Koh Rong Frequently Asked Questions (2026 Complete Guide)
Last fact-checked: October 2026
Planning a trip to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem? Below you will find concise, fact-checked answers to the 20 most common questions travelers ask in 2026—from ferry piers and cash rules to bioluminescent plankton, road conditions, and choosing between beaches.
Getting There & Ferries
Everything you need to know about reaching the islands:
- Where do ferries to Koh Rong depart from?: All high-speed ferries (GTVC, Buva Sea, Speed Ferry Cambodia, Island Speed Ferry, Romny Tour) depart from the Tourist Terminal at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port between 08:00 and 16:30 daily.
- How long does the ferry take and how much does it cost?: The crossing takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs $25 USD for an open round-trip ticket (or $14–$15 one-way).
- How do I travel from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong?: Take a 2.5–3 hour minivan or bus via the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville Expressway ($12–$16) directly to Sihanoukville Port, then board the 40-minute speedboat.
- How do I travel between Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem?: Speed ferry operators run daily inter-island boats between Koh Touch/Long Set and Saracen Bay/M'Pai Bay (15–20 minutes, $8–$10 one-way).
Money, Internet & Infrastructure
How modern utilities work on Koh Rong in 2026:
- Are there ATMs on Koh Rong?: No reliable international bank ATM operates on Koh Rong or Sanloem. Always withdraw crisp, untorn US dollar bills in Phnom Penh, Kampot, or Sihanoukville before boarding the boat.
- Can I pay by credit card or QR code?: 4- and 5-star resorts accept Visa/Mastercard, and many businesses accept KHQR codes via the National Bank of Cambodia's Bakong Tourists app. Small eateries and boats are cash-only.
- Is there 24-hour electricity and Wi-Fi?: Yes. A 60 km submarine power cable connects Koh Rong to Cambodia's national grid, and Smart/Metfone 4G and hotel Wi-Fi cover all main villages and beaches.
Book Koh Rong Ferry & Speedboat Online
Book high-speed ferries and speedboats between Sihanoukville and Koh Rong in advance with instant confirmation.
Book Ferry Tickets on Klook →Top 12 Quick Answers for Koh Rong Travelers
1. Which beach on Koh Rong is the best to stay on?
Long Set (4K Beach) is the best all-round beach for calm turquoise water, 4-star resorts, and top hostels; Sok San (7 km Long Beach) is best for luxury villas and west-coast sunsets; Pagoda Beach and Coconut Beach are best for quiet boutique stays; Koh Touch is best for lively nightlife and dive shops.
2. Should I choose Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem?
Choose Koh Rong if you want variety, 70 km of roads for scooter trips, waterfalls, mangroves, and more dining/nightlife options. Choose Koh Rong Sanloem if you want a smaller, car-free island with pure relaxation on Saracen Bay and M'Pai Bay.
3. Where and when can I see bioluminescent plankton?
Bioluminescent plankton glows year-round in dark water around both islands. Join a $10 evening plankton boat from Koh Touch (or a $20–$25 full-day boat trip) or wade into dark stretches of Coconut Beach, Lonely Beach, or Long Set after 20:00, ideally near the new moon.
4. When is the rainy season on Koh Rong?
The southwest monsoon runs from mid-May to October, with the heaviest rainfall in July and August. If visiting in the rainy season, stay on the sheltered east coast (Long Set, Pagoda, or Coconut Beach) and keep a 1-day buffer before flights.
5. Can I rent a scooter on Koh Rong?
Yes, automatic scooters rent for $10–$15 per day in Koh Touch, Long Set, and Sok San, giving you access to 70 km of paved concrete roads linking almost the entire island.
6. How do I avoid sandfly bites on Koh Rong?
Apply virgin coconut oil (sold everywhere on the island) as a physical barrier on your skin, avoid lying directly on damp sand at sunrise and sunset, and use sun loungers.
7. Is the tap water safe to drink on Koh Rong?
No, never drink tap water. Drink bottled water or use the cheap filtered water refill stations available at hostels, resorts, and dive centers.
8. Which mobile network or eSIM works best on Koh Rong?
Smart Axiata and Metfone both provide solid 4G/LTE coverage across Koh Touch, Long Set, Pagoda Beach, Coconut Beach, Sok San, and Saracen Bay. You can also install a Cambodia travel eSIM via Airalo or Klook before arrival.
9. Has the Koh Rong airport opened yet?
No. Construction on the Koh Rong International Eco-Tourism Airport started in 2024 and is not expected to complete until around 2028–2029. Fly into Phnom Penh (PNH) or Sihanoukville (KOS) and take the speedboat.
10. Do I need a visa for Cambodia to visit Koh Rong?
Most nationalities need a 30-day Cambodian Tourist Visa ($30 USD), obtainable online via the official Cambodia e-Visa portal (evisa.gov.kh) or as a Visa on Arrival at airports and land borders, plus the free Cambodia e-Arrival card within 7 days before arrival.
11. Can I do scuba diving on Koh Rong as a beginner?
Yes! PADI dive centers in Koh Touch and M'Pai Bay offer half-day Discover Scuba Diving experiences ($95–$125) and 3-day PADI Open Water courses in calm, warm shallow coral reefs.
12. How many days do I need for Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem?
Spend 3–4 days if visiting just Koh Rong, or 5–7 days to split your trip between Koh Rong and neighboring Koh Rong Sanloem.