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Koh Rong Samloem, ព្រះរាជាណាចក្រ​កម្ពុជា - Things to Do in Koh Rong Samloem

Things to Do in Koh Rong Samloem

Koh Rong Samloem, ព្រះរាជាណាចក្រ​កម្ពុជា - Complete Travel Guide

Koh Rong Samloem is a pristine tropical island paradise located off the coast of Sihanoukville in Cambodia. This smaller, quieter sister island to Koh Rong offers visitors an authentic escape with crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, and lush jungle interiors. The island maintains a more relaxed, eco-friendly atmosphere compared to its busier neighbor, making it perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Despite its peaceful nature, Koh Rong Samloem provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and jungle trekking. The island features several stunning beaches including Saracen Bay, the main hub with most accommodations and restaurants, and the more secluded Lazy Beach and Sunset Beach. With limited development and no cars on the island, visitors can truly disconnect from the modern world while enjoying some of Southeast Asia's most beautiful coastal scenery.

Top Things to Do in Koh Rong Samloem

Snorkeling and Diving Adventures

Explore the vibrant underwater world surrounding Koh Rong Samloem with excellent visibility and diverse marine life. The coral reefs around the island host colorful fish, seahorses, and occasionally reef sharks, making it one of Cambodia's premier diving destinations.

Booking Tip: Book diving trips through certified PADI operators on the island for $25-40 per dive. Best visibility is during dry season (November-April). Look for operators with good safety records and well-maintained equipment.

Island Hopping by Boat

Take a boat tour to explore nearby islands, hidden coves, and pristine beaches around the archipelago. These trips often include stops at Koh Rong, secluded beaches, and excellent snorkeling spots with opportunities to see bioluminescent plankton at night.

Booking Tip: Full-day boat tours cost $15-25 per person when booked locally. Private boats for 4-6 people run $80-120 per day. Book through your accommodation or local operators for better prices than online.

Jungle Trekking and Nature Walks

Hike through the island's lush interior jungle to discover hidden waterfalls, exotic wildlife, and panoramic viewpoints. The trails connect different beaches and offer chances to spot tropical birds, monkeys, and unique plant species in this relatively untouched ecosystem.

Booking Tip: Guided jungle treks cost $10-15 per person for half-day tours. Hire local guides through guesthouses for safety and wildlife spotting expertise. Bring insect repellent and wear long pants.

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Paddle through calm, clear waters around the island's coastline, exploring hidden bays and mangrove areas. The protected waters make it ideal for beginners, while experienced paddlers can venture to more remote spots and enjoy the peaceful marine environment.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals cost $5-10 per day, SUP boards $8-12 per day. Many accommodations offer free use to guests. Best conditions are early morning or late afternoon when winds are calmer.

Sunset Viewing and Beach Relaxation

Experience spectacular sunsets from various beaches around the island, particularly from Sunset Beach on the western side. The island's unspoiled beaches offer perfect spots for relaxation, reading, and enjoying the tropical paradise atmosphere without crowds.

Booking Tip: Sunset Beach requires a 20-minute walk or motorbike taxi ($2-3). Bring drinks and snacks as facilities are limited. Best sunset views are year-round, but clearest skies are during dry season.

Getting There

Reaching Koh Rong Samloem requires traveling to Sihanoukville first, then taking a boat to the island. From Phnom Penh, take a bus (4-5 hours, $5-12) or fly to Sihanoukville (45 minutes, $60-120). From Sihanoukville's Serendipity Pier or Ochheuteal Beach pier, regular ferry services operate to the island taking 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the boat type. Fast boats cost $10-15 return, while slower ferries are $8-12 return. Several operators run multiple daily services, with the last boats typically departing around 4-5 PM.

Getting Around

Transportation on Koh Rong Samloem is refreshingly simple as there are no cars or paved roads on the island. Most visitors walk between destinations, as the main area around Saracen Bay is quite compact. For longer distances, motorbike taxis are available for $2-5 depending on the destination, and some guesthouses offer bicycle rentals for $3-5 per day. Boat taxis can transport visitors between different beaches for $3-8 per trip. Many accommodations are within walking distance of the main pier, and the island's small size makes it easy to explore on foot with proper footwear.

Where to Stay

Saracen Bay
Lazy Beach
Sunset Beach
M'Pai Bay
Clear Water Bay
Coconut Beach

Food & Dining

Dining on Koh Rong Samloem focuses on fresh seafood, Khmer cuisine, and international backpacker favorites served in beachfront restaurants and guesthouses. Most establishments are concentrated around Saracen Bay, offering everything from traditional fish amok and fresh grilled seafood to pizza, burgers, and vegetarian options. Prices are reasonable with main dishes ranging from $3-8, and many places offer stunning ocean views. Several restaurants specialize in barbecue seafood caught daily by local fishermen, while beach bars serve tropical cocktails and cold beer perfect for sunset viewing. Due to the island's remote location, ingredients are brought by boat, so menus may vary based on availability.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Cambodia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Trattoria Bello

4.7 /5
(897 reviews) 2

Fellini Siem Reap

4.8 /5
(798 reviews)
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Pasta La Vista Siem Reap

4.6 /5
(622 reviews)

CUCINA - Pizza & Pasta - Italian Restaurant Siem Reap

4.8 /5
(453 reviews)
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Polo Food

4.9 /5
(338 reviews)
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Trattoria da Rasy

4.9 /5
(201 reviews) 1

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Koh Rong Samloem is during the dry season from November to April, when rainfall is minimal, humidity is lower, and seas are calmer for boat transfers and water activities. December through February offers the most comfortable temperatures (24-28°C) and least rainfall, making it peak season with higher accommodation prices. March and April see rising temperatures but still excellent conditions. The wet season (May-October) brings heavy afternoon rains, rough seas that can cancel boat services, and higher humidity, though it offers lower prices and fewer crowds for those who don't mind occasional storms.

Insider Tips

Bring enough cash in US dollars or Cambodian riel as there are no ATMs on the island and card payments are rarely accepted
Pack reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent as these items are expensive or unavailable on the island
Book accommodation in advance during peak season (December-March) as options are limited and the best places fill up quickly

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