Beautiful Islands In Cambodia
Two tropical Cambodian islands are close to Sihanoukville: the lively Koh Rong and the pristine Koh Rong Sanloem. Here’s how to get there and how to have fun while you’re there.
With nearly a dozen Cambodian islands offering coastal retreats to the crowded mainland, Koh Rong Sanloem Island may be the most picturesque of all. You’d never guess such a spot exists less than an hour from the boisterous and damaged Sihanoukville, and only four kilometres south of the much-loved and hippy-vibed Koh Rong.
The undisturbed Koh Rong Sanloem in the Gulf of Thailand, southwest of mainland Cambodia, is the country’s most pristine inlet. It’s a tropical paradise with white sand beaches, piercing turquoise waters, limitless jungle-backed landscapes, and uninhabited sandy coves accessible through backcountry routes.
How to Get to Koh Rong Islands from Phnom Penh via Kampot
Sihanoukville is the entry point to the islands, and for that reason alone, you will travel through here whether you like it or not. The only way to get to the islands is to take a ferry or a fantastic all-day boat tour through those pristine seas. We traveled from Kampot to Sihanoukville by bus and to the island by ferry, and our transportation was pre-arranged directly with our hotel in Kampot. Be prepared to bounce on that van because the road wasn’t in the best condition.
By ferry, the islands may be reached from Sihanoukville in only 45 minutes. Ticket prices are around $20 – $25 return depending on which of the ferry company you use (some are faster than others) and what time of the day you travel (some have departures up to four times a day).
- GTVC Speedboat
- Speed Ferry Cambodia
- Island Speed Ferry
- Buva Sea Cambodia
When you book your ticket, it includes a return ticket to come back from any island. Make sure to inform your hostel to confirm the boat booking for when you want to come back to Sihanoukville.
How Do You Get From Koh Rong to Koh Rong Sanloem (And Vice Versa)?
Inter-Islands Transfer Ferry
It’s understandable that you want to visit both islands, especially since they’re sister islands not far apart (45 min with a slow boat). To go from Koh Rong to Koh Rong Sanloem (or vice versa), you can purchase a transfer ticket with your primary ferry ticket in Sihanoukville or directly at any of the islands for greater flexibility. We bought ours at the tourist information at the Onederz Hotel in Saracay Bay in Koh Rong Sanloem for $10 per person.
Long-Tail Boat Hire
The other alternative is to hire a private longtail boat if you wish to travel slowly and in the style of the locals. This classic wooden Khmer fishing boat is a terrific way to help the villagers, but it is only cost-effective if you travel in a company of at least 20 people. For 2 people they were asking for $50, which is why we went for the first option.
Koh Rong Sanloem
Paradise found. Landing at Saracen Bay, I’ve never seen a breathtakingly beautiful beach in these neon colors of blue.
East Coast of Koh Rong Sanloem
The clear waters flowed in a sinuous pattern across the white sands, forming tiny circular sandy islands and warm water pools. Except for the faint sound of the waves lapping against the shore and the soft breezes rustling through the jungle wall lining the coastline, the sea shimmered in the beautiful warmth of the sun.
It was a refuge of tranquility, pure bliss. A curve of palm palms covered only one bungalow as you walked along the beach from Saracen Bay. We had the sands to ourselves, so I took my time soaking in the quiet ambiance, watching small crabs scamper into their holes as I tiptoed across the virgin sands.
West Coast of Koh Rong Sanloem
Sunset Beach, located on the western edge of the island, offers even greater isolation. An unspoiled paradise, we stayed at Robinson Bungalows [agoda link], it was quite an adventure to get there, the kind of notion is similar to ‘Survivor’ or ‘Expedicion Robinsons’ a reality program, you need to trek through the jungle for about an hour to get there.
Pro tip:
- Have only one backpack with you (forget to bring roller bags here).
- Bring lots of water for the trek.
- Do not follow Google Maps (it will take you to another beach), instead follow the directions the hotel gives you.
Sunset Beach
Sunset beach is another fantastic beach on Koh Rong Sanloem. This is a bay close to Lazy Beach on the island’s western side.
This is one of the best beaches on Koh Rong Sanloem for watching the sunset, as the name suggests. You have an unobstructed view of it slowly dipping into the ocean directly in front of you. The sky will eventually change to pink and orange hues, providing the perfect finale to a relaxed beach day.
This may be a bit more of an isolated spot as you need to complete the 60-minute across island jungle trek to get there (don’t forget to put on mosquito repellent). So keep that in mind if you are booking your accommodation on this beach. Though it is totally worth it!
Where to stay in Koh Rong Sanloem
Robinson Bungalows
We stayed in Robinsons Bungalows was a nice experience apart from the fact that you need to reach them either trekking (don’t even think to bring roller bags) or taking a private boat, we were in low season and on the west side of the island the waves were quite big, so there were no water taxis to take us there.
LOCATION: Located on Sunset Beach on Koh Rong Sanloem. Sunset Beach is less-known than the main tourist beach.
PRICE: 12$ for a private bungalow.
There are also a surprising amount of activities to do here, accommodation owners have banded together providing plenty of hammocks and chill-out spaces as well as games and water activities. The mobile reception and wi-fi connection is very weak so be ready to completely disconnect from the outside world for a few days. We recommend to stay here at least 2-3 nights.
Koh Rong
Koh Rong is likewise regarded as one of the most beautiful spots to visit in Cambodia and should not be overlooked in favor of its pristine, polished sister island. Although not as lovely or tranquil as Sanloem, Koh Rong and its major region of Koh Toch are both attractive, albeit a little rough around the edges in a rugged sense, and not overcrowded during the low season.
Getting around Koh Rong
Traveling around the larger island, Koh Rong, is far easier than Koh Rong Sanloem, here you have a few roads so you can take a tuk-tuk to Sok San Beach or rent a motorbike.
Where to stay in Koh Rong
White Sand Beach in Sok San Beach
LOCATION: Located in Sok San Beach district of Koh Rong Island, approximately 1.8 miles from Long Beach.
PRICE: 40$ for a private room with private bathroom.
Well, where to start… This beautiful hotel is owned by a Russian couple. After talking with the owner he mentioned his initial idea for this hotel was to help young Russians and Ukrainians to escape from the war and start working on this project. The staff is always very helpful from the first moment when you arrive. The hotel also has the most beautiful beach on the island. Is a nice place to stay off the grid for a bit after visiting Phnom Penh and Kampot. Initially, we booked to stay here for 2 nights and decided to stay 8 instead as we felt like home here. It is super clean and the facilities are top.
Definitely don’t miss the chance to come here you will not regret it!
Which Island is Better – Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem?
Travel to both islands if you have the time, and remain there. Even if it was just to get away from Sihanoukville’s well-traveled tourist route, I wouldn’t rule out taking a day excursion to Koh Rong Sanloem. Although a charming tiny island, it is on the verge of getting overrun with tourists. You must pay more if you stay the night to enjoy the peace and quiet buried away in the jungle edges.
This tranquility is what draws people to Koh Rong Sanloem, and the area’s natural beauty may be discovered in the last remaining areas of wilderness. Because of this, I would decide to stay there before the phenomena of seclusion are permanently lost. This island, which is a part of Cambodia, challenges the perception of the nation as a whole.
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