Koh Rong was hands down my favorite place in all of Cambodia! This charming little island was the perfect recipe of great beaches, beautiful views, friendly people, good food, and fun activities. If you’re still not sure, I’ve compiled 8 reasons below that might convince you otherwise.
1. Koh Rong rivals the Thai islands.
Koh Rong is an island that could rival those of Thailand. Little Cambodia has much fewer islands than its more famous neighbor (60 in Cambodia compared to 1,400 in Thailand!), and as such, its islands are less visited and less renowned than those of its neighbor. However, given that many of these islands are in the same Gulf of Thailand, they come with similar scenery and features (jungle, coral reefs, snorkeling, beach, etc.). That means you can have similar experiences but see fewer crowds and spend less money than if you were to visit the Thai islands.
2. Koh Rong is still relatively undeveloped – but in a good way.
Perhaps due to Thailand overshadowing Cambodia in this regard, and possibly as a consequence of Cambodia’s instability from before and after the Khmer Rouge took power in the ’70s, Koh Rong is still relatively undeveloped. For example, there are no ATMs on the island, and the first paved road was constructed only in the last couple of years. Despite this, the island radiates small island charm. Some development is currently underway (including the contruction of an airport) around the quieter parts of the island, and I suspect there is a plan to build up Koh Rong as more of a tourist destination akin to Siem Reap. Visiting the island now will mean fewer crowds and a more genuine island feel before hoards of tourists arrive in the coming years.
3. On Koh Rong, there is something for everyone.
With a handful of beachside villages that each offer their own unique vibes, Koh Rong is a place for any kind of traveler. Looking for the most amenities, to party, or just meet other backpackers? Head to Koh Touch. Want something beachy and a little more quiet? Sok San Village is your spot. Interested in exploring a riverside fishing village with a mangrove forest? Go to Prek Svay. Looking for something a little resort-y? Then head to Longset Beach. There are also a number of resorts located on their own private, secluded beaches for an even more remote experience.
4. There is plenty to do on this Cambodian island.
Any beach or island activity you can think of is probably doable on Koh Rong: swimming, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, seeing bioluminescent plankton, etc. If you get away from the main beaches, you also have the chance to explore the other sides of the island, notably the secluded Lonely Beach, Prek Svay fishing village, and a nearby waterfall.
5. It’s still affordable.
While Koh Rong in general is a bit more expensive than some other parts of Cambodia, this island is still a lot more affordable in general than the neighboring Thai islands. For example, it’s still possible to find accommodation for under $10 USD (even a private bungalow). Some food outlets will go for $5-10 a meal; however, if sticking to local Cambodian food (rather than Western food), you can expect to spend around $3-5 per meal. Bike rentals can be found for $8-10 a day, and a snorkeling tour goes for about $15.
6. It’s easy to meet people on Koh Rong.
Given that the island is on the smaller and less developed side, it’s pretty easy to meet people. I stayed in Koh Touch during a very slow rainy season in July, and I didn’t have to try that hard to meet people. I met people on my snorkel tour, going out to eat, and just hopping into the bars that had people in them!
7. There is easy access to the beach, almost everywhere.
Beaches stretch across every village on this island and are easily accessible. Unlike some other more built-up islands, there are no resort walls or other buildings blocking the view, and the only time the jungle gets in the way is when transiting between the different beaches. This is a win in my book! Hopefully the island gets to keep its scenic beauty as they work on developing Koh Rong into an ecotourism destination.
8. Cambodia is still recovering from past hardship.
Cambodia has had quite a rough journey over the past hundred years or so, and since the 80s after the defeat of the Khmer Rouge regime, they have been slowly rebuilding their country. Boosting the tourism sector is good for their economy, so making a visit to Koh Rong or anywhere else in Cambodia for that matter can help with the nation’s economic growth.
I hope you love Koh Rong as much as I did! Drop a line below to let me know how your trip went!
For further reading on travel in Southeast Asia:
- The Complete Guide to Visiting Koh Rong, Cambodia
- The Most Unique Adventure In Laos: The Bolaven Plateau Loop
- Chasing Waterfalls & Finding Ghosts In The Bolaven Plateau
- A Backpacker’s Guide to Peninsular Malaysia
- The Budget Backpacker’s Guide to Singapore
- How to Get from Pai, Thailand to Northern Laos for Half the Price
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