Backpacking in Cambodia (Part 3): Island Life at Koh Rong Samloem


After Ho Chi Minh and Phnom Penh's history crash courses, we finally had time to just relax and leave all worries behind. :) Our four days in Koh Rong Samloem were perfect - very few tourists, powdery white sand, clear waters, no sense of time, no cell phone service, no wifi. We went back to basics and it was very refreshing.

We took a sleeper bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. At Sihanoukville, a bus connected to Speed Ferry picked us up to bring us to the port. We then took a Speed Ferry that goes around the Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem islands. We got off at Saracen Bay, where our accommodations were. Tickets for both bus and ferry were purchased at a Phnom Penh travel agency which we found while we were in the area.

We stayed at Natural Island Bungalow for four days and three nights. Accommodations in Koh Rong Samloem are more expensive than those on the mainland, maybe because of the remote location. We spent $75 or around Php 6,900. This was the most expensive we've paid for accommodation throughout the trip.

Rooms are not air-conditioned and electricity is cut off in the evening. Mosquito nets are provided because there are a lot of mosquitoes especially at night. We've also had beetles and moths coming in and out of our room, plus a few noisy geckos. True to its name, you really feel close to nature.haha







The resort had its own restaurant but Eliel and I hopped from one resort to another to try other types of food.




One of my favorite menus from a neighboring cafe.



My cute buttefly pancake!

Though it rained every now and then, we were still able to enjoy the beach.









We stayed on Saracen Bay, which had a long stretch of white sand. The other side of the island had bigger waves and stronger winds. Lazy beach is the most famous resort on the other side and we wanted to check it out.  To get there, we had to cross the "jungle."








Lazy Beach has a very chill vibe.







They also had yummy food.



 And of course, my favorite thing to do on the island!


Those four days gave us enough time to recharge and prepare for the next part of our trip. On to the next stop. :)


Read about the rest of our Cambodia adventure here:

Cambodia Part 1: Backpacking in Cambodia




For more on our 16-day Indochina backpacking trip (full itinerary + expenses), click on the photo below.



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