Cambodia is home to the island of Koh Rong, easily one of the most beautiful locations in the country with some of the most unspoiled beaches in the world. Southwestern Beach is one of the island's treasures, with lush forest lining the white sands of a brilliant, aquamarine sea.
Catch the sunrise from one of the beach huts among the trees, painting the sky a light pink. Scuba dive in hyperbolically clear waters to see vibrant corals and incredibly diverse marine life. The best dive sites on the island are too many to list, but our favorite is Back Door, an underwater landscape formed by large boulders above the surface. Snorkeling is also available, where you'll see colorful ray fish, rabbitfish, and parrotfish. Monkey Island and Paradise Bungalows are the best resorts on the island, offering beachgoers a traditional, Cambodian stay on a beautiful beach.
At night, experience the beautiful and shockingly unique shoreline of the island. Your eyes will widen, your heart will race, and you will almost -- almost -- forget to take out your camera. In places with no light pollution, the waters produce a sparkling, blue glow, leaving travelers in pure awe. There are not many glow-in-the-dark beaches worldwide, so it’s very special to come across one. How can nature produce these fascinating sights? The phenomenon is called bioluminescence, meaning that beach-dwelling organisms emit light by night. Noctiluca and bioluminescent zooplankton release glowing chemicals as a defense mechanism. This unique defense creates a truly beautiful light show, impressing all its spectators. With views like these and a laidback island vibe, Southwestern Beach is a truly unique destination.
