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Koh Rong Sanloem

Island

Southeast Cambodian island off Sihanoukville with white‑sand bays, clear water and coral reefs; popular for snorkeling, quiet beaches and small guesthouses reached by short boat trips from the mainland.

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In this guide

Koh Rong Sanloem essentials

Admission: No park entry fee for the island itself; boat fares depend on operator.
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About Koh Rong Sanloem

Koh Rong Sanloem is a small island in Cambodia’s Gulf of Thailand, off the coast of Preah Sihanouk province, known for white-sand beaches and relatively low-key tourism compared with nearby Koh Rong. The island’s bays and coral-fringed shores attract beachgoers and snorkelers.

The island’s main settlement and landing point is Saracen Bay, where most guesthouses, restaurants and boat services are concentrated. Smaller bays and beaches around the island offer quieter stays and snorkeling opportunities.

Development has been limited compared with larger Cambodian resorts, so accommodation ranges from simple bungalows to mid-range guesthouses and seasonal beachside services. Visitors generally come for beach time, short boat trips and marine recreation.

Koh Rong Sanloem lies off the southwest coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, a short boat ride from Sihanoukville and other coastal ports in Preah Sihanouk province.

  • Getting there: Ferries and speedboats run from Sihanoukville and nearby ports; travel times are short compared with larger island destinations.
  • Character: The island has limited large-scale development, so many services are seasonal and quieter than nearby Sihanoukville, making it suited to low-key beach stays and snorkeling.

What to See#

  • Saracen Bay: Saracen Bay is the island’s main landing point and settlement area, with visitor accommodation, restaurants and the principal beach used for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Southern and western beaches: Lazy Beach and other small bays around the island are known for sheltered snorkeling spots and quieter beaches with limited development.

Exploring Koh Rong Sanloem

Roughly a two-and-a-half-hour boat ride from Sihanoukville, Koh Rong Sanloem is often thought of as the quieter little sister of neighbouring Koh Rong. It is nearly as far to reach, but its beaches are more spread out and less within easy walking distance of one another.

The fishing village on the island’s northern coast sits within a bay that has been designated a marine conservation area. For visitors after an idyllic, low-key beach, the island holds one of the archipelago’s few west-facing, sunset-oriented shores at Lazy Beach, home to the Lazy Beach Resort.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Koh Rong Sanloem

November-April for the calmest seas and best snorkelling; shoulder months for fewer visitors.

Dry season
November-April · 24-31°C
Calmer seas and better snorkelling visibility; peak tourist months.
Wet season
May-October · 24-30°C
Shorter storms and fewer tourists; many bungalow operators close for parts of the season.

Weather & Climate near Koh Rong Sanloem

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 33°C. Heavy rainfall (3103 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 56 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
22°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 22° - 30° 26° 13 mm partly cloudy 75% 2.9 m/s 2.0 very high 11.5h
February Ideal 22° - 31° 26° 29 mm some cloud 75% 2.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.7h
March Very Good 23° - 32° 31° 92 mm partly cloudy 77% 2.4 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
April Good 25° - 33° 33° 123 mm partly cloudy 77% 2.0 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.3h
May Acceptable 24° - 32° 32° 317 mm overcast 80% 2.5 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.5h
June Good 24° - 30° 30° 508 mm overcast 81% 2.5 m/s 2.0 very high 12.6h
July Good 24° - 30° 27° 617 mm overcast 82% 2.5 m/s 1.9 very high 12.6h
August Good 24° - 30° 27° 519 mm overcast 82% 2.7 m/s 2.0 very high 12.3h
September Good 24° - 30° 27° 472 mm overcast 83% 2.2 m/s 1.9 very high 12.1h
October Good 24° - 30° 27° 282 mm overcast 82% 1.8 m/s 2.0 very high 11.8h
November Very Good 23° - 30° 26° 106 mm partly cloudy 78% 2.7 m/s 2.0 very high 11.5h
December Excellent 22° - 30° 26° 25 mm partly cloudy 75% 3.0 m/s 1.9 very high 11.4h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Koh Rong Sanloem

Ferries and speedboats run from Sihanoukville’s Youteb Pier and other local piers to Koh Rong Sanloem; trip times vary from about 20-60 minutes depending on the service and vessel. Private charters and occasional transfers from nearby islands are options in high season.

Tips for Visiting Koh Rong Sanloem

  • Take an early morning or late afternoon ferry to avoid midday heat and get softer light for photos.
  • Bring cash - there are no ATMs on the island and many lodges accept only cash.
  • Snorkel around the coral gardens off the southwest coast; several day operators run short trips from M'Pai Bay.