Koh Rong Samloem Travel

Best time to visit

Being close to the equator means that the temperature is often the same, around 30˚C during the day and at night it can cool down to 22˚C. There are two seasons: wet and dry season. The dry season is from December to March, and the wet season from June to September. In April and May the wet season builds up and the humidity grows. During October and November, the wet season is tailing off.

Best time to visit is from December to March. This is the high season but the weather is usually fine from the middle of November till the beginning of May.

Check the below table for the general idea of Koh Rong Samloem weather throughout the year.

Koh Rong Samloem’s current weather and 7-day forecast

KOH RONG SAMLOEM WEATHER

Here are top things to do in Koh Rong Samloem:

Diving on Koh Rong Samloem Island

Koh Rong Samloem Island is a popular choice for divers. There are a few diving shops on the island and the experience is supposed to be really special. Unlike some areas of Southeast Asia, this spot has been well preserved, so there’s a better chance of seeing a greater variety of sea life. Whether you’re getting PADI certified or you’re an experienced diver, you’ll definitely find a spot under the surface that peaks your interest. EcoSea Diver in M’pai Bay has come recommended as a safe and eco-friendly dive shop.

Water Sports on Koh Rong Samloem

For non-divers, there are some good spots for snorkeling. Most hotels will rent snorkels for about $5. You can walk across the island for about 20 minutes, through the jungle to Lazy Beach or organize a boat trip to offshore along Saracen Bay or Koh Koun. The best snorkeling is found on the Western side of Samloem. The Dive Shop in Seracen Bay has daily snorkeling trips for $25, including lunch. Travelers that prefer to stay on top of the water can rent a kayak or stand up paddle board and explore the bay. Most hotels will have kayaks or SUP boards available for free or a small rental fee.

Explore the Interior

If you get sick of the beach (just kidding! That’s not possible), head into the interior of the island. You can take a few different trails and explore other parts of the Samloem. The middle of the island is a thick, lush jungle and is even more undeveloped than the coast. A popular trek is hiking from Saracen Bay to the Samloem lighthouse. It takes about 4 hours round trip but the reward is stunning views from the lighthouse. Make sure you time your trek to get back before dark. It can get confusing in there!

Koh Rong Samloem Full Moon Party

Koh Rong Samloem may still be a somewhat undiscovered island, but there’s no shortage of backpackers. And where there are backpackers there is always a party! The Koh Rong Samloem full moon party takes place at Camp Good Vibz in the jungle, not far from the Beach Island Resort, in between Sunset Beach and Saracen Bay.

It’s chill, and has a more low key, rustic vibe compared to the Koh Phangan half moon party and full moon party in Thailand. The organizers also throw a black moon party, so you can get your big party fix twice per month.

Lay on the Beach

The beach along Saracen Bay is a long strip of white sand dotted with swings, beach beds and chairs to spend your day relaxing in the sun. The ocean is so flat you can walk in the water for a hundred meters before actually getting your hips wet. Your accommodation may not have strawberry daiquiris or an infinity pool, but Koh Rong Samloem Island is as close you’ll get to a luxury beach resort for $9 per night.

Koh Rong Samloem Budget Accommodation

Mad Monkey Koh Rong Samloem

If you’ve been traveling around Southeast Asia you surely recognize this chain of hostels. The Mad Monkey Koh Rong Samloem has its own private bay (Monkey Bay) and is only reachable by boat. Like most Mad Monkey hostels, there’s definitely a party vibe here.

They’ve set up some cool swings and hammocks suspended above the water for that perfect Instagram shot. Each room has a balcony with a sea view. There’s no wifi, so you have no choice but to make friends and enjoy the relaxing island life. A single bed in a mixed dorm costs $9USD/night.

Coast 23 Hostel

One of the cheapest hostels on the island, Coast 23 is located in M’Pai Bay on Koh Rong Samloem. This hostel is pretty basic. Rooms come with mosquito nets, towels and a fan. Perfect for backpackers who don’t need anything fancy, but want a bit of a social vibe. A 12 bed dorm will cost you $7 USD/night.

Onederz Koh Rong Samloem

This highly rated beach side hostel is located on the main strip of Saracen Bay. Onederz has plenty of hang out space to chat with other travelers and a bar for some nighttime fun. Despite being on the beach, the staff here keep the hostel super clean. A bed in an 8 person dorm room will run you about $11 USD/night.

Two Ducks

Another highly rated hostel located in M’Pai Bay. Guests have said that the rooms are clean and the beds are large and comfortable. There’s also a restaurant on site. Rooms come with a balcony overlooking the stunning bay below. A double room will cost you about $15 USD/night.

Koh Rong Samloem Mid-Range Accommodation

SunBoo Beach Bungalows

These set of bunglows on Sunset Bay, the more secluded side of Koh Rong Samloem. The bay is calm and perfect for swimming and snorkeling. A bungalow for two with garden view will cost about $55USD/night.

Sweet Dreams

It was mostly a few tents scattered along the sand that you could rent for $5/person. There was no electricity or running water, but But when you woke up in the morning, one unzip of the tent revealed a stunning view of turquoise water.

Doesn’t get much better than that. With more development, Sweet Dreams has now become a cluster of bungalows.
A standard bungalow with a fan for 2 people will cost you $50USD/ night.

Koh Rong Samloem High-End Accommodation

Pearl Resort

Located on Saracen Bay, Pear Resort is definitely one of the swankier hotels on Koh Rong Samloem. Their modern bungalows each have air conditioning, a TV and some even include a private plunge pool. Like any good luxury resort, Pearl has an infinity pool overlooking the beach complete with swim up bar. A king room with balcony and private plunge pool costs $188 USD/night.

Bounty Boutique

For something a bit more upscale, Bounty Boutique on Saracen Bay has the standard amenities you’d find at a four star hotel. Air conditioned rooms come with a mini fridge and guests have access to the outdoor pool and private beach area. A beachfront bungalow for four guests will cost you $180USD/ night.

Food on the island is a little pricey compared to other parts of Cambodia, because it all needs to come in by boat. That being said, you can still eat at an affordable price if you’re on a budget. There are a couple of small stores on the island where you can buy snacks and supplies, but nowhere for a big grocery shop.

Hostel By The Sea Cafe & Restaurant

This veggie friendly cafe located on the sand in Saracen Bay, is a great option for yummy healthy food. From falafel wraps to Turkish pizza you’ll get a taste of mediterranean and Western food that just may be better than back home. A bit pricey for Cambodia standards at about $5-7USD for a meal, but it’s well worth it.

Fishing Hook

A crowd favorite on the island, the Fishing Hook is located on M’Pai Bay. They have a seafood buffet every night for $6USD. And the seafood is always fresh!

The Big Easy

Delicious home cooked food with the usual selection of international dishes. Great place to grab a pint and watch the waves roll in or stop by for a 75 cent beer during happy hour!

Mom’s Home Cooking

This local spot on M’pai Bay is a favorite for budget travelers because most menu items are only $2! If you’re on a budget, this is the spot to go!

The One Resort

If you’re looking to splash out on a meal for special occasion, The One Resort is probably the fanciest place on the island. They have a selection of local and Western food and a good variety of cocktails which can you sip in the bar overlooking the pool.

Orchid Restaurant

If you’re hungry as soon as you step of the boat, grab a feed at Orchid Restaurant in Saracen Bay. They also have bungalows and rooms available.

Getting There

To get to Koh Rong Samloem you will need to take a ferry from Sihanoukville. You can take a (mini)bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville which takes about 6 hours and costs $10 per person. Book at least 1 night before to make sure to have a seat. 

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

From Sihanoukville, you can get a ferry to Koh Rong Samloem. There are many boat options and best is to check if the boat company stops in the bay where you are staying. You can find the time schedule here. It depends on the Ferry company, but they stop in two bays: M’Pai Bay, which is popular among backpackers and Saracen Bay, the main bay of the island. If your hotel is in one of the other bays, like Sandy Beach, the hotel usually offers a (free) transfer. Costs are $20 for return or $12 for a single way. You can also use your return from Koh Rong. 

Getting Around

The only way to get around Koh Rong Samloem is by foot or by boat. Saracen Bay is the main area of the island. It is located on the east side and from here you can walk to two beaches on the west side: Lazy Beach and Sunset Beach. The path to Lazy Beach is quite good, and the first half to Sunset beach as well. The second half is a bit more adventurous. You literally walk in the middle of the jungle. The rest of the island is only reachable by boat.

Contact us to get more information