Koh Rong Sanloem: The Complete Island Guide
Every beach, every bay, and how to choose between them —
written from the island, not a desk.
Koh Rong Sanloem (also spelled Koh Rong Samloem) is the quieter sister island of Koh Rong, about 25 km off the coast of Sihanoukville, Cambodia. It’s roughly 9 km long and 4 km wide — a spine of jungle hills wrapped in white-sand bays, with no real roads, no cars, and a handful of very different places to stay.
That last part is what trips most travellers up. “Where should I stay on Koh Rong Sanloem?” is really the question “which bay suits me?” — because once you land, moving between areas means a jungle trail or a longtail boat. This guide covers every area and beach, how they differ, and how to get to each one.
How the Areas Differ
Six very different corners of one small island — pick your vibe first, then book.
M'Pai Bay (Village 23)
The island’s living fishing village, on the north tip. Backpacker prices, real Khmer community, the best food scene per square metre, and its own ferry stop. This whole site is dedicated to it — start here.
Saracen Bay
The 3 km resort crescent on the east coast and the main ferry stop. Comfortable, prettier at high tide, more expensive — and busier with tour groups. See our full M’Pai Bay vs Saracen Bay comparison.
Sunset Beach
Off-grid bungalows on the west coast, reached by jungle trail. Greener water, softer sand, little to no wifi — the digital detox option. Full Sunset Beach guide →
Lazy Beach
One quiet resort on one southwest cove — the Robinson Crusoe fantasy, once ranked among the world’s best beaches. Full Lazy Beach guide →
Clearwater Bay
Wild white sand and the clearest water on the island, a hike or cheap boat taxi from M’Pai Bay. No resorts, no shops — for now. Full Clearwater Bay guide →
Long Beach & the Rest
Long Beach is M’Pai Bay’s own quiet stretch, five minutes from the village. Sandy Beach, Romny Cozy Bay, and a few unnamed coves round out the island for explorers with sturdy sandals.
Getting to Koh Rong Sanloem
Speedboats run daily from Sihanoukville Autonomous Port and take roughly 40–60 minutes, around $25 return. The critical detail: the island has two ferry stops — Saracen Bay and M’Pai Bay — and not every boat calls at both. Land at the wrong one and you’re paying $30–45 for a longtail transfer. Always confirm your ticket names your bay.
Sunset Beach, Lazy Beach, and Clearwater Bay have no ferry stops of their own: you reach them on foot or by boat taxi from Saracen or M’Pai Bay — details in each beach guide.
Full schedules, operators, and booking platforms are in our complete ferry guide, and the wider trip logistics live in Plan Your Visit.
Where Should You Base Yourself?
Honest answer: it depends what you came for. Resort comfort and a long swimmable crescent — Saracen Bay. Total seclusion — Sunset or Lazy Beach, accepting that dinner is wherever you sleep.
But if you want the island most people miss — a real village where fishing boats outnumber tour boats, food that rivals the mainland, budget rooms a minute from the sand, and day-trip access to Clearwater Bay and Long Beach — base yourself in M’Pai Bay. Browse where to stay, check the village directory, and see when to go.
Ready to Plan Your Island Trip?
Ferries, visas, budgets, and everything between the mainland and the sand.