Koh Rong continues to attract around 400 visitors a day during Cambodia’s Green Season, with domestic tourists accounting for about 75% of arrivals and providing an important source of revenue for island tourism businesses.
Based on average visitor spending, tourists are estimated to generate roughly US$14,800 to US$18,000 in daily expenditure on accommodation and food, helping sustain businesses during the period when international arrivals typically decline.
Speaking to AMS on September 22, Sreng Haysok, President of the Koh Rong Tourism Association, said the island continues to receive both Cambodian and international visitors despite rising travel costs, including higher ferry and boat fares.
Domestic Tourists Account for 75% of Visitors
Haysok said domestic travellers currently represent about three quarters of Koh Rong's visitors during the Green Season.
On average, each visitor spends approximately US$37 to US$45 on accommodation and food.
With around 400 visitors arriving daily, the resulting expenditure is estimated at approximately US$14,800 to US$18,000 per day.
This spending provides an important source of income for accommodation providers, restaurants and other tourism-related businesses operating on the island.
“During the High Season, there are many foreign tourists. When it transitions into Green Season, we rely mainly on domestic tourists. Now about 75 percent of the tourists are local Cambodians.”
Higher Ferry Costs Put Pressure on Visitor Numbers
Despite continued demand, higher transportation costs have affected travel to Koh Rong.
Haysok said ferry and boat fares between Preah Sihanouk and Koh Rong have increased from approximately US$25 to US$30.
The higher cost has particularly affected domestic tourism, which traditionally plays a key role in supporting Koh Rong during the Green Season.
Haysok said the island had lost a significant number of local visitors compared with previous Green Seasons.
“Every year during the Green Season, Koh Rong usually gets local Cambodian tourists when foreign tourists are not willing to go there. But during this year's Green Season, we lost a lot of local visitors as well.”
Koh Rong Remains Open During Green Season
Despite concerns about wet-season weather, Haysok said Koh Rong remains suitable for visitors this month.
Tourism businesses are also offering various discounts and promotions during the off-peak period to attract travellers.
He said concerns about storms and large waves often discourage Cambodian tourists from visiting the island during the Green Season.
However, he noted that weather conditions around Koh Rong have generally remained manageable, with no strong winds affecting the island area during the period discussed.
Visitors should nevertheless prepare appropriate waterproof or rainproof clothing, as rainfall has been continuing.
152,176 Visitors Recorded from January to April
While Haysok said a report covering Koh Rong's total visitor numbers for the first eight months of 2026 was not yet available, he provided figures for the January to April period.
During those four months, Koh Rong received 152,176 visitors, including 127,365 domestic tourists.
This means domestic visitors accounted for approximately 84% of arrivals during the January to April period based on the figures provided.
| Period | Total Visitors | Domestic Visitors | Domestic Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| January–April 2026 | 152,176 | 127,365 | 84% |
| Current Green Season | 400 per day | 75% of visitors | 75% |
The figures illustrate the continuing importance of Cambodian travellers to Koh Rong's tourism economy, particularly outside the international peak season.
Preah Sihanouk Province Has 32 Islands
According to Tang Sochetkresna, Director of the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Department of Tourism, the province encompasses 32 islands.
Among the major destinations are:
- Koh Rong
- Koh Rong Samloem
- Koh Song Saa
- Koh Thmei
- Koh Ta Kiev
- Koh Ouen
- Koh Russey
- Koh Krabey
The wider island network gives Preah Sihanouk a diverse marine tourism base, although individual destinations face different seasonal and operational conditions.
Domestic Tourism Helps Fill the Green Season Gap
Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), said foreign tourists, particularly Western and European travellers, tend to visit Cambodia's islands during their summer period when they seek warm weather and beach activities.
She said the continued presence of Cambodian travellers during the Green Season demonstrates the growing role of domestic tourism in supporting tourism businesses and local communities during the off-peak period.
Sivlin described domestic travellers as an important financial cushion for businesses when international visitor numbers are lower.
Safety and Stable Transfer Prices Remain Important
Sivlin also called on island tourism operators to maintain strict safety standards during the wet season.
She specifically highlighted the importance of providing fresh and hygienic lifejackets for travellers using boats and ferries.
She also recommended keeping island transfer prices stable to strengthen confidence among domestic travellers and international tour operators.
For attracting more international tourists during the off-peak period, Sivlin said the sector should focus on strategic marketing, value delivery and improved island management.
Calls for Better Island Management
Sivlin also called on local authorities to strengthen island management through measures such as continuous beach clean-ups and clearer spatial zoning.
One proposal is to designate specific areas for motorised watersports, helping contain noise pollution while reserving other beaches for travellers seeking a quieter environment.
She said this could be particularly relevant for international eco-tourists looking for a more peaceful island experience.
For visitors seeking entertainment during the wet season, Sivlin suggested that Koh Rong could also organise designated “Rain Parties”, provided they are held in specific areas and do not disturb tourists looking for a quieter holiday.
Angkor Times Analysis
Koh Rong's Green Season performance highlights the increasingly important role of domestic tourism as a stabilising source of demand.
The reported 400 visitors per day is significant, but the spending estimate also shows why visitor volume matters to the island economy. At the reported average expenditure of US$37 to US$45 per person on accommodation and food, even a relatively modest daily visitor flow can generate substantial recurring spending for local businesses.
At the same time, higher ferry and boat prices create an additional cost barrier. The increase from approximately US$25 to US$30 represents a US$5 increase per trip, or about 20%, based on the figures provided. For domestic travellers travelling with families or groups, transportation costs can therefore have a noticeable effect on the overall cost of an island trip.
The January to April figures also show that domestic tourism was particularly important earlier in the year, with 127,365 domestic visitors out of 152,176 total visitors.
However, the available data do not provide a full eight-month visitor total or a year-on-year comparison for the same period. The current 400-visitors-per-day figure is also an average reported by the tourism association rather than a comprehensive official visitor count.
The broader challenge for Koh Rong is therefore balancing affordability, safety, environmental management and visitor experience. Stable transfer prices, wet-season safety measures, clean beaches and clearer zoning could help tourism businesses maintain demand while preserving different types of visitor experiences on the island.
Key Facts
| Indicator | Reported Figure |
|---|---|
| Average current daily visitors | 400 |
| Domestic visitor share | 75% |
| Average spending per visitor on accommodation and food | US$37–US$45 |
| Estimated daily spending | US$14,800–US$18,000 |
| Ferry/boat fare, previous | US$25 |
| Ferry/boat fare, current | US$30 |
| Visitors, January–April 2026 | 152,176 |
| Domestic visitors, January–April | 127,365 |
| Preah Sihanouk islands | 32 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visitors does Koh Rong receive during the Green Season?
The Koh Rong Tourism Association reports an average of around 400 visitors per day during the current Green Season.
What percentage of visitors are Cambodian?
Domestic tourists account for approximately 75% of current visitors, according to the Koh Rong Tourism Association.
How much do visitors spend?
Average spending on accommodation and food is estimated at US$37 to US$45 per person.
How much does that generate each day?
Based on 400 visitors per day, estimated spending is approximately US$14,800 to US$18,000 daily.
How much have ferry and boat fares increased?
The reported fare from Preah Sihanouk to Koh Rong has risen from about US$25 to US$30.
How many visitors did Koh Rong receive from January to April 2026?
Koh Rong received 152,176 visitors, including 127,365 domestic tourists, during the first four months of 2026.
Is Koh Rong suitable for Green Season travel?
According to the Koh Rong Tourism Association, weather conditions have generally remained manageable, although visitors should prepare for continuing rain and wet conditions.