Siem Reap is the perfect base for visiting the world-famous temples of Angkor. As a result, Siem Reap is one of Cambodia’s most well-known and touristy spots. In addition to the temples, Siem Reap has much more to offer and is a pleasant town to stay in for a few days. Tourism has grown tremendously here in recent years, so there is plenty of choice when it comes to various restaurants, and you can enjoy a vibrant nightlife scene. Below, you’ll find what you definitely shouldn’t miss while in Siem Reap and our best tips.

#1 Night Market

During your stay in Siem Reap, be sure to visit the night market. This is a large market where they mainly sell clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs, but you can also find delicious smoothies for a bargain. The vendors are not pushy, so you can stroll through it at your own pace and always come across something nice. If you’re lucky, there might also be an over-the-top ladyboy show going on that is truly hilarious.

#2 Visit Angkor Temples

This is, of course, the main reason to visit Siem Reap. The temples are the highlight of Cambodia and one of the most extraordinary places in Southeast Asia. Here, you can get lost in the temples, marvel at the nature that has sometimes taken over them, and learn a lot about the rich history of the Khmer Empire. Before you go, be sure to read this article. It contains all the information and tips to make the most of your visit to Angkor.

#3 Explore the Countryside

Renting a scooter or a bike and exploring the surroundings of Siem Reap can be a lot of fun. Besides the cities, Cambodia is mostly composed of countryside and simple villages. Just outside Siem Reap, you’ll find yourself among the rice fields, and the paved road often ends quickly. The people in the countryside are super friendly, and many will wave enthusiastically as you pass by. Here, you’ll experience the real Cambodia!

Tip: Go early in the morning to beat the heat.

#4 Pub Street

Looking for a night out on the town? Siem Reap is the place to be! There’s a great atmosphere throughout Siem Reap, and right in the city center, you’ll find “pub street” with many fun bars and restaurants.

#5 Try a Fried Tarantula

In Cambodia, they eat fried tarantulas, snakes, and cockroaches as a tasty snack. So, if you want to challenge yourself mentally, this is your chance. Push your boundaries and try a fried tarantula. It’s best to eat it all at once, but you can also start with the thick black legs. You can usually find a stall selling these on pub street.

#6 Cambodia Landmine Museum

One thing you absolutely must not miss in Siem Reap is the Landmine Museum. This museum was founded by former child soldier Aki Ra, who was forced to place landmines during the war. The museum takes you through the story of Cambodia’s terrible past and the millions of landmines that still lie buried in the ground today.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap?

After a day at Angkor, there’s nothing better than cooling off in the pool and doing nothing for the rest of the day. That’s why a hotel with a pool is highly recommended in Siem Reap.

The Urban More information

Residence Indochine D’angkor More information

Onederz More information

The post What to do in Siem Reap? 6 Fun Tips! appeared first on TRAVELREBELS.

Visiting Angkor Wat is definitely one of the highlights of your trip through Cambodia. Before you visit Angkor Wat, it’s wise to prepare yourself well so that you can make the most of it. We’ve visited Angkor Wat twice and are here to share our best tips with you, from information about the costs to which temples are the most beautiful and how you can have some temples all to yourself.

Let’s start by correcting the most common mistake: many people use the term ‘Angkor Wat’ to refer to the entire area when it’s just one of the dozens of temples in the Angkor area. So, why do we only mention Angkor Wat in the title and introduction of this article? Because everyone searches for ‘Angkor Wat’ on Google, and we want you to be able to find our article. To avoid further confusion, from now on, we will only write about the Angkor temples unless we are specifically talking about Angkor Wat.

A Brief History of Angkor

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and, as a result, one of the most impressive. Especially when you consider that it was built hundreds of years ago. Construction began in the year 889, and over the next 500 years, they built an entire city, including many temples. At the peak of the Khmer Empire, Angkor was home to one million people, while London at that time was just a village with tens of thousands of residents. Angkor Wat, the most famous, largest, and most important temple in Angkor, was built in just 32 years by about 50,000 people. Today, only the temples of this gigantic city remain because only the temples were made of stone, while all other buildings were made of wood.

Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire, dominating a large part of Southeast Asia from 800 to 1432. After a series of conquests by the Ayutthaya Kingdom (modern-day Thailand) in the 15th century, the king of the Khmer Empire decided to abandon Angkor and move to the new capital, Phnom Penh. This led to Angkor being abandoned, and nature took over.

It wasn’t until around 1900, when almost the entire city had become a vast jungle, that Angkor was rediscovered by a Frenchman. During the French occupation between 1863 and 1949, efforts were made to clear the city of the jungle and begin the restoration of the temples. However, when the Khmer Rouge came to power, these activities were halted. Since 1990, the temples of Angkor have been Cambodia’s flagship attraction, drawing 2.5 million tourists annually, compared to only 7,500 tourists in 1993.

Costs of Visiting Angkor: Tickets and Tuk-Tuks

The cost of visiting Angkor varies greatly from person to person. It depends on which temples you want to visit, how many people you share a tuk-tuk with, and how many days you plan to spend there. The tuk-tuk price is determined by the route. If you want to see only the main temples in about 6 hours with 2 people, it will cost you a total of $47 per person. The entrance ticket for 1 day is $37, and for 3 days, it’s $62. We found 1 day sufficient to see the most beautiful places because after a while, they all start to look a bit similar. However, many people prefer to take it easy and spend 3 days exploring.

For the 6-hour small tour, you’ll pay about $13 for a tuk-tuk. For 8 hours, it’s $16, and for 12 hours, it’s $25. If you want to see the sunrise, there’s often an additional $5 on top of that amount. A tuk-tuk can accommodate a maximum of 4 people. If you want to adjust the tour’s itinerary, you may need to pay a little extra. In every hotel or hostel, you’ll find a booklet that shows exactly which temples are included in each tour. You can also rent a bike or scooter to save money, but it can be quite exhausting to visit the temples in high temperatures, so a tuk-tuk is quite comfortable. If you’d like to have a guide, it will cost you around $15 per day.

The 5 Most Beautiful Temples of Angkor

The entire Angkor area covers about 400 square kilometers (1544 square miles) and is scattered with large and small temple ruins. To quickly get an idea of which temples are the most beautiful, here’s an overview of the most popular ones. You could theoretically visit all of them in one day.

Angkor Wat

This is the largest, most famous, and most important temple of them all. In front of the temple, there’s a pond where you can see a stunning reflection of the temple during sunrise. This is also the most photographed temple in Angkor, and it gets crowded with tourists during sunrise. Angkor Wat is very large but not necessarily the most interesting temple to explore inside because it’s very symmetrical and well-restored. To climb all the way to the top, be prepared to wait in line for about 1 hour.

Bayon

A unique temple with 54 towers, each containing 4 faces. That adds up to 216 faces in total! The temple is incredibly beautiful, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the Jungle Book. Bayon definitely belongs in the top 3 of the most beautiful temples in Angkor.

Ta Prohm

This temple is world-famous because parts of the movie Tomb Raider were filmed here. The temple is literally taken over by the jungle, with massive Ceiba Pentandra trees growing over it, creating unique scenes.

Ta Keo

This temple was never fully completed, and the fun part is that you can climb to the top using the steep stairs. It’s usually not very crowded here, and since it’s located right next to Bayon, it’s an ideal stop.

Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei means the ‘Temple of Women’ and earned its name because the intricate carvings are believed to have been crafted by women. Banteay Srei also has a beautiful reddish hue that makes it stand out. The temple is a bit farther from the main Angkor area, so you’ll need to pay extra for your tuk-tuk ride to get there.

How to Avoid Crowds in Angkor

With around 2.5 million visitors per year, Angkor can get quite crowded at times, which can diminish the overall experience. Fortunately, we’ve found a simple yet brilliant solution for that. We visited Angkor for the second time and decided to completely change the standard 6-hour small day tour to see if we could have a more unique experience. It worked perfectly, allowing us to have Ta Prohm all to ourselves, which was truly magical and the highlight of Angkor for us! How did we do it? Below is the route we took. We won’t mention specific times since the sunrise time varies each month.

Start your day like everyone else by watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Take some beautiful photos of the sunrise but don’t linger too long; instead, head back to your tuk-tuk driver. After sunrise, the masses will start exploring the interior of Angkor Wat, making it the perfect time to do something completely different. We went straight to Ta Prohm, even though it officially opens at 7:30, and we arrived an hour earlier, there was no security around, and we could simply walk in. If there is someone there, you may have to wait until 7:30, but you’ll likely be with only a small group of people. Having this place to yourself is a unique experience since it’s usually impossible to take a photo without 20 other tourists in the frame.

After exploring Ta Prohm, we headed to Bayon. It was a bit busier here, but still very manageable. However, when we passed by later, we saw buses full of Chinese tourists, and it seemed like a crowded amusement park on a weekend. Finally, we visited Angkor Wat, where it’s always crowded. In this case, we visited 3 temples, but if you want to visit more, you can certainly arrange that with your tuk-tuk driver.

Tips for Visiting the Angkor Temples

Dress Code

Angkor is a temple complex, and there are dress code regulations in place. For men, this matters less than for women. Women are expected to wear pants that cover their knees and have their shoulders covered. Nowadays, they are not very strict about this at the entrance because there are simply too many people visiting the temples, but out of respect, we still recommend adhering to these guidelines. Additionally, wearing a hat can be quite comfortable.

Go for the Sunrise

First and foremost, to witness the sunrise at Angkor Wat, and also because it’s not too hot at that time. You’ll depart around 4:30 (slightly later in the winter) from Siem Reap to purchase tickets and drive to Angkor.

Choose Your Own Tuk-Tuk Driver

You can book a tour at your hotel, or you can negotiate a deal with a tuk-tuk driver on your own. This way, you can decide who you want to spend one or more days with. Most tuk-tuk drivers are very friendly, but, of course, there are always a few less pleasant ones.

Make Clear Agreements with Your Tuk-Tuk Driver

A visit to the temples of Angkor looks different for everyone. Therefore, make clear agreements with your tuk-tuk driver about which temples you want to visit and in what order. Then, you can negotiate the price, and everyone knows exactly what to expect, preventing unpleasant surprises.

Take Note of the Tuk-Tuk and Driver’s Appearance

The sunrise is early, and you may not be very sharp yet, but take a good look at the color of the tuk-tuk or the driver’s shirt. After witnessing the sunrise and possibly Angkor Wat, you’ll need to find your tuk-tuk driver again. By that time, there will be about 60 tuk-tuks in the parking area, and it would be a waste of your time if you can’t find yours for 20 minutes.

Don’t Buy Anything from Children

Around the temples, you’ll see many children selling bracelets, water, or other items. These kids are very cute, and it’s understandable that you want to help them, but buying something from them is not the right way to do it. Children should be going to school or playing when there’s no money for school, but they shouldn’t be working. By buying from them, you perpetuate the practice of sending these children out to work.

Best Time to Visit Angkor

The best time to visit Angkor is from November to February. These are the coolest months with the least rainfall. From March, the temperature starts rising, and April/May are the hottest months. If you visit Angkor during these months, make sure to go early and return to your hotel around 11 AM because it gets so hot in the afternoon that you won’t feel like doing anything. From June to October, it’s the rainy season. Fortunately, it’s not as dramatic as it sounds. Usually, there’s a heavy shower in the late afternoon, and the humidity can make the afternoons feel stuffy. Nothing to worry about, though!

Where to Stay in Siem Reap?

After a day in Angkor, there’s nothing better than seeking some refreshment in the pool and doing nothing for the rest of the day. Therefore, a hotel with a pool is highly recommended in Siem Reap.

At The Urban, you can expect a delightful stay. The hotel’s interior is super stylish, with attention to every detail. You’ll stay in a stylish room, the location is very central, and there’s a nice pool with comfortable sunbeds. Also, at Residence Indochine D’angkor, you can enjoy affordable luxury. There’s a beautiful pool surrounded by lush tropical plants and sunbeds. If you’re looking for a cozy hostel, take a look at Onederz. This is a super cool hostel with plenty of communal spaces, making it easy to meet other travelers and have a great time. There’s a rooftop pool and an indoor pool as well.

The Urban More information

Residence Indochine D’angkor More information

Onederz More information

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Are you planning to travel through beautiful Cambodia? Then, of course, you’ll start by creating an exciting travel itinerary! To assist you in putting together a travel route for Cambodia, this article provides some tips, a sample itinerary, and brief information about each destination so you can choose what suits your trip best. Most travelers allocate approximately two weeks for Cambodia, giving you enough time to visit the stunning temples, experience the culture, explore the countryside, and, of course, go island hopping.

Tips for Creating a Travel Itinerary for Cambodia

Before we get into the itinerary, here are some handy tips.

Determine Your Travel Direction

How you shape your travel route depends largely on where you’ll start your trip and whether you plan to visit neighboring countries alongside Cambodia. Many travelers combine Cambodia with Thailand, Vietnam, or Laos. The most popular route goes from Thailand through Cambodia and possibly continues to Vietnam. For this example itinerary, we’ve created a route that includes the most popular destinations. You can determine your own travel direction based on where your journey will begin and whether you plan to visit more countries in the region. Upon arrival in Cambodia, you’ll receive a 30-day Visa on Arrival for $20. You don’t need to arrange anything in advance for this.

Tip: Often, it’s much cheaper to fly to Bangkok than to Phnom Penh. You can frequently find great deals on Cheaptickets.nl for a flight to Bangkok. From Bangkok, you can take an eight-hour bus ride to Siem Reap. Another option is to book a cheap flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap, which costs about $50.

Buses in Cambodia

You can usually arrange your bus tickets for your next destination in any hostel or hotel. Typically, you can do this a day in advance, but during peak season, it might be wise to arrange it 2 days ahead. Buses in Cambodia are often decent and usually depart fairly on time. The biggest issue is that they often sell more tickets than there are seats on the bus. As a result, sometimes they have locals sitting on small stools in the aisle, and if you’re unlucky, they might try to put you on one of those stools too. You can prevent this by being at the station on time to secure a seat. The roads are not all in the best condition, especially during the rainy season.

Bargaining with Tuk-Tuks

Buses usually don’t go to the city center of a town but drop you off at the outskirts. There, tuk-tuks are waiting to take everyone to hostels and hotels. Tuk-tuk drivers often ask ridiculous prices for short distances, just to see if you’ll fall for it. Bargaining is very common in Cambodia, and it’s smart to use an app like maps.me so you can determine the distance to your hostel or hotel. A tuk-tuk ride should almost never cost more than $3. This amount is not per person but per tuk-tuk.

Hostels and Hotels

When traveling through Cambodia, it’s not necessarily required to book all your accommodations in advance. You can do it a few days before when you know your next destination. If you want to stay in more popular hotels or hostels, it might be wise to book a bit earlier. We’ve been to Cambodia four times and have tested quite a few hostels. You can find our favorite hostels here.

The Itinerary with Information for Each Destination

On the left, you can see routes to or from Thailand, on the right, to or from Vietnam, and above Cambodia, you’ll find Laos. You’ll need about 2 weeks for this sample itinerary.

Siem Reap

Approximately half of all travelers begin their journey through Cambodia in Siem Reap. The city is easily accessible from Thailand by bus, but you can also fly there from other destinations in Asia, such as with AirAsia. Siem Reap is a pleasant city where you can easily spend a few days. Just outside Siem Reap, you’ll find the magnificent temples of Angkor, Cambodia’s most important attraction. If you want to know how to have some of the most beautiful temples all to yourself without hundreds of tourists, check out our tips for visiting the Angkor Wat temples. You can read our tips for Siem Reap here.

Phnom Penh

The capital of Cambodia is not necessarily the most pleasant city to visit, but a trip to Phnom Penh should not be omitted from your travel itinerary. Cambodia has a profoundly tragic history, and in Phnom Penh, you can learn more about it. For example, visit the former torture prison Tuol Sleng or the Killing Fields, where you can take an informative audio tour, available in Dutch. The riverside area always has something going on, and in the evening, you can relax at one of the rooftop bars.

Kampot

Before heading to the coast to hop on a boat to one of the tropical islands, you’ll pass through the peaceful town of Kampot. This quiet town is situated along the river and is a haven for backpackers. There are a few cozy hostels, and you can try paddleboarding on the river or rent a scooter to explore the surroundings. For instance, take a trip to the fishing village of Kep, which is a few hours’ drive from Kampot.

Sihanoukville

This is the most famous coastal town in Cambodia and, at the same time, an important port city. Personally, we don’t find it to be a particularly enjoyable destination because it has a significant amount of prostitution, and it’s not exceptionally beautiful. Nevertheless, there’s a great atmosphere at some hostels, and there’s always a cool party happening somewhere. From here, boats depart about 6 times a day to the nearby islands.

Koh Rong & Koh Rong Samloem

Cambodia’s islands are fantastic and should never be missing from your travel route. The beaches are pristine white, the sea is crystal blue, and the atmosphere is delightful. Koh Rong is the largest island with the most activities. You can stay in the bustling part with many restaurants and bars or on an almost deserted stretch of beach. There are plenty of options. If you want more tranquility, Koh Rong Samloem is a recommendation. Of course, you can combine these islands easily. The speed ferry runs three times a day and takes about 15 minutes to travel between the islands. Read our mini travel guide for Koh Rong here.

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Cambodia is an amazing travel destination, and that’s no secret. More and more travelers are visiting Cambodia, which is fantastic because it means more income for the people. On the flip side, it also brings about a lot of negative aspects, such as scams involving children and clashes of different cultures. For instance, there have been multiple cases where tourists took naked photos at sacred temples and ended up in jail for several days. Many children are also used to sell goods to tourists or to deceive them. Cambodia has a very tumultuous history and is still one of the poorest countries in the world. So, it wouldn’t hurt to learn more about Cambodia before having the time of your life here. How do you do that? Simply by taking 5 minutes to remember the following things.

#1 There is still a lot of damage from the Khmer Rouge period

About 40 years ago, Cambodia experienced a devastating civil war in which one-third of the population perished or was killed. The communist Khmer Rouge is responsible for the deaths of approximately 2 million people. Pol Pot, the leader of the Khmer Rouge, aimed to turn Cambodia into a self-sufficient agrarian state. Anyone who had an education, spoke English, or even wore glasses was murdered. As a result, Cambodia still has a huge deficit in knowledge and development. Friends and foes now live side by side, and discussing this period is taboo. Not only the people who lived through this time suffer but also their children, who are often raised by parents with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This cycle of poverty and abuse continues to this day. The majority of Cambodians live in poverty, and 40% of children are malnourished. The average income is less than $3 per day, and many people live on even less. You can make a big difference by buying local products and services from the population rather than in larger supermarkets. Also, realize that this was just 40 years ago, and older people have experienced the most terrible things.

#2 The temples of Angkor are sacred, so dress modestly

Many people don’t realize that Angkor is a sacred place where you should behave just as you would in a church. Of course, it’s scorching hot, and you’d prefer to wear as little clothing as possible, but show respect for Cambodian culture and make sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, especially if you’re a woman.

#3 Do research before doing volunteer work

In Cambodia, you can do volunteer work in “orphanages” everywhere. Most of these orphanages are not real orphanages but are set up purely to make money from Western volunteers. They take children from the countryside who often aren’t orphans at all. These children are used to generate profit. So, always do your research before doing volunteer work with any organization. If you have less than a month, especially avoid volunteering with children. Children need long-term relationships with trained caregivers and teachers. An organization that has many good projects is Cambodia-Dutch Foundation.

#4 Don’t buy anything from children

It’s almost inevitable that you’ll come across children in Cambodia who want to sell you things like bracelets, books, water, or postcards. Especially in larger cities and tourist hotspots, you’ll often encounter one or more children practically begging you to buy something from them. It’s quite challenging to say no to such a child, and that’s precisely why children are used to push these products on you. There’s a whole network of adult criminals behind these “street children.” By buying something from them, you indirectly prevent these children from playing or attending school. Most of the earnings definitely don’t go to the children or education.

#5 Be aware of scams involving children

The milk powder scam is very popular in Siem Reap. A young mother approaches a tourist and asks for milk powder for the baby in her arms. The tourist knows that giving money is never a good idea but sees no harm in buying the milk powder. Once the tourist is gone, the mother returns the milk powder to the store. The baby, sleeping in the mother’s arms, is often drugged to keep the child quiet, allowing the mother to be out all day with the child. It’s also common for children to ask you to buy pens or books for them. They bring all these items back to the store, and the money goes to the criminal organizations sending these children out. Tourists aren’t the only victims of scams. Often, the con artist themselves is also a victim in these kinds of countries.

#6 Watch Your Hands

Pointing is extremely impolite in Cambodian culture. So, never point at someone or a product; use your whole hand instead. Also, walking hand in hand on the street is something you’ll never see Cambodians do. These are things you do behind closed doors in this culture. The same applies, of course, to public displays of affection. Exceptions to this are when you are in a hostel/cafe or in places that are super touristy. Here, these mistakes have been made so many times that Cambodians have gotten used to them.

Check Out Our Tips and Itinerary for Cambodia!

Click on the image below for all the articles about the best places in Cambodia, an overview of costs, a cool travel itinerary, and many more tips.

The post Do not Go to Cambodia Before You Know These 6 Things appeared first on TRAVELREBELS.

Cambodia pairs perfectly with a journey through Thailand. Traveling in Cambodia is far from expensive, and you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time. To give you an idea of the costs, we’ll answer the question ‘What does a two-week trip to Cambodia cost?’ Most travelers spend about two weeks in Cambodia, but it depends on how long you linger in each place. In this article, we’ll also provide some tips for great hostels and hotels where you’ll definitely meet other travelers.

TIP: Starting your trip in Bangkok is likely the cheapest option since it’s the most affordable destination to fly into. You can find flight tickets for as low as €440 sometimes. From here, you can take a bus or a short flight to Siem Reap to kick off your Cambodian adventure with the Angkor temples!

Daily Expenses in Cambodia

In Cambodia, they use both US dollars and Riel, the local currency. To keep it simple, we’ll describe the costs here in dollars. It’s challenging to determine your budget for your first backpacking trip to Cambodia. Below, you can find some sample prices to help you estimate your daily budget. On average, you can expect to spend about $28 to $34 per person per day as a backpacker. The average traveler, of course, spends a lot more than a backpacker. The difference mainly lies in accommodations, so you can add that amount to your daily expenses.

Here are some examples of average prices in Cambodia:

• Bed in a dorm: $6
• Basic double room: $15
• Cambodian meal: $5
• Western meal: $6
• 6-hour bus ride: $8
• 10-minute tuk-tuk ride: $4
• 1.5 liters of water: $1
• A beer: $1
• 30-day visa: $40

Costs for Excursions

Compared to neighboring Thailand, there isn’t as much to do in Cambodia. While in Thailand, you can book ten different excursions at every destination, in Cambodia, there’s often only one exciting activity per place. This makes it easy to backpack on a low budget without feeling like you’re missing out. Backpacking through Cambodia is quite relaxed. What you definitely shouldn’t miss are the Angkor temples, the Killing Fields, and an island tour. On average, an excursion costs $20.

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Cambodia

During our travels in Cambodia, we discovered quite a few great places to stay. We’ve compiled these tips into a list of the best hostel and hotel tips for Cambodia.

Conclusion

So, a two-week backpacking or traveling adventure in Cambodia can cost approximately $448 per person, excluding the cost of the flight ticket. That makes Cambodia one of the cheapest countries in the world for backpacking! If you want to go a bit more luxurious, you should budget around $675 to $900.

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Koh Rong is the ultimate destination for pure relaxation in Cambodia. The island boasts beautiful beaches, lush jungle, and numerous charming restaurants and bars. While Koh Rong may not have many attractions due to its underdeveloped nature, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained! You’ll likely end up staying longer than expected, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. In this mini travel guide, you’ll find tips about the attractions, how to get there, and a few great hotel recommendations.

Tip: There are no ATMs on Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem, so be sure to bring enough cash with you!

Attractions and Must-Do’s

Swim with Bioluminescent Plankton

One experience you absolutely shouldn’t miss on Koh Rong is swimming with bioluminescent plankton. It might sound a bit strange, and in reality, it is! In the sea around Koh Rong, there’s a specific type of plankton that glows when there’s rapid movement in the water. Find a dark beach like Police Beach and wade a few feet into the water. You’ll see tiny points of light all around you. Don’t forget to bring a snorkel mask to enhance the view; it’s a truly magical phenomenon!

Boat Tours

For just a few dollars, you can spend the entire day on a boat, typically including fishing, snorkeling, visiting Long Beach for the sunset, and snorkeling with bioluminescent plankton. It’s an enjoyable and budget-friendly day out, with prices ranging from $8 to $10, including lunch and beer. If you prefer a more unique boat tour, ask around for ‘Adventures Adam.’ He circumnavigates the entire island in a day, without a fixed itinerary. It’s a new adventure each time, and you’ll get to see the lesser-known parts of Koh Rong. This tour is a bit pricier, costing around $20 for the adventure.

Snorkeling and Diving

There are several dive schools on Koh Rong where you can get your PADI certification or join for a day of diving at one of the many dive sites around the island. If you’re not a diver, be sure to go snorkeling at ‘Small Island.’ Make sure the weather is good, or you may not see much.

Exploring Deserted Beaches

Koh Rong boasts numerous beautiful bounty beaches. Check out our article on the most beautiful beaches of Koh Rong to discover which ones are worth visiting.

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding

You can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard along the Koh Tuich Village beach. With these, you can spend an afternoon heading to ‘Small Island’ for snorkeling or simply enjoy the sea and the view.

Charming Restaurants and Bars

SkyBar

While most bars are located along the beach, SkyBar is one of the few perched higher up on the hill. Here, you can enjoy a stunning view of the bay and relax for hours in one of the hammocks. They also have a pool table and a few games you can borrow.

Nest Beach Club

At 4K Beach, you’ll find Nest Beach Club—a laid-back spot right on a stunning beach where you can enjoy drinks, food, and often play a game of volleyball. They also host the Nestival here every week, a fun festival with a BBQ and great music.

How to Get to Koh Rong?

Score an inexpensive flight ticket to Bangkok or Phnom Penh and travel from there to the coastal town of Sihanoukville. In Sihanoukville, you can purchase a ferry ticket to Koh Rong at various locations. A round trip will cost you around $20, and you can choose when to return to Sihanoukville. There are different places to stay on the island. For backpackers, Koh Tuich Village is the most popular choice. If you’re looking for more peace and luxury, there are resorts on several quieter beaches.

Is There Malaria on Koh Rong?

Although Koh Rong is marked as a malaria-prone area on the map, you don’t need to worry about it here. The likelihood of contracting malaria on Koh Rong is extremely low. Instead of taking malaria pills, it’s a good idea to use mosquito repellent and sleep under a mosquito net. Malaria is mainly found in rural areas of Cambodia and rarely on the islands or in larger cities.

Our Favorite Places on Koh Rong

Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort or a budget-friendly hostel, Koh Rong offers a variety of options. If you want to indulge in tranquility and luxury, BeachWalk Koh Rong is a beautiful beachfront property. Here, you can experience the beauty of Koh Rong at its finest. If you seek peace on a smaller budget, consider Lonely Beach. For backpackers or those who want to stay on the livelier side of Koh Rong, the village of Koh Tuich Village is the place to be. Hostels here may be less luxurious but offer a vibrant atmosphere. Happy Elephant Bungalows has the best bungalows—simple yet cozy and away from the hustle and bustle. Of course, you can also spend a few days on one side of the island and then move to the other side to experience all that Koh Rong has to offer. Koh Rong is definitely worth spending a bit more for a beautiful hotel. For relatively little money, you can have a stunning bungalow on a pristine white-sand beach.

BeackWalk Koh Rong More information

Lonely Beach More information

Happy Elephant Bungalows More information

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Do you love beautiful beaches? Then Koh Rong is the perfect island for you! This island is as large as Hong Kong and is blessed with many stunning beaches. For a long time, Koh Rong was an ‘off the beaten track’ destination, but in recent years, that has changed, and almost everyone visits the island during their trip to Cambodia. No worries, Koh Rong is still a paradise; there are just more people now.

Koh Rong is 70% owned by The Royal Group, an international group of investors who have a 99-year contract and are planning to transform this island into a second Bali. So, a lot is going to change in the coming years. These changes are already visible. The first roads are being built, and large resorts are under construction. In a few years, it will even be possible to fly to Koh Rong. Despite this, it’s still a paradise for travelers, and the most beautiful beaches can still be visited without sharing them with hundreds of people.

4K Beach

By far the most tropical beach on Koh Rong right now is 4K Beach. As the name suggests, this beach is 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long, and apart from a small restaurant, there is fortunately nothing to be found here. Expect a pristine white sandy beach and crystal-clear blue waters, especially during the dry season. In the rainy season, it’s still beautiful, but the water may appear greener. This beach is a 15-minute walk from Koh Tuich Village, the village where you probably arrived by ferry from Sihanoukville. Walk along the beach towards the Tree House Guesthouse, passing a small golden beach, and continue on the path towards 4K Beach.

Palm Beach

This delightful beach is naturally full of palm trees and is the perfect place to peacefully watch the sunset. To visit Palm Beach, you currently need to take a boat taxi as the roads are not yet in use. You can also choose to take a tour with ‘Adventures Adam.’ Adam sails around Koh Rong in one day without a fixed schedule. It might take you to Palm Beach or to a beach he has never been to before. You usually visit a fishing village, go snorkeling, or explore the jungle. One thing is for sure, you’ll have a fantastic day and see a lot of secret highlights that hardly anyone has ever heard of.

Long Beach / Sok San Beach

This beach is 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) long, making it the longest beach on Koh Rong. When we first came here in 2012, there was nothing here. Unfortunately, The Royal Group is now clearing large portions of the jungle to build resorts. However, even with these resorts, this is still one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Rong. The water is incredibly clear, and the sand is similar to that of 4K Beach. You can take a beautiful one-hour walk from Koh Tuich Village, walking straight through the jungle, and eventually arriving at Long Beach. If that sounds too tiring, you can also take a boat for about $4 per person.

If you visit any of these beaches, please make sure to take all your trash back with you. There is often already a fair amount of litter, and it’s a shame for these paradise beaches. If you can’t get enough of island life, there’s also Koh Rong Samloem, which is less developed and has equally beautiful beaches!

Our Favorite Places to Stay on Koh Rong

Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort or a budget-friendly hostel, you have plenty of options on Koh Rong. If you want to enjoy peace and luxury, BeachWalk Koh Rong is a beautiful place right on the beach where you can experience the beauty of Koh Rong at its best. If you’re seeking tranquility but have a smaller budget, take a look at Lonely Beach. If you’re a backpacker or prefer a more lively atmosphere, then the village of Koh Tuich Village is the place to be. The hostels here may not be luxurious, but in terms of atmosphere, it’s the best place. Happy Elephant Bungalows offers the best bungalows. They are simple but cozy and a bit away from the hustle and bustle. Of course, you can also spend a few days on one side of the island and then a few days on the other to experience all of Koh Rong. Koh Rong is definitely worth spending a bit more for a beautiful hotel. For a relatively small amount of money, you can have a gorgeous bungalow on a pristine white beach.

BeackWalk Koh Rong More information

Lonely Beach More information

Happy Elephant Bungalows More information

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It has only been a few years since the beautiful islands of Cambodia were discovered by travelers. There are about 60 small islands in the south of Cambodia, with approximately 30 of them being almost entirely uninhabited. Some of these islands have guesthouses run by locals where you can get a beachfront hut for just a few dollars. Here’s a selection of five stunning islands. All island names always start with ‘Koh,’ which means island.

Koh Rong

The largest island in Cambodia is Koh Rong. This island is as big as Hong Kong, and so far, there are only a few fishing villages on the beach and several guesthouses. This island is becoming more and more popular, and more development is taking place. The entire island is owned by The Royal Group, and they have big plans to build roads, casinos, and hotels here. They are already looking for investors for an airport. In 10 years, this is likely to be the new hotspot in Asia. Despite the increasing tourism, it’s still a very pleasant place with a laid-back atmosphere. It’s advisable to book in advance during the high season, and when booking through Booking.com, you can usually cancel for free if your travel plans change. A round-trip by boat from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong costs $20 and takes about 40 minutes. This speed ferry also goes to Koh Rong Samloem.

Read about the most beautiful beaches on Koh Rong here.

Koh Rong Samloem

Slightly smaller and quieter than Koh Rong, it is located about 4 km south of its popular sibling. There is a fishing village and many beautiful deserted beaches, both short and long. Everything is easily accessible on foot. As with most Cambodian islands, there is limited electricity and running water here. You can also stay in one of the beachfront bungalows. Every month, they also hold a full moon party on this island, and who knows, it might grow into the famous party on Koh Phangan.

Koh Totang

Disconnect from the busy world and unwind on this nearly uninhabited island. Enjoy a nap in your beachfront hammock, listen to the toucans, snorkel above colorful coral, and come face to face with a pufferfish. If you’re looking for adventure, you can take a harpoon workshop, take a boat trip around the archipelago, or kayak around the beautiful island. There is only one guesthouse, called Nomads Land. The restaurant offers local and international dishes, from fresh barracuda sashimi to carrot-pumpkin soup, Moroccan cuisine, and homemade garlic bread. Nomads Land is entirely back to basics, with limited electricity and running water. They use 100% solar panels for energy generation and collect rainwater for drinking. They have a small garden with chickens, cashew nuts, coconut, and mango trees.

Koh Tonsay

Often called Rabbit Island, it is a beautiful small island about 30 minutes by boat from Kep. The main beach where the boats anchor is lined with coconut palms, hammocks, and relaxed chairs. There are a few huts on the beach ($10 per night with shared shower and toilet or $15 for a private bathroom). There is no electricity, so it gets dark at night, or you can use a flashlight. Sometimes there is a beach bonfire, and there are usually about a million stars that illuminate the surroundings at night.

Koh Tang

The island is perfect for divers because there are two shipwrecks nearby, and the underwater world here is still untouched by tourism. The journey to the island takes about 5 hours, but divers are rewarded with an overwhelming variety of corals and rocky reefs where you can see barracudas, octopuses, and seahorses. It’s also incredibly beautiful for non-divers, but the journey may be a bit longer compared to other islands with the same beaches and green hills.

The Best Hostels in Cambodia

During our travels in Cambodia, we’ve found quite a few great places to stay. We’ve compiled these tips into a single list of the best hostel recommendations for Cambodia.

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