Koh Rong Samloem: The Peaceful Getaway Destination
March 24, 2016
Location: Cambodia
Koh Rong Samloem is situated 18 km due west of the south coast of Cambodia.
My Experience
I’ve been here by myself and it was my last stop before going back home on April 2015. Would you like to know more about my big trip?! Read my post: 110 days around Southeast Asia. Well, Koh Rong Samloem wasn’t on my itinerary and I have chosen this island after a long comparison with its neighbouring. I read a lot about those tiny islands and after few days spent in this area I can say that they are rapidly emerging as pearls of the south coast.
You don’t need to book any accommodation, I walked for 25 minutes on the beach before finding a cheap one. It was cheap too, just 7$AUD per night (Sweet Dreams Bungalow) and stayed there for 3 days.
The island has not much to offer in terms of activities. I walked across the island, through the jungle, to Lazy Beach for some snorkelling. My bungalow was at Saracen Bay, a top destination in Koh rong Samloem which offers an un-spoilt three-kilometre long beach. Most of the development has taken place just here.
Travellers trying to sell Bracalet for 1$. Koh Rong Samloem.
Saracen Bay, beautiful view at sunset. Koh rong samloem.
In those days I felt absorbed in a natural landscape with no wifi, no tv and no newspaper. I had no idea what what was going on in the outside world. Electricity on the island runs by solar panels and generators. Only operates a few hours a day and there is barely any phone signal. I suppose this is how the beaches of Thailand looked like 20 years ago: utterly serene and beautiful. Calm, clear water laps lazily idyllic white sand beaches, and there’s not much to do but lay back and enjoy the sun. Word will get out, it always does.
I enjoyed the serenity of doing nothing, I think this is a place that I want to tell the world about, but at the same time keep my own secret.
Go there, float on the water, read a book, eat some great food. Just feel happy when the freedom will surround you.
It’s not great to do nothing?!?! Just for a while 😀 . Koh Rong Samloem.
Saracen bay and its incredible white sand. Koh Rong Samloem.
How to get there, best time and cost
Koh Rong Samloem is an island off the coast of Cambodia in Asia, the closest port is Sihanoukiville and the island can be reached from this port in about 45 minutes. Currently many tour operators offer trips to Koh Rong Samloem I took the company called Island Travel, which runs twice daily from and to the port. I paid 20$AUD return.
During the high season, from November to May, most of the best accommodations are fully booked as the demand increases. Beach bungalows supply is continuously growing due to the immense popularity of the island on social networks. Due to this fact pre-booking as much in advance as possible is highly recommended. This is a nice destination to relax.
uTips
- Currently Koh Rong Samloem is trending on social networks. It has been named by the Huffington Post as one of the ‘Places You Need To See In The Next Decade’. I went to this island before it become overrun with tourists.
- There are currently no banks or ATM machines on Koh Rong Samloem and credit / debit cards are not accepted so visitors must take US dollar cash with them to pay for food.
- Scuba diving and fishing trips are available from the island and can be arranged through the locals or the bungalow operators.
- My last tip: Don’t get stuck with the thing that ruins your day, life is too short to be wasted in your crap. Smile and be positive because there are so many beautiful reasons to be happy, one of those is travelling.
Author of this post: Davide
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Excellent article. I’m dealing with a few of these issues as well..
I love exploring the less known islands. Though I’ve never had to try sell bracelets before.
Koh Rong Samloem is quickly becoming a hot destination of south Cambodia, you will hear about it soon!! Thanks for your comment here,
I’ve never heard of Koh Rong but Cambodia has been on my bucket list for the longest time. My husband and I love diving so I’ll definitely have to look into this destination when we decide to visit Cambodia!
There are 2 islands over there, first one Koh Rong, a party island and full of foreign people; the other one is Koh Rong Samloem, where you can relax your time on its white sand beach! 😀
It looks like a wonderful place to spend your last vacation days before going back home. I have been to that part of the world, to Vietnam though, and I remember how beautiful it is. I hope to go back next year and visit Cambodia too.
thanks for your comment 😀
What a relaxing spot–I could definitely use a stop here. And thanks for the great advice. Not being able to withdrawal money on the island could be a big problem if you didn’t know about it ahead of time!
Exactly, I asked to someone 30 minuted before taking the boat!! Lucky time 😀
I must admit, I had never heard of Koh Rong Samloen but clearly with its inclusion on that Huffington Post list, it seems as though you got there at the right time. Unfortunately it is a sad truth that many of the Thai Islands succumb to excess tourism and I can only hope the same fate doesn’t befall Koh Rong Samloen . Certainly, from your photos, it appears to be an absolute gem
Its looks so beautiful, I really love your pictures! No wifi and no TV…sounds like an absolute dream. I love your last tip , so true! Don’t get get stuck in your own crap. Nice article 🙂
Thanks Chenelle for your kind words, that WAS a paradise,someone told me that right now is completely different; many hostels, restaurant and bar along the coast!! 🙁
Koh Rong looks like a perfect spot just off the beaten path. My mom recently visited Cambodia and loved it. This is definitely inspiring me to add it to my next trip to Southeast Asia.
Great photo and place!
Thank you so much!! Keep following us around the world!! 😀
Great post ! Looking forward to reading your next experience in some other countries ! 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment, well you will read more and more about our experience around the world! Keep following us on facebook and instagram too!! 😀
Fantastic post.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on… Hlastala
Thanks man, I will write more and more about new places I have been! I spent the last 6 months travelling around South America! Lots of work for this summer…