Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are Cambodia's most beautiful islands — turquoise water, bioluminescent plankton, dense jungle, and a growing roster of boutique luxury resorts just 45 minutes from Sihanoukville.
# Best Luxury Resorts on Koh Rong & Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia 2026
Cambodia's coast is one of Southeast Asia's last undiscovered frontiers. While Thailand and Vietnam have decades of tourism infrastructure, Cambodia's Gulf of Thailand islands are still in their opening chapter — and Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem sit at the vanguard of what may become the region's most compelling new luxury destination.
Koh Rong (the larger island, 78 sq km) has Long Beach — a 7-km strip of powder-white sand with water so clear and shallow it turns from turquoise to deep blue in the span of 50 meters. Koh Rong Samloem (the smaller, quieter sister island) has Saracen Bay — a sheltered horseshoe bay that regularly appears on lists of Southeast Asia's most beautiful beaches. Both islands are famous for bioluminescent plankton that makes the sea glow blue-green on dark nights — an experience that requires no equipment and no guide, just wading into the shallows after dark.
Why Choose Koh Rong?
- Bioluminescent plankton: Both islands have reliable bioluminescence most of the year (best during neap tides, away from full moon) — one of nature's most accessible natural light shows
- Undeveloped beaches: Long Beach and Saracen Bay rival Thailand's best but without the jet skis, beach bars, or crowds
- Marine life: The surrounding waters are part of a designated marine protected area — snorkeling reveals healthy coral gardens, reef fish, and occasional seahorses
- Jungle interior: Both islands have dense rainforest interiors with hiking trails, waterfalls, and endemic wildlife including slow lorises and hornbills
- Price: Cambodia's lower cost base means equivalent luxury is 30–50% cheaper than comparable Thai or Balinese resorts
Best time to visit: November–May (dry season, calm seas). June–October: southwest monsoon — seas can be rough, some resort services limited, but rates drop significantly and the islands are atmospheric.
Top Luxury Resorts on Koh Rong & Koh Rong Samloem
1. Song Saa Private Island Resort
The original and most iconic luxury resort in Cambodia, Song Saa (meaning "Sweethearts" in Khmer) occupies its own private island between Koh Rong and the mainland — two uninhabited islets connected by a jungle footbridge, with 27 overwater, jungle, and beach villas built from reclaimed materials and sustainably sourced timber. Each villa has a private deck above the ocean, and the resort's marine protected area (self-managed by the resort around the island) means exceptional snorkeling from the villa steps.
Highlights: Private island, 27 overwater/jungle/beach villas, self-managed marine sanctuary, Cambodia's most awarded resort
Best for: Honeymooners, couples seeking absolute seclusion, Song Saa is worth the splurge for the private island experience alone
2. Alila Villas Koh Russey
On Koh Russey (Bamboo Island), 20 minutes from Sihanoukville by speedboat, Alila Villas opened in 2019 as one of the most architecturally striking resorts in the region — 72 thatched-roof pool villas and overwater bungalows designed to minimize environmental footprint. The Alila brand's signature JOURNEYS wellness program brings structured mindfulness and fitness activities to the island, and the dive center runs trips to the surrounding marine protected area.
Highlights: Alila brand reliability, overwater bungalows, wellness program, dive center, 2019 build quality
Best for: Wellness travelers, divers, couples wanting brand assurance in a new destination
3. Huba Huba Beach Resort — Koh Rong Samloem
The premier boutique property on Saracen Bay, Huba Huba offers 24 elevated bungalows built into the hillside above one of Cambodia's most beautiful beaches. The resort's positioning — at the northern, quietest end of Saracen Bay — ensures privacy while retaining easy access to the bay's swimming and snorkeling. Their restaurant specializes in fresh Cambodian seafood (the garlic-butter crab and Kampot pepper prawns are legendary among repeat visitors).
Highlights: Saracen Bay position, elevated hillside bungalows, Cambodian seafood restaurant, boutique scale
Best for: Couples, food-focused travelers, those wanting genuine boutique atmosphere
4. The Cove Koh Rong Samloem
On the undeveloped western coast of Koh Rong Samloem (accessible only by boat from Saracen Bay), The Cove offers absolute seclusion — 12 wooden bungalows on a private beach with no other development visible. Solar powered, rainwater-fed, and served by twice-daily longtail boat from the main pier, it's the most remote option on either island and the best for genuine digital detox.
Highlights: Private cove beach, 12 bungalows, solar/rainwater sustainable, no road access, true seclusion
Best for: Digital detox travelers, couples seeking maximum isolation
5. Nature Beach Resort — Long Beach, Koh Rong
On the famous Long Beach (Koh Touch), Nature Beach is the best-positioned mid-range property on Koh Rong's most famous stretch of sand — elevated bungalows with direct beach access, bioluminescence right outside, and a restaurant serving fresh fish and Khmer cuisine. More casual than Song Saa or Alila, but unbeatable for waking up on Long Beach.
Highlights: Long Beach frontage, direct bioluminescence access, casual atmosphere, best value on the beach
Best for: Solo travelers, groups, those prioritizing beach position over resort amenities
Bioluminescent Plankton
The waters around both Koh Rong islands are home to Noctiluca scintillans — a marine dinoflagellate that emits blue-green light when disturbed by movement. To experience bioluminescence:
- Walk into the sea after dark (the further from resort lighting, the better)
- Wave your hands through the water — the disturbance triggers the light emission
- Best conditions: neap tides, moonless nights, calm water, away from boat traffic
The phenomenon is present most of the year but most vivid June–October during the rainy season when plankton concentrations are highest.
Getting to Koh Rong
From Sihanoukville: Speed ferries operated by GTVC Speedboat and Buva Sea depart from Sihanoukville Port approximately every 2 hours (45 min to Koh Rong, 60 min to Saracen Bay). Book in advance during peak season (December–February).
From Phnom Penh: 4 hours by road to Sihanoukville + ferry. Buses depart from Phnom Penh's Sorya Transport terminal every 2 hours.
From Siem Reap: 8–9 hours by bus, or fly Siem Reap–Sihanoukville (1 hr on Cambodia Angkor Air) then ferry.
Practical Information
Currency: US Dollars (USD) widely accepted; Cambodian Riel (KHR) for small purchases. Most resorts bill in USD.
Language: Khmer; English spoken at all resorts. Koh Rong has a significant English-speaking expat community.
Visa: Cambodia offers e-Visa on arrival for most nationalities (USD 30, valid 30 days). Apply in advance at evisa.gov.kh. On-arrival visa also available at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports.
Climate: Dry season November–May (ideal for island hopping, diving, beach). Southwest monsoon June–October: seas rougher, more rain, but bioluminescence is strongest and rates drop 30–50%.
Power: Most resorts run on generators or solar (8pm–10pm power only in rustic properties). Bring a power bank.
*More Southeast Asia island guides:* Best luxury resorts Phu Quoc 2026 | Best luxury resorts Tioman Island 2026 | Best luxury resorts Koh Chang 2026
Filed under: