Koh Rong Samloem Island

Koh Rong Samloem is a beach island, the little sister of Koh Rong. Known for its white sandy beaches and warm, crystal-clear waters, Koh Rong Samloem embodies all the characteristics of a paradise island.

History

The word "Samloem" has two meanings. The first is "drowsiness," and the second is "far and difficult to discern." The origin of the word "Rong" remains uncertain. According to some locals, it refers to a historical figure, while for others, it means "cave" or "tunnel."

The question of how to spell the island's name dates back to the 19th century. You may come across "Samloem," "Sanloem," or even "Saloem." In fact, all of these spellings are correct, with "Samloem" being the most commonly used by tourists. However, it doesn’t have any meaning in Khmer, while "Sanloem" means "far" in Khmer. "Saloem" is also used for convenience in spelling and pronunciation.

Geography

Koh Rong Samloem is located 18 km west of Sihanoukville and about 10 minutes by boat from its neighbor, Koh Rong. The island itself is 9 km long and 4 km wide, surrounded by the waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

The majority of the island is covered by jungle and moderate mountains.

Climate

Like the rest of the country, Koh Rong Samloem has a tropical climate with a monsoon season.

The winter months are generally the most pleasant time to visit the island. From December to March, the weather is hot and dry, with temperatures around 25°C to 30°C.

The hottest month of the year is April, with temperatures soaring up to 40°C.

The rainiest period is from August to November.

How to get there

This little piece of paradise is only accessible by boat. All boats to the island depart from Sihanoukville. If you are in Koh Rong, you can then reach Koh Rong Samloem by private boat-taxi.

There are two options: the speedboat, which takes 45 minutes to reach Koh Rong Samloem, or the slow boat, typically a fishing boat that makes several stops and takes about two hours to get to the destination.

How to get around

Once on the island, there are few means of transportation available to you.

On foot

The first option is obviously walking. Without any roads and only a few marked trails, you will need to venture into the jungle like a true Robinson Crusoe!

By boat

There are also boat excursions around the island. You can spend a day with stops at beautiful beaches like Saracen Beach, enjoy a lazy afternoon, perhaps do some snorkeling, and finish off with a stunning sunset.

What to do ?

• Try your hand at snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing.
• Take a boat tour around the island.
• Go on a night walk to see the phosphorescent plankton.
• Go kayaking if you're in the mood for some sport.

Practical Tips and Information

• There are no ATMs on the island, so make sure to bring enough cash in advance.
• Some accommodations do not have electricity, or at least not all day. Bring a book and prepare accordingly.
• Dining options are limited, with a few restaurants, guesthouses, and a small kiosk in M'Pay Bai near the pier.
• Make sure to book your accommodation in advance as there are few places to stay, and you might be surprised during peak season!
• Bring a headlamp, which is very useful in case of power cuts.