Known as the quieter sibling to Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem is an increasingly popular place to come and enjoy island life in Cambodia – all bookable on Culture Trip.
A short ferry ride from Sihanoukville, on the mainland, Koh Rong Samloem – the neighbouring island to Koh Rong – is the epitome of unspoilt island life. While its infrastructure has been developing in recent years, it remains a slice of Southeast Asia where backpackers and luxury holiday hunters alike can enjoy secluded beauty and a relaxed pace of life. Koh Rong Samloem has no roads – and few ATMs, so you’ll need to bring cash – but when it comes to accommodation, it’s got it all. From five-star luxury resorts and boutiques to minimalist, handcrafted beach huts, here’s our essential guide.
The award-winning Sol Beach Resort is situated along the fine blanched sands of Saracen Bay and is the perfect villa resort for those seeking a more luxurious stay on the island. It focuses on comfort and has all the modern amenities you’d expect from a high-calibre resort, including a spa with an accent on traditional Cambodian therapies. Sol Beach offers both ground and treeline ocean views – depending on the chalet type – making it the perfect place to stay when you’re craving a more grandiose holiday on Koh Rong Samloem.
At the more affordable end of the spectrum, the One Resort is a simpler way to explore Koh Rong Samloem’s exotic bounties and is the perfect place to unwind after a day of island exploration. The One Resort especially caters for families, with a designated restaurant and play area for children on-site. As well as the usual sea-facing bungalows, it offers lodges set further back into the forests, where you can drift off to the cacophony of the jungle’s inhabitants.
With five-star guest reviews and stylish decor designed from entirely sustainable materials, Eden Beach Resort is one of the more ecofriendly choices here. In addition to providing a continental breakfast each morning, the resort is known for its service and outstanding food, which you can enjoy overlooking Saracen Bay – at very reasonable prices. Guests can even expect a welcome drink on the house after stepping off the ferry, the cost of which is included when booking your stay.
For a quieter, more immersive experience of Koh Rong Samloem, Sandy Beach Bungalows are tucked away on a secluded spot on the east of the island – you can book a boat that will take you on the final leg from Saracen Bay. The rooms are small but cosy, clean and comfortable, providing an idyllic sanctuary from the bustle by the main pier. A mass of wild jungle surrounds the chalets and guests can go trekking to explore the diverse natural life surrounding the bungalows – or use the free kayaks to cruise along the coast.
If you’re looking for a party vibe, Mad Monkey Backpackers Resort in Koh Rong Samloem is for you. Among many other resorts serving travellers on the hunt for adventure, this one does not disappoint. One-time, fixed-price tickets for 30, 60 or 90 days grant you instant access to accommodation in any of its worldwide resorts at an enviable price. Hopping resorts is a great way to meet fellow globetrotters and revel in Cambodia’s nightlife – though earplugs are advised if you’re looking to turn in early.
Set amid a tropical jungle, La Passion by Achariyak extends into Saracen Bay, providing a range of facilities, including an infinity pool, wellness spa and diving centre. Expect the finest service and attention from staff and dine along the beach under starlight on barbecued fish caught hours earlier.
The Orchid Resort is a wallet-friendly option for travellers who aren’t seeking premium luxury. What it lacks in top-draw amenities, it makes up for in rustic charm and simplicity. This hotel offers cosy beach huts and comfortable beds, close enough to the bustle of the pier within 15 minutes, but far enough away to get a good night’s sleep on a budget. An ideal place to stay if you’re just looking for a place to crash.
A lower-priced option, also close to the pier – where you catch ferries to and from the island – Freedom Island Bungalow is known for its friendly, funny and slightly eccentric staff, who will go above and beyond to make your stay memorable. Consequently, it may not be a good choice for those looking for a more traditional, private form of hospitality, but with its spectacular sea views and perfectly respectable lodgings, Freedom Island Bungalow is a fun alternative with a unique character.
The family-run Homestay Resort offers a personalised stay at an affordable price, including its highly recommended restaurant, which features delicious home-cooked recipes. The resort may lack reliable wifi – or, for that matter, 24-hour power – but its treetop accommodations offer breathtaking views of Koh Rong Samloem and its remote location makes it a more authentic getaway than many of its competitors.
This is an updated rewrite of an article originally by Marissa Carruthers.
These recommendations were updated on July 13, 2021 to keep your travel plans fresh.
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