Koh Rong, Cambodia 🇰🇭
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Koh Rong is a beautiful island located off the coast of Sihanoukville, known for its white sandy beaches and vibrant marine life. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 4,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds of 20-30 Mbps; some areas offer up to 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US dollars are widely accepted (1 USD ≈ 4,000 KHR). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it is recommended to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity provided at 230V, 50Hz, with plug types A, C, and G. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available providers include Cellcard, Smart Axiata, and Metfone with easy access in Sihanoukville. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ATM services available, but cash is preferred; online banking through apps like ABA Bank is accessible. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Variety of options from beach bungalows to hostels; popular sites include Booking.com and Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; mainly cash is used, although some places accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are common for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Common options include Nature Beach Resort and Coconut Beach Bungalows, with dorms starting around $5 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | There are no dedicated coworking spaces; many work from cafés or resorts. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Tree House Restaurant offers reliable Wi-Fi and a casual atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Less structured; local expat groups on Facebook (e.g., Koh Rong Expats) often post meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Beach parties and community events are frequently organized; check local bulletin boards or social media. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grabbike and local tuk-tuks are popular transport methods. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooters can be rented from various shops for around $5-$10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Coconut Beach is renowned for its beauty and tranquility. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | - Angkor Air offers flights from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to Sihanoukville. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cambodia Angkor Air and Vietnam Airlines connect to major international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via ferry service from Sihanoukville, as Koh Rong is an island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Transfer through Sihanoukville; no railway on the island. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is limited; most travel by ferry to the island. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries are essential for travel between Koh Rong and the mainland; services run regularly. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The nearest hospital is in Sihanoukville, about a 45-minute boat ride away. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Several beach resorts offer yoga classes, e.g., Horizon Bungalows provide weekly sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited gym facilities; some resorts offer fitness classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at guesthouses and local shops; costs around $1-$2 per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery services like Nham24 are available in Sihanoukville but limited on the island. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fish Amok is a local specialty worth trying at various restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan options are available at places like The Fisherman, alongside traditional dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Happy Frog Cafe offers great desserts and healthy snacks. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets provide fresh produce and snacks; prices vary. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited local e-commerce; international shipping options exist. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery deliveries are very limited; shopping in person is recommended. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The bars along Koh Touch Beach come alive at night with a lively atmosphere. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Angkor Brewery has a strong presence; local beers available at restaurants. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine selections can be found in resort restaurants, but dedicated wine bars are rare. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food vendors offer local dishes; be sure to try the BBQ skewers. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various places serve pizza and Thai food catering to tourist tastes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Long Set Beach and Sok San Beach are must-see natural attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited cultural institutions; local art can be found in small galleries. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | No significant historical sites; focus is on natural beauty. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Small local temples can be found scattered around the island. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Beach parties during the dry season bring locals and travelers together, particularly in December. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The main strip in Koh Touch is the center of local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local events happen occasionally, but no permanent theaters exist. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Small markets are available, mainly offering food and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at bars is popular, particularly in the evenings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited; mainly found in tourist frequented areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Some resorts offer cooking classes focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few, if any, dedicated galleries exist; local artists may sell works on the beach. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Lacks traditional historic buildings reflecting a more modern, laid-back vibe. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Koh Rong is known for its natural beauty and local folklore surrounding the sea. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Koh Rong has stunning natural surroundings, with many small beaches and crystal-clear waters. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Koh Rong Sanloem is nearby, offering beautiful trails and lush landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited due to rough terrain; walking along the beach is popular. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Head to viewpoints like the one near Sok San Beach for stunning sunsets. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Great for birdwatching near the forest areas on the island. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Several beaches allow bonfires, especially during organized camp events. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited; check options in Sihanoukville for shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited tech repair available; Sihanoukville offers better services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Not commonly found; beach games are more popular. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | No formal classes available; basic Khmer can be learned through local interaction. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Few spots available; some guesthouses offer quiet areas to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Limited; community events are often held on the beach. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not common; typical pastimes include beach games and socializing. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos on the island; nearest options are in Sihanoukville. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately $1,200 per m² for waterfront properties (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Outside the main tourist areas around $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Average $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Roughly $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Around $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxes apply based on residency and source of income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% VAT applicable on goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules exist but enforcement can be limited. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Nominal property tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approval required for property purchases from foreigners; typically a 4% tax applies. |