Koh Rong, an island off the coast of Sihanoukville in Cambodia, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. What was once a network of quiet, traditional fishing villages is now one of the Kingdom’s most popular tourist destinations. 

The island, which was officially designated as a town in 2019, now attracts visitors from around the world, each of them eager to experience its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife and natural beauty.

Historically, Koh Rong was home to four fishing villages: Koh Touch, Deum Thkov, PrekSva, and Sok San. Each village had its own fishing pier, which served as the centre of local economic activity. 

For generations, the island’s residents relied on the bountiful waters surrounding Koh Rong to sustain their livelihoods, with fishing deeply woven into their cultural and social fabric. 

However, as tourism began to flourish in Cambodia, the island’s economy shifted, and many villagers turned to tourism-related services for a more sustainable and lucrative income.

“These days, fishing is a small-scale activity, engaging about 15 to 20 per cent of the island’s inhabitants,” explained Nuon Bunthol, governor of Koh Rong town.

“They have shifted their focus to providing tourism services, and their livelihoods are improving steadily through the tourism sector,” he added.

Today, Koh Rong is a magnet for tourists, with fast ferry ports replacing traditional fishing piers as hubs of activity. 

Koh Touch Village, in particular, has become the island’s main tourist hub, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, restaurants, guesthouses and bungalows. 

According to Visit Koh Rong, the village offers an array of amenities, including small shops, ATMs and even a doctor’s clinic. 

Accommodations range from budget-friendly dorms to luxurious bungalows, priced between $10 and $70 per night, catering to a diverse range of travellers.

Lined with small guesthouses, bars, and restaurants offering a laid-back charm, the sandy streets are dotted with scooters and adorned with signs advertising local activities, from island hopping to snorkelling trips. 

Passengers on the speed boat to Koh Rong. The trip takes about 40 minutes from Sihanoukville Autonomous Port to Koh Rong’s port. Hong Raksmey

Visitors gather around rustic eateries, exchanging stories, while others explore the scenic beaches that blend seamlessly into the lively village atmosphere. 

Amidst the hustle, relaxed dogs lie undisturbed on the white sand, embodying the leisurely pace of life that makes Koh Touch a magnet for budget travellers seeking both adventure and tranquillity.

Administrative framework

In 2019, a government sub-decree transformed Koh Rong from a commune of Sihanoukville into an independent town. 

Today, the island covers approximately 102.5 square kilometres and is home to 1,351 families, with a total population of 3,950. 

“I oversee the administration, which includes two communes – Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem. The two communes encompass 18 islands, but only Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are inhabited,” said Bunthol.

He noted the unique administrative challenges posed by Koh Touch village, which, although part of Koh Rong’s territory, falls under the jurisdiction of Koh Rong Sanloem commune. 

To alleviate the inconvenience faced by residents, particularly during adverse weather, officials from Koh Rong Sanloem frequently travel to Koh Rong to provide services.

Infrastructure development

Significant infrastructure projects have supported Koh Rong’s transition into a modern tourist destination. 

Koh Touch village has become the island’s main tourist hub for backpackers. It is now renowned for its vibrant nightlife, restaurants, guesthouses and bungalows. Hong Raksmey

The Royal Group has constructed a 40-kilometre concrete road across the island, enhancing connectivity between its villages. 

Electricity has also been extended from Tara Sakor to Koh Rong, though Koh Rong Sanloem still lacks access to state electricity. 

Despite these advancements, the island faces persistent challenges, such as clean water shortages during the dry season. 

Governor Bunthol has called on licensed water supply companies to accelerate their work to address this critical need.

Healthcare services on the island have also improved. A health centre on Koh Rong provides emergency care to both residents and tourists. 

“In severe cases, patients are transported to Sihanoukville for further treatment, supported by a team sponsored by ferry company owner Tea Vichet, which specialises in emergency evacuations,” said the governor. 

Educational opportunities

Education has been a focal point for development on Koh Rong. The island previously had only one secondary school, Prek Svay Village Secondary School, which forced students to travel to Sihanoukville for high school education. 

Previously, Bunthol explained, students had to travel to Sihanoukville for high school education, forcing some to drop out and take up jobs in construction. 

“However, with support from the World Bank and the education ministry, Prek Svay school has been upgraded to a high school with four buildings,” he added.

Tourists head to a taxi stand to travel to villages, particularly Koh Touch village. Hong Raksmey

Environmental and economic transition

The shift from fishing to tourism has brought both opportunities and challenges. Many former fishermen now work in tourism, offering services such as transportation, guided tours and accommodation. 

Chhoun An, 16, a taxi driver who carries guests around the island in his pick-up truck, said that most of the time, he transports his clients from the port to destinations on the island, particularly Koh Touch village and the mangrove eco-community.

“I dropped out of school in grade 6 and became a construction worker. Then I learned to drive and started working for my grandfather,” An told The Post.

He said he prefers being a driver over being a fisherman since it’s more convenient, an easier task and earns more income.

An can make between $40 to $75 per trip, depending on the destination preferred by his clients, who are often tourists travelling in groups.

“If I go fishing at sea, I have to get up at 2.00am and come back before lunch. Although in the low season I only have a few groups per week, I still think it’s better than fishing. During the high season, especially this time leading up to Khmer New Year, I have clients every day,” he said.

While tourism has boosted local livelihoods, it has also introduced environmental challenges. 

Tourists can hire scooters for $15-per-day to travel and explore Kong Rong Island’s villages. Hong Raksmey

Beach sanitation is regularly maintained, but sewage management remains inadequate. Koh Touch village, for instance, has experienced untreated sewage flowing into the sea, highlighting the urgent need for a proper sewage treatment plant. 

“We need a sewage treatment plant to improve the situation. Unfortunately, the resident constructions were done without adhering to standards, complicating the problem,” said Bunthol. 

A bright future for Koh Rong

Despite these challenges, Koh Rong continues to thrive as a tourist destination. 

In the first ten months of 2024, Preah Sihanouk province, which includes Koh Rong, welcomed 3,590,602 domestic and 259,036 international tourists, according to the Ministry of Tourism. 

The island’s pristine beaches, clear waters and vibrant marine life remain its main attractions, alongside activities such as snorkelling, jungle trekking and island hopping.

Development plans, including new resorts, casinos and an airport, aim to further boost Koh Rong’s appeal. 

At the same time, efforts are being made to protect its natural environment, including the establishment of Cambodia’s first large-scale Marine Fisheries Management Areas to conserve marine biodiversity.

For travellers, Koh Rong offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Accessible via a two-hour ferry or a 40-minute speedboat from Sihanoukville, the island caters to a wide range of preferences and budgets. 

With its rich history, vibrant present, and promising future, Koh Rong stands as a testament to Cambodia’s evolving tourism landscape.