Buzz
If you prefer avoiding crowds and desire to relish a serene ambiance, consider visiting during early summer or autumn. Make sure to keep an eye on weather forecasts before your trip to ensure you make the most of your journey.
Transportation to Koh Rong Island
Departing from either Hanoi or Saigon, you can travel to Cambodia by either plane or bus. However, for the most cost-effective option, it's advisable to depart from Saigon. For those in Hanoi, flying to Saigon and then taking a bus to the Cambodian border is recommended.
The route from Saigon is relatively straightforward. Take a sleeper bus to Ha Tien, with ticket prices around 170,000 dong per person (opt for a company that offers free shuttle service to the Xa Xia border gate and provides onboard WiFi). It's best to choose an evening departure around 9 or 10 PM, allowing you to sleep overnight on the bus and arrive at the border early the next morning.
The Xa Xia border gate (Ha Tien) operates from 6 AM to 5:45 PM. It's advisable to arrive early to complete procedures without the hassle of crowds. From Xa Xia border gate, it's a short walk to the Cambodian border. Here, you can catch a tuk-tuk or bus for approximately 3 hours to reach Sihanoukville.
To get to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville, opt for a high-speed ferry which takes about 1 hour from Serendipity pier. Purchase a ticket for the Speed Ferry for a swift journey.
What to do on Koh Rong?
Tour Boat Trip
When you arrive at Koh Rong Island, you absolutely must experience the Boat Trip tour. Some popular tour companies like Adam Adventure, Three Brothers, etc., offer packages ranging from $10 to $25. So, what makes the Boat Trip tour so exciting?
The Boat Trip tour typically departs around 12 PM or 1 PM. Exciting experiences you'll enjoy on this tour include fishing from the boat and snorkeling to explore coral reefs.
Next, head to Long Beach for swimming and sunset gazing. The sunset over the sea is incredibly romantic and surreal, captivating you with its poetic scenery. The clear water of Long Beach, along with its smooth white sand, and pristine surroundings create an indescribable allure.
Afterward, hop back on the boat and indulge in a BBQ party, enjoying fruits, beer, vodka, etc. As the evening draws to a close, the boat will return to the island, and you'll end with the most memorable experience: witnessing bioluminescent plankton shimmering in the water.
Witnessing Plankton – Bioluminescent Marine Organisms
This is a unique and incredibly impressive experience for you. When night falls, you'll be taken to the darkest area of the sea with no light. Jumping into the water, you'll see numerous glowing spots around you. Every movement you make, every touch, tiny bioluminescent organisms react, creating a mesmerizing space akin to being in a sparkling galaxy.
Each motion, each movement of yours, forms a different galaxy with various shapes drawn by you. They're not fixed but constantly changing according to your body. It feels like whether you're in the sky or underwater, it's a sky full of dazzling stars, enchanting anyone with its magic.
Zipline
The thrilling Zipline adventure is located in High Point Park. This is a must-try experience when visiting Koh Rong Island. Zipline involves traversing high and dangerous spaces on a suspended cable. However, don't worry, you'll be fully equipped with safety harnesses by professional staff. Guides will instruct you on how to navigate each segment, from halfway up the mountain to the tallest trees.
With expansive views, you can even see Koh Rong Saloem Island. A bit of adventure, a bit of thrill, but incredibly captivating and exciting. Are you ready to challenge yourself with this game?
Trekking through the forest
Imagine spending about 30-40 minutes trekking through a forest, with the beautiful Long Beach awaiting you at the end of the journey. Trekking through the forest involves walking through small trails, sometimes obscured by foliage.
Following the traces (a sign, a shoe, a rope) left by previous travelers on the trees, you'll find the path through the forest to reach Long Beach. The feeling of conquering and challenging oneself is the sensation experienced by those who have ventured this activity.
Snorkeling
Koh Rong Island remains relatively untouched, so the marine environment here boasts a diverse and rich ecosystem. Beneath the crystal-clear water where you can see the seabed, you'll experience impressive snorkeling. Alternatively, engage in scuba diving to observe colorful schools of fish swimming beneath the sea or vibrant coral reefs swaying in the water.
Sky Bar
After spending a long day immersing yourself in nature, with the azure sea, why not head to the beach bar in the evening to experience the lively atmosphere? Sky Bar is the most famous and picturesque bar on Koh Rong Island. Overlooking the pier, Sky Bar not only offers delicious drinks but also stunning views, spaces, and beautiful photos.
Specialties on Koh Rong Island
When traveling to Cambodia and visiting Koh Rong Island, be sure to try the famous specialties such as grilled seafood, European dishes, Khmer cuisine, or BBQ seafood. A BBQ seafood set for only $5 includes vegetables, potatoes, bread, and a variety of grilled seafood like squid, ribs, red snapper, shrimp... ensuring a satisfying meal for one person. Food prices on Koh Rong Island range from $2 to $6 per serving. Additionally, you can try delicious fruit smoothies for just $1.
What to buy when visiting Koh Rong Island
When visiting Koh Rong Island, consider purchasing unique Cambodian souvenirs such as Krama scarves - woven from soft cotton threads, ideal for absorbing sweat on hot days. Alternatively, you can buy small, beautifully carved items like Buddha statues or famous landmarks...
Above are some experiences exploring the 'seaside paradise in the underworld' in Cambodia - Koh Rong Island, shared by Vntrip.vn. Wishing you a joyful and meaningful journey to this beautiful beach.
