Koh Rong Islands: Cambodia’s Budget Island Paradise
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are Cambodia’s answer to the Thai islands — without the Thai prices. Powdery white sand, turquoise water, palm-fringed beaches, and jungled interiors await just off the coast of Sihanoukville. They’re split between the busier, party-friendly Koh Rong and the quieter, blissed-out Koh Rong Samloem. Whichever you choose, you’re in for one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable island escapes.
A Brief History of the Koh Rong Islands
The Koh Rong archipelago comprises 6 islands off the coast of Sihanoukville. For most of their history, they were inhabited only by small fishing communities. In the 1960s, the islands were briefly considered for development by Sihanouk’s government, but the civil war and Khmer Rouge era put an end to those plans. The islands remained largely untouched until the 2010s, when budget travellers and eco-resorts began discovering their pristine beaches. Koh Rong Samloem, in particular, has developed as a slow travel alternative — no cars, few roads, and a commitment to keeping development low-impact and bungalow-style.
Cost Breakdown: Koh Rong Islands on a Budget
The islands are slightly more expensive than mainland Cambodia, but still remarkably cheap compared to Thai alternatives.
Budget per person per day (excluding accommodation):
- Budget Traveller: $20–35
- Mid-Range: $40–70
- Comfort: $80–120
Key costs:
- Basic bungalow (Koh Rong Samloem): $10–20 per night
- Beachfront bungalow (Koh Rong): $20–40 per night
- Ferry from Sihanoukville: $10–15 (return)
- Meal at a beach restaurant: $3–7
- Fresh coconut or fruit shake: $1–2
- Snorkelling gear rental: $3–5 per day
- Kayak rental: $5–10 per day
Top Attractions on the Koh Rong Islands
1. Saracen Bay — Koh Rong Samloem
Saracen Bay is a crescent-shaped stretch of powder-white sand on the east coast of Koh Rong Samloem. The water is incredibly calm and clear — perfect for swimming. The bay is lined with wooden bungalows and beach restaurants, but development is low-rise and tasteful. There are no cars, no roads, no ATMs — you walk everywhere along the sand path that runs behind the beachfront. It’s the closest you’ll get to a deserted island paradise without leaving civilisation entirely.
Location: East coast of Koh Rong Samloem, 45-minute ferry from Sihanoukville.
Highlights:
- Crystal-clear, shallow water perfect for swimming
- Powder-white sand that squeaks underfoot
- Beachfront bungalows steps from the water ($15–30)
- Sunset walks to the quieter south end of the bay
- No cars, no motorbikes, no noise — just waves and birds
2. Bioluminescent Plankton — One of Nature’s Greatest Shows
One of the most magical natural phenomena in Southeast Asia: the waters around Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are home to bioluminescent plankton that light up like tiny blue stars when disturbed. The best displays are on dark, moonless nights — swim through the water and every movement creates trails of blue-green light. The effect is surreal, as if you’re swimming through liquid starlight.
Location: Best seen on the darker western side of Koh Rong, or at the southern end of Saracen Bay.
History: The bioluminescence is caused by microscopic phytoplankton called dinoflagellates that produce light as a defence mechanism.
Highlights:
- Night swims where every splash creates blue-green sparks of light
- Hands and feet glowing as you move through the water
- Peak visibility during the new moon phase (darker = better)
- Kayaking at night — the paddle drips with bioluminescence
- A once-in-a-lifetime natural experience
3. Koh Rong — Long Beach & The Party Scene
Koh Rong is the larger, livelier sibling. The main strip at Koh Tuich village has bars, restaurants, and a party atmosphere that rivals the best of Thailand. But the real draw is the eastern side of the island, where Long Beach (also called 4K Beach) stretches for 7 km of near-deserted white sand accessible only by boat or a jungle hike. The contrast is what makes Koh Rong special — one side has the fun social scene, the other has absolute isolation.
Location: The larger island of the pair, 30-minute ferry from Sihanoukville.
Highlights:
- Long Beach — 7 km of nearly empty white sand paradise
- Jungle hiking across the island (45 minutes) with incredible viewpoints
- Sunset from the pier — a nightly ritual with music and Angkor beer
- Snorkelling off the quieter southern beaches
- Beach party fire shows at the main village (weekends)
4. Snorkelling & Jungle Trekking
The islands aren’t just about lounging on beaches. The surrounding waters have healthy coral reefs with colourful tropical fish, and the jungle interiors of both islands have trails that reward hikers with stunning viewpoints. A day trip around both islands by chartered boat costs $15–25 per person and includes multiple snorkelling stops, lunch on a remote beach, and a visit to the floating fishing village on the west side of Koh Rong.
Best snorkelling spots:
- The reef at the southern tip of Koh Rong Samloem
- Off the coast of Long Beach (Koh Rong) — calm waters, good visibility
- Around the small islands between Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem
- The M’Pai Bay area — also the best place for bioluminescence tours
5. Sunset Fishing & BBQ on the Beach
One of the best experiences across both islands is the sunset fishing trip. You join a local fisherman on a traditional wooden boat, drop lines in the water as the sun goes down, and whatever you catch gets thrown on a charcoal grill on the beach with rice, fresh salad, and dipping sauces. It’s simple, delicious, and costs $8–15 per person including the meal.
Location: Organised through most beachfront guesthouses on both islands.
Highlights:
- Fishing with traditional hand lines — no experience needed
- Grilling your catch on a beach barbecue under the stars
- Fresh squid, snapper, and barracuda depending on the season
- Coconut rice, Khmer salad, and ice-cold Angkor beer included
- The simple, convivial joy of sharing a fire on a tropical beach
Getting to the Koh Rong Islands
From Sihanoukville: Multiple ferry companies operate from Sihanoukville’s Serendipity Pier. The high-speed ferries take 30–45 minutes to Koh Rong and 45–60 minutes to Koh Rong Samloem. Return tickets cost $10–15. Ferries run from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Avoid the slow cargo boats that some travellers use — they’re cheaper but take 2–3 hours and aren’t safe in rough weather.
From Phnom Penh: Buses run from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville every hour ($8–12, 4 hours). From there, connect to the ferry.
From Siem Reap: Night buses run directly from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville ($15–20, 10–11 hours) and connect with morning ferries.
Koh Rong vs Koh Rong Samloem — Which Should You Choose?
Choose Koh Rong if…
You want a social scene, fun bars, and don’t mind noise at night. Koh Rong has the most activities, better restaurants, and the famous Long Beach. It’s better for shorter trips (2–3 days) when you want to pack in island fun.
Choose Koh Rong Samloem if…
You want to switch off completely. No roads, no cars, no party — just a perfect crescent beach, good snorkelling right off the sand, and the sound of waves. It’s better for longer stays (4–7 days) when you want to read books, swim, and do very little else.
Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and based on 2026 rates. Ferry schedules are seasonal — always check current timetables. The islands have limited medical facilities; travel insurance is strongly recommended.