Visiting Koh Rong Island and Samloem and Koh Rong Dive Center (Center) Cambodia, Things to Do

Koh Rong Island and Koh Rong Samloem Island, Cambodia.

Travel to these islands is simple. There are a number of ferries leaving each day from Sihanoukville on the mainland. The 25km journey takes about 1 hour on one of the speed ferries or 1hr 45 mins on one of the ‘slow boats’. Fees currently are $20 return for the speed ferry or $10 return for the slow boat option.

Check carefully when booking that you are going to the correct island, not every ferry goes to both islands and travelers often get confused between Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. Also, whilst travel between the islands is quite possible there are no ‘scheduled’ services and you may have to negotiate with a local taxi boat or wait until another ferry has a service available.

KR is the busier of the two islands with more facilities, KRS is quieter, less developed and generally more expensive.

Traveling to Koh Rong, you will arrive in Koh Touch village where there are many bars, dorms, rooms for rent and bungalows, currently only a couple offer A/C. Koh Rong Samloem is also inhabited and offers some accommodation, bars and restaurants but is far less developed and can be more expensive. Two other nearby islands, Koh Koun and a small island known locally as ‘Small Island’ are virtually uninhabited and boats do not drop passengers off there, all four islands do however offer some excellent snorkeling and diving locations. This makes Koh Rong an excellent ‘base camp’ for diving, snorkeling boat trips and ‘island hopping’.

Life here mostly revolves around beaches and bars. Things to do include boat trips, diving, snorkeling and High Point rope park set high in the rain forest canopy with 400m of rope-ways and ladders and a 130m Zip Line. You can also hire snorkeling equipment and kayaks. As you walk further away from the village beaches become more deserted and the waters become clearer.

One major attraction is scuba diving and if you are qualified you can go fun diving, alternatively you can do a ‘Try Dive’ under the supervision of an instructor or even take a course and become a qualified diver.

Bring enough cash with you as there are no ATM machines and there is a 10% commission on cash advances. Medical facilities are also limited with a couple of pharmacies and one voluntary clinic. So if you are likely to need any medication, bring it with you and be prepared for a trip back to the mainland for any major treatments.

The islands offer you an ideal solution for chilling out on a deserted white beach, partying or adventure, just be prepared and informed and you will have an awesome time.