Koh Rong is a large island in the Gulf of Thailand, off the coast of Sihanoukville in southwestern Cambodia. The island combines long sandy beaches, tropical forest, rocky coves, and clear coastal waters, with small villages and tourism areas spread around the shoreline. Koh Touch is the main settlement and arrival point, while Sok San and Prek Svay are among the other communities on the island. Long Beach, also known as Sok San Beach, stretches along the western coast. The island's mix of forested interior and extensive coastline gives it a distinct character within Cambodia's coastal region.

Life on Koh Rong remains connected to fishing and small coastal communities, particularly in villages such as Prek Svay and Sok San. Fishing provides an important source of food and income, while tourism has introduced restaurants, guesthouses, dive operators, and other small businesses. Local communities have also participated in environmental programs involving waste management, freshwater resources, agriculture, and marine protection. Khmer is the main language, and traditional Cambodian food and customs remain part of everyday life alongside the island's growing tourism industry. The contrast between village life and newer visitor facilities is an important feature of Koh Rong.

The island's beaches and marine environment are its principal attractions. Long Beach provides a broad stretch of sand on the western coast, while Koh Touch offers easy access to swimming, snorkeling, and boat trips. Trails cross the forest between several beaches, allowing visitors to explore the island away from the main settlements. Offshore waters contain coral reefs and marine habitats suitable for snorkeling and diving. Koh Rong is also known for bioluminescent plankton, which can produce a visible glow in the water at night when the sea is disturbed, particularly in darker areas away from artificial lights.

Fresh seafood is an important part of Koh Rong's food culture, with fish and other marine products commonly available in village restaurants and waterfront eateries. Cambodian staples such as rice, noodles, vegetables, grilled meats, and coconut-based dishes are also widely served. Coconut palms are common across the island and form part of both the landscape and local agricultural setting. Koh Rong's marine environment has also encouraged conservation projects involving nearby communities, including initiatives focused on protecting coral reefs and coastal habitats. The combination of fishing villages, extensive beaches, tropical forest, and bioluminescent waters makes Koh Rong a distinctive island destination in Cambodia.