Where to stay on Koh Rong

Koh Rong is Cambodia's second-largest island, in the Gulf of Thailand off Sihanoukville. Much of it is still forest, edged with long white beaches, and life here is simple: many places run on limited power, roads are few, and boats are often the easiest way between beaches.

The island suits travellers happy to trade polish for space. Stays range from the busy little village of Koh Toch, where the ferries arrive, to remote beach bungalows reached by boat or a bumpy ride.

Getting there
Speedboat ferries from Sihanoukville, usually around 45 minutes to an hour
Main village
Koh Toch, on the south-east coast
Money
US dollars are widely used alongside riel; ATMs are limited, so bring cash
Best for
Beaches, snorkelling, bioluminescent plankton and switching off

Places to stay in Koh Rong

9 hotels

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Koh Rong, area by area

Where you stay decides how lively your trip is: Koh Toch is the social hub, while the other beaches are quiet and often reached by boat.

Koh Toch and Police Beach

Best for first visits and nightlife

Koh Toch is where most ferries land: a compact village of guesthouses, cafés, dive shops and bars along the beach. A short walk away, Police Beach is known for its late-night parties. It's the most convenient base, with the widest choice of food and the easiest boat connections, but it can be noisy at night.

Sok San (Long Set) Beach

Best for long walks on the sand

On the west coast, Sok San is a fishing village at the end of one of the island's longest beaches, often called Long Set Beach. It's much quieter than Koh Toch and has wide sunset views. A road links it with the village, though many visitors still arrive by boat.

Coconut Beach and the east coast

Best for seclusion

North of Koh Toch, Coconut Beach is a small, sheltered bay with a handful of bungalows and a fishing community. There's little to do beyond swimming, snorkelling and reading in a hammock, which is exactly the appeal.

Palm Beach and the north

Best for getting away from it all

The northern beaches, including Palm Beach, have very few places to stay. Expect back-to-basics comfort, solar or generator power and boat transfers, in return for near-empty sand.

Getting to Koh Rong

Several companies run speedboats from Sihanoukville's piers to Koh Toch, and some boats also call at Sok San or Koh Rong Sanloem. Sihanoukville is reached by road from Phnom Penh or by air into Sihanoukville International Airport. Sea conditions can disrupt crossings in the rainy season, so it's wise to leave a spare day before an onward flight.

Things to do

Snorkelling and diving trips leave from Koh Toch, and an evening swim among bioluminescent plankton is a highlight on dark, moonless nights. Jungle trails cross parts of the island, and boat tours visit quieter beaches and fishing villages. On the island, it's best to carry cash, use reef-safe sun cream and take rubbish home where you can.

Questions about staying in Koh Rong

Which part of Koh Rong is best to stay in?

Koh Toch is the most convenient and sociable, with the most restaurants and ferry connections. Choose Sok San, Coconut Beach or the north if you want quiet beaches and don't mind a simpler set-up.

How do I get to Koh Rong?

By speedboat from Sihanoukville. Crossings usually take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the operator and stops.

Are there ATMs on Koh Rong?

Only a few, mainly in Koh Toch, and they can be unreliable. Bring enough US dollars or riel for your stay.

When is the best time to visit?

The drier season, roughly November to April, has calmer seas. From around May to October there's more rain and choppier crossings.

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