Koh Rong: The Next Thailand?

Koh Rong is often described as “Thailand 20 years ago.” Located off the coast of Sihanoukville, it is the second-largest island in Cambodia. For years, it was a wild backpacker secret with no roads and no electricity — a place you could only reach by a rickety wooden ferry, where the “accommodation” was a hammock strung between palms, and where the only light at night came from the bioluminescent plankton in the sea.

In 2026, Koh Rong is changing fast. An airport is under construction or may already be operational, and luxury resorts have been appearing on the island’s southern and western beaches. But for now, it retains much of its rugged charm. It is an island of dense jungle fringed by 43 kilometers of blindingly white sand beaches. It is famous for its bioluminescent plankton and its laid-back, anything-goes vibe that still draws budget travelers, backpackers, and adventurers from around the world.

Why Visit Koh Rong in 2026?

The simple answer: to see it before it becomes too developed. The beaches like Long Set and Sok San are world-class — powdery white sand of a quality that rivals Thailand’s best, set against turquoise water that stretches for miles without a hotel tower or jet ski in sight. Cambodia’s island scene is still dramatically cheaper than its Thai equivalent, and the lack of development means that vast stretches of beach remain genuinely wild.

There is also an energy to Koh Rong that is harder to find as Southeast Asia has become increasingly commodified. The travelers you meet here tend to be the ones who are still excited about discovering something for themselves rather than following a well-worn tourist trail. That self-selecting spirit makes for good conversations, unexpected friendships, and the kind of travel stories that are worth telling.

Beyond the party reputation, Koh Rong is a place of extraordinary natural beauty. The jungle interior of the island is largely untouched — dense tropical rainforest full of monitor lizards, jungle birds, and freshwater streams. And underwater, the reefs around the island offer excellent snorkeling and beginner diving.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (November - May): The sea is calm and a deep, postcard-worthy blue. Peak season runs December through February, when the island is busiest and prices are at their highest. January and February offer the best weather balance of sunshine and manageable crowds.
Should-Der Season (March–May): Getting hotter, but still good weather. The island is quieter and significantly cheaper than peak season. Ideal for those who want to balance good conditions with value.
Wet Season (June - October): Heavy tropical rains and rough seas, especially in July-September. Ferries can be cancelled for days at a time. Sandflies, which are always a nuisance, can be particularly bad during wet season. Many businesses close entirely. Only for the adventurous traveler who doesn’t mind being occasionally stranded.

How to Get There

Ferry: High-speed speedferries run from Sihanoukville (Autonomous Port) to Koh Rong. The main destinations are Koh Touch pier (the backpacker hub) and Sok San Village (the quieter southern end). The ride takes 45 minutes in good weather. Book ahead in peak season.
By Air (Check Status in 2026): An airport development has been underway that may offer domestic flights from Phnom Penh (approximately 1 hour by air, versus 4-5 hours overland to Sihanoukville plus the ferry). Check current schedules as flight availability varies.
Getting to Sihanoukville: From Phnom Penh by bus (4-5 hours) or taxi. From Siem Reap, either fly to Phnom Penh and transfer, or take the overland route (much longer).

Iconic Experiences & Sights

1. Long Set Beach (4K Beach)

A 4-kilometer stretch of white sand beach stretching south from the main village of Koh Touch. It is walkable from the village but feels like a different world — quieter, cleaner, and more peaceful. The water is shallow and calm, ideal for swimming at any time of day. In the early morning, before the beach bars open, it is one of the most beautiful places on the island.

2. Sok San Beach (Long Beach)

One of the longest uninterrupted stretches of beach in Southeast Asia at approximately 7 kilometers. It was the filming location for the CBS television show Survivor. The sand is squeaky-white and extraordinarily fine. The sunset here, when the sky turns orange and pink over the Gulf of Thailand, is genuinely one of the great natural experiences in the region. Luxury resort development is concentrated at the southern end; the northern section remains untouched.

3. Bioluminescent Plankton

Koh Rong’s most unique experience and its best-kept secret simultaneously. When there is no moon (or only a crescent), take a boat trip out into the darkness beyond the island’s lights. Jump into the dark water. As your body moves, the microscopic dinoflagellates in the water respond to the disturbance by emitting flashes of blue-green light. Swimming becomes an act of creating your own personal lightshow — thousands of tiny sparks igniting around your hands, feet, and body. Waving your arm underwater traces a streak of cold blue fire through the darkness. It is magical in the truest sense of the word: scientifically explainable, but experientially impossible to describe.

The effect is strongest during certain months and is significantly diminished when the moon is bright. Ask locals or your guesthouse about current conditions before booking a night trip.

4. Koh Touch Village

The backpacker hub of Koh Rong, noisy and full of bars, fire dancers, and restaurants selling cheap beer and fresh seafood. If you want a party, stay here. If you want sleep before midnight, stay elsewhere. The village has a lively, chaotic energy that is part of the Koh Rong experience — the kind of place where you sit down for one drink and wake up having made plans to go snorkeling with three strangers you just met.

5. High Point Rope Park

An adventure course of zip lines, rope bridges, and suspended platforms through the jungle canopy above Koh Rong. Excellent views over the interior of the island and the surrounding sea. Suitable for most fitness levels; the instructors are professional and safety-conscious.

6. Jungle Trekking and Waterfalls

The interior of Koh Rong is rarely explored despite being extraordinary. Guided jungle treks lead through dense primary forest to freshwater streams and seasonal waterfalls. The biodiversity here — birds, butterflies, reptiles, and insects — is remarkable. Hire a local guide rather than attempting to navigate alone; the trails are not always marked and the jungle is genuinely dense.

Where to Stay

Koh Touch: Budget hostels and party atmosphere. The cheapest beds on the island, but sleep can be difficult before 2 AM. Best for solo travelers under 30 who want maximum social interaction.
Long Set Beach: Mid-range wooden bungalows directly on the beach. A balance of peace and proximity to the village. The right choice for most visitors who want comfort without a resort price.
Sok San: A mix of luxury resorts (like The Royal Sands) at the south end and a small local fishing village at the north. The most beautiful beach on the island with the best sunsets.
Lonely Beach: Isolated eco-huts in the north of the island, accessible only by boat. Absolute wilderness. No shops, no bars, no noise. For those seeking total solitude at the edge of the sea.

Gastronomy: Amok and BBQ

Koh Rong’s food scene is basic but genuinely good, especially for the price.

Fish Amok: Cambodia’s national dish — fresh fish steamed in a banana leaf with coconut cream, lemongrass, kaffir lime, and galangal. It has the consistency of a savory custard and a delicate, aromatic flavor that is entirely distinct from Thai or Vietnamese curries.
Khmer BBQ: Grilled squid, prawns, and fish sold directly on the beach from small grills, eaten with dipping sauces and cold Angkor beer. The freshness of the seafood makes even the simplest preparation exceptional.
Baguettes and Coffee: Cambodia’s French colonial history left an enduring culinary legacy. Morning baguettes with condensed milk coffee and fresh fruit from the small bakeries in Koh Touch are an underrated pleasure.
Pizza: Surprisingly competent Italian food is available, thanks to expat chefs from Italy who have settled here. Ask for recommendations from your guesthouse.

Sustainability & Sandflies

Sandflies: The great curse of Koh Rong. These microscopic biting midges are active at dawn and dusk on the beach. They leave small, intensely itchy red welts that can persist for days. Coconut oil applied to skin is effective at trapping them before they bite. Strong DEET-based repellent is the more certain solution. Light-colored clothing covering your legs helps significantly.
Trash: Rapid development brings waste management challenges. Koh Rong has struggled with plastic pollution — on some beaches, plastic washes ashore daily from the broader Gulf of Thailand. Support businesses that run beach cleanup programs. Refuse single-use plastic wherever possible. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it rather than buying plastic bottles.
Coral Care: The reefs around Koh Rong are recovering but still fragile. Never touch coral, never stand on it, and be aware of your fins while snorkeling. Don’t apply sunscreen immediately before entering the water.

Safety and Tips

Cash: Bring plenty of US dollars (the de facto currency alongside Cambodian Riel). EFTPOS terminals exist at some larger establishments but charge high transaction fees. ATMs are unreliable and frequently run out of cash. Stock up in Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville.
Boat Transfers: Be very clear about which pier your accommodation is located at. The island is large, there are no paved roads connecting the beaches, and water taxis between areas are expensive. Getting it wrong costs time and money.
Medical Facilities: There are no hospitals on Koh Rong. Minor injuries can be treated by the island’s small clinic, but any serious illness or injury requires evacuation to Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh by speedboat. Comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
Night Swimming: The bioluminescence is magical, but always swim in groups at night and stay within designated areas. Currents can be strong and jet boat traffic does not always see swimmers.
Personal Safety: Koh Rong is generally safe but petty theft exists. Use the lockers provided at hostels, don’t leave valuables on the beach unattended, and the usual common-sense rules that apply anywhere in the world apply here.

Digital Nomad Life

Koh Rong is slowly developing as a destination for location-independent workers, but it comes with significant caveats. Power cuts happen without warning. Internet connectivity can drop out entirely during electrical storms, which occur frequently in wet season. 4G coverage varies significantly by location — some areas of the island have no signal at all.

However, an increasing number of cafés and guesthouses — particularly on Long Set Beach — have invested in Starlink satellite internet, which provides reliable high-speed connectivity even in this remote location. The cost of living is extremely low: a comfortable private bungalow, three meals, and daily snorkeling can cost under $50 per day. For nomads who prioritize lifestyle, natural beauty, and low cost over 99.9% uptime, Koh Rong offers a compelling proposition.

Family Travel

Koh Rong is suitable for adventurous families who are comfortable with a degree of informality and limited infrastructure.

Best Area: Sok San Beach, at the southern end of the island. The water here is calm and shallow, the luxury resorts offer more amenities than the backpacker zones, and the environment is significantly quieter and cleaner.
Children’s Highlights: The bioluminescent plankton experience at night is genuinely magical for children old enough to swim. Snorkeling around the island’s piers reveals a micro-world of fish, sea urchins, and small reef creatures. The jungle rope park is suitable for children above a certain height and weight.
Practical Considerations: Bring a comprehensive first aid kit including antiseptic cream for sandfly bites, a full course of rehydration salts, and any prescription medications you might need. Stray dogs are present on the island; teach children to avoid approaching them.

Wellness and Yoga

Koh Rong has developed a small but high-quality wellness scene alongside its party reputation.

Yoga: Several resorts and dedicated studios on Long Set Beach offer sunrise yoga sessions directly on the sand. The combination of morning light, the sound of the sea, and the cool of early morning makes for an exceptional practice environment.
Traditional Massage: Full-body Khmer massage is available at beach-side massage shacks for a fraction of the price of a city spa. The sound of gentle waves, the smell of coconut oil, and the skill of experienced Cambodian therapists add up to something that cannot be replicated in any luxury resort.
Natural Detox: The simple rhythm of island life — fresh fruit, seafood, coconut water, swimming, and sleeping with the sunset — acts as a powerful natural reset for the body and mind. Many travelers arrive feeling depleted from urban life and leave feeling fundamentally restored.

Koh Rong is a tropical dream on the cusp of irreversible change. It offers deserted beaches that will make your chest ache with beauty, a jungle that still feels genuinely wild, and a bioluminescent sea that you will remember for the rest of your life. Go now, while the balance between paradise and development still tips in paradise’s favor.