This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel.
Ko Rong Samloem is a great choice for travelers looking for a more relaxing and peaceful getaway than what they would experience on nearby Ko Rong or the beaches of Sihanoukville. Even on Ko Rong Samloem there are varying degrees of party life and tranquility. The ferry leaves from Sihanoukville a few times a day and takes about forty-five minutes to reach the island. Saracen Bay is the main beach, with a long stretch of white sand and many choices for accommodation, food, drinks, and parties -- although it is still quieter and less touristy than Ko Rong. There are enough Koh Rong Samloem hostels that you can walk off the boat and find a room during most of the year. The pristine, white-sand beach is beautiful and perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or a long beach walk.
For a more local and very quiet beach retreat, keep heading around the island to M’Pay Bay. M’Pay Bay is a small fishing village with only a few choices of budget accommodation and Koh Rong Samloem hostels but there's a very local vibe. There is a nice white-sand beach that you will almost have to yourself. It is an interesting area to watch local life as the fishermen paddle out in homemade boats each night and bring back fish for the amazing local restaurants. There are a few outstanding restaurants on the old pier, although some have plans to move to even more scenic locations in the hills nearby. The longer you stay in M’Pay Bay, the more you feel a part of this small, local community.
You cannot walk to other parts of the island unless you want to hire a guide and sweat through the thick jungle for a day, however, you can hire a boat to take you to Ko Rong or Saracen Bay, but it is quite expensive. Kayaks are available for hire and offer a fun adventure exploring the nearby coves and tiny islands off the shore. If you are looking for a quiet beach retreat, Ko Rong Samloem has much to offer you.
Written by local expertz for Koh Rong Sanloem
Amanda Haehl
