Top Things to do in Koh Rong Samloem
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What to do and see in Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia including Cambodian Diving Group, Saracen Bay Beach, Coral Gardens Dive Resort, Caribbean Boat Tours, Koh Rong Light House, Reef Dive Resort, M'Pai Bay, Fun Dive Cambodia, Jungle Republic, Ponleu Spa.
Restaurants in Koh Rong Samloem
1. Cambodian Diving Group
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 161 reviews
Looking for your perfect dive trip? With a diverse range of dive sites, western-maintained equipment, beach-front accommodation and one of the most experienced instructors in Cambodia; you’ve found the right place. We offer a range of PADI programmes and tailor-made diving packages to make your experience in Cambodia truly unforgettable. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced diver, we have the perfect trip for you.
Reviewed By James P
I can only speak to the diving as I had already booked place to stay before I got to Koh Rong Samloem but their bungalows looked pretty impressive for a small island. The shop is run with professionalism and respect to the local community and...MoreHi James Thanks for taking the time to give us a great review on behalf of the team wish you many more successful dives. Simon
2. Saracen Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By ianx17489 - Deal, United Kingdom
This is a picture postcard bay, the sand is perfect and its shallow waters ensures the temperature is perfect for swimming.
It can get busy during the day with day trippers but not overwhelming....
In late afternoon and evening its idealic, temperatures drop to a comfortable level, still short sleeves and flip flops.
The bars and restaurants, all on the beach edge have good food at reasonable prices.
All the accomodation is low level and sympathetic to the environment.
There is some litter (plastic bottles etc), at various points along the beach but to be fair most responsible resorts have people clearing it up daily. Not really an eyesore just an irritation...
There a number of bars and restaurants but they do not dominate all of the bay, plenty of peaceful spots to lie, swim and relax.
The bay is at its best in the evening, sitting having a drink or meal with your feet in the sand is bliss. You will always remember these moments.
There are huge swings dotted along the beach, great fun and excellent photo opportunities....
3. Coral Gardens Dive Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Fun Dives and Scuba Courses are available daily and we boat around the island for a wonderful day on and below the water. Our beautiful 40 person Catamaran takes us where the fish and coral thrive. Diving is world class with intact reefs and an abundance of bio diversity... As lifelong divers we've been around the world and now call this home, its quiet and remote so you have a chance to see the sea and not other divers. Additionally we're partnered with local conservation groups doing coral farming, electro reefs and other maritime projects. Just ask and we can tell you all about it.
Reviewed By Matt M
I'll start by saying that I stayed in Saracen Bay and booked through Dennis at the booking office there. I'll discuss what I liked further on but I had some issues that simply need to be talked about. I came in the day before my dive and asked how I could pay and was told I could leave my passport plus a deposit of $10 and then pay for my dives on the main land. When I asked if I could get a cash advance I was told to go next door to the Orchid resort. When I showed up the next morning I was asked to pay in full and then he seemed put out by me explaining what he told me the day before. Then he promptly told me I could get a cash advance from them if I needed it. Needless to say I was very confused. I was also the only person going out from Saracen that day so it's not like there was a mob of people and I was just understandably lost in the mix. The mood then changed everything seemed ok, so I rolled with it.
When I got around the back side of the island (by boat) they had no idea what my certification level was at even though I had stated it at least twice to Dennis leading me to believe that there is little to no communication between the 2 locations. Expecting to sign something when I arrive in terms of a waiver I was presented with nothing and it made me feel a bit nervous. I then spoke with the dive masters/instructors and they seemed to know what they were doing so I at least felt safe diving with them. I will admit I should have asked for a waiver but we started talking diving and it slipped my mind until we were already on the boat. The equipment was in decent shape and they were professional in all other regards.
I will say this in their defense, the business of diving on the island is very young and it seems like they are going through growing pains. Dennis seemed to have a lot on his mind and I should have just walked back to the dive shop next door that came across as way more professional except that this one came highly recommended. It was the most unprofessional experience I've had.
I think in time they will figure out a better system but as of March 2015 I'd book elsewhere (there are only 3 options on the island so they will definitely get their act together or suffer for sure)
4. Caribbean Boat Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Catherine C
The company offers three different tours: snorkeling 10$/plankton 20$ (meal included)/ snorkeling+M'pai village+plankton 30$ (meal and drinks included)
We did the 30$ tour. It was totally worth it, as it was a 6 hour tour (vs. 2~3) with a delicious dinner and many beers included.
Cam (I hope I am spelling it right!), our guide, really made the tour. He was very invested in the community and made the tour very personal. The tour around M'pai village is definitely a must.
For any expat English teachers who are traveling, there is a locally run school in the M'pai village that gets zero government funding. They are looking for long or short term (even workshops!) volunteers during the school year. You can arrange this through Cam as well.
Overall, amazing. Thanks Cam!
5. Koh Rong Light House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By leifstarkey - Brighton, United Kingdom
This exciting 7km round trip walk to the Lighthouse is well worth the time and effort. I would advise setting off early in the morning to avoid the midday heat as the trek can take around 1.5 hours each way. You start off the jungle trek at the southern end of Saracen Bay just to right of Dolphin Bay Resort where the small track leads you onto the trail. My advise is to stock up on water here before starting as there is no where on route or at the lighthouse to refuel. They offer cheap refills for next to nothing, make sure you bring at least 1 litre each.
The trek itself is pretty easy going as there is a rough trail most of the way with only one crossroad two 3rds of the way in which either takes you to the lighthouse or one of the two Beaches either side. The trail takes you through thick jungle and swamps often in places where trees have been cutdown so you have to divert off the trail and find an alternate route (all very exciting). Watch out for the millions of ants that plague this trail and don’t stop to long as you’ll find they start nipping at your feet and legs. We also saw many Toucans flying between the trees as we walked the final trail up to where the lighthouse suddenly emerged through the trees. It really felt like something out of Treasure Island.
Once we reached the lighthouse we were rewarded with some truly spectacular 360’ views of the whole island, the highest point around with not another soul in sight, there was also a lovely warm but fresh sea breeze at the top which made for a great way to cool down after the long walk. Don’t forget to bring your camera and the $1 entry fee to the top. The lighthouse keeper was very friendly and pretty much left us to it, having the whole lighthouse to ourselves, he also had some very cute puppies when we visited which my girlfriend adored. We lingered there for around 2 hours which just seemed to whizz by before making our way back.
If you fancy doing something a bit different and getting off the tranquil Beaches for a morning or afternoon then visiting the Lighthouse is a real must; for some truly spectacular views and a fun and but easy going trek.
6. Reef Dive Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Diving with us at Reef Dive Resort will give you access to some of the best dive sites in Cambodia situated close to the beautiful tropical island of Koh Rong Samleom, 18km due west of Sihanoukville. We offer Snorkel Trips, Fun Dives, Try Dives and all PADI Diving Courses. All diving activities are available daily from our island PADI Dive office at Mpai Bay on the north side of Koh Rong Samleon island, just a short 45 minute fast ferry trip from the Mainland at Sihanoukville. You will then be able to enjoy an action packed time above and below the beautiful pure turquoise water that surround this natural unspoilt environment here. Our comfortable 40 person Catamaran allows us to take you where the fish and coral thrive. Diving here in Cambodia is world class with intact reefs and an abundance of biodiversity… As lifelong divers we’ve been around the world and now call this home, its quiet and remote so you have a chance to see the sea and not other divers. Five great reasons to dive with us at Reef Dive Resort 1. No large group diving at Reef Dive Resort – no diving in other divers bubbles, enjoy the reef as it should be seen in your own small group. 2. Our professional yet friendly international team at Reef Dive Resort are deeply committed to bringing you safe, quality and personal PADI Scuba Diving instruction and expert private guiding to beginners and experienced divers alike. 3. We have a policy of taking a maximum of 4 on PADI Open Water Courses and Advanced Courses as it means we can give expert and individual attention to each student to ensure your experience is more personal. 4. There are plenty of dive spots to choose from including a local small fishing boat wreck that acts as an artificial reef. Species of marine life to see include Sea Horse, Octopus, Cuttlefish, Silver Ray, Shrimp, Anemone Fish, Crabs, Golden Trevally, Schools of Snapper, Yellowtail Barracuda, Jackfish, Trevally, Pufferfish, Parrotfish, Boxfish, Angelfish, Butterflyfish, Pink Anemone Fish, Blue Spotted Stingray, Nudibranch, Hermit Crabs. 5. We now have an on-line option for the theory parts of the Open Water, Advanced, Rescue and Divemaster courses. This can be completed before you arrive saving you time on your well-deserved holiday.
Reviewed By marco-s1981 - Miami Beach, Florida
Pay in advance and receive a receipt with printed the conditions: 50% not refounded if you can t attend. Yes, deal conditions comes after you have already payed.
Well, i got sick and on top of the sadness of missing my chance to dive I also had to lose 40$.
I have never seen anything like that anywhere else, and I can tell you I have been in many diving place.
Obviously they have no idea about how to deal with customers.
Beginner
7. M'Pai Bay
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Akmia83 - Miami Beach, Florida
M'Pai Bay, where Sunset Bungalows (my favorite spot) is located, is a traditional Cambodian fishing village hidden in the island of Koh Rong Samloem's northern cove.
The 300 people eco-friendly community cares very much for their little-known paradise, they participate in its development, built a school for their kids and invite travelers to discover this unique enclave.
“M’Pai Bei”, which means 23 in khmer language, is an escape for yourself, a getaway destination known by international divers for its fascinating marine life including colorful corals and incredible fishes.
It is very different than other nearby countries, a place for the few who have seen it all, the ones looking for a hideaway or the discovery of the eco-tourist, everybody who wants to explore a world left behind many decades ago.
There are a million reasons that make M’Pai Bay so exceptional.
8. Fun Dive Cambodia
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Tom M
Craig's fun dive shop on Saracen Bay is a great way to get a taster for diving without the need for all the equipment and their corresponding safety training. Imagine snorkelling with an air supply (provided from the support boat) that let's you stay down and enjoy the marine life without going to the surface every minute to breath! It allows you to stay at around 7m.
Craig is a great guy and an excellent host. For those who want to do some advanced snorkelling or a introductory taster to what scuba is like before forking out for an open water, find Craig's fun dive shop on Saracen Bay between the Dive shop and the Beach Resort! You won't regret it!
9. Jungle Republic
Overall Ratings
4 based on 5 reviews
Jungle Republic is a shadowy backpacker oasis at the heart of Koh Rong Sanloem. We provide simple, clean, budget accommodation for all tired travelers. Private rooms, dorms, tents and hammocks are available. Try one of our fresh fruit shakes or enjoy a meal at our jungle restaurant – seriously, our chef is amazing. Stretch out on a hammock and relax in the shade, listen to the sounds of nature and admire some of the wildlife. In the nighttime the jungle comes alive and when the moon is full, so does our sound system. Think face paint, fire show, international DJ’s, a crazy crew of locals and worldly travelers and, of course, Tequila. Wait, what? We meant customers, awesome backpackers from all over the world. You included. But don’t worry, if you happen to stumble upon us at a different phase of the moon, our daily events will have you going coconuts. The fun we serve for free.
Reviewed By Bartłomiej F
I LOVE THIS PLACE FOR ATMOSPHERE!
Movie night's, live music (guitar), karaoke, Full Moon Party - everyday something else. You can eat here #breakfast, #lunch and have a drink (happy hour 0.75$ beer, shot 2$ coctails 3.5$) accommodation and dorm 3$, private room 5$!!! Great staff members, nice people and quiet...only nature around...i love it!
They have a place for tents and hamak, also you can rent them. A lot of space, place for chillin, Reading a books, they Building now a jungle gym.
I tried coctails and you can trust me - they are strong :) No cheating!!! The same with fruit shakes, they using to make only FRESH fruits (with milk or without) no sugar!
I will stay for a long time
10. Ponleu Spa
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Enjoy a relaxing massage right on beautiful Saracen Bay beach. We offer a variety of relaxing massages. Our oil treatments include refreshing aroma and a cleansing coconut oil massage. Our location is a short walk from the Island's nature trails to other Beaches. There are excellent restaurants and a variety of water activities nearby.
Reviewed By Julie J - Tavistock, United Kingdom
We walked Ali g the beach looking for a place to stay & found this little gem. It’s very basic electric 6-11pm only & no air con. It is very clean with plenty of room. The cost is only $20 a night with Ali g this beach is very good. You can just rock up & find them or e mail or call in advance. They are such lovely people who looked after us & our young daughter who also enjoyed her stay with them. I wish them all the very best... [email protected] H/P 0882177772 / 0883077772 / 070909337
