Koh Rong Sanloem, also known as Koh Rong Samloem, is a small island located off the coast of Sihanoukville in Cambodia and just to the south of the better known island of Koh Rong. Koh Rong Sanloem is similar to the larger Koh Rong, but less developed and a better option for those seeking a more laid back beach holiday.
About Koh Rong Sanloem
Ferry and speed boat services from Sihanoukille to Koh Rong Sanloem depart from Ochheuteal Pier, also known Serendipity Pier. Ochheuteal Pier is in Sihanoukville Town Centre, 6.0 km by road from Sihanoukville Railway Station. There are three types of boat that will take you from Ochheuteal Pier to Koh Rong Sanloem:
- Slow ferry: 90 minutes
- Fast ferry: 45 minutes
- Speed boat: 30 minutes
The departure times change frequently with the seasons so we recommend checking using the link above before you travel. You also note that there are two different arrival point for ferry and speed boat services from Sihanoukville, Koh Rong Samloem Port on Saracen Bay and Port 23 near M’Pai Bay, so it’s worth working out which one which is most conveniently in terms of travelling to your chosen accommodation.
Koh Koun as seen from Koh Rong SanloemKoh Rong Sanloem is a horseshoe shaped island 9.5 km long, widest in the north of the island (up to 4.5 km) and narrowest in the centre (less than 1 km from the Southern end of Saracen Bay). There are three main places to stay, each with a beach:
- M’Pai Bay: The island’s largest settlement with the largest range of bars and restaurants for visitors. This is the place which is most popular with younger backpackers and has the most nightlife.
- Saracen Bay: This is a 3 km long beach, which also has has good facilities, but less nightlife and better quality hotels making it more popular with older visitors and families that M’Pai Bay.
- Sunset Beach: On the opposite side of the centre of the island, Sunset Beach is the quietest of the main destinations.
There isn’t a round island road on Koh Rong Sanloem. The road built during the French colonial era has disintegrated and is now unusable. To get around you largely need to take a local taxi boat or walk. The centre of island is heavily forested and has a small hill. There are some interesting walks which you can do on Koh Rong Sanloem, in particular to walk up to the light house and view point in the south of the island is one we recommend, and these walks are one of the more popular activities on the island, other that is than sunbathing, snorkelling and scuba diving which is what most people come to the island for. The waters around the island also have some interesting sea life, most notable of which are seahorses and nudibranchs, which may be of interest to scuba diving enthusiasts.
Location of Koh Rong Sanloem
- Koh Rong Sanloem is located to the south of Koh Rong.
