From a fishing village to a dream destination, Koh Rong Island has transformed into a holiday hub visited by millions a year. I didn’t want to miss out the beachy vibes that people were constantly harping about, so I flew in to see what’s the big deal. To my surprise it was a big deal and didn’t disappoint. The 43km stretch of white sand beaches, crystal blue waters that are waiting to warm up my body and the locals that are gentle as a flower, who would want to miss that?

As I landed, I didn’t know anything about the things to do in Koh Rong, so I decided to explore this island before I sign up for those. If you don’t really know where is Koh Rong, let me start from there. To reach Koh Rong you have to travel to the Cambodian coastal city, Sihanoukville. Then you have to take a ferry from the Sihanoukville pier to Koh Rong island. This will be like a 45-minute journey. To make travelling easier and hassle free you can consider booking tours with airport transfers. 

Want to try something adventurous in the wild? Then don’t miss this zipline, the most thrilling activity you would come across in the list, among the other Koh Rong things to do! I tried the ziplining tour which also included a climb in the rainforest and felt completely safe with the harness securely strapped around. Never ziplined before? Leave it to your experienced guides who know how to handle that and take you on an adventure that includes, climbing, swinging and gliding above the ground assuring a rewarding experience.

Beachy vibes, wild sun, toes in the sand are what I came for. When I was searching about the best things to do in Koh Rong, the ocean and beaches here sure did come up top in the list. I read that one of the best ways to enjoy the ocean is by boating it out. I signed up for a longtail boating tour which gave me a better view of the island which I couldn’t observe from the shore. White sand beaches and the coconut trees lined up the shoreline was an eccentric sight. They even served a traditional Cambodian lunch with drinks like beers and whiskey to elevate the vibes. The sunsets here are too good to be missed.

Another fun way to explore the beach at your own pace is to kayak. The feeling you get when the warm sun hits your skin as you kayak on the crystal-clear water is just beyond explanation. No rush, no tension, it’s just you and the ocean. I rented a kayak and set off to explore Koh Rong. I could also see the Small Island which was seeable from the shore and Police Beach. If you’re a newbie, let me slip a tip, as I was once a newbie too. It’s not rocket science, just get your essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and a camera in your dry bag. Fit into a lifejacket and then you’re good to go!

The White Beach hoards a secret waterfall that not many people know about including the locals. I’m sure you have questions as to why it’s hidden? It takes immense courage to explore it that’s why. Getting here isn’t so easy, even if it is, then get ready for something wild. This part of the island actually made me feel like I jumped into a Jumanji level. I had to duck down and carefully walk through the spiderwebs of huge bird eating spiders, making sure not to tick them off. Then came the slippery and mossy rocks.

Beyond all these levels and booby traps lies the Sok San waterfall that feels like a trophy. The multi-tiered cascading waterfall took my heart away and was worth all the effort. Maybe you can pack some snacks and drinks to picnic with nature, or just take a dip in the pristine pools of Sok San waterfall, or even get yourself a back massage under the tumbling waterfall hitting your back with the right amount of pressure!

They say bioluminescent waters are very similar to the stars up in the sky, the only difference is that this is beneath you and is tangible. This crazy phenomenon occurs in some parts of the world and right here in Koh Rong too, at places like Coconut beach, M’Pai Bay and Koh Touch, so I didn’t want to miss it for the world! Every movement in the water disturbs the teensy planktons that glow up like stars, which literally feels magical. They glow best in the darkest hours, especially on a new moon day. So to see them, you can either walk along the strips that glow, or hire a boat for a glittery swimming session. But if you don’t like to get wet then rent a glass kayak, not an ordinary one.

You cannot miss Cambodia’s pristine beaches that showcase Koh Rong’s underwater world rich in marine biodiversity. I did myself a favor and booked a snorkeling tour which explored interesting snorkeling spots near Koh Touch Island and Koh Koun. I didn’t have to bother carrying snorkeling equipment because the tour offered it and even helped with the fitting.

The underwater visibility was great, and I couldn’t help but notice the friendly tropical fish that swam past me playfully like they knew me from somewhere. I even said hello to some soft and hard corals. After snorkeling my stresses out, I unwound by the Long Beach and enjoyed a marvelous sunset while savoring some fresh BBQ and washed it down with some beer. They even offered fresh tropical fruits. The tour concluded with a plankton observation and a safe drop off.

Fishing has never been my forte because I’ve never caught one. Bad luck or jinxed, or wasn’t just good at it, I’ve often lost to my grandad who was a pro. So, I booked a fishing tour in Koh Rong – determined to prove that I can catch one myself too. So, I booked a fishing tour which had a combined snorkeling tour. Booking this tour was one of the best decisions I made in Koh Rong as it was a 2-in-1 opportunity, as it gave the perfect value for the amount I paid and the time I spent. I enjoyed the snorkeling session.

Then came the fishing part which I was dreading, because I didn’t want to feel disappointed or embarrassed, so I prayed for something positive. That’s when it happened, I caught a fish! I took pictures with it and boasted about it to my grandad. The best part about this tour? They prepare your catch for you to savor!

I knew nothing about scuba diving, but I wanted to try it out as soon as I heard about the Discover Scuba Diving tour in Koh Rong. Koh Rong still being mostly undiscovered by the outer world, everything here is unspoiled evoking a feeling of privacy. I was paranoid about what to expect, but the experienced dive guide had probably mastered the art of assurance. I plunged in on command and God I can’t explain the notorious sense of rush I felt right under my stomach when I had it all under control. Tons of fish swam through me, teasing the hell out of me and I instantly felt welcomed by the sea territory.

If you’re up for something exhilarating or looking for cool things to do in Koh Rong Cambodia, then hop on a jet ski to ride the waves like you own it. Water mist hits your face as you zip through the tides that lift and drop you like a bouncing ball. Though I have tried jet skiing before, I just needed a retouch. The experienced guides were kind enough to help me familiarize with the jet ski operation which helped me build my confidence and maintain balance.

The best time to visit Koh Rong is during the dry season, between November to April for outdoor and watersports activities. Booking early is advisable. To have a peaceful experience I recommend booking during the shoulder seasons between May to October. The wet season is off-peak usually which is best to avoid the crowds.

Both are rejuvenating places and there’s no questioning that. But I would be honest and say that Koh Rong is better than Koh Rong Samloem. It perfectly lies in between the balance of being less touristy and moderately developed. Unlike Koh Rong Samloem which is smaller than Koh Rong and has not exposed itself to the outer world yet, which is good but I’d choose Koh Rong any day. Things to do in Koh Rong are much more diverse and it caters to a greater range of preferences than Samloem for a matter of fact. Koh Rong is easily accessible too, so to choose Koh Rong is a smart idea.

I have listed the best things to do in Koh Rong which I tried during my trip, but don’t limit it to that, because the island offers more than that! Things to do in Koh Rong are not something like you do in an overrated tourist hub like Bali. Though Koh Rong is now picking up its pace in tourism it’s still at its pristine and prime stage so now is the right time for you to pack your bags and leave for Koh Rong this holiday, because Koh Rong won’t stay untouched forever!