Before you go
Koh Rong with elderly parents: what to know
- Choose a resort with a reliable boat transfer and ask for help with boarding from piers.
- Travel between November and March when seas are calmer and services are open.
- Carry medicines, a copy of prescriptions and travel insurance that covers medical evacuation; do not expect hospital care on the island.
- Bring enough US dollars in cash; do not rely on an ATM on the island.
- Pick a room near the sand and the restaurant, as paths are sandy and uneven.
- Avoid midday sun, drink bottled or filtered water, and plan a shaded rest.
Easiest first
Places in Koh Rong sorted by walking effort
Easy on the legs (4)
- Coconut Beach (Places to visit · Half a day or a night or two) — The approach from the pier is short, though sandy. Facilities are basic, so ask the resort about step-free access, shade and distance to the room.
- Koh Rong Marine National Park (Places to visit · Half a day for a boat or snorkel trip) — Boat trips mean stepping on and off small vessels and, for snorkelling, entering the water from a boat. Ask about ladders and life jackets, and skip the trip if the sea is rough.
- Koh Touch Village and Pier (Places to visit · 1 to 3 hours as a stop; a night or two if you want to be near services) — The village is flat and short, but boarding from a boat onto a pier can involve a plank or a gap and a hop, and paths are sandy or uneven. Ask the boat crew for a hand and keep luggage light.
- The Secret Garden at Koh Rong (Food and restaurants · 1 hour) — Beachfront outdoor seating with a level approach is described, but Pagoda Beach is reached by boat and phone coverage can be poor. Ask your resort about the transfer and return time.
Some walking — plan a break (6)
- Bioluminescent Plankton Night Swim (Culture and craft · One to two hours after dark) — The beach is dark and the sand soft, so walking to the water needs a torch and a steady step. Do not swim alone or in rough water; watching from the shallows is enough for many people.
- Lonely Beach Restaurant (Food and restaurants · 1 hour) — Reaching the beach involves a boat and sandy ground, and the restaurant is open-air. Ask for a seat in shade and expect basic facilities.
- Lonely Beach and Prek Svay (Places to visit · Half a day or an overnight stay) — Access is by boat and sandy path, with limited facilities. There is little shade or seating beyond the restaurant, and help is far away, so it suits fit and independent travellers better than frail ones.
- Long Set Beach (Places to visit · Half a day as a visit; two or three nights as a stay) — Walking on soft sand is tiring, and the stretch between resorts is long with little shade or seating. Pick a resort close to the sand with a lounger and a path with steps you can manage, and plan midday in the shade.
- Mad Monkey Koh Rong Restaurant (Food and restaurants · 1 hour) — The setting is a lively hostel bar on a sandy beach, so noise and soft ground can be tiring. Arrive early in the day, ask for a table away from speakers, and check seating before sitting.
- Sok San Beach and Village (Places to visit · Half a day as a visit; two or three nights as a stay) — The beach is flat but sandy, and the pier approach can be slippery. Resort-run boats are easier than public speedboats; ask for help with boarding and choose a ground-floor room.
Base yourself well
Where to stay in Koh Rong with parents
Koh TouchBest for: Services, boats and restaurants
Long Set BeachBest for: Long white sand and sunsets
Sok SanBest for: A calmer village-side base
Small decisions
Practical tips for Koh Rong
- Cash. Bring US dollars in small notes. Wikivoyage said in 2020 there was no ATM on the island and cash help carried a high charge; check the current position.
- Boat transfers. Confirm which pier your boat uses and which beach it drops you at. Last boats leave mid-afternoon, and rough sea can cancel services.
- Power and water. Generator power may be limited at simpler places and water may be basic. Ask your resort and bring a torch and power bank.
- Dress. Beachwear is fine on the sand. Cover up in villages and carry a light shirt or sarong for local settings.
- Medical care. Do not rely on island medical care. Carry medicines and insurance that covers evacuation, and ask your resort about the nearest clinic.
- Sun and heat. Use a hat, sun cream and plenty of water. Midday heat reflects off sand and water.
- Insects. Sandflies and mosquitoes can be a nuisance at dusk. Carry repellent.
- Alcohol and nightlife. Bars are common near Koh Touch and Long Set. Choose a quiet resort if you sleep early, and avoid swimming after drinking.
Plan the rest of your Koh Rong trip
Want help?
Have Koh Rong planned around your parents
We build the route at their pace, book the stays, and can add a companion on the ground.