Living in Koh Rong — Cambodia's island

Overview

Koh Rong has two main living areas for expats:

• Koh Touch (Village 1): west side, more developed, bars, restaurants, backpacker scene.
• Koh Rong Sanloem (a distinct neighbouring island): quieter, preferred for long stays — Saracen Bay (resort side) and Sunset Beach (calmer).

The island is protected as a national marine park — construction is strictly regulated and tropical forest covers most of its surface.

Monthly budget

Prices on Koh Rong are higher than the mainland because everything is imported by ferry. The lifestyle is radically different from mainland towns.

Districts

• Koh Touch (Village 1): the only village with shops, restaurants and bars. Main activity zone. Suited to short stays and backpackers.
• Long Beach (Kok Kong): 7 km undeveloped beach, a few isolated bungalows. Total tranquillity.
• Koh Rong Sanloem (distinct adjacent island): preferred for long stays — Saracen Bay (resort side) and Sunset Beach (calmer). Access by a separate ferry.

Safety

Koh Rong is generally safe during the day. Island-specific risks:

• Marine currents: some areas of the island have dangerous currents, especially the east coast during the rainy season. Ask about permitted swimming zones.
• Marine animals: jellyfish and sea urchins in some areas — wear beach shoes.
• Evenings/night: most of the island has no street lighting. Always carry a torch.

Administrative formalities

All administrative procedures are done from Sihanoukville (45 min by ferry) or Phnom Penh. There are no administrative services for expats on the island itself.

Bank account

There is no bank branch or ATM on Koh Rong. All banking is done in Sihanoukville (ferry 45 min–1h30). Bring enough USD cash before boarding. Card payments are accepted at some tourist establishments but remain limited.

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Finance & banking in Cambodia

Best banks for expats, opening an account, international transfers, Wise.

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Employment

The job market on Koh Rong is limited to the tourism sector: resort management, bars, restaurants, water activities (diving, kayaking), guiding.

An MLVT work permit remains mandatory for any salaried activity — filed in Phnom Penh.

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Finding a job in Cambodia

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Expat community & networks

The expat community is highly seasonal — it swells in high season (November–March) and shrinks to a few dozen people in the low season. It is mainly composed of English-speaking tourism business operators. No dedicated Facebook group or organised community on the island.

Housing

The rental supply is very limited: wooden or concrete bungalows, rarely furnished to expat standard. Leases are often seasonal or monthly, few formal contracts. Prices are higher than the mainland — expect USD 250–700/month depending on location and quality.

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Renting in Koh Rong

Bungalows and long-stay accommodation on Koh Rong.

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Schools

There are no international schools or structured teaching facilities on Koh Rong. The island is not suitable for families with school-age children.

Coworking & remote work

Koh Rong is incompatible with intensive remote work. The constraints are significant:

• Internet: satellite connection only, variable speeds depending on the provider. Expect outages.
• Electricity: generators in some areas, some solar panels. Frequent cuts.
• Starlink: available from some operators — may suffice for light video calls but remains unreliable.

Most digital nomads choose Koh Rong for stays of 1–4 weeks, not as a permanent base.

Healthcare

A basic infirmary exists on the island for routine care. Any serious emergency requires evacuation by ferry to Sihanoukville (45 min–1h30) then hospital transfer.

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Health & emergencies on Koh Rong

Infirmary, evacuation protocol to Sihanoukville and recommended insurance.

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Transport

• Ferry from Sihanoukville: main access from Ochheuteal Pier or Speed Ferry Cambodia. Duration: 30 min (speed ferry) to 1h30 (slow ferry). Price: USD 10–25 depending on operator and boat type.
• No cars on the island: travel is on foot or by boat.
• Inter-island: regular shuttles between Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem and Sihanoukville.
• Rainy season: ferries can be cancelled in bad weather (June–October). Allow extra time.

Island constraints

• Internet: satellite connection only, variable speeds. Expect outages.
• Electricity: generators in some zones, some solar panels. Frequent cuts.
• Food: everything imported by ferry — prices are higher than the mainland.

Bioluminescence

The northern bay of Koh Rong produces a bioluminescence phenomenon visible at night without equipment between June and October — luminescent phytoplankton in the water. It is one of the most accessible sites in Asia for this phenomenon.

Daily life

• Supplies: a few grocery shops at Koh Touch, prices higher than the mainland. Ferry deliveries from Sihanoukville 1–2 times daily.
• Internet: satellite — stable in good weather, outages possible.
• Activities: diving (PADI available), kayaking, tropical forest trekking, snorkelling.
• Restaurants: concentrated at Koh Touch — international and basic Khmer cuisine. A few quality addresses at resorts.

FAQ

Can you work remotely from Koh Rong?

Technically yes, with significant caveats. Satellite internet (Starlink available from some operators) may suffice for light video calls, but remains unreliable. Most digital nomads choose Koh Rong for stays of 1–4 weeks, not as a permanent base.

Is there a bank or ATM on the island?

No — no bank or ATM on Koh Rong. Bring USD cash in sufficient quantity before boarding from Sihanoukville. Card payments are accepted at some tourist establishments.

How much does life cost on Koh Rong?

Prices are 30–50% higher than the mainland because everything is imported by ferry. A furnished bungalow costs USD 250–700/month. See the monthly budget table above.

Is there medical care on the island?

A basic infirmary exists for routine care. Any serious emergency requires evacuation by ferry to Sihanoukville (45 min–1h30) then hospital. International insurance with medical evacuation is essential.