Koh Rong Samloem★★
Koh Rong Samloem — The Quiet Sister
Koh Rong Samloem is smaller, quieter, and even more untouched than Koh Rong. The island (25 km²) is the better choice for those seeking peace: no party life, hardly any engine noise, instead jungle, crystal-clear water, and white beaches that you sometimes have all to yourself.
Beaches
- Saracen Bay: The crescent-shaped main bay on the east coast. Calm, turquoise water like a swimming pool. Most accommodations are here (from hostel dorms to upscale resorts). The ferry docks here.
- Lazy Beach: On the southwest coast, only accessible by boat (20 min. from Saracen Bay, 5 USD). Dramatic rocks, wild beach, a single namesake resort. Perfect seclusion.
- Sunset Beach: On the west coast, 30 min. walk through the jungle from Saracen Bay. Few accommodations, spectacular sunsets.
Activities
- Snorkeling from the Beach: Right off Saracen Bay — corals, clownfish, starfish. Snorkel set rental: 3 USD/day.
- Bioluminescence: Even better than on Koh Rong, because of less light pollution. At Sunset Beach during the new moon, the water glows like in a science fiction movie.
- Island Hiking: Path from Saracen Bay to Sunset Beach (30 min., easy). Through jungle with macaques and hornbills.
- Doing Nothing: This is a serious activity here. Hammock, book, sea. Repeat.
💡 Tipp
Koh Rong = Party and action. Koh Rong Samloem = Peace and nature. Both are beautiful but fundamentally different. For couples and those seeking peace: Samloem. For backpackers and sociable people: Koh Rong. The ferry between the islands costs 8–10 USD — you can also combine both.
