Cambodia's Island Paradise
When people think of island beaches in Southeast Asia, they think of Thailand. But Cambodia's islands — particularly Koh Rong — offer something increasingly rare in the region: pristine beaches, warm turquoise water, and an atmosphere that feels genuinely untouched.
Located about 25 kilometres off the coast of Sihanoukville, Koh Rong is the second-largest island in Cambodia, with over 40 kilometres of coastline and some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Southeast Asia.
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The Beaches
Koh Tuch (Village Beach)
The main beach near the ferry port — lively, social, and lined with beach bars and guesthouses. The best place to base yourself if you want easy access to restaurants and nightlife.
Long Beach (Sok San Beach)
Seven kilometres of almost entirely undeveloped white sand — one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in Cambodia. Crystal-clear water, minimal crowds, and a sense of absolute peace.
Police Beach
Quieter than Koh Tuch, with calmer water perfect for swimming. A short walk from the village, making it ideal for day trips.
Coconut Beach
Accessible only by boat — a tiny, secluded cove with incredible snorkelling just offshore.
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Bioluminescent Plankton: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
One of Koh Rong's most extraordinary natural phenomena is its bioluminescent plankton — microscopic organisms that glow bright blue when disturbed in the dark. Swimming at night becomes a surreal, magical experience as your movement through the water creates trails of electric blue light.
The best spots for bioluminescence are on the quieter beaches away from the village. Go on a moonless night for the most dramatic effect.
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Things to Do on Koh Rong
Snorkelling — the coral reefs around the island are rich with tropical fish
Jungle trekking — the interior of the island is a dense tropical rainforest with hiking trails
Island hopping — day trips to nearby Koh Rong Samloem, even quieter and more pristine
Kayaking — paddle along the coastline and discover hidden coves
Sunset watching — from the west-facing beaches, the sunsets are extraordinary
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Getting There
Ferries depart from Sihanoukville (3-4 hours from Phnom Penh by bus or taxi). The crossing takes about 45 minutes on the fast ferry.
Best time to visit: November to April (dry season). Avoid the rainy season (June-October) when ferry services can be disrupted.
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What to Pack
Reef-safe sunscreen — protect the coral
Cash — ATMs are unreliable on the island
A good book — Koh Rong is made for slowing down
Light layers for evenings — it can get breezy after sunset
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Before You Leave Cambodia
Don't leave without taking a piece of Cambodia with you. At Kabas Concept Store, you'll find handcrafted Cambodian products that make the perfect souvenirs — from Kampot pepper (the world's finest) to handwoven silk scarves, artisanal jewellery, and the Saysabok clothing collection.
Visit us in Phnom Penh (#65 Street 178) or Siem Reap (200 Pokambor Ave) on your way to or from the islands — or shop online at kabasconceptstore.com, shipped worldwide.
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Koh Rong is the kind of place that makes you want to cancel your return flight. Come for a weekend — stay for a week.