No roads. No cars. No traffic. No Problems.
If you have ever wanted to see what it would feel like to stay on a (semi) deserted island, now is your chance: the Koh Rong Travel Guide. I’ve never experienced anything like this island….sure, there are beautiful beaches around the world, but never one that lacks all the negative aspects of other gorgeous areas: No overcrowded beaches, dirty water or garbage. No souvenir hawkers or pushy sales people. No rules. No regulations. None of that!
Koh Rong has to be one of the last undeveloped paradises left on this earth. There are a few quaint places to stay, but it lacks the infrastructure to support lots of tourists. There are only a few boats a day leaving to access the island, and few locals actually live there. You’ll be hard pressed to find cellular service, bottled water vendors, or an unfriendly face. Locals and tourists share the same beaches, so there’s always a game of pick-up soccer happening on the firm, wet sand. If you want to explore other beaches, you have to trek through the jungle or hire a boat. Koh Rong is relaxation, simplified.
Koh Rong Travel Guide
When I think of Cambodia, I think of Ankor Wat and Tonle Sap Lake. I don’t think of sugar sand beaches and cerulean waters that are famous in Thailand. Cambodias’ Koh Rong Island is so much better than anything I experienced in the Thai islands….simply because its so unknown.
The top 10 activities in Koh Rong include:
1 Snorkeling
I found the best snorkeling spots to be off the shore of Lazy Beach, as well as near the Treehouse Bungalows. Keep your eyes out for seahorses! You can kayak out to the nearest island (between main beach & 4k beach, called Koh Toch) and snorkel as well. The coral reefs are supposed to be top-notch in this area.
2 Kayaking
Sea Above (ha, puns!)
3 Diving
Though there is only 1 PADI dive company on Koh Rong (Koh Rong Dive Center), you can’t miss out. The visibility is excellent, the waters are warm, and the parrot fish are plentiful.
4 Beach Drinkin’
Nothing beats $1 beers and sunshine. My favorite beach to relax: 4k beach!
5 Trekking
Take the jungle trek through the island from the main area to Long Beach! You’ll surely break a sweat as you scramble over the rocks and down to the other side of the island. Bring lots of water!
There’s a single outdoor restaurant on Long Beach, although they are in the midst of building a brand-new resort. It was quite empty and peaceful when I went!
6 Body Care & Massage Therapy
Because who can resist $5 massages?
7 Bioluminescence Tour
Hang out on the main beach until just after dark and then take a small boat out to the glowing plankton that appear after the sun goes down. It’s magical!!
8 Fishing
Hang out with the locals for a day! Have them show you the best fishing grounds, and try your hand at catching your evening meal. Most accommodations will have a family friend that will be happy to take a few tourists out for a fishing trip
9 Pub Crawl
Every Thursday and Saturday, either join in or head out to another part of the island. It’s PARTY time. Whether you down a few beers or imbibe in a “happy cookie”, most people will be under some sort of influence West of the 4k beach.
10 Zip Line and Adventure Ropes
There is a full-on Zip-line adventure course in the middle of the forest here, called High Point. While quite a bit more expensive than beach-lounging, if you feel the need to challenge your fear of heights, HERES YOUR CHANCE!
I fell in love with Koh Rong!!! What’s your favorite island?
