Discover stunning beaches, lush jungles, and an amazing community of remote workers on Koh Rong, Cambodia’s up-and-coming island paradise. Read on to plan your perfect remote work getaway.
Koh Rong, Cambodia has emerged as a remote worker’s paradise, offering digital nomads an affordable island escape with reliable infrastructure, stunning natural landscapes, and a vibrant community. Discover why Koh Rong should top your list for remote work destinations in 2024 and beyond.
Why Koh Rong is Perfect for Remote Workers
What makes Koh Rong such an ideal remote work destination? From budget-friendly living costs to lightning-fast WiFi, here are the key factors that make Koh Rong ideal for remote work.
Cost-Effective Island Living
Koh Rong delivers tropical island living at a fraction of the price of nearby destinations like Thailand or Bali. Expect to pay:
- $300 – $600 per month for comfortable bungalow-style accommodation with A/C and amenities.
- $5 – $10 per day for food from local restaurants and markets.
- $50 – $150 per month for coworking space membership.
With its affordability, Koh Rong stretches remote worker budgets further than almost anywhere else.
Reliable Digital Infrastructure
Reliable WiFi and power are non-negotiable for remote work. Koh Rong delivers with:
- Island-wide fiber optic broadband.
- Coworking spaces and cafes with backup generators.
- Average internet speeds of 25 Mbps.
- Weekly cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal productivity.
Digital nomads can stay smoothly connected to work from Koh Rong’s well-equipped coworking facilities.
Breathtaking Natural Landscapes
With over 20 unspoiled beaches surrounded by thriving coral reefs and lush tropical jungles, Koh Rong’s natural landscapes are simply stunning.
Spend your early mornings swimming at Koh Tui Beach, sunset on Coconut Beach, and weekends kayaking through the mangrove forests. Koh Rong’s landscapes inspire and rejuvenate.
Thriving Remote Work Community
With hundreds of remote workers staying long-term, Koh Rong has an established and welcoming community. Attend weekly events, share ideas at coworking spaces, and explore the island with new friends.
Seasoned Koh Rong remote workers happily share their knowledge on everything from accommodation tips to must-try local dishes. Lean on the community to make the most of your experience.
Diverse Activities and Exploration
Outside of work hours, Koh Rong offers plenty of activities and cultural experiences to enjoy. Try scuba diving, join a yoga retreat, take Khmer cooking classes, or trek through jungles to hidden waterfalls.
Many remote workers structure their Koh Rong stays around passion projects, volunteering initiatives, or skills training. With so much to experience, boredom is never a concern.
Top Remote Work Retreats on Koh Rong
Let’s explore some of Koh Rong’s best remote work retreats, ideal for digital nomads seeking inspiring backdrops for work and adventure.
Green Ocean Beach Resort
Overview: Green Ocean offers stunning beachfront bungalows starting from $350 per month. Enjoy the on-site pool, restaurant, basic gym, and weekly social events.
Ideal for: Solo travelers and couples prioritizing affordability and natural scenery.
Coworking: Onsite sea-view coworking space with reliable 25 Mbps WiFi. Memberships start at $100 per month.
Sunrise Beach Club
Overview: Upscale resort with private pool villas from $800 per month. Enjoy the on-site restaurant, spa, gym, yoga classes, and weekly socials.
Ideal for: Remote workers looking for luxury amenities and facilities. Great for families.
Coworking: Bright, modern beachfront coworking space with 50 Mbps WiFi. Memberships from $150 per month.
Brick Wall Cafe & Bungalows
Overview: Laidback bungalows starting from $400 per month. Enjoy the social cafe, weekly events, yoga classes, and outdoor cinema.
Ideal for: Solo travelers and digital nomads on a budget looking to meet others.
Coworking: Chill outdoor beachfront coworking with hammocks. 25 Mbps WiFi. Memberships from $50 per month.
Saracen Bay Resort
Overview: Luxury villas starting from $1000 per month. Enjoy fine dining, infinity pool, water sports, spa, and private beach.
Ideal for: Remote workers who prioritize luxury amenities and exclusivity.
Coworking: Sleek air-conditioned coworking lounge with 50 Mbps WiFi. Memberships from $200 per month.
Downtown Cafe & Hostel
Overview: Shared dorms from $150 per month or private rooms from $300 per month. No frills hostel living just 5 minutes from the parties and nightlife.
Ideal for: Budget-conscious remote workers who enjoy socializing and nightlife.
Coworking: Outdoor garden coworking area with hammocks and 25 Mbps WiFi. Memberships $50 per month.
Planning Your Koh Rong Remote Work Escape
Ready to start planning your trip? Here are some key considerations for your Koh Rong remote work adventure.
Visa Logistics
- Visitors from most countries can enter Cambodia visa-free for up to 30 days.
- Longer stays up to 1 year are possible with a Cambodian business visa.
- Many retreats offer visa assistance. Reach out early in your planning.
Getting to Koh Rong
- Fly or bus to Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
- Take the 1.5 hour ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong.
- Some seaplanes will make the journey.
Packing Tips
Pack light, but don’t forget these remote work essentials:
- Laptop, phone, headphones, portable chargers
- Digital nomad gear like portable monitors
- Quick-dry athletic wear for activities
- Swimwear, hat, sunglasses
- Light clothing – shorts, tanks, dresses
- Bug spray and sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Passport, visa paperwork
- First aid kit with motion sickness pills for the ferry
Accommodation Beyond Retreats
Retreats offer incredible value, but you can also consider:
- Guesthouses – Affordable local-owned guesthouses rent rooms from $200 per month. Opt for ocean views.
- Homestays – Immerse yourself in local culture by living with a Koh Rong family. Basic but extremely affordable.
- Apartment rentals – For longer stays, rent an apartment starting around $400 per month. Look for generators/backup power.
- Resort deals – Visit during low season for steep discounts at nicer resorts.
Exploring the Island
Once settled, get out and explore this tropical paradise by:
- Motorbiking around the island’s dirt roads and jungles
- Taking a sunset cruise
- Snorkeling or diving the colorful coral reefs
- Visiting Koh Rong Sanloem for stunning beaches
- Hiking through jungle trails and visiting hidden waterfalls
- Volunteering with local schools and villages
- Sampling fresh seafood at the night market
Working Hours
Structure your workdays to maximize productivity:
- Start early before the heat. Aim for 6am – 2pm.
- Take a long break during the hottest part of the day.
- Spend mornings on focused work, afternoons on meetings and socializing.
- Stay hydrated and listen to your body. The climate takes adjusting.
Start Planning Your Koh Rong Remote Work Escape
With stunning scenery, reliable infrastructure, and a thriving nomad community, Koh Rong has earned its reputation as a remote worker’s paradise. Take advantage of the island’s affordability and book a bungalow, coworking pass, and ferry ticket to launch your next adventure.
See you on the beach! Let us know about your experience in the comments.
