Contents
Quick Guide to the Best Things to Do in Koh Rong
| Experience | Best Vibe | Time Needed | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boat Tour | First-time island explorers | Half-day to full-day | 60,000–120,000 KHR ($15–$30 USD) |
| Boat Party | Good vibes & new friends | Half-day to full-day | 60,000–140,000 KHR ($15–$35 USD) |
| Snorkeling | Ocean lovers | 3–6 hours | 40,000–80,000 KHR ($10–$20 USD) |
| Bioluminescent Plankton | Bucket-list chasers | 1–2 hours | 20,000–40,000 KHR ($5–$10 USD) |
| Kayaking | Slow explorers | 1–3 hours | 20,000–60,000 KHR ($5–$15 USD) |
| Paddleboarding | Active beach days | 1–2 hours | 40,000–80,000 KHR ($10–$20 USD) |
| Scuba Diving | Adventure seekers | Half-day to multi-day | 280,000–1,800,000 KHR ($70–$450 USD) |
| Jungle Hiking | Nature lovers | 1–4 hours | Free |
| Koh Rong Samloem Day Trip | Off-the-beaten-path explorers | Full day | 20,000–60,000 KHR ($5–$15 USD ferry) |
Join an Island Boat Tour
If you’re only going to book one activity in Koh Rong, make it a boat tour.
Boat tours are one of the ways to experience more of the island in a single day. Most tours combine several activities, including snorkeling, swimming, fishing, beach hopping, and sunset viewing. Some even finish with a stop to see Koh Rong’s famous bioluminescent plankton after dark.
You’ll also gain access to beaches and viewpoints that are harder to reach on foot, making this a great option for travelers who want to explore more of the island without doing all the planning themselves.
Typical Price: 60,000–120,000 KHR ($15–$30 USD)
Duration: Half-day to full-day
Where to Book: Hostels, hotels, local tour operators, and activity providers across Koh Rong
Go Snorkeling in Koh Rong
Snorkeling is one of the most popular things to do in Koh Rong, and for good reason.
The waters surrounding the island are home to colorful fish, coral reefs, and plenty of marine life. Join a dedicated snorkeling trip or hop on an island tour and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore what’s happening beneath the surface.
Many tours provide equipment, making it easy even for first-timers.
Typical Price: 40,000–80,000 KHR ($10–$20 USD)
Duration: 3–6 hours
Where to Book: Dive centers, snorkeling operators, hostels, and accommodation providers around the island
See the Ocean Glow with Bioluminescent Plankton
This is the experience people come back talking about.
On nights, tiny marine organisms light up when the water is disturbed, creating flashes of electric blue beneath the surface. The darker the conditions, the more impressive the display.
While bioluminescent plankton can be found in several places around the world, seeing it in the warm waters of Koh Rong feels particularly special.
Typical Price: 20,000–40,000 KHR ($5–$10 USD)
Best Time: Moonless nights
Duration: 1–2 hours
Where to Book: Evening boat tours, hostels, local tour operators, and accommodation providers
Hop on a Boat Party
If you’re looking for a fun way to break up your beach days, a boat party is hard to beat.
One of the newest ways to experience Koh Rong from the water is the Mad Monkey Koh Rong Boat Party. Expect swimming stops, island views, good tunes, and a boat full of travelers all making the most of a day at sea.
Like many of the island’s boat experiences, it’s a chance to see a different side of Koh Rong while making the most of everything that makes island life great. Whether you’re joining a boat party, an island-hopping trip, or a day out on the water with fellow travelers, getting offshore is one of the best ways to experience the island.
Typical Price: 60,000–140,000 KHR ($15–$35 USD)
Duration: Half-day to full-day
Where to Book: Check with Mad Monkey Koh Rong, your accommodation, local activity providers, or other boat party providers around Koh Rong for current schedules and availability.
Explore the Coastline by Kayak
If you’ve mastered the art of doing absolutely nothing on the beach, it might be time for a change of scenery.
Grab a kayak and set off along the coastline. Hidden corners, quieter beaches, and crystal-clear water are waiting just beyond the usual spots.
Rental Cost: 20,000–60,000 KHR ($5–$15 USD) per hour
Best For: Independent travelers, couples, and anyone looking for a slower-paced adventure
Where to Book: Beachfront rental shops, resorts, and accommodation providers around Koh Toch and Long Set Beach.
Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding
If balancing on a board in the middle of the ocean sounds harder than it looks, that’s because it usually is.
Thankfully, Koh Rong’s calm, clear waters make it one of the best places to give stand-up paddleboarding a go.
Rental Cost: 40,000–80,000 KHR ($10–$20 USD)
Best Vibe: Active beach days
Where to Book: Water sports operators, beachfront accommodations, and rental providers around Koh Rong.
Dive Beneath the Surface
Koh Rong isn’t just about what you can see from the beach.
Head underwater and you’ll discover coral reefs, tropical fish, and a whole different side of island life. First-time divers and experienced underwater enthusiasts alike will find plenty to love beneath the surface.
Discover Dive: 280,000–400,000 KHR ($70–$100 USD)
Open Water Certification: 1,400,000–1,800,000 KHR ($350–$450 USD)
Best Vibe: Adventure seekers
Where to Book: Dive centers, certified dive schools, and accommodation providers around Koh Rong.
Hike Beyond the Beaches
When you’ve had your fill of beach days, it’s time to see what lies beyond the shoreline.
Follow the trails through Koh Rong’s tropical landscape, and you’ll quickly discover a different side of the island. These paths connect different parts of the island. Along the way, you’ll find quieter beaches, jungle scenery, and scenic viewpoints.
The best part? You never quite know what you’ll find along the way. One minute you’re walking through the jungle, the next you’re looking out over the coastline wondering why more people aren’t talking about this side of Koh Rong.
Popular Routes
- Koh Toch to Long Set Beach – A scenic walk connecting two of the island’s most popular areas.
- Coastal Jungle Trails – Tropical paths with occasional sea views and plenty of shade.
- Hidden Beach Walks – Ideal for travelers who prefer exploring over following a schedule.
Cost: Free
Best Vibe: Nature lovers and active travelers
What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, comfortable footwear, and a sense of adventure. The tropical heat can be intense, so it’s best to head out early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Watch the Sunset
No matter what you’ve been doing all day, there’s a good chance you’ll end up watching the sunset.
Sometimes it’s from the beach with a cold drink in hand. Other times it’s from a boat on the water. You might even catch it while walking back from an adventure that took longer than expected. However it happens, sunset has a way of bringing everyone together for a few minutes before the island shifts gears for the evening.
Best Sunset Spots
- Sok San Beach – Wide-open views and plenty of space to spread out.
- Long Set Beach – Perfect for sunset walks.
- Sunset Boat Tours – A different perspective from the water.
- Beachfront Bars Around Koh Rong – Good views, good company, and no rush to be anywhere else.
Play Beach Volleyball and Meet Fellow Backpackers
You don’t need to be good at volleyball to join a game in Koh Rong.
Beach volleyball games regularly pop up around the island, especially at social hostels and beachfront hangouts where travelers naturally gather throughout the day. Whether you’re joining for a few points or staying until the game wraps up, it’s one of the easiest ways to meet people and become part of the action.
And if playing isn’t your thing, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself cheering from the sidelines, drink in hand, before long.
Cost: Usually free
Best Vibe: Social afternoons
Follow Your Appetite
You’ll have no problem finding your next meal in Koh Rong.
Whether you’re after fresh seafood, Khmer favorites, or comfort food, you’ll find plenty of options across the island. You’ll find everything from fish amok and beef lok lak to wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and other traveler favorites.
Order what looks good, grab a seat, and don’t be surprised if lunch turns into sunset drinks with the same people you just met.
Popular Places to Eat in Koh Rong
- Sunny Restaurant – A traveler favorite known for generous portions and casual beachfront dining.
- Casa Mia – Popular for pizzas, pasta, and Italian comfort food.
- Mad Monkey Koh Rong – Known for its social atmosphere, beachfront setting, and menu of local and international favorites.
- Local Khmer Restaurants Around Koh Rong – Perfect for trying Cambodian classics like fish amok and beef lok lok.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite between adventures or a dinner that stretches long into the evening, Koh Rong has plenty of places worth pulling up a chair. After all, good food is part of the island experience.
Typical Spend: 12,000–60,000 KHR ($3–$15 USD)
Where to Eat: Koh Toch, Long Set Beach, Sok San, and pretty much anywhere you find yourself hungry.
Stay Out Later Than Planned
One of the best things about nights in Koh Rong is that they rarely go the way you expect.
You might end up at a beach bar you’ve never heard of, join a group heading somewhere else, or spend the entire evening swapping travel stories with people you met an hour ago. That’s part of the fun.
Looking for music, parties, and a lively atmosphere? You’ll find plenty of that, too. From beach bars and DJs to fire shows and themed events, there’s usually something happening after dark. Social hostels like Mad Monkey Koh Rong are often a good place to start, especially if you’re looking to meet fellow travelers before seeing where the night takes you.
And if not? That’s a pretty good excuse to start something yourself.
Best Area: Koh Toch is the island’s busiest nightlife hub, though social events and gatherings happen across Koh Rong.
Cost: Varies by venue
Best Vibe: See where the night takes you
Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Your Time in Koh Rong
Between the boat trips, snorkeling spots, sunset sessions, jungle trails, beach games, and nights out, there’s plenty to keep you busy around the island.
Not everything needs to be planned. Some of the best moments in Koh Rong happen when you say yes to something unexpected or simply go with the flow.
So pick a few activities from this list, leave some room for spontaneity, and make the most of your time on the island. After all, some of the best experiences happen when you least expect them.
FAQ: Things to Do in Koh Rong
Some of the most popular things to do in Koh Rong include snorkeling, scuba diving, joining a boat tour, seeing the bioluminescent plankton, exploring the beaches, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and experiencing the island’s nightlife.
Most travelers spend between 2 and 4 days on the island. However, many end up extending their stay once they experience everything Koh Rong has to offer.
Yes. Koh Rong is one of Cambodia’s most popular island destinations thanks to its beautiful beaches, water activities, nightlife, and laid-back atmosphere.
Absolutely. Snorkeling is one of the island’s most popular activities, with tours regularly visiting coral reefs and marine-life hotspots around the island.
Yes, Koh Rong has a lively nightlife scene, especially around Koh Toch. However, the island also offers quiet beaches and peaceful areas for travelers looking to relax.
For many travelers, Long Set Beach is a favorite thanks to its soft sand and crystal-clear water. Meanwhile, Koh Toch is best for nightlife and socializing, while Sok San Beach is ideal for a quieter experience.
Yes. Regular boat services connect the two islands, making Koh Rong Samloem an easy and popular day trip.
Generally, the dry season from November to April offers the best weather for beach days, boat tours, and outdoor activities.
Definitely. Boat tours allow you to see more of the island, visit snorkeling spots, discover hidden beaches, and enjoy experiences like sunset cruises and plankton tours.
Yes. Koh Rong is a popular destination for solo travelers thanks to its social atmosphere, hostels, group activities, and opportunities to meet fellow backpackers.
More Information About Koh Rong
17 Best Things to Do in Koh Rong from Hotels.com
Koh Rong Guide: Planning Your Trip by Greg Rodgers at TripSavvy
How to Get to, From, and Around Koh Rong from Move to Cambodia
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