Koh Rong Samloem

Though the smaller of the two Rong islands, Koh Rong Samloem packs a mean punch for travelers who want to experience an untouched island that’s mostly peaceful but explodes when it hosts full moon parties for the ages.

Size isn’t everything and Koh Rong Samloem is a perfect example of that as it falls under the category of “just right” so visitors shouldn’t be put off by its smallness. The advantage it has over its bigger neighbor to the north is that many of the beaches and points of interest are more or less a one-hour walk from each other so one would be able to explore the island’s beauty in all its entirety.

Popular things to do are visiting the lighthouse to get the best views of the island and the surrounding sea. Snorkeling is a good option but diving is especially appealing and dive companies based in Sihanoukville usually take clients to the sites within the island. Saracen Bay and Mbei Bay house much of the development and where one could stay but if you’re looking for something more pristine, Clear Water Bay is the best choice. Other attractions are the Military Beach and base, jungle tracks that lead to waterfalls and mangroves.