Preah Sihanouk Province, Gulf of Thailand · Cambodia
White-sand islands off the Cambodian coast, with bioluminescent plankton and jungle interiors.
Photo: Treehill · CC BY-SA 4.0
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are the best known of Cambodia's islands, with long white beaches, clear water and jungle-covered hills. Koh Rong is bigger and livelier, with a party scene at Koh Touch, while Koh Rong Samloem is calmer and more upmarket.
The islands are reached by ferry from Sihanoukville in 45 minutes to two hours. Once there, activities include snorkelling, kayaking, jungle trekking, and watching bioluminescent plankton glow at night. Many resorts are simple bungalows, with limited electricity and mobile coverage.
The dry season, from November to May, brings calm seas, while the rainy season can cancel ferries and close some businesses. Development is changing the islands quickly, so check recent reviews.
Why visit
The islands are for relaxation and simple beach life.
Clear water and sunsets.
Reefs and fish.
Glowing sea.
Short hikes.
Beach bungalows.
Main attractions
The best sights are the beaches.
A long white beach on Koh Rong.
Tip Great for sunset.
The main village.
Tip Lively evenings.
A quiet, scenic bay.
Tip Take a boat.
A calm beach on Samloem.
Tip Relax.
A crescent bay on Samloem.
Tip Swim in calm water.
Hike to quiet coves.
Tip Wear shoes.
Things to do
Water and beach time.
Boat trips.
Tip Bring sunscreen.
After dark.
Tip Go on a moonless night.
Through jungle.
Tip Carry water.
Calm bays.
Tip Morning.
Over the water.
Tip Every evening.
Basic courses.
Tip Choose a reputable shop.
Local food
Food is simple and fresh.
Fresh catch.
Where to try it Beach restaurants.
Coconut curry.
Where to try it Resorts.
Quick meals.
Where to try it Bars.
Mango and pineapple.
Where to try it Stalls.
Evening feast.
Where to try it Resorts.
Accommodation
Bungalows and a few resorts.
Transport
Take a ferry from Sihanoukville.
Boats and walking.
When to go
Calm seas and dry weather.
Cool, dry and calm.
Hot.
Rough seas.
Opening season.
Worth planning around: August and September, when seas are rough.
Itinerary
Beach time.
Ferry
Reef
Calm
Jungle
Travel tips
Tips.
FAQ
Samloem is quieter.
Three to five days.
November to May.
Moderate.
Limited.
Yes with care.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Kampot and Kep Provinces, southern coast, Cambodia
A relaxed southern coast with colonial architecture, Kampot pepper, river cruises, Bokor Hill, Kep crab market and Rabbit Island.
Don't miss Floating down the Kampot river at sunset, then eating crab in Kep.
Explore Destination — Kampot and KepPhnom Penh Municipality, Cambodia
A busy riverside capital with the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Central Market, Tuol Sleng, Choeung Ek and a growing food scene.
Don't miss Watching the sun set over the river from a rooftop after a day of palaces and markets.
Explore Destination — Phnom PenhSiem Reap Province, Cambodia
A relaxed city with Pub Street, the Old Market, Phare circus, Royal Gardens and trips to the Tonle Sap floating villages.
Don't miss Eating fish amok in the old market after a day among temples.
Explore Destination — Siem Reap and Tonle SapRead next
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