Grocery shopping in Koh Rong
Shopping in Koh Rong — Koh Touch grocery shops, limited products imported by ferry, higher prices than the mainland and the strategy for long-term residents.
- Cost
- 150 USD – 350 USD Monthly grocery budget 150–350 USD — 30 to 50% higher than the mainland
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Reading
- 3 min
In 3 bullets
- Everything is imported by ferry from Sihanoukville — prices are 30–50% higher than the mainland.
- Limited grocery shops in Koh Touch: basic products available, but very restricted choice. No supermarket.
- Residents’ strategy: stock up heavily on each trip to Sihanoukville to keep costs down.
Where to shop on the island
Koh Touch grocery shops
Several small shops in the main village. Available products:
- Bottled water (high price — a filter bottle is preferable).
- Drinks (soft drinks, local beers, basic spirits).
- Tinned goods, biscuits, basic cereals.
- Basic toiletries.
- A few fruits and vegetables (depending on the day’s delivery).
Monthly grocery budget
| Item | Monthly budget | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Food (cooking at home) | 150–250 USD | If a kitchen is available in the accommodation |
| Water and drinks | 30–60 USD | Filtered water recommended |
| Toiletries | 20–40 USD | Bring from Sihanoukville if possible |
| Estimated total | 200–350 USD | Excluding restaurant meals |
2025 estimates — 30 to 50% higher than Sihanoukville prices.
Strategy for long-term residents
Expats living on Koh Rong generally adopt the following approach:
- Monthly trip to Sihanoukville: return ferry + large provisions (specific products, medications, imported goods).
- Group orders: organise with other residents to share the ferry transport cost for provisions.
- Filter bottle: an essential investment to reduce water costs and plastic waste on the island.
- Emergency reserve: always 3–5 days of provisions for ferry cancellations (weather, maintenance).
What to bring from Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh
- Specific medications and prescriptions.
- European personal care products (high-SPF sunscreen, DEET repellents).
- Cheeses, wines, dairy products if needed.
- Clothing and equipment (no clothing shops on Koh Rong).
FAQ
Can you order delivery from Sihanoukville?
No organised delivery service. Some Sihanoukville senders will put packages on the ferry — to be arranged directly with them. No formalised system.
Is tap water safe to drink in Koh Rong?
No — use only filtered water, bottled water or purification tablets. Most establishments have filters — ask before drinking tap water.
Is there a pharmacy in Koh Rong?
A small infirmary at Koh Touch has a few basic medications. For specific medications, bring the necessary supplies from the mainland.
Sources (2)
Every fact in this guide comes from official documents or government sites. An access date is recorded for each source.