Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem: Choosing Cambodia’s Perfect Island Escape & Eco-Tours

Discovering Cambodia’s Coastal Jewels in the Koh Rong Archipelago

Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, twin islands in Cambodia’s Koh Rong Archipelago, offer distinct tropical escapes with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, drawing millions to their shores. Koh Rong buzzes with lively Koh Touch nightlife and diverse beaches, while Koh Rong Samloem enchants with serene Saracen Bay and tranquil Lazy Beach, catering to beach lovers, adventurers, and eco-travelers. Accessible via a 40–45-minute ferry from Sihanoukville ($10–$20 or 40,000–80,000 KHR), choosing Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem depends on your travel style—vibrant energy or peaceful retreat—making both ideal for an authentic Cambodian coastal adventure.

Visiting these islands supports sustainable tourism through eco-friendly resorts and marine conservation initiatives like coral reef protection. Legend Travel Group, Southeast Asia’s leading sustainable tourism ambassador with over 17 years of expertise, integrates Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem into eco-tours for a planet-friendly escape. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to explore Cambodia’s islands with sustainability and cultural respect!

Island Note

Koh Rong’s Koh Touch (open 24/7 for nightlife) and Koh Rong Samloem’s Saracen Bay (ideal for relaxation) are accessible via eco-friendly ferries and longtail boats, ensuring green, authentic experiences in the Koh Rong Archipelago.

Legend Travel Group excels as the region’s premier local travel curator, dedicated to unveiling Vietnam, Cambodia, and Southeast Asia’s treasures through safe, eco-conscious journeys. Our island tours feature sustainable transport, expert guides on Khmer coastal culture, and initiatives preserving marine ecosystems and local communities. Specialists provide insights on choosing Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem, island etiquette, and green travel practices for harmonious adventures. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before, and 24/7 support, we ensure seamless exploration. Register a free account on our platform to save island itineraries, plan eco-focused trips, and receive fresh updates—enhancing your Cambodian island adventure!

Choosing Your Ideal Cambodian Island Experience

Deciding between Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem involves weighing their unique vibes, activities, and atmospheres. Here’s a detailed comparison and guide to help you choose:

• Cultural Etiquette for Both Islands:

  • Greetings: Use “sok sabay” (hello) or a smile; engage warmly with locals.

  • Dress: Swimwear for beaches; cover-ups ($5–$8 or 20,000–32,000 KHR) for villages; modest attire respects Khmer norms.

  • Behavior: Avoid loud voices in quiet areas (e.g., Lazy Beach); no littering; respect fishing zones in M’Pai Bay or Koh Touch.

  • Eco-Advice: Use biodegradable sunscreen ($6 or 24,000 KHR); support eco-friendly vendors.

  • Tip: Learn “arkun” (thank you); carry small USD/KHR notes for cash-only purchases.

• Koh Rong: The Vibrant Island:

  • Overview: Cambodia’s second-largest island (78 km²), known for lively Koh Touch, diverse beaches, and nightlife. Ideal for party-goers, adventurers, and budget travelers.

  • Key Areas:

    • Koh Touch: Bustling hub with bars, restaurants; budget guesthouses ($10–$25 or 40,000–100,000 KHR). Vibrant nightlife.

    • Long Set Beach (4K Beach): Pristine sands, mid-range resorts ($50–$150 or 200,000–600,000 KHR). Balanced relaxation.

    • Sok San Beach: Serene, eco-resorts like The Royal Sands ($100–$200 or 400,000–800,000 KHR). Quiet escape.

  • Activities: Snorkeling/diving ($20–$80 or 80,000–320,000 KHR), bioluminescent plankton tours ($5–$10 or 20,000–40,000 KHR), jungle trekking ($15–$25 or 60,000–100,000 KHR).

  • Pros: Lively atmosphere, diverse accommodations, more dining options ($3–$8 or 12,000–32,000 KHR).

  • Cons: Crowded Koh Touch; sandflies in peak season.

  • Tip: Choose Koh Rong for nightlife and variety; book accommodations early for Koh Touch.

• Koh Rong Samloem: The Tranquil Island:

  • Overview: Smaller island (25 km²), known for serene Saracen Bay and secluded Lazy Beach. Perfect for relaxation, couples, and eco-travelers.

  • Key Areas:

    • Saracen Bay: Main hub with calm waters, resorts ($50–$150 or 200,000–600,000 KHR). Ideal for beach relaxation.

    • Lazy Beach: Secluded west-coast beach, bungalows ($20–$40 or 80,000–160,000 KHR). Ultimate tranquility.

    • M’Pai Bay: Authentic fishing village, guesthouses ($10–$25 or 40,000–100,000 KHR). Cultural immersion.

  • Activities: Snorkeling/diving ($20–$80 or 80,000–320,000 KHR), bioluminescent plankton tours ($5–$10 or 20,000–40,000 KHR), kayaking ($10–$20 or 40,000–80,000 KHR).

  • Pros: Quieter, less crowded; eco-focused resorts; pristine beaches.

  • Cons: Fewer dining options; limited nightlife.

  • Tip: Choose Koh Rong Samloem for serenity; book Lazy Beach for seclusion.

• General Tips for Both Islands:

  • Navigation: No roads; use ferries or longtail boats ($5–$14 or 20,000–56,000 KHR); pin “Koh Touch, Koh Rong” or “Saracen Bay, Koh Rong Samloem” in offline apps (Maps.me).

  • Cash: No ATMs; bring USD/KHR; cash-out at resorts ($5–$10 or 20,000–40,000 KHR fee).

  • Eco-Tip: Support resorts with waste reduction; avoid plastic waste.

  • Tip: Morning for beach activities (8:00 AM–11:00 AM); evenings for plankton tours or Koh Touch nightlife.

  • Legend Travel Group tours include eco-friendly island activities.

Note: Activities and costs reflect current island trends; verify ferry schedules and resort policies. Our tours enhance with sustainable practices.

These budget-friendly, eco-activities, $0–$80, enrich your island experience:

1. Snorkel Coral Reefs (Both Islands)

Explore vibrant marine life, $20–$80 (80,000–320,000 KHR).

• Cost: $20–$80.

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses sustainable snorkeling gear.

• Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Island Eco-Snorkel ($80–$120).

2. Swim with Bioluminescent Plankton (Both Islands)

Witness glowing waters, $5–$10 (20,000–40,000 KHR).

• Cost: $5–$10.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Low-impact tours protect marine life.

• Tip: Part of Legend Travel Group’s Plankton Eco-Night ($40–$80).

3. Kayak Around the Islands (Both Islands)

Paddle to secluded coves, $10–$20 (40,000–80,000 KHR).

• Cost: $10–$20.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Eco-kayaks minimize impact.

• Tip: In Legend Travel Group’s Island Eco-Paddle ($50–$90).

4. Relax on Long Set Beach (Koh Rong) or Lazy Beach (Koh Rong Samloem)

Lounge on pristine sands, drinks $2–$4 (8,000–16,000 KHR).

• Cost: $2–$4.

• Hours: Daily, open 24 hours.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support eco-resorts with beach clean-ups.

• Tip: Highlight of Legend Travel Group’s Beach Eco-Chill ($45–$85).

5. Trek to M’Pai Bay (Koh Rong Samloem) or Lonely Beach (Koh Rong)

Explore villages or secluded beaches, $15–$25 (60,000–100,000 KHR).

• Cost: $15–$25.

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Guided eco-tours protect ecosystems.

• Tip: Featured in Legend Travel Group’s Jungle Eco-Trek ($60–$100).

November to March offers mild weather (25–30°C) and calm seas for beach activities, snorkeling, and ferry travel, ideal for island exploration. Avoid April-May heat (up to 35°C) or June-October rains, which may disrupt ferries; February or May balances pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Both islands are accessible via Sihanoukville:

• By Air: Fly to Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) from Phnom Penh ($40–$90 or 160,000–360,000 KHR, 1 hour). Transfer: Eco-taxi to port ($10–$15 or 40,000–60,000 KHR, 30 minutes).

• By Bus: Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville (4–5 hours, $10–$25 or 40,000–100,000 KHR). Transfer: Eco-taxi to port ($10–$15 or 40,000–60,000 KHR).

• By Ferry: Sihanoukville to Koh Rong (Koh Touch, 45 minutes, $10–$15 or 40,000–60,000 KHR) or Koh Rong Samloem (Saracen Bay/M’Pai Bay, 40 minutes, $12–$20 or 48,000–80,000 KHR). Operators: GTVC, Buva Sea, Speed Ferry Cambodia.

  • Schedule: Ferries run 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; book 1–2 days early.

  • Booking: Via agencies or Legend Travel Group for eco-packages.

• By Private Car: Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville ($60–$100 or 240,000–400,000 KHR). Book via Legend Travel Group.

• Local: Longtail boats between beaches ($5–$14 or 20,000–56,000 KHR). Navigation Tip: Pin “Koh Touch, Koh Rong” or “Saracen Bay, Koh Rong Samloem” in offline apps (Maps.me). No parking; ferries are main transport.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Shared ferries reduce emissions.

• Travel Tip: Morning ferries (8:00 AM–10:00 AM) ensure daylight beach time.

Pack for a sustainable, tropical journey:

• Documents: Passport, Cambodia visa ($36 or 144,000 KHR); wallet ($8–$12 or 32,000–48,000 KHR).

• Clothing: Swimwear, cover-up ($5–$8 or 20,000–32,000 KHR); light attire for villages.

• Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($5 or 20,000 KHR); snacks ($2–$4 or 8,000–16,000 KHR); biodegradable sunscreen ($6 or 24,000 KHR).

• Tech: Phone with offline maps; charger ($15–$25 or 60,000–100,000 KHR); SIM ($7–$10 or 28,000–40,000 KHR).

• Eco Items: Reusable tote ($3 or 12,000 KHR); phrase card ($2 or 8,000 KHR).

• Extras: Small USD/KHR for cash-only vendors; travel towel ($5 or 20,000 KHR). Tip: Pack light for island travel; bring cash due to limited ATMs.

Costs for Visiting Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem

Transport Costs

• Bus to Sihanoukville: $10–$25 (40,000–100,000 KHR).

• Ferry to Koh Rong/Samloem: $10–$20 (40,000–80,000 KHR).

• Eco-Taxi: $10–$15 (40,000–60,000 KHR).

Visa & Accommodation Costs

• Cambodia Visa: $36 (144,000 KHR).

• Budget Stays: $10–$40/night (40,000–160,000 KHR).

• Mid-Range: $50–$150/night (200,000–600,000 KHR).

• Luxury: $200–$500/night (800,000–2,000,000 KHR).

Activity Fees

• Snorkeling/Diving: $20–$80 (80,000–320,000 KHR).

• Plankton Tour: $5–$10 (20,000–40,000 KHR).

• Kayaking: $10–$20 (40,000–80,000 KHR).

• Beach Drinks: $2–$4 (8,000–16,000 KHR).

• Jungle Trek: $15–$25 (60,000–100,000 KHR).

• Souvenirs: $3–$7 (12,000–28,000 KHR).

• Eco-Tour: $20–$35 (80,000–140,000 KHR).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person, Including Budget Stay)

• Budget: $25–$45 (ferry, guesthouse, street food).

• Mid-Range: $60–$90 (ferry, mid-range resort, snorkeling).

• Luxury: $120–$200 (private car, upscale resort, diving). Tip: Transport $10–$50; visa $36; activities $0–$80; eco-tours add value.

• Etiquette: Use “sok sabay”; respect quiet beaches; avoid littering.

• Island Choice: Koh Rong for nightlife; Koh Rong Samloem for serenity.

• Schedules: Morning ferries (8:00 AM–10:00 AM); evening plankton tours (7:00 PM).

• Sustainability: Support eco-resorts; use biodegradable products.

• Navigation: Ferry to beach via longtail boats ($5–$14 or 20,000–56,000 KHR).

• Weather: Dry season (November–March) for clear waters.

• Cultural Note: Engage politely with fishing communities; respect local customs.

• Legend Tours: Eco-activities and cultural briefings included.

Explore Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem with our eco-tours:

• Island Eco-Snorkel ($80–$120/person, 1 day): Snorkeling with eco-snack ($2–$4 or 8,000–16,000 KHR). Guide, tips included.

• Plankton Eco-Night ($40–$80/person, half day): Bioluminescent swim, sustainable practices.

• Cambodia Island Explorer ($280–$400/person, 4 days): Multi-island tour with eco-lodges, meals, green transfers. Prices include guides, sustainable logistics, fees. 25% off for groups of 4+! Register a free account to track, save, and tailor your island itinerary.

Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia’s tropical gems in the Gulf of Thailand, offer distinct island escapes just a ferry ride from Sihanoukville. Koh Rong, with its vibrant Koh Touch beach and lively nightlife, captivates adventure seekers and party enthusiasts, while Koh Rong Samloem’s serene Saracen Bay and eco-friendly retreats like Lazy Beach allure those craving tranquility and nature. Both islands boast pristine beaches, snorkeling, and bioluminescent plankton tours, supported by sustainable practices like community-led conservation and eco-resorts. Legend Travel Group’s Koh Rong Tours and Koh Rong Travel guide you through these paradises, ensuring a responsible, immersive adventure that supports local communities. Whether dancing under the stars on Koh Rong or kayaking in Samloem’s calm bays, these islands promise an unforgettable eco-escape. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Cambodian island adventure today!
Ready to choose your perfect island escape in Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into Cambodia’s coastal splendor!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.