Saracen Bay
An arc of white sand.
Treehill — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Treehill — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Treehill — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Treehill — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Treehill — CC BY-SA 4.0
Koh Rong Sanloem is an island off the coast of Sihanoukville, south of Koh Rong, known for white sand beaches, clear water and forested interior. It stays quieter than its larger sister, suiting those who want swimming, walking and calm. Its best-known beach is the broad Saracen Bay, where most boats arrive. The island is about 9 km long and 4 km wide, narrowing to just 1 km at one point. It is part of Koh Rong Marine National Park, established in 2018, and by 2014 tourism had become the main source of income for its very small population, so services are simple. Saracen Bay offers an arc of soft white sand with shallow green and blue water, a long timber pier and huts among the trees. At low tide brown and violet shades appear on the sand. Paths through the forest lead to quieter beaches on the other side, and rocks and small islets are scattered to the north. It is about 26 km in a straight line from Sihanoukville. Fast ferries take 45 minutes to an hour and a half, and booking sites quote about 14 to 17 US dollars. The sea is usually calmer in the dry season from November to April. Bring enough cash and leave no rubbish on the beach.
An arc of white sand.
A long walkway over water.
Quieter beaches on the far side.
Off Sihanoukville, Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia
By ferry from Sihanoukville, 45 minutes to an hour and a half by fast boat, with several trips a day.
The dry season from November to April suits it best, with usually calmer seas.