Koh Rong
By Evi Goossens, a travel storyteller, certified tour guide, and photographer from The Netherlands. Updated November 2024
Reading time: 8 min
The Most Underrated Island in Southeast Asia
Yes, you heard it right—the most underrated island in Southeast Asia is here in Cambodia! An island I had low expectations for but ended up absolutely surprising me. From Phnom Penh, you’ll need a few hours on a bus and about 1.5 hours on a boat to get there. All in all, expect to dedicate a full travel day. But trust me, the destination is worth it.
A Few Tips Before We Dive In
Book Nest Beach Club Hostel. This is the friendliest and most social hostel where most backpackers stay. It fills up quickly, so make sure to book in advance. Plus, every Saturday, the hostel hosts the Nestival, a lively party right on the beach.
Want to escape the crowds? There are plenty of homestays on the quieter side of the island.
Bring enough cash. ATMs are nonexistent here, and card payments are rare, so come prepared with cash.
Pack a fully charged power bank. Power outages are common during the day, so having a backup to charge your phone or camera is essential.
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| TABLE OF CONTENTS
Nestival
Tropical Fruit
Beach Tour
Where to stay/eat/shop/go out
Nestival
The Nestival is a party hosted every Saturday by Nest Beach Club Hostel. It’s one of the most talked-about events among travelers coming from or heading to Koh Rong. In the backpacker community, this beach party is considered a must-attend. It’s a fun gathering on the sand with like-minded travelers.
Make sure to book your stay at The Nest Beach Club Hostel well in advance, as it fills up quickly. There aren’t many other hostels nearby—mostly homestays or guesthouses, which are often far from the party. The island’s roads are in poor condition, making it nearly impossible to travel from the other side of Koh Rong just for the event. Plan ahead to ensure you’re staying on the right side of the island if you want to join the fun.
Tropical Fruit
One of the best things about being on a remote island in Cambodia is the abundance of fresh, tropical fruit. At Fruit Sake, you can grab a large bowl of fresh fruit or a delicious smoothie for just a few dollars. It’s a great way to enjoy some vitamins while soaking up the tropical vibes!
Beach Tour
Koh Rong is home to several stunning beaches, but the roads to get there are in terrible shape. To explore the island’s hidden gems, hiring a tuk-tuk guide is a must. They’ll expertly navigate the muddy trails and lead you to the island’s most beautiful spots.
When I visited Koh Rong, I stayed on the Kaoh Touch Beachside, a bit further from The Nest hostel. This area had small local eateries and only a few backpackers. For just $25 per person, we booked a full-day tour to explore the island’s best beaches and attractions
Pagoda Beach
Our first stop was Pagoda Beach, a breathtaking destination that looks like something out of a Google search for “tropical island.” It felt almost unreal—no tourists, crystal-clear water, and pristine white sand. The beach has the charm of Thailand’s islands before they became overrun with tourists. You could easily spend an entire day here and meet only a handful of other visitors. This is a must-visit spot!
Beach Walk Koh Rong
Our tuk-tuk driver took us through the reception area of a luxury hotel to reach this next stunning beach. The sand here was even whiter than the last, and there were lounge chairs where we could relax. However, swimming wasn’t ideal due to the rocky seabed.
Vichea Waterfall
The final stop of our tour was Vichea Waterfall, which, like the other locations, was completely free of tourists. After a short hike through the rainforest, we climbed to the top and enjoyed a refreshing natural shower under the waterfall. The area is slippery, so be careful where you step!
Where to stay
Looking for a lively hostel where you can meet plenty of other backpackers? Nest Beach Club Hostel is the way to go.
If you prefer something quieter but still budget-friendly, I recommend PSK Koh Rong Boutique. This accommodation is close to the beach, the pier, and several great restaurants, yet located in a peaceful part of the island. The owner is incredibly kind and always ready to help with anything you need. While the rooms are basic, it’s a great option if you want a private space after nights spent in hostels. Plus, the property has plenty of chill spots like hammocks and a veranda where you can relax.
Book your hostel: https://www.hostelworld.com
Fine dining or upscale restaurants are hard to find on the island. Instead, you’ll find plenty of small but charming eateries serving tasty curries and breakfast options.
One spot you absolutely shouldn’t miss is Fruit Shake Koh Rong. This local gem, run by friendly local women, serves up fresh fruit and delicious smoothies. A perfect way to enjoy a healthy and refreshing treat!
Where to eat
As mentioned above, the Nestival is a fun event, but it’s not the sole reason to visit Koh Rong. The island has so much more to offer than just this weekly party.
Should you rearrange your travel plans to attend? In my opinion, no—it’s not worth reshuffling your itinerary for this event alone. Instead, take your time to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and all the unique experiences it has to offer.
