Koh Rong Samloem is just two hours’ and yet a world away from Sihanoukville. The island of many spellings — it’s also known as Koh Rung Samloem, Koh Rong Saloem, Koh Rong Samlon and a few other variations — is owned by the Cambodian navy, which has a base there. Thus far the government has not sold Koh Rong Samloem as they have with most of its neighbouring islands — word is that they’re saving the best for last.
Koh Rong Samloem
The western side has three gorgeous yellow sand beaches, which are perfect for watching the deep pink sunsets every evening. On the eastern side is heart-shaped Saracen Bay, named after a British ship that once sailed there, and known for diving and snorkelling.
At the northern top of the island is a small fishing village called M’Pai Bei, or 23 in Khmer. Marine Conservation Cambodia, a volunteer-funded ecotourism project, is based here and offers volunteering opportunities to visitors such as teaching in the local village and marine conservation.
Koh Rong Samloem Island
If volunteering isn’t your thing, there are many snorkelling and diving opportunities on the island — The Dive Shop, Scuba Nation and Eco Sea in Sihanoukville do dives here and many of the places to stay on the island also rent snorkelling gear.
Koh Rong Samloem
It’s possible to get a longtail to take you from the western side to M’Pai Bei for a negotiated fee (somewhere around $20 is reasonable), and jungle paths connect Robinson Bungalows and Lazy Beach to Saracen Bay, so if you can’t decide
It is easy for you to fly from Vietnam to Laos/ Cambodia, Thailand, then you catch flight or bus from Laos/ Cambodia, Thailand to this place.
