PHNOM PENHย โ Koh Rong, one of Cambodia’s most celebrated island destinations, has been named among theย World’s 50 Best Beaches for 2026, securing theย 9th positionย on the prestigious global list.
The ranking places Koh Rong ahead of Thailand’s wellโknown Donald Duck Bay and just behind Dhigurah in the Maldives and Playa Balandra in Mexico โ a testament to the Kingdom’s growing reputation as a premier beach destination in Southeast Asia.
Quick Facts: Koh Rong Beach
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rank | 9th in World’s 50 Best Beaches 2026 |
| Location | Koh Rong island, Sihanoukville province, Cambodia |
| Known for | White sand, clear shallow water, limited development, tranquil atmosphere |
| Nearby attractions | Snorkelling, diving, bioluminescent plankton, jungle trekking |
| Access | Ferry from Sihanoukville (45โ90 minutes) |
What Makes Koh Rong Beach Special
According to World’s 50 Best Beaches, the beach on Koh Rong is renowned for its long stretch of powdery white sand and clear, shallow waters. Unlike many overdeveloped tourist hotspots in the region, Koh Rong’s limited development helps preserve a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
The beach features expansive sandy areas, some flanked by lush tropical greenery, offering visitors a sense of seclusion and natural beauty. Its size, clean water, and uncrowded setting make it stand out from busier destinations such as Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands or Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay.
“Koh Rong’s unspoiled character and tranquil environment are exactly what today’s travelers are seeking,” a spokesperson for World’s 50 Best Beaches noted in the listing.
The 2026 Top 10 Global Beach Rankings
| Rank | Beach | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entalula Beach | Philippines |
| 2 | Fteri Beach | Greece |
| 3 | Wharton Beach | Australia |
| 4 | Nosy Iranja | Madagascar |
| 5 | East Beach (Vomo Island) | Fiji |
| 6 | Shoal Bay East | Anguilla |
| 7 | Dhigurah | Maldives |
| 8 | Playa Balandra | Mexico |
| 9 | Koh Rong Beach | Cambodia |
| 10 | Donald Duck Bay | Thailand |
A Boost for Cambodia’s PostโPandemic Tourism Recovery
The recognition comes at a critical time for Cambodia’s tourism sector, which has been steadily recovering from global travel disruptions. Koh Rong, located about 25 kilometres off the coast of Sihanoukville, has long been a favourite among backpackers and luxury travellers alike. The island offers a mix of budget guesthouses and ecoโfriendly resorts, with activities ranging from snorkelling and diving to bioluminescent plankton viewing at night.
Mr. Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), welcomed the ranking as a major marketing victory.
“This international recognition puts Cambodia’s beaches on the global map. Koh Rong’s 9th place ranking will undoubtedly attract more discerning travellers looking for authentic, unspoiled coastal experiences. It also encourages responsible tourism development,” she said.
What’s Next for Koh Rong?
Local authorities and tourism stakeholders are expected to use the ranking to promote the island as a worldโclass beach destination while maintaining environmental safeguards. The Ministry of Tourism has previously issued guidelines for sustainable development on Koh Rong, including restrictions on singleโuse plastics and regulations on coastal construction.
The government hopes that such international accolades will help Cambodia achieve its target of attracting more than 7 million international visitors annually by 2027.