Koh Rong: An Island in Transition (2026)

Last fact-checked: September 2026

Koh Rong is Cambodia's second largest island and one of its most popular beach destinations. Once a rustic backpacker hideaway without roads or grid power, it is now changing fast: a paved road network, mainland electricity and a planned international airport are bringing large-scale resort development, while much of the island is still jungle.

Geography & Infrastructure

Koh Rong covers about 78 square kilometers and lies roughly 25 km off the coast of Sihanoukville. It has 61 km of coastline with around 43 km of beaches, and about 4,000 inhabitants living mainly in four villages: Koh Touch, Daem Thkov, Prek Svay and Sok San.

Since 2020 the Royal Group has been building a network of around 70 kilometers of concrete roads (about US$35 million). Large parts are already paved, so places that used to be reachable only by boat, such as Sok San or Prek Svay, can now be reached by scooter or taxi. Some sections, especially towards the remote north, are still rough.

Development vs. Conservation

In 2008 the Royal Group was granted a 99-year lease to develop the island. Its master plan divides Koh Rong into zones for resorts, golf courses, commercial areas and an airport, with about 30% of the land planned to remain as rainforest. The development has brought roads and a submarine power cable connecting the island to the national grid, but also significant forest clearing.

In February 2018 the government created the Koh Rong Marine National Park, Cambodia's first marine national park. It covers 524 km² of sea and islands around the Koh Rong archipelago and protects coral reefs, sea-grass beds and species such as sea turtles, dugongs and Irrawaddy dolphins.

The Airport Project

The Koh Rong International Eco-Tourism Airport is a US$300 million Royal Group project. Earthworks started in January 2024. The first phase includes a 2,650-meter runway and capacity for about 138,000 passengers a year; construction was planned to take around five years, so an opening is not expected before about 2028–2029.