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.

In 2026, Koh Rong is changing fast. An airport is under construction, and luxury resorts are appearing. But for now, it retains 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 vibe.

Why Visit Koh Rong in 2026?

To see it before it becomes too developed. The beaches like Long Set and Sok San are world-class—powdery white sand and turquoise water that stretches for miles. It is cheaper than Thailand and feels more adventurous.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (November - May): The sea is calm and blue. Peak season is Dec-Feb.
Wet Season (June - October): Rain, rough seas. Ferries can be cancelled. Sandflies can be worse.

How to Get There

Ferry: Speed ferries run from Sihanoukville (Autonomous Port) to Koh Rong (Koh Touch or Sok San Village). The ride takes 45 minutes.
Fly: (Check status in 2026). The new airport may be operational, offering flights from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.

Iconic Experiences & Sights

1. Long Set Beach (4K Beach)

A 4-kilometer stretch of white sand. It is walkable from the main village (Koh Touch) but feels worlds away. The water is shallow and calm.

2. Sok San Beach (Long Beach)

One of the longest beaches in Southeast Asia (7km). It was the filming location for the TV show Survivor. The sand is squeaky white. The sunset here is legendary.

3. Bioluminescent Plankton

Take a boat trip at night (when there is no moon). Jump into the dark water, and as you move, thousands of blue sparkles ignite around you. It is magical.

4. Koh Touch Village

The backpacker hub. Noisy, fun, and full of bars. If you want a party, stay here. If you want sleep, stay elsewhere.

5. High Point Rope Park

An adventure course of zip lines and rope bridges through the jungle canopy. Great views over the island.

Where to Stay

Koh Touch: Budget hostels and party vibe.
Long Set: Mid-range bungalows, quieter.
Sok San: Luxury resorts (like The Royal Sands) and a local village.
Lonely Beach: Isolated eco-huts in the north.

Gastronomy: Amok and BBQ

Fish Amok: A curry steamed in a banana leaf.
Khmer BBQ: Grilled squid and prawns sold on the beach.
Pizza: Surprisingly good Italian food is available thanks to expat chefs.

Sustainability & Sandflies

Sandflies: The curse of Koh Rong. These tiny biting midges are active at dawn/dusk on the beach. Use coconut oil (it traps them) or strong repellent.
Trash: Development brings waste. Support businesses that do beach cleanups. Avoid single-use plastic.

Safety and Tips

Cash: Bring cash (USD). There are EFTPOS terminals in some hotels, but they charge high fees. ATMs are unreliable.
Boats: Be sure which pier your hotel is on. The island is big, and there are no roads connecting all beaches. Water taxis are expensive.
Medical: There are no hospitals. Minor injuries can be treated, but serious issues require evacuation to the mainland.

Digital Nomad Life

Koh Rong is slowly becoming a nomad destination, but it comes with caveats. Power cuts happen. Internet can be slow or drop out during storms. However, places like Nest Beach Club or White Beach Bungalows often have Starlink or decent 4G backup. It is a place for nomads who prioritize lifestyle over 99.9% uptime. The cost of living is very low, allowing you to save money while living on the beach.

Family Travel

Koh Rong is suitable for adventurous families.

Sok San Beach: This is the best area for families. The water is calm, and the resorts offer more comfort and amenities than the backpacker zones.
Snorkeling: Kids love seeing the glowing plankton (like magic dust) and the fish around the piers.
Safety: Watch out for sandflies and stray dogs. Bring a basic first aid kit.

Wellness and Yoga

Koh Rong is developing a small but high-quality wellness scene.

Yoga: Several resorts on Long Set Beach offer sunrise yoga on the sand.
Massage: You can get a Khmer massage right on the beach for a fraction of the price of a city spa. The sound of the waves adds to the relaxation.
Detox: The simple diet of fresh fruit, seafood, and coconut water acts as a natural detox for many travelers.

Koh Rong is a tropical dream on the cusp of change. It offers deserted beaches that will make you cry with happiness, and a jungle that is still wild.