Cambodia’s Islands – My Recap & All your Questions answered
I just can’t stop talking about this beautiful gem in the Gulf of Thailand! Cambodia totally swept me off my feet, and I wasn’t expecting it to have such an impact. Here’s my recap and all the questions you may have answered.
As you may have noticed, I recently visited Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem, two breathtaking islands off the coast of Cambodia. They completely swept me off my feet, and I never expected them to make such a huge impact. With their pristine beaches and serene vibes, they are the absolute definition of paradise. In this post, I’m sharing all the juicy details of my adventure and answering every question you might have about these incredible hidden treasures.
First off, a little general information. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are two islands located off the coast of Sihanoukville in Cambodia, nestled in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are part of the small cluster of islands situated 23 kilometers off the southwest coast of Cambodia. Koh Rong Sanloem is about a third of the size of its sister island, Koh Rong. Alongside them, there are also islands like Koh Ta Kiev and Koh Thmei that are similarly popular but rather less developed, with fewer resorts and infrastructure. Although they’re very close to each other, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are technically different. According to the internet, Koh Rong is perfect for those craving adventure and excitement, while Koh Rong Sanloem is supposed to be all about tranquility, with its serene, unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear waters.
While I agree that Koh Rong Sanloem is definitely more undeveloped, offering untouched nature and beaches (there isn’t even a car on the island), I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily calmer. In my honest opinion, Koh Rong Sanloem caters more to backpackers and those traveling on a budget. It’s less luxurious, with a vibe that’s all about sipping beers in plastic chairs by the beach. On the other hand, Koh Rong boasts luxurious resorts targeting a wealthier, more bougie crowd. But hey, that’s just my take on it, and I could be completely off base.
What is the best time to visit these islands?
The best time to visit Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to May. I’ve personally been there in April, and it was amazing, albeit a bit humid. During this period, the weather is generally sunny with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities, snorkeling, and exploring the islands.
However, it’s essential to note that the peak tourist season coincides with the dry season, especially from December to February. During these months, the islands can be more crowded, and accommodation prices may be higher.
If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of November and May. While there may be occasional rainfall during these months, the islands are still enjoyable, and you’ll have a better chance of finding quieter beaches and discounted accommodation rates.
Overall, the best time to visit depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and budget. Regardless of when you choose to visit, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem offer breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences year-round.
Let’s talk about how to actually get to these beautiful islands! There are no airports or roads to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem, so your best bet is to catch a boat from Sihanoukville. The journey usually takes around 1-2 hours.
Getting to Koh Rong Sanloem is pretty straightforward. There are regular ferries from Sihanoukville, with plenty of departures throughout the day. They usually run from morning until around 4 pm.
But before you book your ticket, there are a few things you need to know. First off, remember that Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are two different islands. Some ferries stop at both, while others only go to one.
Once you’re clear on which island you’re heading to, you’ll need to figure out which pier to disembark at. Koh Rong Sanloem has two main ferry stops:
- Saracen Bay: This is the main hub, with beautiful beaches and lots of accommodation options. There are two piers here, so make sure you know which one your ferry will be stopping at.
- M’Pai Bay: This is a more laid-back area, popular with backpackers. There are fewer ferries here, but you’ll still find regular departures.
Oh, and one more thing—some resorts on Koh Rong Sanloem are on private bays, so you might need to arrange a boat transfer in advance.
As for Koh Rong, it’s a bit bigger and busier than Koh Rong Sanloem, with more development and activity. Ferries from Sihanoukville usually stop at Koh Rong first before heading to Koh Rong Sanloem.
How many days should I stay?
Considering the journey involved, especially since one has to go through Sihanoukville, which isn’t a popular tourist destination, most travelers will likely come from either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. It’s either a quick one-hour flight or a longer 3-6 hour drive by car..
In my opinion, allowing for at least 3 nights on each island is advisable. However, I do consider myself a fast traveler. For those craving a truly tranquil getaway, extending your stay to two weeks could be just what you need.
During our trip, we spent 2 nights on Koh Rong and 3 nights on Koh Rong Sanloem. While I might have preferred to swap the time spent on each island, overall, the balance worked well. After 5 days of pure beach time, I felt recharged and ready to explore more.
Where to stay in Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem:
For Koh Rong, I stayed at Anaya because I had a cooperation with them. Their sister hotel, Tamu, looked incredible too, but they seemed to target different demographics. While Anaya is sleek, white, and mainly focuses on the beach, Tamu Hotel is more hidden in the jungle, featuring proper glamping in tents (they have jungle rooms too, though) and lush greenery surrounding a darker aesthetic. I really would have loved to stay at Tamu Hotel, actually. Our friends got married at Secret Garden, which was an incredible space. It’s the last hotel on this stretch of the beach, meaning you have the most privacy and the best photo ops. Also, I personally found their food and drinks to be the best. The You & Me Resort next to it is supposed to have a great beach bar and looked pretty decent too, but I didn’t have the chance to look into the resort properly. Every other hotel on this part of the island has a weird rating or reputation so I cannot really say anything about them, but I would personally skip them if I am being honest.
In Koh Rong Sanloem, we stayed at Island Center Point, and that is the only resort I would recommend in that part of the island. It’s luxurious, right on the beach, and the staff is incredible. However, if you are more of a backpacker traveler, I hear that the hostel at Secret Beach on the other side of the island is supposed to be incredible.
Koh Rong:
- Anaya Koh Rong– Where we stayed. Find the full Hotel Review here.
- Tamu Koh Rong – Neighboring property and sister hotel toe Anaya. More glamping-jungle vibes but is equally beautiful.
- The Secret Garden Koh Rong – beachfront property with a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, garden, and fantastic food.
Koh Rong Sanloem:
- Island Center Point – Where we stayed. Find the full Hotel Review here.
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General information: Are there ATMs and supermarkets, how is the infrastructure?
From my personal experience, I haven’t come across any ATMs on the islands, although it’s possible that there are some tucked away in certain areas. My recommendation would be to bring cash with you. While you can withdraw cash from ATMs in Sihanoukville, it’s important to note that they don’t accept American Express; only Mastercard and Visa. However, in the resorts we stayed at, they did accept AMEX and credit card payments in general, and everything was priced in USD.
As for supermarkets, you’ll find small convenience stores or shops on the islands where you can grab essentials, snacks, and drinks. However, don’t expect the variety you’d find in urban areas. If you need to stock up, you can visit Seven-Eleven at Sihanoukville harbor.
In terms of language, English is widely spoken, but in my experience, it seemed to be spoken better in Koh Rong than in Koh Rong Sanloem. Overall, while there are some amenities available, it’s always best to plan ahead and come prepared with cash and any specific items you may need during your stay.
Are there any safety tips or precautions travelers should be aware of?
Generally, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are safe destinations, and I didn’t feel unsafe during my visit. However, one thing to be aware of is the presence of stray dogs on Koh Rong Sanloem. While encounters with them were generally harmless, it’s always wise to exercise caution around stray animals. If you’re concerned, consider getting a rabies shot before your trip. Overall, though, with the usual precautions, travelers can expect a safe and enjoyable experience on these beautiful islands.
Which island would you prefer?
Granted, I said earlier that Koh Rong is supposed to be the party island while Koh Rong Sanloem is supposed to be more quiet and tranquil. I have to say that I don’t agree with that but that may just be because of the location we stayed at. If I would go bak and would choose, I’d always go back to Koh Rong – the beaches were way more clean, clear, and pristine, than the ones in koh Rong Sanloem, and frankly, I just liked the vibe more.
What are some common misconceptions about visiting these islands that you’ve encountered?
One common misconception I’ve come across is the idea that Koh Rong Sanloem is always better than Koh Rong. While some may find Koh Rong Sanloem to be more serene and untouched, it’s essential to remember that preferences differ from person to person. As I mentioned earlier, Koh Rong Sanloem tends to attract backpackers and budget travelers, whereas Koh Rong offers a blend of luxurious resorts and adventurous experiences. Ultimately, the “better” island is subjective and depends on what you’re looking for in your vacation.
Overall experience:
Based on my personal experience, visiting Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem was an unforgettable adventure filled with stunning natural beauty and unique experiences. Despite some initial misconceptions about the islands, I discovered that each offers its own distinct charm and appeal.
From the pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters to the lush jungle landscapes, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem exceeded my expectations in many ways. Exploring the islands, whether relaxing on the beach, snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, or trekking through the jungle, provided endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
In terms of accommodation, I found a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. From luxurious beachfront resorts to laid-back hostels, there’s something for everyone on these islands. I personally stayed at Anyana on Koh Rong and Island Center Point on Koh Rong Sanloem, both of which offered excellent amenities and service.
One aspect to be aware of is the lack of ATMs on the islands, so it’s essential to bring enough cash with you. Additionally, while English is widely spoken, communication may be easier on Koh Rong than on Koh Rong Sanloem.
Overall, I would highly recommend visiting Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem to anyone seeking a tropical paradise getaway. Whether you’re a beach lover, adventure seeker, or simply looking to unwind in a beautiful setting, these islands have something special to offer. With careful planning and an open mind, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this idyllic corner of Cambodia.
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