Koh Rong Sanloem
Koh Rong Sanloem
Koh Rong Sanloem is an island located off of the southern Cambodian coast in the gulf of Thailand, next to the bigger island of Koh Rong. The island is known for its tropical beaches, coral reefs and laidback atmosphere.
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Things to do in Koh Rong Sanloem
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Explore Saracen Bay
Saracen Bay is undoubtedly the main attraction on Koh Rong Sanloem, and it’s easy to understand why. This beautiful stretch of soft white sand extends for about 3 kilometers, bordered by towering palms and pristine turquoise waters. It’s the ideal place to relax, bask in the sun, and take a refreshing swim in the warm Cambodian sea.
However, Saracen Bay offers more than just a place to relax on the beach. A stroll along the shore reveals a selection of casual beach bars and rustic eateries serving fresh seafood and cold drinks. Whether you're looking to unwind or grab a bite, the laid-back vibe makes it an enjoyable stop.
As the day draws to a close, make sure to catch one of the bay’s breathtaking sunsets. The sky transforms into a brilliant mix of oranges and pinks, creating a stunning backdrop against the calm waters, making it an unforgettable sight.
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Night Swimming with Bioluminescent Plankton
For a truly remarkable experience, visit Long Beach after nightfall to witness the incredible sight of bioluminescent plankton. As you step into the warm water, you’ll be mesmerized as the sea glows with tiny blue specks of light, making it feel like you're swimming among stars.
To get the best view of this natural spectacle, plan your trip during a moonless night, so check the lunar calendar ahead of time. While the plankton can be spotted from the shore, taking a boat out to deeper waters offers an even more magical experience. Remember to be mindful of the environment—avoid using strong soaps or chemicals before entering the water, as these can harm the delicate plankton and disrupt the natural light show.
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Hike to the Lighthouse
For those looking to stretch their legs and get a different perspective on the island, the hike to the lighthouse is a must-do activity. The trail winds through lush jungle, offering glimpses of local wildlife and vegetation along the way. It's a moderately challenging trek, so make sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
Once you reach the lighthouse, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the island and surrounding waters. It's an ideal spot for photos and a great place to catch your breath before heading back down. The entire round trip usually takes about 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. Try to start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and catch the best light for photos.
Where to stay in Koh Rong Sanloem
Best hotels in Koh Rong Sanloem:
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Baloo Guesthouse (homestay)
Baloo Guesthouse on Koh Rong Sanloem is a cozy family-run spot just a short walk from the beach. The rooms are simple but comfortable, with big mosquito nets and fans to keep you cool at night. One of the best things about staying here is hanging out in their lovely garden - you can chill in a hammock or chat with the friendly owners, Mon and Srey Long.
The location is great - it's close enough to easily walk to restaurants and bars in the village, but just far enough away to feel peaceful. At night, be sure to bring a flashlight since there aren't street lights. During the day, you can explore nearby beaches or go snorkeling. The owners are super helpful with arranging activities or answering questions about the island. Overall, it's a laid-back, welcoming place to base yourself while enjoying island life on Koh Rong Sanloem.
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Eden Beach Resort (luxury hotel)
Eden Beach Resort is a slice of paradise on Koh Rong Sanloem island. Located right on Saracen Bay, this 4-star resort offers stunning ocean views and direct beach access. The bungalows are modern and spacious, with private balconies perfect for taking in the scenery.
The resort features a beautiful outdoor pool overlooking the sea - ideal for cooling off after a day in the sun. For dining, the on-site restaurant serves up tasty local and international dishes. In the evenings, grab a tropical cocktail from the bar and watch the spectacular sunsets.
With kayak rentals available and plenty of nearby restaurants to explore, there's no shortage of things to do. The friendly staff go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome. For a relaxing island getaway with all the amenities, Eden Beach Resort is hard to beat.
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Tube Resort (medium range hotel)
Tube Resort on Koh Rong Sanloem is a laid-back beachfront getaway that's perfect for relaxing. The resort has a great location right on Sandy Beach, with an outdoor pool overlooking the ocean. The rooms are unique tube-shaped bungalows, some with sea views. They're comfortable and air-conditioned, with balconies to soak in the tropical vibes.
The staff are super friendly and helpful. There's a restaurant on-site serving Cambodian and international dishes, plus a bar for sunset cocktails. You can chill on the private beach, go snorkeling, or try activities like hiking and canoeing. It's a peaceful spot to unwind, with clean facilities and a chilled-out atmosphere. Just keep in mind it's on a pretty isolated part of the island, so it's more about relaxing than exploring. Overall, a cool place to escape and enjoy island life.
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Sara Resort (resort)
Sara Resort on Koh Rong Sanloem is a stunning beachfront property that offers a perfect tropical getaway. The resort features an amazing infinity pool overlooking the pristine Saracen Bay, where you can lounge with a cocktail and soak up the sun. The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, with options ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious family suites.
One of the highlights is definitely the food - the restaurant serves up delicious Cambodian, Western and international dishes. You can enjoy your meals with your toes in the sand or by the pool. The staff are super friendly and go out of their way to make sure guests have a great time.
There's plenty to keep you entertained, from snorkeling and kayaking to beach volleyball and evening fire shows. Or you can simply relax on the private beach and take in the stunning island views. Sara Resort offers that perfect balance of comfort, natural beauty and island vibes.
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Best hostels in Koh Rong Sanloem:
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Lazy Bones (boutique hostel)
Lazy Bones on Koh Rong Sanloem is a laid-back spot that feels like a hidden tropical paradise. Just a quick 3-minute walk from M'Pai Bay Beach, it's the perfect place to chill out and soak up island vibes. The property has a lush garden and terrace where you can lounge around, plus a shared hangout area to meet other travelers.
The rooms are simple but comfy, with options ranging from dorms to private rooms with sea views. Some even have balconies overlooking the garden. There's a restaurant on-site serving up tasty international dishes, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free choices too. In the evenings, you can grab a drink at the bar and enjoy some live entertainment.
If you're feeling adventurous, the staff can help set you up with activities like snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking around the island. Or you can just stroll down to the beach and spend your days swimming and sunbathing. With its chill atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, Lazy Bones is ideal for travelers looking to escape and unwind in a tropical setting.
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CocoHuts (hostel)
CocoHuts is a chill beachfront hostel in M'Pai Bay on Koh Rong Sanloem island. The location is perfect - you're steps away from the sand and can swim out to coral reefs just offshore. The laid-back vibe makes it easy to meet other travelers, whether you're hanging at the bar or joining in on karaoke night.
The friendly owners, Matty and Suzi, go out of their way to make guests feel welcome. They're full of great tips on what to see and do around the island. You can crash in the dorms or snag a private bungalow with garden views. Either way, you'll have a comfy bed with a mosquito net to keep the bugs at bay.
While it's not fancy, CocoHuts has everything you need for a relaxing island stay - tasty food at the on-site restaurant, beach loungers for soaking up the sun, and plenty of activities like snorkeling and fishing if you want to stay busy. It's the kind of place that'll make you want to extend your stay.
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Onederz Koh Rong Sanloem (party hostel)
Onederz Koh Rong Sanloem is a beachfront hostel located right on Saracen Bay Beach in Koh Rong Sanloem, Cambodia. The place has a laid-back, social vibe that's perfect for meeting other travelers. You can chill in the shared lounge, play some pool or ping pong, or just relax on the beach right outside.
The rooms range from private doubles and triples to mixed and female-only dorms. All have air conditioning, which is a nice perk for those hot Cambodian nights. There's free WiFi throughout the property too. The hostel offers bike rentals if you want to explore more of the island. In the evenings, they often have activities like movie nights and happy hours to bring guests together.
One of the best things about Onederz is its location right on the beach. You can literally walk out of your room onto the sand. The clear turquoise water is perfect for swimming and there are kayaks and paddleboards available to rent. Overall, it's a great spot to experience island life and meet other travelers in a beautiful setting.