Where to Stay in Koh Rong: Ultimate Island & Hotel Guide

Located in the south of Cambodia, Koh Rong is the perfect getaway for a dreamy beach vacation or a break from your travels in Cambodia and Southeast Asia.

Koh Rong Island in Cambodia has picturesque white sand beaches, turquoise waters, swaying palm treets, beautiful coral reefs, and even a jungle right in the middle.

Some people even call it the Maldives of Cambodia, and I can see why. With its cozy beachfront bungalows, and more and more luxury resorts popping up all over the island, it's truly a slice of paradise.

If you're looking for a tropical island paradise without breaking the bank, this is the place to be. In this guide on where to stay in Koh Rong, I'll answer all your questions about the best areas and hotels, so you can easily plan your next trip.

Best areas to stay in Koh Rong

When comparing Koh Rong Island to other popular islands in Southeast Asia, it is quite small. But you know what? That's one of the best things about it because it gives off a relaxed and sleepy island vibe.

Let me share with you my favorite areas and beaches to stay at in Koh Rong:

If you're visiting Koh Rong for the first time, you have to check out Long Set Beach. It has an amazing white sandy beach that is perfect to relax on.

For families or anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the main town, Sok San Beach is perfect. They have family-friendly resorts and the beach is spacious and quiet.

Preaek Svay is an ideal spot for couples and honeymooners. It's tucked away in a quiet area of the island, offering a handful of romantic hotels and beach bungalows.

And lastly, for backpackers, budget travelers, and party animals, Khao Touch is the place to be. It's right at the jetty and filled with bars, restaurants, and hostels perfect to have some nights out on a budget.

1. Where to stay in Koh Rong for the first time: Long Set Beach

Let's start with my number one recommendation for everyone coming to Koh Rong for the first time: Long Set Beach!

Long Set Beach is the perfect combination of a serene white sand beach and easy access to restaurants, bars, and everything else you might need during your stay on the island.

It's perfectly located just a short distance from the main town where the jetty, restaurants, and bars are located, so you can easily walk over or hop on a scooter whenever you're in the mood for some action.

But don't worry, Long Set Beach itself has a few restaurants and supermarkets, so you can enjoy your time on the beach without having to leave.

The accommodations at Long Set Beach are incredible, with some of my favorite resorts on the island. Most of the resorts here have everything you need for a fantastic stay, including stunning pools, restaurants, and a wide range of activities.

Best area for:

• First-timers

• Couples

• Families

Things to do in Long Set Beach

At Long Set Beach, you have the absolute freedom to chill and soak in the stunning beach and crystal-clear waters. But if you're up for some adventure, you should go on a boat tour to see the bioluminescent plankton at night. The waters are pretty shallow at Long Set Beach, making it the perfect spot for the glowing plankton and you can marvel at it light up. Note that it is not recommended to snorkel at this time of night.

If you're in the mood for a good time, then Nest Beach Club is the place to be! It's the ultimate hangout for backpackers and anyone who likes to party. You can dance the night away with fire dancers and enjoy cheap drinks until the early morning hours.

And if you want to explore the island, joining a boat tour around Koh Rong is a great idea. Most hotels and resorts offer a variety of activities, including boat trips and snorkeling tours.

Best hotels to stay in Long Set Beach

($$$) Long Set Resort

One of my favorite Koh Rong hotels, Long Set Resort, offers breathtaking views of the beach and the surrounding jungle. With a private beach area, an infinity pool, and spa facilities, this is the ultimate luxury resort for couples, honeymooners, and anyone else seeking to enjoy some luxury.

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($$) BeachWalk Koh Rong

A fantastic mid-range hotel that is still super luxurious is BeachWalk Koh Rong. It has one of the coolest swimming pools, and a private beach area, and offers modern and spacious rooms with amazing views.

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($) Koh Rong Hill Beach Resort

For budget travelers, Koh Rong Hill Beach Resort is a great option. It's located right on the beach and offers simple yet comfortable rooms with beautiful ocean views. They also have a restaurant and bar on-site, making it easy to grab some drinks or food without having to leave the resort.

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2. Where to stay in Koh Rong for families & relaxation: Sok San Beach

Sok San Beach, also known as Long Beach, is, as the name suggests, the longest beach on Koh Rong Island.

Not only is Sok San Beach absolutely stunning, like Long Set Beach, but it's also quieter and further away from the main town. This makes it perfect for those who prefer to stay away from the party and busyness.

This pristine beach is huge, the waters are calm, and the resorts here are just so nice. That's why I always recommend this area to families. You can relax on the beach, go snorkeling, and enjoy water activities without dealing with big crowds.

The resorts here are fantastic for families and larger groups. Most of them offer family rooms or family villas, along with large pools and restaurants. So, you can truly enjoy a stress-free vacation.

Best area for:

• Families

• Relaxation

• Big groups

• Couples

Things to do in Sok San Beach

Sok San Beach is all about relaxation and enjoying the stunning natural surroundings. But if you're up for some fun, there are plenty of activities to choose from too.

One of my favorite things to do at Sok San Beach is go on a hike to the nearby Koh Rong Waterfalls. The hike itself is beautiful through the forest, and once you reach the waterfalls, you can take a refreshing swim in the natural pools. Just note that sometimes there's no water, depending on the season and rainfall, so check ahead!

Snorkeling and scuba diving are also awesome options here. The waters are crystal clear, and you'll find plenty of fish and even turtles swimming around. You can easily rent snorkel equipment from your hotel and explore on your own or arrange scuba diving excursions with your hotel if you're into that.

And of course, don't forget to just chill and soak up the sun on the beach. Sok San Beach happens to be the longest beach around, so make the most of it and be a beach bum.

Best hotels to stay in Sok San Beach

($$$) The Royal Sands Koh Rong

This luxurious five-star resort is perfect for couples and families and anyone looking to splurge on their vacation. The Royal Sands Koh Rong offers spacious villas with private pools, a private beach area, and amazing facilities like a spa, fitness center, and multiple restaurants.

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($$) Golden Beach Resort

For a more mid-range option, Golden Beach Resort is one of the coziest Koh Rong hotels. With beautiful wooden bungalows that sleep up to 4 people and an amazing pool right by the ocean, this little resort is perfect for families.

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($$) Sok San Beach Resort

If you're looking for another mid-range option, Sok San Beach Resort is the place to be. The bungalows at Sok San Beach Resort are a little simpler but still beautiful, nestled within the jungle and right on the beach.

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($) Soksan Natura Beach

For budget travelers, Soksan Natura Beach is a great choice. The bungalows here are simple but comfortable, and you'll still have access to the beautiful beach and facilities like a restaurant and bar.

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3. Where to stay in Koh Rong for couples & seclusion: Preaek Svay

If you're looking for a romantic and secluded getaway, Preaek Svay Beach is the perfect spot.

This area is located on the northern tip of the island and is only accessible by boat. So, if you really want to get away from it all, this is the place to be.

Preaek Svay Beach is known for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, lush jungle and mangrove surroundings. It's truly a paradise for couples seeking tranquility and privacy.

The resorts here are small and intimate, perfect for honeymooners or if you're looking to reconnect with your partner. And with limited access to the main town and other beaches, you'll feel like you have your private slice of paradise.

Best area for:

• Couples

• Honeymooners

• Seclusion

Things to do in Preak Svay

As with other areas on Koh Rong Island, Preaek Svay is all about nature and relaxation. But there are still some fun things to do if you're feeling adventurous.

One of the most popular activities here is kayaking through the mangrove forests. You can easily rent kayaks at your resort or join one of the guided tours.

You can also go for a hike to the nearby viewpoint, where you'll get breathtaking views of the island. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even hike to the northernmost point of Koh Rong.

Of course, don't forget to simply relax and enjoy the serenity of this secluded beach. With its crystal clear waters and stunning surroundings, it's the perfect place to unwind and disconnect from the world.

Best hotels to stay in Preaek Svay

($$) Palm Beach Bungalow Resort

This beautiful resort offers cozy bungalows right on the beach, perfect for couples seeking a romantic hideaway. The resort is located on a quiet beach and also has a restaurant and bar, plus stunning views of the ocean.

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($$) Lily's Riverhouse

Another great option for couples, Lily's Riverhouse is a small but charming resort located right on the riverbank and just a short walk from the beach. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, with private balconies offering views of the river.

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($) Lonely Beach

Budget travelers looking for seclusion will love Lonely Beach. This simple yet charming bungalow resort is located right on the beach and offers affordable rooms with private bathrooms.

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Luxury Tip: Song Saa Private Island

For the ultimate romantic and luxurious experience, you can't beat Song Saa Private Island. Situated a short boat ride away from Koh Rong, this private island offers stunning overwater villas, a spa, multiple dining options, and more. It's one of the best hotels in Koh Rong and the perfect place for couples seeking an unforgettable honeymoon. The overwater bungalows give you real Maldives vibes and I personally love their focus on sustainability.

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4. Where to stay in Koh Rong for budget accommodation & nightlife: Khao Touch

If you're looking for an awesome and wallet-friendly place to stay in Koh Rong, Khao Touch is where it's at.

Situated on the southern end of the island, this area is famous for its lively backpacker vibe. It's also the main town of Koh Rong Island, so it's the spot where you'll arrive by boat.

Here, you'll find a great mix of affordable bungalow resorts, hostels, and guesthouses. Plus, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you entertained. Trust me, this is the ultimate area for nightlife on the island!

Best area for:

• Budget travelers

• Backpackers

• Nightlife

Things to do in Khao Touch

As the main town on Koh Rong Island, there is plenty to see and do in Koh Touch. One of the most popular activities here is taking a boat trip to the neighboring island of Koh Rong Sanloem. Here, you can explore more beautiful beaches and enjoy a day of snorkeling or diving.

You can also rent a scooter and venture out to different parts of the island, such as Long Set Beach or Sok San Beach. And for those who love to dive, Koh Rong Dive Center offers some of the best diving opportunities in Cambodia.

But perhaps one of the main draws of Koh Touch is its lively nightlife. The beachfront bars and restaurants come alive at night with music, fire shows, and plenty of drinks.

It's a hotspot for backpackers and islanders alike. The vibe here is still super laid-back. Many places have happy hours with special beer and cocktail deals.

Best hotels to stay in Khao Touch

($$) Starfish Bungalows

Located right on the beach and only a short walk from the main pier, Starfish Bungalows offers comfortable and spacious bungalows tucked away in the jungle, just a stone's throw away from the beach.

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($$) Sweet Jungle Bungalows

For a unique and eco-friendly experience, check out Sweet Jungle Bungalows. These bungalows are built with natural materials and offer a peaceful jungle setting, a little further inland on a stunning hillside.

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($) Happy Elephant Bungalows

Budget travelers looking for a social and lively atmosphere will love Happy Elephant Bungalows. Located on the main beach, this guesthouse offers chic private rooms at super affordable prices.

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Where to stay in Koh Rong – Frequently Asked Questions

✅ Is it worth visiting Koh Rong?

Definitely! Koh Rong is one of the few tropical island destinations in Cambodia. And while it's not exactly a hidden gem anymore, as many travelers in Southeast Asia and Cambodia are aware of it, it still doesn't receive the same level of attention as some of the Thai islands or the Philippines. That's what makes Koh Rong so special – it offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a tropical island paradise without breaking the bank or dealing with massive tourist crowds.

💰 Is Koh Rong expensive?

It can be, depending on where you stay and what activities you want to do. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly options for accommodation and dining on the island. Overall, Koh Rong is much more affordable compared to other popular Southeast Asian destinations like Bali or Phuket.

🏝️ What is the difference between Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem?

Koh Rong is the larger of the two islands and has a more developed tourism scene, offering various activities, resorts, and restaurants. Koh Rong Samloem is considered to be more secluded and laid-back, making it perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape. It's also known for its stunning beaches and snorkeling spots. However, both islands are located right next to each other, so it's worth checking out both of them.

🍹 Is Koh Rong a party island?

While there are a few great party spots on the island, such as Khao Touch, the rest of Koh Rong is not really a party destination. There are plenty of quieter areas and resorts where you can relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. 

🛥️ How do I get to Koh Rong?

The most popular way is by taking a ferry from Sihanoukville. From Phnom Penh, you can easily reach Sihanoukville by bus. The ferries run regularly throughout the day, and the journey takes about 2.5 hours. The cost is around 15 US dollars. Alternatively, you can opt for a speedboat, which only takes 30 minutes but is a bit more expensive.

Where to stay in Koh Rong – Final Words

If you're looking for a dreamy destination that offers a Maldives-like paradise and even a touch of luxury without breaking the bank, Koh Rong is the place to be. This Cambodian island paradise is breathtaking, with its beautiful white sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, beach front bungalows and lush tropical jungle.

You'll also find a handful of luxury resorts where you can completely unwind and relax, all at an affordable price. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a fun-filled family vacation, or an exciting backpacking adventure, Koh Rong has got you covered.

I hope that my guide on where to stay in Koh Rong has helped you choose the perfect area for your needs. No matter which location you decide on, I'm certain you'll fall head over heels for this tropical Cambodian island.