There are places that feel like destinations—and then there are places that feel like a pause button. For me, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem were exactly that. After boarding a ferry from mainland Cambodia, I found myself heading toward two island names that sounded almost fictional. What I didn’t expect was how deeply these islands would reset my sense of time, movement, and rest. This wasn’t just another stop in a Cambodia travel guide. It was my first real taste of island life done slowly.
Arrival: First Light, First Breath of the Sea
The speedboat cut through the water from Sihanoukville, and about an hour later, the sea changed color. Suddenly, it was no longer deep blue, but a clear, luminous turquoise. Beneath the surface, shadows of coral were already visible.
The beaches of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem stretch long and pale, framed by palm trees rather than hotels. There were no towering resorts, no loud beach clubs—just sand, water, and a kind of calm that feels increasingly rare in Southeast Asia. The moment I stepped off the boat, my shoulders dropped. The breeze carried salt and coconut, and the islands felt less like somewhere I’d arrived at—and more like somewhere I belonged.
Island Time: Life at the Right Speed
There are no shopping malls here. No traffic. No urgency. Mornings begin with opening the door of a wooden bungalow and seeing the ocean before checking your phone. Breakfast usually means iced coffee from a beach café, slowly finished in a hammock with your feet in the sand.
Time behaves differently on these islands. There are no schedules demanding attention—just waves, birds, and long stretches of quiet. Many travelers I met were from Europe or North America: young couples, solo backpackers, and digital nomads chasing a slower rhythm.
Some days, doing nothing is the plan. Other days, you might rent a kayak or a paddleboard and trace the coastline at your own pace. This is the heart of Koh Rong island travel—unstructured, unhurried, and refreshingly simple.
Beneath the Surface: Snorkeling and the Underwater World
If you enjoy exploring, the water here invites you in. Snorkeling was my first introduction to the underwater side of the islands. Just meters from shore, colorful fish drift through coral gardens lit by sunlight. It feels intimate, almost personal—like stepping into a quiet, moving painting.
There are multiple snorkeling and diving spots around both Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. Some excursions even offer sightings of sea turtles and other tropical marine life. For travelers searching for things to do in Koh Rong, the sea itself is often the highlight.
Sunset Drinks and Easy Evenings
Despite their laid-back nature, these islands aren’t isolated in a dull way. As the sun begins to sink, small beach bars glow with warm lights. A cold cocktail, a wooden chair in the sand, and the horizon slowly turning gold—that’s the evening ritual. Conversations drift easily between travelers from the US, the UK, Germany, and beyond. There’s no pounding nightclub scene here. Instead, evenings feel social but soft—shared stories, laughter, and stargazing with the sound of the ocean nearby.
Night Magic: Swimming with Bioluminescent Plankton
One of the most surreal moments of my trip happened after dark. On certain nights, the water around Koh Rong comes alive with bioluminescent plankton. Step into the sea, move your hands, and the water lights up in electric blue sparks. It feels like swimming through a galaxy. This phenomenon—often searched as bioluminescent plankton Koh Rong—is one of those experiences that photos never quite capture. It’s quiet, delicate, and unforgettable.
Who These Islands Are Perfect For
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem aren’t for everyone—and that’s exactly why they’re special.
They’re ideal for:
- Travelers who love beaches and raw nature
- Couples and honeymooners seeking quiet romance
- Young Western travelers avoiding overdeveloped resorts
- Digital nomads looking for short-term escape and focus
Unlike Phuket or Bali, these islands haven’t been shaped around mass tourism. Life here feels closer to the present moment, which is why many travelers return.
Safety, Comfort, and Peace of Mind
A common question among Western travelers is: Is it safe? From my experience, yes—overall, these islands feel safe and welcoming. The local community is friendly, English is widely spoken in guesthouses and resorts, and the atmosphere is relaxed rather than chaotic.
As with any island destination:
- Check tides and sea conditions before swimming
- Choose licensed snorkeling or boat operators
- Bring sunscreen and insect repellent
With basic awareness, the experience remains easy and enjoyable.
My days on Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem were some of the most grounding moments of my travels. Sunrise walks, slow afternoons, and quiet nights under the stars reminded me how little we actually need to feel content. There’s no excessive noise here. No rush. Just island life in its simplest form.
If you’re searching for one of the best islands in Cambodia—not polished, not rushed, but deeply calming—these two islands may be exactly what you didn’t know you were looking for.