What to do in Koh Rong?

How to book activities on Koh Rong:

Island life on Koh Rong entails letting go of the convenience of booking activities with the touch of a button and actively seeking out those perfect experiences to make your time worthwhile. The easiest way to book an activity on the island is to visit the desk where you are staying and inquire about the available options. They are familiar with all the providers on the island and can contact each one to secure a spot for you.

It’s important to note that the desk may receive a commission. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, head to Koh Touch pier. You’ll find numerous provider desks along the strip, and they can provide direct information on their offerings. Additionally, you can visit various desks to compare offers before making a decision.

The best things to do in Koh Rong:

Boat trip:

After my trek up the Kulen mountain this was my second favourite trip in all of Cambodia, and it wasn’t down to my group (who were rather unadventurous) but completely down to the locals on the boat who were so fun!

The day started out sour as we were told there weren’t enough people for the trip to go ahead. Hence, if you are looking to book ask your provider if its likely to be cancelled due to lack of participants. Fortunately, there are lots of providers so we quickly hurried back to our hotels reception and our lovely host found us a new group very quickly.

Snorkelling:

We got on the boat and after heading to all the piers to pick up our group we headed to Koh Koun for some snorkelling. This was lots of fun in the beautiful still waters of Koh Rong. If you are a germaphobe be warned that the snorkels we used didn’t have freshly cleaned mouth pieces for us to use and relied on salty water to be disinfected. If this makes you uncomfortable, I’d recommend bringing your own.

Fishing:

We then headed further into the water and had a go at some fishing. This was so fun! As a experienced fisherwoman in the UK it was so cool to go back to basics and try on a hand reel. It was a challenge for sure and the patience was so relaxing in the pristine tropical waters. I also caught my first fish in Asia!!

Boat party and BBQ:

We then docked at a beach and jumped in the water while our tour leaders started a BBQ ON THE BOAT!!! To be honest, I was terrified, a fire BBQ on a wooden boat which happened to be next to another longtail boat that was being rescued after sinking. However after a quick swim we jumped back onto the boat and has some grub which also happened to be all the fish we caught and some chicken.

We then headed back to shore but with lots of free whiskey, complimentary to our ticket. And I was very drunk, I was dancing with my boyfriend, the captain and some locals on a ship that with the wrong move could easily have been capsized. But its absurdity was what made it so fun.

I’d recommend everyone do the boat trip in Koh Rong, it isn’t filled with luxuries but will give you an extremely authentic taste of island life.

How to see bioluminescent plankton in Koh Rong?

There are tours to see bioluminescent plankton every day in Koh Rong but that doesn’t actually mean you’ll see any. See the science of seeing the glowing fish depends on many factors. To be sure you are guaranteed a view make sure to stick to these tips:

Choose the Right Time of Year: Bioluminescence is generally more visible during the wet season, which typically runs from May to October in Cambodia. However, it can be spotted throughout the year, and the specific timing can vary.
New Moon or Crescent Moon Phase: To maximize the visibility of bioluminescent plankton, plan your visit during the new moon or crescent moon phase. This is when the night sky is darkest, allowing the bioluminescence to shine more prominently.
Book a Night Boat Tour: Many tour operators on Koh Rong offer night boat tours specifically designed for witnessing bioluminescent plankton. These tours take you to areas with less light pollution, enhancing your chances of seeing the glowing organisms.
Choose a Remote Location: If you’re planning to observe bioluminescent plankton from the beach, choose a remote location away from artificial lights. This can include Long Set Beach or other busy areas on the island.
Limit Light Pollution: Bioluminescence is more visible in complete darkness. Minimize the use of flashlights and avoid using your phone or camera flash, as these can disturb your night vision and reduce the visibility of the plankton.
Patience is Key: Sometimes, it takes a bit of time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness and for the bioluminescent plankton to become more visible. Be patient, and give your eyes time to adapt.

Fire show

This was the funniest thing we bumped into on the island. After walking down the strip we saw a sign that said there was a fire show happening. Of course, we didn’t know what that meant or what we expected but we bought some cocktails and waited to see. The show was entirely free, and run by a bar man at the hotel. He was very cool covered with tats on the outside and filled with a lot of adrenaline and bravery.

What I most loved about the fire show was for nothing the barman would comes out and do crazy tricks. Tricks I would pay a lot of money to see back at home. Tricks that had my jaw dropped and hands over my eyes. And he walked off like it was any other night after it was over (which for him it must have been). If you do end up going please pay your way to the show by buying lots of drinks and tipping behind the bar!

Jungle hike:

I really wanted to go on a jungle hike but decided to do it on my own which was a mistake as I never managed to find a trial. I you are looking to explore the middle of this island here are my tips. Keep in mind that conditions and available trails may have changed, so it’s always a good idea to check for the latest information locally. Here are a couple of potential jungle hikes on Koh Rong:

Koh Rong Jungle Trek to Long Beach (Sok San Beach):

This is one of the more popular jungle hikes on the island.
The trek often starts from the main village or beach area and takes you through the interior of the island.
The destination is Long Beach (Sok San Beach). A more secluded and pristine beach on the other side of the island.
The trail is not well-marked, so it’s advisable to go with a local guide or someone familiar with the route.

Nature Walks from Beaches:

Some of the beaches on Koh Rong may have paths leading into the interior. Allowing for short nature walks or hikes.
Check with local accommodations or residents for any recommended trails or paths.

Remember to take appropriate precautions when hiking in a jungle environment:

Local Guides: If possible, consider hiring a local guide who is familiar with the trails and conditions.
Hydration: Bring plenty of water, especially in the tropical climate.
Footwear: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable for jungle terrain.
Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent to avoid bug bites.
Weather Conditions: Be aware of weather conditions, as trails can become slippery during or after rain.

Koh Rong Samloem:

Further venture your island life by exploring the sights on nearby neighbour Koh Rong Samloem. You will be able to get there from the island or from the Sihanoukville port.

A note on engaging with locals:

The island of Koh Rong has recently experienced a significant surge in visitors, profoundly impacting its original character. Locals now find themselves sharing their space with holiday seekers. Therefore, if you are a backpacker or tourist, it is essential to treat the island with respect. This involves not only maintaining cleanliness on the beaches but also contributing to the local economy.

Numerous hostels have been established by returning foreigners, becoming popular choices for backpackers due to their ability to offer a familiar experience from home or to be around fellow backpackers. However, I recommend embracing a more culturally immersive approach. Consider staying with locals, gaining insights about their island directly from them, and supporting their businesses in return.

Above all, remember to tip wherever you go. This small gesture can make a significant impact. Ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed more equitably among the local population.

General FAQ’s for Koh Rong:

Is Koh Rong Safe?

Yes, Koh Rong is generally considered safe for tourists. Like any destination, it’s essential to take standard safety precautions. Be mindful of your belongings, especially on crowded beaches. Additionally, be cautious when swimming, follow local advice on water conditions, and use reputable transportation services. The island has become increasingly popular among tourists, and as a result, it’s always wise to stay informed about the local situation.

How many days in Koh Rong?

The ideal duration for a stay on Koh Rong depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to undertake. Many travellers find that spending 3 to 5 days on the island allows for a good balance of relaxation and exploration. This time frame provides ample opportunity to enjoy the beautiful beaches, engage in water activities, explore the surroundings, and even take day trips to neighbouring islands. Adjust the duration based on your interests and the pace at which you prefer to travel.