Koh Rong Samloen for the weekend
Just a short ride from the coast and an easy-to-get weekend destination for those staying in Phnom Penh, Koh Rong Samloem (also known as the island of the far away cave) is so beautiful that you would think you were in a living postcard. Enjoy views so breathtaking you can add #nofilter to Instagram!
The typical cuteness of Koh Rong Samloem.
Getting there
The ferries depart from Serendipity beach in Sihanoukville and cost 20 dollars with an open return ticket included. There are different companies with various timings to choose, better to check your options on arriving to the pier or in any travel operator in town. On the Camboticket website you can find a combined ticket of bus + ferry from Phnom Penh to the island. Either option, the boat will take from 45 minutes to an hour depending on the company, arriving to the island in Saracen bay.
Despite the rising tourism, the island maintains some fishing villages and traditional lifestyle.
Options to stay
You have different options of where to stay but nevertheless you can always walk your way through the island in case you are into jungle trekking (and what a nice and wild jungle!) Saracen has more resorts and facilities, Sunset beach or Lazy beach are for the ones looking for peacefulness, and M’Pai Bei is the answer if you want a more village feeling and a backpacker vibe in terms of prices and atmosphere. Nevertheless of where you stay, we definitely invite you to explore the island on foot, enjoy different water-based activities such as kayaking, snorkeling and diving (some of the best diving spots in the country are here), or simply engage yourself in the lizard life and spend the whole day sun-bathing in these amazing beaches.
Don’t forget to carry cash
There are virtually no ATMs in the island, so come prepared. For any emergencies you can get out some money from your card on Green Blue Resort in Saracen bay, but there will be a fee involved. It is recommended that you go to one of the many ATM scattered in Sihanoukville before catching the ferry. Most of the island lacks mobile coverage, but in case you need it you head to Saracen bay where some of the resorts have wifi.
What can be more photogenic than an old wooden pier on a crystal-clear sea?
Have you packed your bags yet ?
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this wonderful gem. Have a look on Camboticket website for checking options on how to get there from different towns in Cambodia, and while there enjoy the sun and have a coconut for us 🙂