Koh Rong
Koh Rong suits a beach trip built on pale sand, warm shallow water and a pace set by the ferry timetable.
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Koh Rong is an island off Cambodia's southern coast in the Gulf of Thailand, part of Preah Sihanouk province. Go for pale sand, clear shallow water and forested hills that run down to the shore. Most visitors reach it by ferry from Sihanoukville, the mainland port city. Development is concentrated in a few beach areas, and much of the island stays wooded.
The island suits a slow beach trip built around swimming, snorkeling and long meals by the water. Accommodation ranges from simple bungalows to larger resorts, so budget and comfort vary widely. The dry season, roughly November to April, is the usual choice for beach weather. From May to October, heavy showers and rougher seas can disrupt ferry sailings. Koh Rong Samloem, a smaller island nearby, suits a quieter stay.
Koh Rong in five
- Check the ferry from SihanoukvilleFerries to Koh Rong leave from the mainland port at Sihanoukville, and sailings can be cut or delayed in rough seas. Confirm your boat the day before, and do not book a flight out on the same afternoon.Getting around
- Carry enough cash for the islandMany beach stalls and small guesthouses take cash only, and there are few ATMs on the island. Bring US dollars and small notes, since change may come in riel or dollars.Money and costs
- Apply for a Cambodia e-visa before you flyMost visitors need an e-visa or a visa on arrival, and entry rules depend on your passport. Apply on the official government site, not a reseller, and keep the approval on your phone and on paper.Visas and entry
- Set up an eSIM before the ferrySignal on Koh Rong can be patchy away from the main village. Install an eSIM or buy a SIM before you leave the mainland, then download offline maps for the ferry route and beaches.Phones and eSIM
- Pack a dry bag for the boatBoat transfers splash, and sea spray can reach the seats. Keep passports, phones and cash in a sealed dry bag inside your day pack.
Need to know
- Currency
- Riel (KHR); US dollars widely accepted
- Entry
- E-visa or visa on arrival for most visitors; check the official e-visa site Read more
- Emergency
- 117 police, 118 fire, 119 ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected; small tips appreciated
- Time
- UTC+7, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry season
- FebruaryDry season
- MarchDry season, warmer
- AprilHot and dry
- MayRains begin
- JuneRainy season
- JulyHeavy rain
- AugustHeavy rain
- SeptemberHeavy rain
- OctoberRains easing
- NovemberDry season starts
- DecemberDry season
Right now in Koh Rong
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
27
- Feels like
- 29°
- Humidity
- 83%
- Wind
- 12 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 94%
Koh Rong
05:43 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today29°27°94%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 94%.
- Wed29°27°84%Wednesday: Rain. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 84%.
- Thu29°27°61%Thursday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 61%.
- Fri29°26°81%Friday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 81%.
- Sat29°26°83%Saturday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 83%.
- Sun30°27°85%Sunday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 85%.
- Mon31°27°84%Monday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 84%.
Updated 04:15 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 4,107 KHR
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Sihanoukvilleby ferry to Koh RongThe mainland port where ferries leave, and a base for a first or last night.Read the guide
- Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island)by boat from SihanoukvilleA smaller island with quiet beaches, reached by boat from Sihanoukville.Read the guide
- Koh Rong Samloemby boat from Koh RongA nearby island that is smaller and quieter than Koh Rong.Read the guide
Before you go to Koh Rong
Rules for Koh Rong, checked
- Cambodia enforces strict drug laws, and possession or trafficking can bring long prison sentences. Check your embassy's guidance before you travel.
- Declare cash above the legal limit on arrival or departure. Check the current amount with Cambodian customs before you travel.
- Cover shoulders and knees when visiting pagodas and temples on the mainland.
Plan around Koh Rong
Regions, entry rules, transport and money for a Cambodia trip
Read the guideGetting around CambodiaFerries, buses and car hire between the coast and the cities
Read the guideVisas and entryE-visa rules, documents and what to check before you fly
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical prices for a budget or mid-range trip
Read the guideWhere to stayVillage guesthouses and beachfront options compared
Read the guidePhones and eSIMMobile data and offline maps for ferry and beach days
Read the guideKoh Rong FAQ
How do you get to Koh Rong?
Take a ferry from the mainland port at Sihanoukville. Sailings depend on sea conditions, so confirm the boat the day before and allow time for the return.
How many days do you need on Koh Rong?
Two or more nights gives time for the ferry crossing and a few beach days. A day trip from Sihanoukville leaves only a few hours on the island.
When is the best time to visit Koh Rong?
November to April, in the dry season, is the usual choice. May to October brings heavy rain and rougher seas on the crossing.
Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem?
Koh Rong is larger, with more services and a bigger village. Samloem is smaller and quieter, so choose it for a slow stay.
Can you visit Koh Rong on a day trip from Sihanoukville?
It is possible, but the ferry crossing takes a while each way, so a day trip gives only a few hours on the island.
Do you need cash on Koh Rong?
Yes. ATMs on the island are few and card payment is limited, so bring enough US dollars or riel for the whole stay.