Koh Rong: The Eco-Tourism Revolution (2026)

As of March 2026, Koh Rong has firmly established itself as Cambodia's premier island destination. While it was once a rustic hideaway, the island is now a thriving Eco-Tourism City, balancing rapid infrastructure growth with large-scale environmental preservation.

Geography & Infrastructure

Spanning 78 square kilometers, Koh Rong is the second-largest island in Cambodia. The island's logistics have been completely transformed by the construction of over 130 kilometers of wide concrete roads. Travel between the main hubs of Koh Toch, Long Set, and Sok San—previously dependent on slow boat transfers—now takes only 15–20 minutes by road.

Development vs. Conservation

Koh Rong is currently at a critical crossroads. In 2008, the Royal Group was granted a 99-year concession to develop roughly 20% of the island into a world-class resort destination. While this has brought stable 24/7 power (via undersea cable) and new infrastructure, it has also resulted in significant forest clearing for luxury projects like golf courses and the new international airport.

To balance this, the Cambodian government established the Koh Rong Marine National Park (covering over 52,000 hectares, mostly water). Strict regulations within the marine park are helping local coral reefs and sea-grass beds recover, making the northern tips of the island incredible spots for snorkeling and spotting marine life.

The Royal Group Vision

The Royal Group continues to spearhead the island's modernization under a master plan to create Cambodia's first "carbon-neutral" eco-tourism city. The centerpiece of this vision is the Koh Rong International Eco-Tourism Airport, currently deep into earthworks and expected to open for direct global flights in 2028–2029.

"Koh Rong in 2026 is where traditional Khmer hospitality meets 21st-century infrastructure. It is the only place in Southeast Asia where you can find 5G connectivity and world-class luxury just steps away from a prehistoric jungle."