Angkor & Koh Rong Islands

Check-in and Acclimatization

After arrival — check in and a light program: tomorrow will be busy, so it’s worth conserving your energy today. The hotel is 10–15 minutes from the center, convenient for both an evening stroll and an early start tomorrow.

Pub Street

The main evening street of the city, closed to cars as the sun sets — live music, street food, bars with a wide selection of Angkor craft and local beer.

Night Market

Near Pub Street — souvenirs, textiles, spices alongside street food. A good place to buy light clothing for tomorrow’s cycling trip in the heat if you didn't bring any with you.

One-Day Ticket

A single Angkor Park pass costs $37 for adults for one day; children under 12 enter free with a passport. You can purchase it at the Angkor Enterprise ticket office at the park entrance or online in advance – they take your photo directly for the ticket.

Three Temples by Bike

Angkor Wat at sunrise, then Bayon with its 216 stone faces in Angkor Thom, and finishing with Ta Prohm, a temple embraced by tree roots. The bike route is about 20–25 km per day – a hot and physically demanding format, but it gives you the freedom to move at your own pace between points without waiting for a tuk-tuk.

Water, Sunscreen, Early Start

With this packed itinerary in the heat, plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen are essential. It's smart to start as early as possible to complete most of the route before the midday heat.

Siem Reap to Sihanoukville Flight

Around 1 hour of flight time – noticeably faster than the overland journey, which would take most of the day. Upon arrival, a direct transfer to the port — be sure to check the boat schedule in advance, as the last departures are usually no later than late afternoon.

Sihanoukville Port

The departure point for Koh Rong – speedboats run several times a day, with journey time to the main island taking around 45 minutes – 1 hour depending on your specific destination.

First Evening at Sea

After two busy days in Siem Reap — it’s time to switch to relaxation mode: check-in on the island, dinner by the sea, and a first glimpse of the archipelago that will be home for the next few days.

Long Beach by Day

One of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago – several kilometers of white sand and turquoise water with almost no buildings along the coastline. During the day, enjoy swimming, snorkeling near the nearby reefs, and beach bars in designated areas of the beach.

Glowing Plankton at Night

From November to May, on moonless nights and away from artificial light – the water near the shore begins to glow with a bluish luminescence with every movement (wave, paddle, step in the water). The best spots are Long Set Beach and Coconut Beach; boat tours specifically for this phenomenon cost around $10 per person, it’s worth going out after sunset, around 7:00 PM or later.

Planning According to the Lunar Calendar

The effect is noticeably brighter during a new moon and in darkness – if that's a priority for your trip, you should check the dates of your tour against the lunar calendar in advance, rather than relying on the general “November–May” season.

Crossing to the Neighboring Island

Just 20–30 minutes by boat separate lively Koh Rong from the much quieter Sanloem – the contrast is immediately noticeable: fewer buildings, almost no evening buzz, and on many beaches you can find yourself practically alone on a weekday.

Saracen Bay Beach

One of the most peaceful beaches in the archipelago - fine white sand, a gentle slope into the water, which is especially convenient with children. The infrastructure is minimalist: a couple of bungalow-cafes, no large hotel complexes.

Lambaada Bay

An even more secluded spot on the island – you can reach it by foot through the forest or by boat, and the reward is a practically deserted beach even in high season.

Boat to the Mainland

Allow at least 3–4 hours for your return transfer from the islands to Sihanoukville before your flight: boat schedules can be delayed in the shoulder season due to sea conditions.

Route Summary

6 days — one packed day of temples and four days exploring the diverse islands of Koh Rong archipelago, from parties to complete seclusion. Practical tips for this trip are in the postscript below.