Our 5-day trip to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem was a rich experience, combining both relaxation and exploration. We traveled from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, then took a ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong island. We spent the first two nights on Koh Rong, staying at a hotel near Sok San Beach. We not only enjoyed the beaches close to the hotel but also took part in activities like trekking to Vichea Waterfall, jet skiing, and snorkeling — one of the best things to do in Koh Rong.
On the morning of the third day of our itinerary 5 days in Koh Rong, our family headed to Koh Rong Sanloem. There, aside from swimming, we also enjoyed exciting activities like kayaking through the mangrove forest, visiting fishing villages, trekking to the Koh Rong Sanloem lighthouse, and observing glowing bioluminescent plankton at night. These 5 days in Koh Rong perfectly met the interests and needs of every family member. My wife loved the scenery and took lots of photos, my two children had a blast swimming and playing, and I personally enjoyed the thrilling activities available.
What to do in Koh Rong? We not only had time to relax, but it was also a great opportunity to recharge and improve our fitness through the many outdoor activities and trekking. During the 5 days on Koh Rong, we also had an amazing culinary discovery with local specialties, mostly seafood. It was a wonderful trip, and we would like to send our sincere thanks to Autour Asia, a travel agency in Cambodia, for helping us plan this amazing journey.
After a 45-minute speedboat ride from Sihanoukville, we arrived at our pre-booked hotel near Sok San Beach, with its long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear blue water. Unable to contain their excitement, my two kids immediately changed into their swimsuits and ran to the sea while we checked in. Soon after, we joined them on the beach to relax and unwind after days of exploring Cambodia’s bustling cities. We quickly regained our energy after lunch for the afternoon’s activities.
Taking a Koh Rong trip this time, we decided to add a bit of trekking to our itinerary 5 days in Koh Rong to explore the island’s natural beauty. We hiked through the forest and experienced a thrilling zipline adventure — one of the best things to do in Koh Rong. Flying through the treetops offered an exhilarating adrenaline rush and a breathtaking view of the vast green canopy below. We then arrived at Vichea Waterfall, where cool, fresh water cascades down amidst untouched nature. My wife posed on the rocks to take photos and enjoy the refreshing air, while my kids and I immediately jumped into the cool water to swim.
We spent the second day of our 5-day Koh Rong trip enjoying exciting activities at Lonely Beach, one of the best beaches in Koh Rong. If you’re planning a trip to Koh Rong, you definitely shouldn’t miss the underwater snorkeling experience to see vibrant coral reefs and schools of fish — one of the most interesting things to do in Koh Rong. Besides swimming and sunbathing on the sandy shore, the whole family also tried out water sports: jet skiing across the clear sea, then moving on to wakeboarding and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) near the shore. In the afternoon, we returned to the hotel and watched the sunset at Sok San Beach — a scene that was peaceful yet stunning.
Within just the first two days of our 5-day trip to Koh Rong, we had already tried many delicious specialities in Koh Rong. We tasted some of the best specialities in Sihanoukville like crispy fried crab (Kdam chaa), grilled squid, and the fragrant Cambodian-style Amok fish. If you’re wondering what to do in Koh Rong at night — don’t worry, the evenings here are never boring. We relaxed at a beachfront bar and joined a lively barbecue party with music and other travelers. However, if you prefer a quiet evening, you can take a walk along one of the more peaceful beaches and chat with friends on the sand.
On the third day of our 5-day trip in Koh Rong, we moved to Koh Rong Sanloem — an island located about 4 km south of Koh Rong, known for its beautiful long beaches and exciting experiences. We booked a resort near Saracen Bay for easy beach access and convenience.
What to do in Koh Rong in 5 days? We explored Driftwood Pier at my wife’s request, as it’s a fantastic photo spot. The clear turquoise water and long stretch of white sand created a truly dreamy scene. It’s also a perfect place to watch the sunset over the sea. Because scuba diving was such a thrilling experience, we went diving again at the Pink Mountains Diving area. We ended the day with a seaside dinner and a short stroll along the beach.
Early in the morning of 4th day in our 5-day Koh Rong itinerary, we headed out to Saracen Bay to start our stand-up paddle (SUP) journey through the mangrove forest surrounding the bay - one of the best things to do in Koh Rong. The crystal-clear water reflected the lush green trees and the blue sky. The thick canopy shaded much of our route, creating a cool, refreshing, and peaceful atmosphere. As we paddled through narrow waterways between the dense green forest, we had the chance to spot seabirds and occasionally schools of small fish swimming beneath the clear water.
We continued through the mangroves and reached the fishing village of M’Pai Bay. This 5-day trip to Koh Rong gave us the opportunity to learn about the local life and engage in authentic cultural experiences. The locals were incredibly warm and invited us to join their lunch. We tasted some of their specialties like charcoal-grilled fish and Cambodian-style sour soup — a true coastal meal.
In the early afternoon, we returned and visited the Koh Rong Sanloem lighthouse — one of the top places to visit in Koh Rong. From the top, we enjoyed a breathtaking panoramic view of the endless turquoise sea. In the evening, after dinner at a local restaurant, we boarded a boat to witness the glowing bioluminescent plankton — a magical sight and probably the most unforgettable experience of our entire 5-day Koh Rong trip.
On the final day of our 5 days in Koh Rong, we soaked in the last breeze of the ocean. We went swimming, took a walk along the beach, and our two kids tried paddleboarding on the sea. We bought some souvenirs and took a few last photos before taking the ferry back to Sihanoukville. Even though we spent the whole 5 days in Koh Rong, the trip felt like it passed in the blink of an eye. Our kids were so attached that they stayed on the sand until the very last moment before getting on the boat.
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Check the weather forecast for Koh Rong carefully when planning your trip to Cambodia. Since it’s an island, choose the best time to visit Koh Rong to avoid disrupting outdoor activities and relaxation time with your family.
Book your accommodation and transportation in advance. Especially during peak season, beachside hotels and restaurants can fill up quickly, so plan ahead to ensure a smooth 5-day Koh Rong trip.
Be mindful of food ingredients if you have allergies. Most restaurants on Koh Rong serve seafood, and local specialties are seafood-based. If you’re allergic to any kind, always double-check the menu and ask the staff if you want to spend 5 days in Koh Rong. There are also many restaurants with a variety of Western and Asian dishes available.
Respect the local community and protect the environment. Don’t litter on the road, the beaches, or in the sea to help preserve nature.
We had an amazing and fulfilling 5-day trip in Koh Rong. We witnessed stunning beaches, romantic natural scenery, participated in adventurous yet fun sports activities, and enjoyed delicious local specialties. We truly believe it’s worth spending 5 days in Koh Rong as it offered us rest and a chance to recharge before returning to our daily life. We highly recommend Autour Asia — a travel agency in Cambodia — for anyone planning a trip to Koh Rong or exploring Cambodia and Southeast Asia.
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