Koh Rong Sanloem
Island Small Cambodian island known for quiet beaches
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.
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.
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.
Best Time to Visit Koh Rong Sanloem #
November-April for the calmest seas and best snorkelling; shoulder months for fewer visitors.
Weather & Climate near Koh Rong Sanloem #
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.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). The driest month with just 13 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Light rainfall.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (317 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (508 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (617 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (519 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (472 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (282 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
