Koh Rong: Cambodia's Island Claims 9th Spot in World's 50 Best Beaches

Cambodia's Koh Rong island has just joined the prestigious "World’s 50 Best Beaches" ranking, climbing to 9th place worldwide. A recognition that propels Cambodia onto the map of must-visit beach destinations.

@Royal Sand

An island making its mark on the global stage

Just a few years ago, Koh Rong was a well-kept secret for savvy backpackers, who reached it via battered ferries from Sihanoukville. Today, the large island in Preah Sihanouk province stands as a revelation in the annual ranking by The World’s Best Beaches, one of the most respected references in international beach tourism.

Ninth in the world: the verdict is as clear as the turquoise waters lining its coasts. A consecration that, for many islanders and local tourism professionals, feels both like a source of pride and a warning.

An exceptional ranking in a worldwide competition

The competition was fierce. Among the fifty selected beaches are legendary destinations, paradisiacal islands celebrated for decades by travel magazines. This year's top spot goes to Entalula Beach in the Philippines' Bacuit archipelago, closely followed by Fteri Beach in Greece, the discreet gem of Kefalonia island.

Koh Rong carved out a prime spot, surpassing far more established rivals on the international tourism scene and becoming the only Southeast Asian destination in the top 10.

Nature as its calling card

What captivated the evaluators was above all the island's raw natural beauty: pristine white-sand beaches stretching for kilometers, dense tropical vegetation reaching down to the shore, and deep blue waters teeming with remarkable marine life.

At night, the bioluminescence phenomenon — those marine microorganisms that light up the water with electric blue at every movement — gives nighttime swims a near-magical dimension, now one of the most sought-after experiences on the island. Koh Rong didn't need to compete on luxury or infrastructure — it was its preserved authenticity that spoke volumes.

"The recognition of Koh Rong illustrates the diversity of Cambodia's tourism assets, from its tropical shores to its world-renowned cultural and historical sites."

Cambodia, the new star of beach tourism

Beyond the symbolism, this ranking confirms a deeper trend: Cambodia is no longer just about the temples of Angkor. The country's south coast, long overshadowed by its Thai and Vietnamese neighbors, now draws an international clientele seeking authentic escapism.

Tourist arrivals in Preah Sihanouk province have seen notable growth in recent years, driven by improved maritime connections and a more diverse range of accommodations, from eco-responsible bungalows to upscale boutique hotels.

Success and vigilance: the flip side

Yet the medal has its reverse. Koh Rong's growing fame raises concerns among environmental defenders and local communities. The influx of visitors is putting real pressure on fragile ecosystems: coral reefs, mangroves, and protected marine species coexist with steadily rising tourism.

Waste management, access to drinking water, and regulation of coastal construction remain concrete challenges that provincial authorities and the Ministry of Tourism must address methodically if this reputation is to remain deserved.

The experience of other ranked destinations — Koh Phi Phi in Thailand, Boracay in the Philippines, temporarily closed in 2018 due to overexploitation — shows that international recognition can, without rigorous governance, turn against the very natural heritage it was meant to celebrate.

A future to be written with care

For travelers who haven't yet set foot on this island in the Koh Rong archipelago, it might be time to book — but to do so responsibly: prioritize local operators, respect protected areas, and travel outside peak seasons.

The world's 9th most beautiful beach has nothing to envy others; it simply has everything to protect. The World’s Best Beaches ranking is as much an invitation as a responsibility — for Cambodian authorities and for those who choose to heed it.