Koh Rong

Koh Rong (74 km², Cambodia's 2nd largest island after Koh Kong) is the beach icon of the Cambodian south coast — a tropical island off the Gulf of Thailand, about 25 km off Sihanoukville, accessible in 45 min by fast ferry. Mountainous terrain covered in primary tropical jungle, 23 beaches distributed around the perimeter, turquoise water at 28-30°C year-round, bioluminescent plankton on moonless nights — the island concentrates all the ingredients of a still relatively preserved beach paradise.

The tourist epicentre is Koh Toch beach ("small island beach", 7 km of perfect white sand, on the island's south-east coast). This spectacular beach, perfect alignment of coconut palms and turquoise sea, has become the icon of Southeast Asian backpacking — basic bungalows at USD 8-20/night, bamboo bars directly on the sand, all-night parties in high season, young and festive atmosphere.

The island offers other quieter beaches for those wanting to escape the Koh Toch animation. Long Beach (west coast, accessible 1h walk from Koh Toch through the jungle or by boat USD 10 return) is a 4 km almost deserted beach. Sok San Beach (north-west, more developed with some mid-range resorts) hosts Sok San Beach Resort (USD 60-120/night). Lonely Beach (far north) and Koh Tuy Beach (east coast) are only accessible by boat-taxi (USD 15-30 per person).

The absolute luxury option also exists: Song Saa Private Island Resort (5-star eco-luxury Relais & Châteaux, on two private islands off Koh Rong, USD 600-1,500/night all-inclusive).

The specificity of Koh Rong is the bioluminescent plankton — Noctiluca dinoflagellates that produce blue phosphorescent light when agitated. Visible from October to March, especially on moonless nights (new moon and 3-4 days around), in calm waters. The experience: swimming in dark water, each movement triggers blue sparks — magical and unforgettable sensation. Organised excursions from Koh Toch (USD 10-15 per person).