The island of Koh Rong is an unspoiled tropical paradise set in the pristine waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Just 200 miles from the Cambodian coast, Koh Rong is one of the most charming places you can visit in Southeast Asia today. With its gorgeous beaches, laid back vibe, and abundance of delicious food and drinks, you’ll never want to leave! Whether you’re traveling as a couple or with friends, here’s how to spend the perfect day on Koh Rong Island!

Getting To The Beach

You can only access Koh Rong by boat, and it is a 2-hour journey from Sihanoukville. For most people, that means catching a boat in Sihanoukville and spending at least one night on board before arriving. Expect your luggage to be tossed around in between departing and arriving, too. When you get there though, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing location and some of Cambodia’s best beaches, so it’s totally worth it! Find out more about how to get here »

Hiking Into The Jungle

The first thing any tourist would want to do when visiting an island is spend time in its dense forests. These come in two forms: mangrove and rainforest. Mangroves, with their tangled roots and strong branches, are easy to explore on foot. They're also home to a wide variety of sea creatures that you can observe from just a few feet away as they interact with one another in their natural environment. Rainforests, by contrast, present a more daunting challenge for hikers—they’re simply far more difficult for casual visitors to navigate due their density and depth.

Swimming In The Lagoon

It’s no secret that one of my favorite things to do while traveling is snorkeling. I don’t know if it was all those hours I spent in various pools as a kid or what, but there’s something about being in and around water that makes me happy. When visiting a new island, you can guarantee I will find any body of water I can wade into for some extended swimming time. It doesn’t matter how dirty it might be; if there are fish (or sea life, for that matter), then I want to go swimming!

Taking An Island Tour At Sunset

If you want to get a good overview of what’s available and interesting, taking a guided tour is your best bet. Depending on how much time you have, you can take a day or overnight island tour. The usual circuit starts with snorkeling, moves through various water sports and ends with an eco-tour where you’ll learn about many of these activities. Along the way, stop at pristine beaches for swimming and sunbathing as well as a few shops selling locally made handicrafts.

Visiting Pea Beach

Getting onto Peacock Beach takes a little work, so it's best for seasoned travelers who enjoy a little adventure. The first hurdle is getting to Prek Toal, which you can only reach by boat. On your way from shore, be sure to look up at Otres Village, a quiet expat enclave of bungalows and wooden huts surrounded by mangroves. You'll feel like you're entering an uncharted world once you arrive at Prek Toal—and that's part of its charm.

Eating Dinner On The Beach

It’s no secret that most people travel for food. In Southeast Asia, there are countless reasons why people visit Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, but delicious street food ranks near or at the top of any list. Nowhere is that more true than in Sihanoukville, a Cambodian beach town popular with backpackers. Arguably one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated destinations, Sihanoukville attracts scores of adventurous visitors each year looking for peaceful beaches and cheap hotels—and they come hungry.