Koh Rong Corner

Koh Rong Corner marks a dynamic meeting point of currents off the southern coast of Koh Rong island in Cambodia, where the reef structure extends to 11 metres depth in the Gulf of Thailand. Despite its beginner-friendly rating, this site rewards divers of all levels with its lively reef ecosystem and reliably interesting marine encounters. The corner refers to a prominent headland where the island's southern reef turns and faces the open channel between Koh Rong and the mainland. This geographical position exposes the reef to mild currents that bring fresh nutrients without creating conditions too challenging for newer divers. The result is a reef noticeably more vibrant and fish-rich than the more sheltered bay sites. The reef structure at Koh Rong Corner consists of a series of coral-encrusted rock formations rising from a sandy bottom, creating a landscape of small pinnacles and ridges. Hard corals dominate the upper surfaces where light is strongest, with table corals and brain corals forming the primary structure. The vertical and shaded surfaces support colourful growths of soft corals and sponges, adding rich colour to the reef's palette. Schooling fish are the highlight at this site. Dense aggregations of fusiliers and snappers patrol the reef edge, their silvery bodies flashing in the sunlight filtering down from the surface. Resident schools of sweetlips gather near prominent coral heads, their spotted patterns providing excellent photographic opportunities. Triggerfish and pufferfish round out the cast of regular characters. The sandy bottom surrounding the reef formations frequently yields surprises, from blue-spotted ribbontail rays partially buried in the sediment to mantis shrimp peering from their burrows. Octopuses are occasionally seen moving between rock formations during their hunting forays. Koh Rong Corner delivers reliably good diving from November through May, when visibility peaks at 10 to 15 metres and water temperatures settle at a comfortable 28 to 30 degrees Celsius.