On a days off we like to explore! And this time we chose to visit the islands- Koh Rong and Koh Samloem. Loads of travel agents in Sihanoukville offering ferry tickets or day trips for this. After walking around for the best price and option, we decided to take a trip for $19, which includes breakfast, lunch and snorkelling equipment. It’s a one day trip, stopping at both islands. So we arranged to stay in Koh Rong for one night and jump into next day boat. Ferry ticket to Koh Rong costs $15 return and takes 2.5h one way, speed boat costs $30 return and takes 45min. We paid extra $4 for meals plus stop at the other island, which is pretty good deal.
Koh Rong Samloem
The most peaceful and beautiful beach place i’ve ever been to. It’s very deserted and so far, I’ve seen just one small restaurant and a few bungalows. everything else is sand, sea and hammocks. If you’re looking for some ‘me myself and I time’, this is the perfect place to be!
Koh Rong
More action happening here. Not like in Koh Rong Samloem, here you will find many bars and guesthouses. Prices range from $6 for a dorm bed, $10-$20 for a room or $40-$100 for a bungalow. We went for a double tent on a beach for $5:) And just because the tree house that I was dying to spend the night in was already booked, I didn’t care where I’m going to stay… You can find tents just on the left of the pear. Price also includes mattresses, pillow and blankets.
A few metres away, there is a noodle stall, $1 for a best ever soup and $0.50 for best ever iced coffee! Take my work for it.
As we were walking to see the right side of the island I managed to trip over peace of wood and brake my pinky toe. Typical… Ended up tanning for 3hours and then walking with a stick back to the tent:)
Our little tent
Because of my little injury we took a private boat to ‘long beach’, which is a must see if you’re on the island. Asked a local sitting in a pear for a boat and negotiated to $6 one way, when local agents do it for $9. Wasn’t disappointed! The beach is just gorgeous! 7km of white sand, like from a postcard you see in travel shops. And instead of taking boat back, took a challenge to make it by foot through the jungle. With a broken toe. Best idea ever. Not because we wanted to walk but because the guy who agreed to take us back for same $6 changed his mind and said it’s not worth and asked for more. No way we paying more for 15min boat ride. Way home was very challenging and sweaty with a proper high rock climbing to the very top of the hill. We successfully made it in 50min. Proud of myself and Giedre! And to salute it, treated ourselves with a fruit shake- our favourite thing in Cambodia.
Way to the top is challenging
Long beach Eureka!
Hey there, I came across your blog while looking for ferry schedules… I noticed that you’re describing a boat that stops on both islands. Do you remeber where you booked it? Would it be possible to take that boat to Koh Rong stay two nights, continue to Salmoen for another two nights and return to Sihanoukville from there?
Yes you can do that, as long as you have full ticket. Its valid like forever. Just go down to the pier in Sihanoukville serendipity beach and get ticket there. Mention your option just to make sure they agree to it.
thanks for you quick reply, would that be one the ‘party boat’ or the regular ferry?
Regular ferry or speed boat
great thank you so much for the info 🙂
Where did you stay specificially in Koh Rong Samloem?
I can’t remember the name of dorm hostel, but there is just one with outside dorm beds, on the right when you come to the ‘port’.
Hi Ritakulesovaite, I am planning to go to Koh rong samloem this christmas. I noticed a treehouse in one of ur pictures. Do u know if its for rent? If so, do u know what’s the name of the resort/company who runs it? So I can contact them. I’ve researched for treehouse in the island but all of them not at the beachfront like that. I’m dying for it. Thanks 🙂
just saw your comment. can’t believe it got lost around. so sorry! there is no way to book it, just go straight to the island and inquire there;)