Island in Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia
Koh Rong
Backpacker island with long white beaches, jungle and glowing plankton at night. A 45-minute ferry from Sihanoukville. Cheap rooms and dives, but basic power and internet, and little healthcare.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$900–1,500Comfortable, one person · $900–1,500Details
- Value for money74/100Better value than 73% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: May, 30°CDetails
- Internet55 MbpsFixed broadband, Cambodia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledIsland water is not drinkable; guesthouses provide bottled or filtered refills.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$20–60Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundFerry from SihanoukvilleWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashA few ATMs in Koh Touch run dry; bring dollars from Sihanoukville.Details
Where to stay in Koh Rong
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Koh Touch | Main village: ferry pier, shops, bars, dive shops |
| Long Set Beach | Long white beach with quieter resorts |
| Sok San Village | Quiet fishing village on the far side |
| Coconut Beach and Police Beach | Beachfront huts and relaxed backpackers |
Apps that work in Koh Rong
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Telegram
- Bakong Tourists: Pay KHQR codes with a foreign card
- Taxis: No cars or ride apps. Boats and walking only; arrange boat transfers through your guesthouse.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Cambodia.
- Mostly cash A few ATMs in Koh Touch run dry; bring dollars from Sihanoukville. Many beach huts and dive shops are cash only.
- Currency: Riels (KHR). US$1 ≈ ៛4,053.39 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs dispense US dollars and usually charge foreign cards about $4–6 per withdrawal.
- Tipping: Not expected but appreciated: round up, $1–2 for tuk-tuk drivers and hotel staff, more for guides.
- Paying by phone: KHQR codes are everywhere; the Bakong Tourists app lets visitors pay them with a foreign card.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Flying in: submit the free Cambodia e-Arrival card at arrival.gov.kh within 7 days before arrival.
- Tourist e-Visa (30 days) at evisa.gov.kh at least 4 days ahead; visa on arrival also exists, paid in US dollars.
- Land crossings with Thailand have been suspended since the 2025 border fighting; Vietnam and Laos crossings work.
Emergency numbers
Police 117 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 118
Plugs
Type A, C, G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airport kiosks and phone shops sell tourist packs with large data allowances for about $5–15; passport required. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Cambodia
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.