KOH RONG – BEST THINGS TO DO ON THE ‘ISLAND OF FREEDOM’

Indeed, words spread fast and tourism is a very attractive industry. And so, investors came and started to spoil the pristine paradise of Koh Rong. Nowadays, the infrastructure on Koh Rong is growing year by year. The heavenly island might well very soon turn into a different place. Nonetheless, it is still a sanctuary and a peaceful escape from the busy towns of Cambodia. The best thing you can do is pack your bags and head off now!

Koh Rong, Long Beach sea swing

5 THINGS TO DO IN KOH RONG

1.LEARN TO DIVE. It might not be Koh Tao, yet Koh Rong is a less busy and more tranquil place. Scuba diving will enable you to see the island from a different angle and you can enjoy a whole day trip on the boat (good value for money), catch your own fish and cook it on spot or even swim with the glowing plankton!

Diving in Koh Rong

2.TREKKING. Koh Rong is hiding plenty of great jungle and beach treks. If you are not afraid of heights try one of the zip-lining options. This is a great way how to break the laze and get some adrenaline. Obstacle course in the air with swings, rope bridges and ladders, create an outstanding “jungle gym”.

Zip-lining in Koh Rong

3.DISCOVER Long Beach and stay for its famous sunset. It is a one hour trek through the jungle, starting at the end of Sok San Beach (you will need good footwear). Enjoy the sea swing!

Sunset at the Long Beach, Koh Rong

4.TAKE A BOAT to get to the other side of the island and get lost on the remote Lonely Beach. It is considered to be the most impressive beach on Koh Rong!

Wooden Pier at the Lonely Beach, Koh Rong

5.DOLCE FAR NIENTE – enjoy doing the ‘sweet nothing’ alone or with friends while barefoot sipping on a refreshing cocktail in one of the beachfront bars.

Beachfront bars, Koh Rong

6. BONUS TRIP TO KOH RONG SANLOEM – visit the sister island of Koh Rong. it is less developed and tranquil – a perfect couple destination. Swim with glowing plankton at night and enjoy the tranquillity.

Koh Rong Sanloem, Saracen Bay

NOTE

Tourism in Cambodia is rapidly growing and soon roads and more will be built on Koh Rong Samleom and possibly an airport on Koh Rong. Therefore hurry up! In a few years “the secret islands of Cambodia” might be no secret anymore…

TRAVEL TIPS

Make sure you have enough cash with you as you might want to extend your stay and there is limited ATM service (for an extra fee) on the island.

Take a good repellent, very intrusive insect is the flip side of Koh Rong islands

Pack some good trekking sandals/shoes with you since there are no proper roads and you will often need to walk through the jungle

Do not forget to get yourself a nice book for this trip

Add some extra days to your itinerary! Most of the visitors will want to extend their stay 😉

Koh Rong characteristic bamboo hut accommodation

WHEN TO TRAVEL

The best time to visit is probably between November and January when the islands get the least rain. However, a shower or two will not make any difference as the untouched paradise is as much enjoyable when wet and maybe even better for some reasons (the lightening plankton is best to see by cloudy nights).

HOW TO GET THERE

Fly To Phnom Penh and catch a local or a shuttle bus to Sihanoukville (4-hour drive). Here take a boat to Koh Rong. Boats depart 3 times a day, they stop on both islands and the ride takes about 45 min. Any guesthouse or travel agency in Sihanoukville will happily help you to book the trip.

For all international flights go to www.skyscanner.com or www.momondo.com