Travel experience Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia's sea paradise

If you are looking for a pristine island with fine white sand, clear blue water and peaceful atmosphere, then Koh Rong Samloem is a destination not to be missed.

1. Overview of Koh Rong Samloem and Ideal Time to Travel

Koh Rong Samloem is a pristine beach tourist destination in Cambodia. (Photo: Collected)

Koh Rong Samloem is located in southern Cambodia , about 25km from Sihanoukville city. This is a smaller island than Koh Rong but is famous for its peaceful beauty and less affected by mass tourism. The island has an area of about 9 km², with long beaches, primeval forests and colorful coral reefs, making it an ideal destination for those looking for tranquility.

The ideal time to travel to Koh Rong Samloem

Photo: Leigh Cojocar

For the best experience, Koh Rong Samloem travel experience suggests that you should visit Koh Rong Samloem from November to May, when the weather is dry, sunny and the sea is calm. This is the best time for you to participate in swimming, snorkeling and exploring nature. Avoid going during the rainy season (from June to October) because rough seas and heavy rain will affect your trip.

2. Instructions on how to go to Koh Rong Samloem island from Phnom Penh

Traveling to Cambodia to get to Koh Rong Samloem, you will have to go through Phnom Penh city, the capital of Cambodia. From here, there are two popular options to travel to the island:

Take a boat to Koh Rong Samloem island. (Photo: Collected)

Option 1: Take the train from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville

Step 1: From Phnom Penh, you can take a bus or minivan to Sihanoukville. Travel time is about 4-6 hours, depending on the vehicle and traffic conditions. Ticket prices range from 10-15 USD per person.
Step 2: In Sihanoukville, you will buy a speedboat ticket to Koh Rong Samloem. There are many shipping companies serving this trip such as Speed Ferry Cambodia, Buva Sea Cambodia. Travel time by speedboat is about 45 minutes.

Option 2: Fly directly to Sihanoukville

If you don't want to waste too much time, you can choose a direct flight from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap to Sihanoukville International Airport. Then, take a taxi to the port and continue by speedboat to the island.
Note:

Book in advance: Especially during peak season, train and bus tickets often sell out quickly, so it's a good idea to book in advance to ensure you have a seat.
Check train times: Train schedules may change depending on weather conditions, so check before you go to avoid missing your trip.

3. Tourist activities in Koh Rong Samloem

When traveling to Koh Rong Samloem , you will not lack interesting experiences from: swimming, diving to see corals to exploring the rainforest and enjoying the island's typical dishes.

Photo: Collected

3.1. Explore the famous beaches in Koh Rong Samloem

Saracen Bay Beach
Saracen Bay is the main beach of Koh Rong Samloem, featuring a long stretch of fine white sand and clear blue water. This is where many resorts and motels are concentrated, suitable for tourists who want to enjoy a luxurious space but still be close to nature.
Lazy Beach
Lazy Beach is located on the west side of the island and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Koh Rong Samloem . As the name suggests, this is the perfect place to lie on the sand, enjoy the sunshine and listen to the sound of the waves. Sunset at Lazy Beach is an experience not to be missed, when the sky turns a brilliant orange-red.
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is a favorite destination for those who love watching sunsets. This is a pristine beach, with few people and brings a feeling of absolute peace. To get to Sunset Beach, you have to walk through the forest, but the effort will be rewarded with a beautiful scene.

3.2. Interesting experiences on Koh Rong Samloem island

You can rent a kayak from the island's business services to explore the island on the water. In particular, there is a small waterfall on the island, very suitable for those who love swimming in the middle of nature. (Photo: Collected)

Scuba diving
Koh Rong Samloem is famous for its beautiful coral reefs. You can join snorkeling or scuba diving tours to explore the underwater world . With crystal clear water, you will be able to admire many species of colorful fish and corals.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a fun activity that allows you to explore the coves and turquoise waters around the island. It is a great way to enjoy the peace and fresh air.
Trekking through the forest
If you love adventure, Koh Rong Samloem travel experience suggests you try a jungle trekking trip on the island. The journey will take you through the primeval forests, where you can meet wild animals and enjoy the green space.

4. Explore the cuisine on Koh Rong Samloem island

Khmer style steamed fish. (Photo: Collected)

Not only beautiful scenery, cuisine on Koh Rong Samloem island is also an interesting highlight. You will have the opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood dishes, prepared in local style. Dishes you should not miss:

Amok Trey: Khmer style steamed fish, cooked with coconut milk and special spices.
Seafood hotpot: With fresh ingredients from the sea, seafood hotpot is an ideal choice for cool evenings on the island.
Cocktails on the beach: Don't forget to try a cocktail at the beach bars, where you can watch the sunset and enjoy the sea air.

Note: Most of the dining places on Koh Rong Samloem only accept payment in USD and the menu prices are also in USD. If you are craving Vietnamese food, you can visit Onederz Hotel to enjoy the most similar dishes to Vietnamese food on the island.

With the travel experiences of Koh Rong Samloem shared above, we hope you will have a memorable and fulfilling trip. Koh Rong Samloem is not only a resort destination, but also a place where you can find peace and recharge your energy. Make plans today, and let Koh Rong Samloem become a highlight in your journey to explore Southeast Asia!