Escape to Koh Rong Samloem, a pristine tropical island off Cambodia’s coast, where turquoise waters and white sandy beaches await. This idyllic paradise is the ultimate getaway for those seeking tranquility, adventure, or a perfect mix of both. Whether you’re snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, hiking through jungle trails, or relaxing in a hammock by the sea, Koh Rong Samloem promises an unforgettable experience.

 

 

I. Is it worth visiting Koh Rong Saloem

Koh Rong Samloem (also known as Sanloem or Samloem) is located about 15 km west of Sihanoukville. It is a beautiful island off the coast of Cambodia with white sand beaches, swaying coconut palms and emerald green waters. The island is a peaceful, quieter and more unspoiled “resort” compared to Koh Rong, a 10-minute boat ride north. 

Koh Rong Samloem is a small island in the Koh Rong archipelago, located off the southern coast of Cambodia. Koh Rong Samloem Island possesses a wild, peaceful beauty and is the perfect destination for those looking for tranquility in the middle of nature.  It is famous for its endless white sand beaches, clear blue sea water and rich mangrove ecosystem. Because of this unique beauty, this place is gradually becoming more popular with tourists, becoming an island from little known to becoming a destination attracting tourists who want to find their own escape to a relaxing sea paradise.

 

 

Koh Rong Samloem Island is not large in area but has many beautiful beaches and primeval forests, very convenient for visitors to walk around the island to admire nature, leisurely stroll on the sand or immerse themselves in the clear blue water because the sea here is very clean and has few waves. Visitors can refer to some famous beaches such as Saracen Bay, M’Pai Bay, and Lazy Beach. In addition, visitors coming here can participate in snorkeling to see coral, kayaking, trekking through the forest…

 

 

If you’re looking for a more tranquil alternative to the bustling Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem is the perfect choice. This serene island offers a peaceful atmosphere, with quiet beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a slower pace of life, making it ideal for relaxation and reconnecting with nature. Unlike its lively neighbor, Koh Rong Samloem is all about calm and seclusion, giving travellers true escape from the crowds.

 

II. How to Get to Koh Rong Samloem?

2.1 From Vietnam:

The reason Koh Rong is so popular among tourists, especially Vietnamese visitors, is its convenient proximity to Vietnam, with the distance to Koh Rong Samloem being only about 661km. 

Although there is no airport on Koh Rong Samloem for direct flights, getting there is straightforward with two main options. The first and more affordable option is traveling by bus or private car: starting from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Tien, then crossing the border into Cambodia and taking a minibus to Sihanoukville. From there, visitors can take a ferry from Serendipity Beach pier to Koh Rong Samloem, which takes about an hour. This route, however, can be time-consuming, with a total travel time of approximately 15 hours from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville. 

For a faster and more convenient alternative, visitors can fly directly from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville in just 2 hours. Upon arrival, a short 45-minute taxi or private car ride will take travelers to the pier, where they can board a ferry for the final leg to Koh Rong Samloem. Asia Viva Travel recommends this option to save time and ensure a more comfortable journey, allowing visitors to fully enjoy their vacation on the island.

 

2.2 From Cambodia:

For visitors starting from Cambodia, the most convenient way is to travel to Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh city, then move to Koh Rong Samloem

From Sihanoukville, Cambodia, to Koh Rong Samloem (approximately 25 km), the journey involves two steps. First, travel to the Serendipity Beach pier in Sihanoukville, the primary departure point for boats heading to the islands. From there, take a boat directly to Koh Rong Samloem, which typically takes about 30–45 minutes. Along the way, travelers can enjoy stunning views of the coastline and surrounding islands, making the trip both convenient and picturesque.

The journey from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem is straightforward, and the boat trip is the most common and convenient way to reach this peaceful island destination.

It could be seen that the most convenient means of transportation for visitors to get to  Koh Rong Samloem island is by ferry. Visitors can consider some ferry companies after traveling Direct access from Sihanoukville such as Buva Sea Cambodia or Speed ​​Ferry Cambodia,… Visitors should note that the earliest ferry departs to the island at 8:30 am and the latest is 6:00 pm.

 

III. Koh Rong vs Koh Rong Samloem: Which Is Better?

Koh Rong Samloem stands as a peaceful retreat, perfect for those seeking tranquility and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The island’s serene beaches, crystal-clear waters, and quiet environment create an idyllic setting for relaxation. Visitors can unwind by the shore, snorkel in vibrant coral reefs, or kayak across the calm sea. The accommodation options here reflect this peaceful vibe, with eco-resorts and boutique bungalows nestled in lush surroundings, offering a cozy and natural experience.

On the other hand, Koh Rong is a vibrant and energetic island, brimming with activity. Its lively atmosphere is perfect for those looking to socialize, party, and enjoy adventure sports. From exciting nightlife to zip-lining and scuba diving, Koh Rong offers a variety of thrilling activities for the adventurous traveler. Accommodations range from budget-friendly hostels to more luxurious beach resorts, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.

 

 

For those who crave a peaceful and nature-filled escape, Koh Rong Samloem is the ideal choice. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a more relaxed pace, with opportunities to disconnect and recharge. Meanwhile, Koh Rong attracts those looking for excitement, social interactions, and adventure, making it the go-to destination for party-goers and thrill-seekers alike. Each island caters to a different type of traveler, ensuring an unforgettable experience depending on personal preferences.

 

IV. Best time to visit Koh Rong Samloem? How Long to Spend in Koh Rong Samloem? 

When choosing to travel to Koh Rong Saloem, tourists need to consider the weather because when traveling to the sea, they need to pay attention to the weather to ensure safety when traveling as well as to be able to easily participate in activities such as swimming and mountain climbing. The climate in Koh Rong Saoloem is divided into two distinct colors: rainy season and dry season with specific times: 

• Dry season: December – May
• Rainy season: June – November

The most suitable time to go to Koh Rong Saloem is from November to May of the following year. This is the time when the weather is sunny and there is little rain, the temperature ranges from 26 to 38 degrees Celsius, suitable for outdoor activities. 

Koh Rong Samloem is a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful escape. While it may require a bit of travel, the island offers a truly unique and tranquil experience. To fully relax and explore the island’s beauty, a stay of around 5 days is recommended. This allows enough time to unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings. However, for those with limited time, Koh Rong Samloem can still offer a quick getaway. A stay of 2-3 days will give travellers a chance to enjoy its serene beaches and refreshing atmosphere without feeling rushed.

 

V. What to Do in Koh Rong Samloem?

Koh Rong Samloem is an ideal place for relaxation, so there are not many activities on the island. The must-try activities when coming to this island are: diving, fishing, and watching the plakton glow at night. In addition, one of the very interesting activities for energetic tourists who love activities is to try trekking to two other beaches on the other side of the island, Lazy Beach and Sunset Beach, to watch the sunset. Tourists can refer to some destinations on the island to make the “healing journey” more wonderful on Koh Rong Samloem island:

• Saracen Bay: This is the main hub with stunning beaches and luxury stays. Due to its central location, tourists often stay at this beach. Tourists can swim here with peace of mind because xxx beach has the cleanest water among all the beaches, and the wide white sand beaches welcoming the sun are also ideal for sunbathing. 
• Lazy Beach: If travelers want to explore other beaches, travellers can go to Lazy Beach – a secluded beach, perfect for unwinding. Lazy Beach is relatively easier to get to than Sunset Beach because it only takes about 30 minutes of trekking in the forest to get there. The beach here is relatively deserted, with few people, white sand beach but the water is not as clear as in Saracen Bay. However, this is one of the beaches with a prime location and easy to watch the sunset.
• Sunset Views at M’Pay: Looking for a beach with a local vibe and budget accommodations, travellers can consider Sunset Beach. However, on the way to Sunset Beach, travellers have to cross the forest and there are many mosquitoes in the forest, many sections have to swing on ropes to climb the cliffs. During the rainy season, the forest is still very wet, so travellers should consider and remember to go with locals to ensure safety. However, Sunset Beach is still one of the beautiful destinations to watch the sunset and visitors should note that after watching the romantic sunset here, they should return early before dark..

 

 

In addition, Koh Rong offers plenty of thrilling activities for all types of adventurers:

• Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: Explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life in crystal-clear waters, with opportunities for fishing and a BBQ.
• Plankton Viewing: Witness the magical glow of plankton in the dark, a mesmerizing natural phenomenon visible in less light-polluted areas.
• Jet Skiing: Enjoy the thrill of high-speed racing on the ocean, a perfect way to feel the wind and waves.
• Windsurfing: Glide across the water, harnessing the power of the wind for an exciting, dynamic experience.
• Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Relax on the water with serene kayaking or try stand-up paddleboarding to explore the island’s coastline.
• High Point Zip Line: Test your courage on an exhilarating zip line through the lush forest, with breathtaking views of the island below.
• Blob Jump: Jump onto a giant air-filled blob for a fun, gravity-defying experience.

 

VI. Where to Stay in Koh Rong Samloem?

The island also has resorts and bungalows that focus on providing a close-to-nature experience. The infrastructure on the island is quite limited, in order to preserve the natural beauty of the island and visitors can enjoy a real vacation. However, visitors should note that on the island, there will be absolutely no wifi signal, the electricity will be cut off twice a day and when the electricity is cut off, the phone signal will also be lost, so if visitors always need phone signal or internet connection, Asia Viva Travel recommends choosing high-quality accommodation to ensure electricity and internet connection. Visitors can still consider accommodation services on Koh Rong Saloem Island

6.1 Luxury Resorts:

• Sol Beach Resort: Located on the pristine beaches of Saracen Bay, Sol Beach Resort offers luxurious bungalows with stunning ocean views, a private beach, and a relaxing atmosphere. It’s ideal for those looking for a high-end experience with excellent service and a serene environment.
• Moonlight Resort: Another upscale option in Saracen Bay, Moonlight Resort features spacious bungalows, some with private balconies overlooking the crystal-clear water. With its tranquil setting, it’s perfect for a romantic getaway or a relaxing retreat.

 

6.2 Budget-Friendly Options:

• M’Pay Bay Dorms & Guesthouses: For those on a budget, M’Pay Bay offers several affordable dormitories and guesthouses. Located in a charming, quieter part of the island, these options are great for backpackers or solo travelers seeking a laid-back and cost-effective stay.

 

6.3 Eco-Lodges:

• The Beach House: Situated in a lush forest, The Beach House offers eco-friendly bungalows designed to blend with nature. The focus is on sustainability and minimal environmental impact, making it a perfect choice for eco-conscious travelers who want to enjoy the beauty of Koh Rong Samloem responsibly.
• Reef On The Beach: A great eco-lodge option for nature lovers, Reef On The Beach offers sustainable bungalows and has strong environmental practices in place. It’s a peaceful retreat that allows guests to immerse themselves in nature while maintaining eco-friendly living standards.

 

Important Tips:

• Bring cash: There are no ATMs on the island, so make sure you have enough cash for your stay.
• Respect the environment: Koh Rong Samloem follows eco-tourism principles, so be sure to respect the environment and travel sustainably.
• Book in advance: Ferries and accommodations can get fully booked during peak season, so be sure to plan ahead.

 

Conclusion

Koh Rong Samloem is a hidden gem for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With its pristine beaches, clear waters, and lush landscapes, the island offers an unforgettable experience, whether you’re diving into vibrant coral reefs, hiking through rainforests, or simply enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

For a seamless and stress-free trip to Koh Rong Samloem, let Asia Viva Travel take care of your arrangements. With expert local knowledge and tailored itineraries, we ensure you experience the best of this tranquil paradise. Start planning your trip with us today and let us help you make unforgettable memories!

At Asia Viva Travel, we are committed to supporting society, especially in Vietnam’s remote regions. By traveling with us, you help support local tourism workers and contribute to building schools and providing free lunches for disadvantaged children in North Vietnam’s mountains. Join us to help build a better future for Vietnam’s children and vulnerable communities in the “Nuôi em” project .