The islands

Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem

Three nights at the end of a temple-heavy trip

Rivers, lakes and beachesType

In short

Koh Rong and its quieter neighbour Koh Rong Sanloem sit about two hours by fast boat off Sihanoukville, and they are where Cambodia’s beaches are genuinely good. Koh Rong is larger and busier at the pier end; Sanloem is slower, with a handful of bays and very little between them. Both run largely on generator and solar power.

Checked

September 2026

Part of Island

At a glance

Visiting

Where: Off Sihanoukville, 45 minutes to 2 hours by boat depending on service
Best season: November to April for calm water and clear days
Time needed: Three nights minimum to be worth the crossing
Power: Generator and solar; ask about hours before booking
Which island: Koh Rong for nightlife, Sanloem for quiet

Questions travellers ask

Is there bioluminescence?

Often, on dark nights away from lights. Nobody can promise it - it depends on moon, season and water.

Can I get around the islands?

Mostly by boat. Interior trails exist but are longer and hotter than they look on a map.

Nearby

Also in Sihanoukville and the islands

See all

Sihanoukville

Otres Beach

Otres is the long, shallow-shelving beach south of Sihanoukville town, and the part of the mainland coast that still resembles what people came for. It is…

Where: South of Sihanoukville town
Best season: November to April