Let’s be real—Koh Rong isn’t your average beach escape. This Cambodian island is the kind of place where you forget what day it is, your phone dies (and you don’t care), and the biggest decision you make is whether to order another coconut or finally move from your hammock. Sounds like heaven, right?
If you’ve been Googling “things to do in Koh Rong” and feel overwhelmed by the options, I’ve got you. I’ve spent time wandering this island, getting sunburned in places I didn’t know could burn, and chasing sunsets that looked like they belonged on postcards. So, let’s break it down—here are 11 awesome things you absolutely need to do in Koh Rong.
1. Chill on Long Set Beach
Everyone talks about Sok San Beach, but Long Set Beach (aka 4K Beach) stole my heart. It’s wide, soft, and ridiculously photogenic. You won’t find massive crowds here, which means you can actually hear the waves instead of some guy blasting techno from a speaker.
Bring a towel, a good book, and that sunscreen you always forget to reapply. Pro tip? Walk further down the beach, away from the hostels, and you’ll find quiet spots that feel like your own private slice of paradise.
2. Go Snorkeling in Crystal-Clear Waters
Koh Rong has some seriously underrated snorkeling. The water is so clear it’s like someone turned up the HD setting on real life. Grab a mask, hop on a local boat tour, and explore coral reefs full of colorful fish.
The best spots? Koh Toch, Long Set Beach, and Police Beach all deliver. Don’t expect the Maldives, but hey, watching neon fish zip past your face isn’t a bad way to spend an afternoon.
3. Experience the Glowing Plankton
This one’s straight out of a sci-fi movie. At night, parts of Koh Rong light up with bioluminescent plankton, and it’s insanely magical. Swim in the water, and you’ll literally glow.
Most tours will take you out after dark, away from the light pollution. Just imagine floating in the ocean while the water sparkles around you. Unreal. And no, it’s not Photoshop—it’s nature showing off.
4. Hike Through the Jungle Trails
Think Koh Rong is all about beaches? Nope. The island’s jungle is wild, raw, and begging to be explored. You can hike from Koh Toch village to Long Set Beach or take the more challenging route across the island to Sok San Beach.
Be ready for sweat. Lots of it. Bring water, bug spray, and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. The reward? Views of untouched nature, hidden waterfalls, and the smug satisfaction of knowing you earned that beach beer later.
5. Visit Sok San Beach (aka Long Beach)
This beach isn’t just long—it’s seven kilometers long. It feels endless, and it’s where you’ll find those jaw-dropping sunsets that look like they belong on a giant movie screen.
If you’re into fewer people and more space, Sok San delivers. You can swim, nap, or just walk until you question why you ever bothered with a treadmill back home.
6. Try Scuba Diving
If snorkeling feels too chill for you, Koh Rong also offers scuba diving. Several dive shops on the island offer courses for beginners and advanced divers.
Expect colorful coral, exotic fish, and maybe even seahorses if you’re lucky. And let’s be honest—being able to say you went diving in Cambodia sounds pretty cool, right?
7. Kayak to Nearby Islands
Rent a kayak and paddle your way to nearby spots like Koh Toch’s small islets or Long Set Beach. The waters are calm, and the scenery is unbeatable.
Bonus: it’s also a sneaky workout. So when you demolish that seafood barbecue later, you can tell yourself you “earned it.” :)
8. Party at Police Beach
If you’re looking for the nightlife scene on Koh Rong, Police Beach is where the party’s at. They throw jungle-style parties with fire shows, DJs, and all the neon paint you didn’t know you needed.
It’s not for everyone (you won’t find peace and quiet here), but if you want to dance barefoot in the sand until sunrise, this is the spot.
9. Go Island Hopping
Koh Rong isn’t the only island in town. Take a boat tour to explore nearby gems like Koh Rong Samloem, which is calmer and more laid-back. Think hammocks over the water and beaches that look like they’ve never seen a footprint.
It’s the perfect contrast: Koh Rong for fun, Koh Rong Samloem for zen. Why not do both?
10. Feast on Fresh Seafood
Let’s talk food. If you leave Koh Rong without devouring a seafood platter, we can’t be friends. Restaurants and beach shacks serve up freshly caught crab, shrimp, squid, and fish.
My personal favorite? A massive grilled barracuda I shared with a friend on Long Set Beach. It came with garlic butter, and I swear I almost licked the plate. Seafood in Koh Rong = happiness.
11. Watch the Sunset with a Cold Beer
Yes, it’s cliché. Yes, it’s also the perfect ending to your day. Grab a beer (or a cocktail if you’re feeling fancy) and find a spot on Long Set or Sok San Beach.
The sun sets, the sky explodes in orange and pink, and suddenly, life feels pretty darn perfect. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot glowing plankton later. Double win.
Tips for Visiting Koh Rong
Alright, before you start packing, here are some quick tips to make your Koh Rong trip smoother:
- Cash is king. ATMs are rare, so bring enough.
- Wi-Fi sucks. Accept it. Talk to actual humans instead.
- Electricity isn’t 24/7 everywhere. Power cuts happen, so keep your devices charged.
- Pack bug spray. Mosquitoes here treat humans like an all-you-can-eat buffet.
- Don’t overplan. Half the magic of Koh Rong is just going with the flow.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—11 awesome things to do in Koh Rong. From chilling on endless beaches to glowing like a human firefly at night, this island doesn’t disappoint.
Sure, it’s a little rough around the edges (expect patchy Wi-Fi and power outages), but honestly, that’s part of the charm. Koh Rong forces you to slow down, unplug, and just… live. And isn’t that what a true island escape is all about?
So pack light, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to fall in love with Cambodia’s most magical island. Trust me, once you step onto that white sand, you won’t want to leave.
