8 things in Koh Rong Samloem that locals want you to know

The stunning temples of Angkor Wat are probably the first thing that spring to mind when you're thinking about traveling to Cambodia. Nonetheless, Koh Rong Samloem stands out as an untapped treasure among the stunning tropical islands that call Cambodia home. This tranquil island in the Gulf of Thailand provides the ideal mix of leisure and adventure. Koh Rong Samloem delivers a memorable experience whether you're relaxing on immaculate white sand beaches or snorkeling in glistening waters.

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 13-02-2025

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1. Why visit Koh Rong Samloem?

Koh Rong Samloem is a peaceful island off the coast of Cambodia, renowned for its unspoiled nature and enchanting landscapes. Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, it is part of the attractive Koh Rong archipelago, less than 25 kilometers from Sihanoukville.

With its modest size and serene ambiance, Koh Rong Samloem is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and relaxation. Its pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and rich marine life make it a perfect place for diving and snorkeling.

The island is home to a small local community, offering an authentic glimpse into island life, far from the hustle and bustle of modernity. All in all, Koh Rong Samloem is a true oasis, ideal for escaping the daily grind and creating unforgettable memories during your trip to Cambodia.

2. What to do in Koh Rong Samloem?

• Saracen Bay

The veritable paradise is Saracen Bay. Its primordial beauty, unaffected by modernization, is revealed by its glistening white sand and glistening waters. Charming lodgings, sophisticated pubs, and hospitable eateries dot the beachfront, all of which go in perfectly with the surrounding environment. Every type of lodging, from bungalows to huts, blends comfort with reverence for the local way of life.

Saracen Bay, which is in the island's east, provides a breathtaking sunrise each morning, making it a wonderful way to begin the day in the center of this peaceful sanctuary.

• M'Pai

Discover the authentic village of M'Pai, the only village on Koh Rong Samloem, accessible by water taxi or on an excursion. This charming fishing village, with its traditional huts and colorful boats, offers a simple and authentic atmosphere. Stroll through its narrow streets, discover local restaurants and bars, and enjoy its peaceful beaches.

Two beaches in M'Pai are worth seeing: Clearwater Bay, which is 30 minutes away by path, and Local Beach, an untamed stretch of flora that can be reached on foot in 5 minutes. Since there are no stores on these beaches, you should make plans to eat and drink.

Saracen Bay and M'Pai Bay are connected by daily boats, which leave at 10:45 and 16:30. To prevent any surprises, it is advised that you purchase your return tickets in person.

• Lazy Beach

Lazy Beach is a magnificent haven of peace and quiet on Koh Rong Samloem's southwest shore. This beach, which is only a 25–30 minute walk from Saracen Bay and can be reached by following a clearly indicated path through the bush, has a special sense of peace and quiet. Keep an eye out for monkeys in the forest as you go, but be mindful of their right to privacy.

Lazy Beach offers the impression of complete solitude with its golden beaches, blue waves, and abundant greenery. With two stunning reefs to explore—to the left in the morning and to the right in the afternoon, when the waters are at their calmest—it is also a well-liked location for snorkeling. On-site rentals are available for all required equipment.

Lazy Beach’s restaurants offer tasty dishes and refreshing drinks, perfectly complementing this timeless island experience. Whether you come for a day or to extend your stay, Lazy Beach is a must-see destination for lovers of nature and tranquility.

• Sunset Beach

Situated on Koh Rong Samloem's west coast, Sunset Beach is a real sanctuary of peacefulness. It serves as the perfect setting for unwinding with its sandy beaches, impeccable waterways, and bohemian vibe. You must follow a trail through the jungle to get there, which is an adventure in and of itself and gets you ready to discover this enchanted location.
 

• Hike to the old lighthouse

If after a few days of relaxation, sunset cocktails and hearty meals you feel like moving around a bit, head to the old lighthouse of Koh Rong Samloem for a beautiful hike.

To get there from Saracen Bay, walk to the end of the beach (opposite the main harbour) to Dolphin Bay Resort, where the trail begins. It is a 5km gravel path, which a fit walker can complete in about an hour. The trail is easy to follow, just keep going straight.

We recommend setting off early in the morning to enjoy the cool air, and don’t forget to bring water, as there are no refreshment points along the way. While the lighthouse itself isn’t anything special, the view from the top is definitely worth the effort. After a fairly steep climb, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the island’s pristine beaches and the distant horizon of Sihanoukville.

• Diving and Snorkeling in Koh Rong Samloem

To fully enjoy the marine life, diving and snorkeling are must-do activities in Koh Rong Samloem. The dive center is located near the center of Saracen Bay, near the Orchid Resort. The best place to dive is around Sunset Beach, on the west coast of the island. An unforgettable experience awaits you in these crystal clear waters.

3. How to get there?

To reach the paradise island of Koh Rong Samloem, it is necessary to depart from Sihanoukville. You will mainly use a boat or ferry. The journey from Sihanoukville port to the island takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Companies such as Speed Ferry Cambodia, Island Speed Boat Cambodia, and Buva Sea Cambodia offer daily departures. Ferries serve the main beaches on the island, including Saracen Bay and M'Pai Bay.

Ticket prices vary depending on the company and the type of service (speed boat or classic ferry), usually between USD 20 and 30 for a one-way trip.

How to get to Sihanoukville?

To get to Sihanoukville, you have several options:

• From major cities: Regular buses connect Sihanoukville to major cities such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
• From Kampot: If you are departing from Kampot, the train journey to Sihanoukville is a pleasant and charming alternative.

To organize your trip and book in advance, you can consult platforms like 12Go to check the schedules.

>>> Learn more:  Cambodia tourist map: everything you need to know about the sites to visit

4. How to get around the paradise island?

In Koh Rong Samloem, you have several ways to get around the island. Here are the most used means of transport, according to our travelers' reviews:

• Scooter

Scooters are the most common means of transportation on the island because they are convenient and inexpensive. Although Koh Rong Samloem is quite wild, it is easy to find places to rent scooters on the island. This means of transportation is perfect for exploring at your own pace.

• Bike

If you want a more eco-friendly and sporty option, you can also rent bicycles. Although it requires a little more effort, the size of Koh Rong Samloem makes it easy to cycle. Cycling on the beautiful beaches with your friends or family is a memorable moment that makes your trip special.

• Fast boat

For quicker travel around the island or to visit tourist sites, speedboats, also known as "water taxis", are a great option. They offer a great way to save time while still enjoying the beautiful clear waters around Koh Rong Samloem. 

>>> How to Get to Cambodia?

5. Best time to visit

The best time to visit Koh Rong Samloem is between mid-November and early May. During this period, you will enjoy sunny and warm days, with few clouds and low humidity. Here is a general idea of the average temperatures during the past year:

>>> Learn more:  Vietnam and Cambodia tourist map for a borderless trip!

6. Hotels in Koh Rong Samloem

Koh Rong Samloem offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all types of travelers. Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodation, a rustic beach bungalow, or a backpacking dorm, the location of your accommodation is crucial to making the most of your stay. Here’s a look at the best places to stay on the island, each offering a unique experience.

Saracen Bay: This is the most popular area, with high-end resorts, a long beach and good accessibility. Several fast ferry companies such as Buva Sea and Speed Ferry call here. Some recommended hotels:

• Sara Resort
• Onederz Hostel
• Moonlight Resort
• The One Resort

M'Pai Bay : A fishing village with cheap accommodation, plenty of activities and beautiful beaches nearby. Some accommodation options:

• The Wildflower
• The Cliff Hostel
• My Way Hostel
• Mad Monkey Resort

Lazy Beach : A quiet area, perfect for watching sunsets. There is only one resort here, accessible after a 30-minute hike from Saracen Bay, without a fast ferry. Accommodation available:

• Lazy Beach Resort

Huba Huba : A quiet area, with rough seas. It is a 45 minute hike from Saracen Bay and there is no fast ferry. Accommodation available:

• Huba Huba Resort
• Robinson Bungalows

Eco Dive : Located north of Saracen, this place is perfect for those looking for a relaxing stay with cheap resorts. There are only two fast ferries per day, at noon and in the afternoon. Accommodations available:

• Eco Dive Resort

7. Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem: Which island to choose?

>>> To get an overview of the two islands, we send you the article:  Visit Koh Rong Cambodia: what to do and what to see?

8. Where and what to eat at your haven of peace

Koh Rong Samloem offers few dining options, and prices are generally higher than on the mainland due to the transportation of ingredients from Sihanoukville. Most accommodations have their own restaurants. The highlight of Koh Rong Samloem's cuisine is undoubtedly its fresh seafood.

Located on the beachfront, the island offers an abundance of seafood caught daily from the surrounding waters. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Cambodian dishes such as Amok (fish curry steamed in banana leaves) and Lok Lak (stir-fried beef with vegetables and spices).

Best recommended restaurants:

• Sara Resort Restaurant
• The Big Easy Koh Rong Samloem
• Seapony Bungalow Cafe
• Happyplace Koh Rong Senleom
• Paradise Restaurant Koh Rong Sanloem

>>> Read more: Cambodian Cuisine: 15 Best Dishes You Can't Miss

Our last words 🌴

Koh Rong Samloem is not just a place to visit, it is an enjoyable experience for everyone who goes there. The island has beautiful beaches, clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere, which appeals to those seeking harmony or adventure. Every moment spent here, whether it is a sunrise hike or a seafood dinner under the stars, brings you one step closer to the beauty of Cambodian nature.

>>> Get to know about Cambodia:

• Top 11 Delicious Tropical Fruits of Cambodia
• Visiting Cambodia: Essential Information Before Your Trip
• A Complete Guide to Top 10 Restaurants in Phnom Penh
• Phnom Penh - Capital of Cambodia: Top 10 Activities Not to Be Missed
• 15 Must-Buy Cambodian Souvenirs: Treasures of Khmer