Well known as "Maldives" in Cambodia, Koh Rong Sanloem is an island off the coast of Sihanoukville, right next to Koh Rong island. I had hesitation when comes to choose between these 2 islands, as my purpose is to be fully lay back and relax, so finally I decided to go for Koh Rong Sanloem, which is a smaller island compare to Koh Rong.

Getting to Koh Rong Sanloem is easy, if you're getting off an airplane in Phnom Penh, you will first need to get to Sihanoukville either by car, bus, train or flight. 

By car or bus - it would takes around 5 - 7 hours journey, and you can simply book it anywhere in Phnom Penh.

By train - there are 2 trains departing from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, one in the morning 0700 and in the afternoon 1500 with about 7 hours journey.

By flight - 3 daily direct flights and only takes about 45minutes.

Sihanoukville is a developing town now hence there are many constructions on going, it feels more like a Chinatown. You will see many Chinese travelers around, and also many hotels have casino in it.



If you're already in Sihanoukville, you just need to get a ferry ticket to the island. I got my ferry ticket from my hotel which cost USD 22 for two way go and back. 

The ferry depart from Sihanoukville 4 times daily 0900; 1130; 1500; 1600 and 3 times daily coming back at 1000; 1230; 1600. It will first stop at Koh Rong Sanloem, and then to Koh Rong.

With this timetable, many travelers actually made a day trip to the island instead. But I would suggest to lay back at least 1 night in the island. The ferry journey takes about 45mins one way.

Once you reach the jetty of Koh Rong Sanloem, you will see many accommodations along Saracen Bay. Depends on your budget, they have cheaper hostel as well as luxury resorts.



Having a chill beer by the beach and doing absolutely nothing, it definitely feels like in heaven!





In case if you like to explore more about this island, you can actually go for a hike. Or book for snorkeling, and as well as seeing glowing plankton in the evening after sunset. 

What more when beach swing and hammocks can be found just anywhere along the bay!



What you really need to do here is simply, lay back, swing it, sit back and relax! :)