Koh Rong is the second largest island in Cambodia, which is located in Preah Sihanouk Province. The island covers an area of approximately 78 square kilometers. It lies about 25 kilometers off the coast of Sihanoukville.
The island has a total coastline of 61 kilometers. Out of the length, coastal beach areas account for 43 kilometers, distributed across 23 spots.
Among Cambodians, Koh Rong is also known as Shelter Island. The designation stems from the Old Khmer word Rong, which means cave or shelter.
The landscape of Koh Rong is dominated by hills stretching from the southeast to the northwest. Its highest point is located on a hill in the northwest at an elevation of 316 meters above sea level.
The coastal terrain varies on each side. Sandstone cliffs dominate the southern side facing the open sea. Meanwhile, the eastern side features gentle hilly contours with crescent-shaped beaches.
Bioluminescent Glow on the Coastal Shores
In the waters surrounding Koh Rong, there is a natural glowing phenomenon. It can be observed in the shallow waters of Long Set Beach at night.
The blue light is produced by dinoflagellates, a type of microplankton inhabiting coastal waters. The natural emission of light by living organisms is known as bioluminescence. The plankton emit flashes of light when disturbed. Wave movement or physical contact can trigger the blue glowing reaction.
Geographically, Long Set Beach stretches for 4 kilometers along the eastern side of the island. The area can be reached from Koh Touch Village via a jungle trail with a walking time of about one hour.
Transformation Toward a Tourism Destination
In terms of regional governance, the waters surrounding Koh Rong were previously controlled by the Cambodian Navy Authority from 1979 to 2000 for a five-mile radius from the shore.
In 2000, responsibility for marine resource management was transferred to the Department of Fisheries Cambodia. The agency manages the area by involving local government, fishing communities, and non-governmental organizations.
The Cambodian government subsequently designated the area as the Koh Rong Marine National Park in February 2018. The declaration established Koh Rong's waters as Cambodia's first marine national park.
Territorially, Koh Rong Island is divided into four villages spread along its coast. Daem Thkov Village is located on the eastern side of the island, while Prek Svay Village occupies the northeast. Elsewhere, Koh Touch Village sits in the southeast, and Sok San Village extends across the western side.
Administratively, the four villages were originally under a single commune within Preah Sihanouk Province. In 2019, the Cambodian government separated the area and elevated its status to the independent city of Koh Rong.
However, Koh Touch Village was not included in the new city municipality. Although located on Koh Rong Island, the administrative governance of the village remains under the jurisdiction of the neighboring Koh Rong Sanloem commune.
Along with the growing number of tourists, a shift occurred in the islanders' economic patterns. Residents who previously relied on the fishing sector began transitioning their business activities. Out of a population of approximately 3,950, only 15 to 20 percent remain reliant on fishing. The figure was highlighted by Koh Rong Town Governor Nuon Bunthol in an interview with The Phnom Penh Post in December 2024.
The majority of residents chose to shift to the tourism services sector. Specifically, Koh Touch Village experienced the most significant development in the transition. Its coastal area now features a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and nightlife facilities.
