Koh Rong in Cambodia is a new hot spot, and rightly so since it’s a beautiful getaway from the mainland. Yet, two hours from the coastline of Sihanoukville and four kilometres south of Koh Rong Island sits Cambodia’s tropical paradise, the untouched Koh Rong Samloem, where white sands, turquoise waters and uninhabited beaches await you.
Koh Rong Samloem – Cambodia’s Paradise Island
I’m not Silhanoukville’s biggest fan despite having an amazing time there with a great bunch of newfound friends. It’s mostly sleazy and debauched, bar workers walk around town like zombies on a bad come down and there are far too many stories of ladyboys robbing male westerners. Much of the bad atmosphere also comes from the ruin by hedonistic travellers with no thought for culture or custom.
But, love it or hate it, Sihanoukville it is the gateway to the two beautiful Koh Rong islands and for that reason alone, you should pay it a visit.
If you are here for one or two days on-route, know that Serendipity Beach is the main beach that attracts the raucous and full of drunk, ill-behaving tourists and is by default a big target area for things to happen, and where things regularly do and have happened. However, having your wits about you and being on your guard, like anywhere in the world, is the best means of staying safe there. Otres Beach and other surrounding beaches are quieter and are not lined with bars, so there are plenty of areas to escape to and enjoy the landscape and the local life.
How to Get to Koh Rong Samloem Via Koh Rong
I joined an all-day boat trip as a way of exploring the islands quickly in order to get a taste of the Koh Rong craze I kept hearing about (I’ve often rocked up to a praised island only to be disappointed). Since I didn’t want to join a booze cruise, The Party Boat was the next best option. It’s not crazy as the name suggests, but it’s more upbeat than your average boat ride with a sunbathing deck, funky music and a relaxing atmosphere.
The first stop was off the rocky shoreline of Koh Rong Island where we had half an hour to snorkel, dive and swim in the warm waters. Although it was slightly disappointing that we didn’t get to see the coastline, in the end, it didn’t matter because it’s the kind of place you can easily get back to for a couple of days.
And, because nothing can beat Koh Rong Samloem.
Landing at Saracen Bay, I’ve never seen a beach so breathtakingly beautiful. The clear blue waters swirled across the white sands in a snaking pattern that formed tiny circular sandy islands and warm water pools. The sea glowed with a range of blue hues under the glorious warmth of the sun and the entire coastline was quiet, except for the soft lapping of the waves onshore.
It was pure perfection, a haven of relaxation. Wandering down one side of the beach, there was nothing but one bungalow overshadowed by a curve of palm trees. I had the beach to myself as leisurely soaked up the tranquil atmosphere, watching tiny crabs scurry into their holes as I tiptoed over the untouched sands.
The untouched white sand beach coastline of Koh Rong Samloem Cambodia
At the other end of the bay were two bars and a small handful of accommodation options (private bungalows and dorms) yet there was not a raucous atmosphere.
For now, Koh Rong Samloem remains a semi-untouched paradise island. It is said that many parts of the island still remain uninhabited and alongside a fishing village, there also exists a marine conservation programme.
My only hope is that the serene beauty of this destination does not get ruined and overrun; isn’t affected by the rumble of multiple boats turning up each day to ferry across dozens of passengers; doesn’t succumb to the ugly of waste and other eyesores as a result of booming tourism.
Instead, I choose to overnight at Koh Rong Island.
Staying at Koh Rong, Cambodia
Even though I had fallen in love with Koh Rong Samloem, I hadn’t seen the Koh Rong shoreline on this boat trip at all. Its close proximity to the Sihanoukville coast (one hour) was also more convenient and it’s often talked about as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Cambodia.
The chilled-out coastline of Koh Rong, Cambodia
Although not as stunning and peaceful as its smaller sister, Koh Rong is indeed beautiful and not very crowded – it appears Silhanoukville still a firm grip on caging the crazy partygoers. The Cambodia island attracts the more curious.
Koh Rong teams with local life here, making the island feel very exclusive and not overly westernised.
Unfortunately, the beach is not entirely secluded as nearly the entire shoreline is lined with accommodation – you can choose to reside in a dorm (Koh Rong Backpackers being the most established traveller haunt), a private hut or a more expensive, private hillside bungalow right at the very end of the beach.
Koh Rong Backpackers, right on the beachfront
The quiet beach on the other side of the island, where the sun also sets, will cost you a $5 boat trip each way in order to reach it.
Which Island is Better – Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem?
I wouldn’t rule out a trip to Koh Rong, even if for a day trip to escape the trodden tourist path of Sihanoukville. It’s a gorgeous little island yet it’s on the cusp of becoming too touristy and where you have to pay for serenity.
In Koh Rong Samloem, that serenity in pockets of wilderness still exist, which is why I will certainly be heading back there before the wonder of its isolation is lost forever.
Things to Know About Visiting Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem
- The Party Boat leaves from the Serendipity Beach Pier daily and costs $20 for the full day including lunch and a token for one free drink. Tickets can be booked via bars and tour operators in the Serendipity beach area and at the Pier.
- Ferries to Koh Rong cost $20 return and leave both Sihanoukville (pick up available outside Koh Rong Divers) at 7 am and 4 pm and Koh Rong Island at 10 am and 4 pm daily.
The post Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem – Cambodia’s Paradise Islands appeared first on Borders Of Adventure.
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