Koh Rong (Heaven Island) Ferries

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The journey to Koh Rong begins in Sihanoukville, Cambodia's main coastal city, where regular ferry services depart throughout the day. From Phnom Penh, travelers can reach Sihanoukville by bus (4-5 hours) or shared taxi (3-4 hours), while those coming from Siem Reap can take an overnight bus (10-12 hours). Once in Sihanoukville, speed ferries make the crossing to Koh Rong in approximately 45 minutes, while slower boat options take around 2 hours. The main ferry terminal in Sihanoukville is easily accessible by tuk-tuk from anywhere in the city, with ample parking available nearby for those arriving with private vehicles.

Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Rong is Cambodia's second-largest island and a true tropical haven. With pristine white sand beaches stretching for miles alongside crystal-clear turquoise waters, this 'Heaven Island' offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and laid-back island living. As a key ferry destination off Cambodia's coast, Koh Rong presents travelers with an escape to a simpler pace of life where jungle-clad hills meet powdery shores and vibrant marine life awaits beneath the waves.

Koh Rong enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons - dry (November to April) and wet (May to October). The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, particularly between November and February, when days are sunny with temperatures hovering around 25-28°C and waters are exceptionally clear for snorkeling and diving. March and April bring hotter temperatures but fewer visitors, offering a good balance of pleasant weather and tranquility. During the wet season, ferry services can occasionally be affected by rough seas, though the island's lush landscape flourishes with vibrant greenery. For a truly magical experience, visit between December and February when bioluminescent plankton illuminate the nighttime waters along many of the island's beaches.

Koh Rong serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Cambodia's emerging island scene. A short 20-minute ferry ride takes you to neighboring Koh Rong Samloem, a quieter island known for its secluded beaches and laid-back atmosphere. For the adventurous, ferry connections to Koh Ta Kiev offer untouched beaches and rustic bungalows amid thick jungle, just 1-2 hours away. The mainland port of Sihanoukville is easily accessible for day trips to explore coastal Cambodia, while seasonal boat tours connect to smaller uninhabited islands perfect for snorkeling and beach picnics. The waters between these islands create one of Cambodia's most scenic maritime routes, with striking blue-green waters and dramatic island silhouettes.

Koh Rong offers far more than just sunbathing on its famous Long Beach, a 7km stretch of pristine white sand. Adventurous travelers can trek through the island's interior jungle to spot exotic birds and wildlife or join local fishermen for authentic experiences on traditional boats. The island's clear waters provide excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving, with vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life including seahorses and colorful reef fish. Culinary explorers should sample fresh seafood barbecues at beachfront restaurants, where the catch of the day is grilled with Kampot pepper and lime. After dark, don't miss the unforgettable experience of swimming among bioluminescent plankton that illuminate the water with blue sparkles at beaches like Lonely Beach on the island's northern shore.

While today Koh Rong is known for tourism, its name actually means 'cave island' in Khmer, referring to the numerous hidden caverns along its coastline that once sheltered fishermen during storms. The island remained largely uninhabited until the early 2000s, with only a few fishing families calling it home before tourism development began. Koh Rong's waters are home to one of nature's most magical phenomena, bioluminescent plankton that create a natural light show in the water at night, making it one of the few places in Southeast Asia where this can be reliably experienced. Before becoming a tourist destination, the island briefly served as a filming location for the French version of the Survivor television series, bringing it international attention.