Why Honeymoon on Koh Rong
The beaches are the reason to come. Koh Rong has more than twenty of them, many reached only by boat or a forest trail. The sand is fine and bright, the water is clear in the dry season and the hills behind are mostly jungle.
The islands are still relatively undeveloped compared with Thailand or Bali. Outside the main village on Koh Rong, you can walk for long stretches without seeing another person. Koh Rong Samloem feels even more remote, especially on its western shore.
The pace suits couples who want to switch off. Days revolve around swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and reading in a hammock. Evenings bring sunsets, grilled seafood and, on dark nights, a swim in water that glows with plankton.
It is a good contrast to temple touring in Siem Reap and the bustle of Phnom Penh. It is also an easy add-on from Kampot.
When to Go
The dry season from November to April is the best time to visit. December through March brings the calmest seas, clearest water and most reliable sunshine, which makes it ideal for snorkeling and boat trips. Temperatures are hot but tempered by sea breezes.
April and May are the hottest months, with calm seas but higher humidity. May marks the start of the transition to the wet season.
From June to October, the southwest monsoon brings heavy rain, strong winds and choppy seas. Ferries can be rough or canceled, beaches collect debris and some resorts close or reduce services. September and October are usually the wettest months.
November is a shoulder month, with improving weather and fewer visitors. If your honeymoon falls in the wet season, consider prioritizing Siem Reap and Kampot instead and keeping island time short and flexible.
Where to Stay
On Koh Rong, choose your beach carefully. Koh Touch village, where most ferries arrive, is the island's backpacker and party hub, with bars and late-night music. It is fun for a meal but not a romantic base.
For a quieter stay, look at the resorts and bungalows on the beaches away from the village. Sok San Beach, at the northern end of Long Beach, has a few upscale options, including The Royal Sands Koh Rong with its villas and pools. Other beaches have simple, comfortable bungalows run by small operators.
On Koh Rong Samloem, Saracen Bay has a line of bungalow resorts along its long, sheltered beach. Lazy Beach, on the western side, offers rustic seclusion and some of the best sunsets in the area.
For more luxury, consider Six Senses Krabey Island, a private-island resort near the coast at Ream, as an alternative or extra stop.
Romantic Things to Do
Walk Long Beach from end to end. It stretches for several miles along Koh Rong's western coast, with soft white sand and very few people outside the resort areas.
Swim with bioluminescent plankton. On dark nights, especially around the new moon, the water glows with every movement. Head away from the village lights to see it best, or book a guided boat trip.
Snorkel the coral reefs and calm bays around the islands. Many resorts rent gear or offer boat trips to the best spots.
Kayak along the coast to empty coves, or take a boat trip around the island with a stop for fishing at sunset.
On Koh Rong Samloem, spend an afternoon at Lazy Beach, then watch the sun set over the Gulf of Thailand. Visit M'Pay Bay, a small fishing village on the island's northern tip, for a glimpse of local life.
Getting There and Around
Fast ferries leave from Sihanoukville several times a day in the dry season and take roughly 45 minutes to an hour to reach Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem. Several companies operate the route. Resorts can help with bookings and pier transfers.
To reach Sihanoukville, fly into Sihanouk International Airport, which has limited domestic and regional flights. Alternatively, drive from Phnom Penh on the expressway, which takes about three hours, or from Kampot in about two hours. Phnom Penh's Techo International Airport has the most international flights.
On the islands, getting around is mostly by boat or on foot. A road network is being built on Koh Rong, so some beaches can now be reached by vehicle. Water taxis and resort boats link beaches. On Samloem, walking trails cross the island between some bays. Pack light, since you may be carrying bags along sand to your bungalow.
Food and Drink
Seafood is the star. Expect grilled fish, squid, prawns and crab, often caught that morning and cooked over charcoal on the beach. Barbecue dinners at sunset are a common resort tradition.
Khmer dishes like fish amok and lok lak appear on most menus alongside Western comfort food, pizza and pasta. Fresh fruit shakes and coconut water are everywhere.
In Koh Touch village, restaurants and bars line the waterfront, with cheap drinks and lively evenings. Elsewhere, you will mostly eat at your resort, so check reviews of the restaurant before booking.
If you have particular tastes in wine or spirits, bring a bottle from the mainland, since choices on the islands are limited and imported drinks are expensive. Cocktails at beach bars tend to be simple but cheerful. A beach dinner by lantern light can usually be arranged with a little notice.
Honeymoon Tips
Bring cash in US dollars. ATMs on the islands are few and unreliable. Many small resorts do not accept cards.
Expect limited power and Wi-Fi at some resorts, especially on Koh Rong Samloem. Some run generators or solar only at certain hours. Treat it as a digital detox.
Pack strong insect repellent. Sand flies and mosquitoes can be a nuisance on some beaches, especially at dusk.
Check ferry schedules carefully and leave a buffer day before your international flight, since rough seas can delay or cancel crossings.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching coral.
Sihanoukville itself has changed rapidly with large-scale construction and casinos. Most couples transit straight through to the islands rather than staying in town.
