Exploring Koh Rong Samloem Island – Cambodia

Cambodia has only a small portion of its area bordering the sea and has a few small islands, so the country is not really developed strongly in terms of seaside resort tourism. One of the few beautiful islands in Cambodia is Koh Rong Samloem, located in Preah Sihanouk province, about 25 km from the coast of Sihanoukville. This island is often mentioned as an ideal vacation paradise for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life in Cambodia.

Overview of Koh Rong Samloem Island

Koh Rong Samloem may not be a large island, but it boasts many beautiful beaches and pristine forests. Some well-known beaches include Saracen Bay, M’Pai Bay, and Lazy Beach. Visitors can engage in snorkeling to admire the coral, kayaking, and forest trekking. The island also has resorts and bungalows that focus on providing a close-to-nature experience. The infrastructure on the island is quite limited to preserve its natural beauty.

Best Time to Visit Koh Rong Samloem

The ideal time to visit Koh Rong Samloem is from November to April each year. During this period, the weather on the island is stable with clear skies, little rain, and comfortable temperatures. This time is very suitable for outdoor activities such as swimming, scuba diving, and exploring the island.

Read more: Best Time To Visit Vietnam And Cambodia

Traveling from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem

To travel from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem, you will primarily use a boat or ferry. It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour from Sihanoukville port to the island. Companies such as Speed Ferry Cambodia, Island Speed Boat Cambodia, and Buva Sea Cambodia offer daily boat services. The boats travel to main beaches like Saracen Bay and M’Pai Bay. Ticket prices may vary depending on the transport company and type of service (speedboat or ferry), but typically range from about 20-30 USD for a one-way trip.

What to Do on Koh Rong Samloem Island

Relax on the Beach

The island features many beautiful beaches such as Saracen, Sunset Beach, Lazy Beach, and M’Pai Bay. Each beach on Koh Rong Samloem offers a unique experience and picturesque natural scenery. From bustling beaches to secluded ones, there’s a spot for every group of travelers.

Scuba Diving at Koh Rong Samloem

With its clear waters and colorful coral reefs, Koh Rong Samloem is an ideal spot for scuba diving and exploring the ocean.

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Trekking Through the Forest

Trekking trails lead you through pristine forests, where you can discover a variety of wildlife. You might even reach secluded beaches.

Kayaking

On calm, sunny days, the conditions are perfect for kayaking. Kayaking allows you to explore the beautiful waters of the island in the most authentic way.

Enjoy the Cuisine

The highlight of the cuisine on Koh Rong Samloem is fresh seafood. Due to its location right by the sea, the island offers a large amount of fresh, delicious seafood daily. Seafood is caught in the surrounding waters. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Cambodian dishes such as Amok (steamed fish curry in banana leaves) and Lok Lak (stir-fried beef with vegetables and spices).