Koh Rong Samloem of Cambodia – Top Things To Do In This Tropical Paradise

Nestled off Cambodia’s southern coast, Koh Rong Samloem beckons travellers with its turquoise waters, powdery white sands, and lush jungles. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top things to do in Koh Rong Samloem, from sunrise yoga on Saracen Bay to moonlit bioluminescent plankton tours.

This article reveals how to make the most of your island escape, packed with insider tips and must-see spots. 

Koh Rong Samloem vs. Koh Rong: The Differences? 

If you find yourself torn between the two sisters of the Cambodian archipelago, consider this comparison before choosing where to focus your trip itinerary.

If serene beaches, authentic local culture, and minimal crowds top your priority list, then this will cater perfectly to your travel style. Conversely, if you crave vibrant nightlife alongside your beach days, consider splitting time between both islands. 

What You Should Expect From Koh Rong Samloem

Beach Escapes: Koh Rong Samloem on the Sand 

No list of “things to do in Koh Rong Samloem” is complete without diving into its world-class beaches. The island boasts four main beach pockets—each offering a different experience. Here’s how to maximize your beach days: 

Sunset Beach: The Postcard Perfect Send-Off 

Best for Photo Ops: This 500m crescent beach lives up to its name—here, every evening promises jaw-dropping colors as the sun dips below the horizon. 

Top Stays & Experiences: 

• Sunset Bungalows: Stay at KAMAKU or Sleeping Trees for balconies that directly face the horizon. Imagine sipping a cold beer as the sky ignites in crimson hues. 
• Evening Bonfire Sessions: Join impromptu beach parties where fellow travelers share stories around the fire. It’s one of the most social things to do in Koh Rong Samloem, perfect for making new friends. 

Mpai Village: Authentic Local Vibes 

Local Culture Immersion: Mpai Village is a traditional Khmer fishing settlement. When you stroll along its sandy lanes, you’ll see daily life unfolding—fishermen mending nets, families preparing rice dishes, and children splashing in shallow tidal pools. 

Signature Thing to Do: 

• Clifftop Sunsets: A short trail leads to a natural viewpoint overlooking Mpai Bay. Arrive 30 minutes before dusk to claim a prime spot for a panoramic sunset. 
• Authentic Eats: Sample local Khmer favorites—grilled squid, fish amok, and coconut-palm jelly—from small stalls run by resident families.

Lazy Beach: Secluded Bliss 

Total Escape: If Koh Rong Samloem makes you think of untamed tranquility, Lazy Beach is your sanctuary. Only one eco-resort—Lazy Beach Resort—operates here, ensuring minimal development. 

How To Unwind & Disconnect Here: 

• Hammock Time: Suspend yourself in a hammock between coconut trees and read a book while faint waves lap the shore. 
• Snorkeling in Seclusion: The coral reef just offshore teems with parrotfish, angelfish, and anthias. Without crowds, you’ll feel like you have the entire marine world to yourself. 

Saracen Bay: The Heart of Island Life 

Why It’s a Must-Visit: Stretching roughly 2.5 km, Saracen Bay is the most developed area on the island, yet retains a serene, almost untouched atmosphere. Here, jade-colored waters gently lap against fine white sand. 

Top Activities: 

• Beachfront Lounging: Rent a sun lounger under a thatched umbrella and watch day-trippers arrive by boat. 
• Sunrise Yoga: Early risers can join beachside yoga sessions at sunrise, often led by visiting instructors. Few things compare to sun salutations as the golden light paints the water. 
• Beach BBQs & Fire Shows: In the evening, local vendors light up bonfires and grill fresh seafood. Stick around for fire-dancing performances after dark. 

>> Read More: From Serene Shores to Vibrant Nights – Top 5 Cambodia Beach Jewels

Jungle Hiking: Koh Rong Samloem’s Wild Side 

Far from being exclusively a beach destination, Koh Rong Samloem’s interior houses dense rainforest trails that lead to hidden coves, ancient stone carvings, and panoramic viewpoints. 

Trail to Sunset Beach 

• Difficulty & Duration: Moderate, roughly 30–45 minutes one way. The trail involves some elevation gain, but there are ropes tied to tree trunks for easier climbing. 
• Highlights: Along the way, keep an eye out for monitor lizards and macaques. The real reward is arriving at Sunset Beach in time for midday sun, witnessing its virgin sands before crowds trickle in. 

Stone-Carving Hunt & Panoramic Viewpoint 

• Cultural-Environmental Blend: Well off the beaten path, you’ll come across moss-covered sandstone sculptures—vestiges of a long-forgotten era. These stone carvings might date back to pre-Angkorian times, though local lore remains inconclusive. 
• Cliff-Edge Reward: After passing the carvings, ascend a ridge that opens to a 180° vista of Saracen Bay and surrounding islets. On clear days, you can even glimpse the coastline of mainland Cambodia. 

Trek to the French Lighthouse & WW2 Artillery 

• Historic Exploration: At the southern tip of the island, a derelict French lighthouse (built in the early 1900s) stands sentinel. Nearby, rusted artillery remains from the Second World War’s Pacific campaign peek from underbrush. 
• Entrance Fee: A nominal US $1 per person helps maintain basic trail upkeep. Given the rarity of guided tours, consider hiring a local villager to lead you—gain insight into island lore and wildlife identification. 

Cultural Experiences: Koh Rong Samloem Beyond the Beach 

While Koh Rong Samloem is famed for its natural beauty, immersing yourself in local Khmer culture is equally rewarding. From village homestays to hands-on workshops, these activities reveal a dimension of Koh Rong Samloem that’s truly unique. 

Homestay in M’Pai Village 

• Why Choose a Homestay: Staying with a local family provides authentic insight into Khmer rural life—rice farming, daily cooking rituals, and traditional fishing methods. 
• Typical Homestay Package: For about US $15–$20 per night, you’ll receive a simple bungalow, three home-cooked meals, and guided activities like net fishing at dawn. It’s a fantastic addition to any “things to do in Koh Rong Samloem” itinerary. 

Khmer Cooking Class 

• Hands-On Flavor Experience: A popular culinary workshop invites you to prepare fish amok, Khmer curry, or green papaya salad using fresh local ingredients. 

• Cost & Inclusions: For approximately US $20, the class includes a market tour with your instructor, a step-by-step cooking demo, and a sit-down feast to taste your creations. 

Traditional Fishing with Local Fishermen 

• Sunrise Adventure: Depart at sunrise on a longtail boat with experienced fishermen—learn how they cast nets, check crab pots, and harvest the day’s catch. 

• Sustainable Practices: Many guides advocate catch-and-release or only collect fish required for that day’s meals, making this experience not only cultural but ecologically responsible. 

>> Read More: Cambodia Historical Places – A Glimpse Into The Country’s Past

Nighttime Magic: Koh Rong Samloem After Dark 

Koh Rong Samloem’s nights are as magical as its days. When the sun sets, a different world emerges—bioluminescent plankton lights up the shallows, fireflies dance in the jungle, and beach bonfires attract travelers from all corners of the globe. 

Bioluminescent Plankton Tour 

• What to Expect: Around 14:00, you depart on a boat to a calm bay. After snorkeling among the vibrant coral reef, return to shore for a seafood BBQ. As dusk falls, the real show begins: the water glows with neon-blue streaks whenever disturbed. 

• Cost & Timing: Roughly US $12 per person; typically runs from 14:00 pm to 20:00. The best windows to view plankton are between March and September, when sea conditions are calmer. 

• Insider Tip: Ask your guide to take you to more remote coves away from artificial lighting. The darker the environment, the brighter the plankton will appear. 

Firefly Spotting in the Jungle 

• Seasonal Highlights: During the wet season (May to September), fireflies congregate in clusters along rivers and streams deep in the jungle. Bring a headlamp with a red filter to avoid startling them. 

• Best Viewing Spots: The trail between Saracen Bay and Mpai Village near the freshwater stream is known for reliable firefly sightings. Check with local guides for nightly excursion schedules. 

Underwater Exploration: Snorkeling & Diving in Koh Rong Samloem 

Beyond its sandy shores, Koh Rong Samloem’s underwater realm is teeming with life. Here are the key activities for your marine exploration.

Those crystal-clear waters make Koh Rong Samloem the perfect spot for snorkeling.

Snorkeling at Saracen Bay Reef 

• Easy Access & Variety: Just a short swim off Saracen Bay’s northern end, you’ll find a shallow reef system rich with parrotfish, butterflyfish, and occasionally green sea turtles. Bring your own mask and snorkel or rent equipment (≈US $3/day) from local vendors. 

• Best Times: Mornings (8:00 am–11:00 am) offer the calmest waters and best visibility (10–15 m). Avoid snorkeling during high tide if you prefer minimal currents. 

Introductory Scuba Dives 

• PADI Five-Star Resort Options: A handful of dive shops on Saracen Bay offer introductory (Discover Scuba) courses for US $75–$90, including equipment, instructor, and two dives. 

• Marine Highlights: Explore coral bommies inhabited by clownfish, lionfish, and moray eels. If you’re lucky, you might spot whitetip reef sharks patrolling deeper drop-offs (20–25 m). 

• Advanced Certification: For certified divers, there are daily guided dives (US $30–$40/per dive) to more remote sites off Koh Rong Samloem, including wreck dives and drift dives around Fanlou Rock. 

>> Read More: 6 Cambodia Islands For Luxurious and Tranquil Escapes

Getting to Koh Rong Samloem: The First Step in Your Adventure 

Before diving into the myriad in Koh Rong Samloem, you’ll need to plan your route. Most visitors depart from Sihanoukville, a coastal city known for its ferries and speedboats. Here’s how to navigate your journey: 

From Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem

Speed-Ferry: A direct speed-ferry to Paradise Pier takes roughly 45 minutes. Expect to pay about US $14 one-way or US $27 for a round-trip ticket (prices as of late 2024). Be prepared for choppy seas; booking your return leg in advance is crucial, especially during peak season. 

From Koh Rong to Samloem

Local Boat Taxi: For roughly US $5 per person, you can hop from Koh Rong to Samloem in just 15 minutes. This short trip is ideal if you’re island-hopping or combining your itinerary. 

Final Thoughts

From sunrise yoga on Saracen Bay to moonlit plankton snorkeling, they are diverse and unforgettable. Whether you crave hidden jungle temples, vibrant underwater worlds, or authentic Khmer culture, this peaceful Cambodian island has it all.

Pack your bags, respect local customs, and embark on an eco-conscious adventure—your Cambodian paradise awaits. Don’t wait; book your trip now and start ticking off the top things to do in Koh Rong Samloem today!