Koh Rong Sanloem

Koh Rong Sanloem is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, located about 25 km off the coast of Sihanoukville, Cambodia, and roughly 4 km south of the larger island of Koh Rong. Known for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and relaxed atmosphere, it has become one of Cambodia’s most popular yet still tranquil island getaways.

Key facts

  • Province: Preah Sihanouk

  • Area: ≈ 24.5 km²

  • Length: 9 km north–south

  • Highest point: 210 m (689 ft)

  • Access: 30–45 min by ferry from Sihanoukville

Geography and environment

Koh Rong Sanloem is hilly and heavily forested, with sandstone formations along its coastline. Its most prominent feature is the 3 km-long crescent of Saracen Bay, named after the British survey ship HMS Saracen. The western coast hosts quieter beaches such as Lazy Beach and Sunset Beach, known for golden sands and vibrant sunsets, while the north holds the fishing settlement of M’Pai Bay. The island’s clear waters shelter coral reefs, seahorses, and nudibranchs, attracting snorkelers and divers.

Tourism and activities

Tourism is the island’s main economic activity, emphasizing eco-friendly, low-rise resorts and simple bungalows. Visitors arrive by high-speed ferry or slow boat from Sihanoukville’s Ochheuteal (Serendipity) Pier. Popular activities include swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, scuba diving, jungle treks to the southern lighthouse, and nighttime tours to see bioluminescent plankton. Infrastructure remains minimal—no paved roads, limited electricity, and spotty internet—preserving a “castaway” feel.

Climate and visiting season

The dry season (November–April) offers sunny days and calm seas with temperatures around 28–32 °C, making it the best period for travel. The rainy season (May–October) brings heavy but brief tropical showers, greener vegetation, and lower accommodation prices.

Conservation and community

Koh Rong Sanloem forms part of Cambodia’s first large-scale Marine Fisheries Management Area (≈ 405 km²) protecting coastal reefs and marine life. Two small villages—M’Pai Bay in the north and Phumi Kang Khnong in the south—sustain livelihoods mainly through fishing and small-scale farming, coexisting with a growing sustainable-tourism sector that emphasizes waste reduction and reef preservation.

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