong’s calm and clear waters by engaging in kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. These activities are not only great for fitness but also offer a serene way to explore the coastline at your own pace. You can paddle around the island, discovering secluded beaches and enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings. Rental shops are available along the main beaches, offering gear for hourly or daily rentals.
Enjoy kayaking on Koh Rong’s calm and clear waters (Source: Collected)
Jet Skiing Tour
For those looking for a bit more speed and excitement, taking a jet skiing tour around Koh Rong is the perfect adventure. This activity allows you to cover a lot of area in a short time, giving you a thrilling experience as you zoom over the waves. Guided tours can take you to some of the less accessible parts of the island, providing a unique perspective of Koh Rong’s stunning landscapes from the water.
Chill on the Beaches
Koh Rong is home to some of Cambodia’s most beautiful beaches, each offering its own unique atmosphere:
- Long Set Beach: Also known as 4K Beach, this stretch of white sand offers a tranquil retreat with stunning views of the ocean.
- Sok San Beach: Famous for its long, wide beach and crystal-clear waters, Sok San was also a filming location for the TV show “Survivor.”
- Lazy Beach: Accessible via a short trek through the jungle on Koh Rong Sanloem, this beach is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy some downtime in a more secluded setting.
Enjoy the Sunset at Sok San Village
This small fishing village on the west coast of Koh Rong offers a picturesque backdrop with its traditional Cambodian stilt houses and a serene, unspoiled beach. The sunsets here are spectacular, with vibrant colors reflecting off the calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. It’s a perfect spot for an evening stroll or just to relax and take in the breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon.
Watching the sunset from Sok San Village is an experience not to be missed
Try Koh Rong Blob Jump
For those seeking a bit of adrenaline-pumping fun, the blob jump is a must-try activity. Situated at several beachfront locations, this large inflatable cushion sits on the water, allowing one person to sit on the end while another jumps onto it from a platform, propelling the person into the air and into the water. It’s a thrilling and fun way to cool off and a great activity for groups looking for some laughs and excitement.
Go Waterfall Chasing
Koh Rong is not only home to stunning beaches but also boasts lush jungles hiding waterfalls, perfect for those seeking adventure. Don’t miss the chance to visit Sok San Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Koh Rong.
It is a beautiful sight to behold and an ideal place to unwind. The water drops from a height and falls into a rocky pool, which is about 4 meters below. The best time to visit the waterfall is during or right after the rainy season.
The waterfall is located just a short walk away from Sok San Village, and it takes approximately five minutes to reach it on foot. However, keep in mind that during the busiest times of the year, the waterfall may only trickle.
Explore the Island on a Scooter
Renting a scooter is a fantastic way to explore Koh Rong independently. The island’s relatively undeveloped roads offer a rugged charm, perfect for adventurers. You can ride through small villages, past local homes, and along scenic coastlines. This mode of transportation gives you the freedom to stop at lesser-known spots whenever you wish, discover hidden beaches, and even find local eateries where you can sample authentic Cambodian cuisine.
Trek through the Jungle to Long Beach
Beautiful Long Beach in Koh Rong
A trek to Long Beach on Koh Rong can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The journey involves a moderate hike through the island’s dense jungle, giving you a chance to immerse yourself in the tropical wilderness. The trail ends at Long Beach, a stunning, secluded stretch of white sand that is often less crowded than other beaches. The pristine waters and peaceful environment make it a perfect spot to relax after the hike. Don’t forget to bring water and snacks, and consider a guided tour if you’re unfamiliar with the trails.
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Embark on the Journey to Koh Rong with Asia Pioneer Travel
Koh Rong is a mesmerizing destination that caters to the interests of every type of traveler, providing a perfect blend of tranquil natural beauty and exhilarating adventures. Packed with a diverse range of activities, including swimming with bioluminescent plankton and exploring stunning waterfalls, you’ll never run out of things to do. Koh Rong Island is the ultimate destination for a summer getaway that caters to everyone’s interests.
Ready to explore the enchanting landscapes of Koh Rong and beyond? Get In Touch with our delicate Travel Designers now to create the best bespoke Cambodia vacation and discover more captivating destinations across this country.
