Detailed Guide to Sài Gòn – Koh Rong Samloem

Just back from China, I hurriedly rearranged my schedule to prepare for the next journey. Our chosen destination this time is a heavenly island in Cambodia.

Detailed Guide to Sài Gòn – Koh Rong Samloem

Koh Rong Samloem (KRS) is likened to a paradise island, with its stretches of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Additionally, Koh Rong (KR) island is also a targeted destination for us.

Below is the itinerary and the experiences we gained from the trip.

What to Prepare?

– Camera and camera charger (don't forget to bring your camera charger, like I did once, it was a real downer).

– Squad of besties and snapping some epic photos.

– Booking transportation tickets

Ho Chi Minh City – Ha Tien: I booked tickets with Kumho company, requesting pickup at their office on Le Hong Phong Street, then there will be shuttle service to the Mien Tay bus station. Upon arrival at Ha Tien, there will be another shuttle to your destination. Ticket price: 168,000 VND per person.

Ha Tien – Sihanoukville: I made advance reservations with Vietcamthai company for the bus and also purchased ferry tickets to the island there. Bus ticket price: 13 USD per person. I also booked return tickets with both companies.

– Booking ferry tickets: Purchased directly at the Vietcamthai office. I chose Speed Ferry Cambodia, which takes a little over an hour to reach the island. Ticket price: 20 USD per person (round trip). Tickets come in 2 parts, tear off one part when departing and keep the other to confirm return date when going back to the island.

– Hotel Booking: You can choose to book your accommodations through various online hotel booking websites. You'll need to book hotels in Sihanoukville and hotels in Koh Rong, as well as in Koh Rong Samloem.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Travel and Transit

We're catching the 8:40 AM flight to Saigon, dropping our luggage at a friend's place, then contacting the transportation company to book tickets before grabbing a quick meal and buying some last-minute items.

We're taking the 10:00 PM bus from Saigon to Ha Tien, which is about a 5-hour journey. Upon arrival, we'll transfer to the shuttle provided by the company, ensuring they drop us off at the Vietcamthai office. Once there, we'll make payment, collect our tickets, then board another vehicle to the border checkpoint for immigration procedures.

Day 2: Going Abroad

After completing immigration procedures, a vehicle will be ready to pick you up for a approximately 3-hour journey to Sihanoukville. To ensure our well-being, we've opted to stay here overnight instead of heading directly to the islands.

In the evening, our group takes a tuk-tuk to the central area, where there are two lion statues. There are numerous restaurants around, so we'll choose one with a suitable menu. There are also plenty of mini-marts nearby, offering all the essentials at reasonable prices.

Day 3: Arrival at Koh Rong

In the morning, we check out of our accommodation and catch a tuk-tuk to the pier. We're taking the 9:00 AM ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong, arriving around 10:30 AM. Upon arrival, we'll immediately purchase tickets for the high point attraction and the ferry from KR to KRS.

Price of high point attraction ticket: 25 USD per person.

Price of ferry ticket from Kok Rong to Kok Rong Samloem: 7 USD per person.

Despite numerous warnings about using backpacks instead of suitcases, being girls, with lots of stuff, the whole group decided to stick with suitcases, along with a 4 kg inflatable boat and a bag of snacks. The hotel is located near the end of the beach. We dragged our suitcases across the sand to the hotel, feeling like our limbs might fall off.

I booked a beachfront bungalow for 4 people at Paradise Bungalow. The room has 4 spacious beds, an open-air bathroom, a balcony with a hammock and cushions for gazing at the sea and sky. Wi-Fi is only available at the reception area.

In the afternoon, we grabbed some food and changed into our adventure gear for the high point activity, then headed to the beach for some fun.

High point is an adventurous physical challenge consisting of 22 stages with increasing difficulty. There are basic stages like crossing suspension bridges, walking on balance beams, zip-lining like Tarzan, etc. Completing all stages, you'll reach the summit and enjoy a panoramic view of Koh Rong Island, then slide down a 400m zip line to the finish line, it's really thrilling.

In the evening, we strolled to the pier area, looking for a suitable restaurant to dine in. There are Western and Thai options available, so it wasn't too hard to choose. After dinner, back in the room, the dim lighting wasn't bright enough for card games, so we just sat around drawing silly things and chatting.

Day 4: Stepping into paradise

In the morning, make sure to wake up early to catch the sunrise while lounging in the hammock. The boat will depart for Koh Rong Samloem at 10 a.m. It's a small boat, and the journey is quite long, taking about an hour to reach the destination, but we're rewarded with stunning scenery along the way.

Note: Traveling from Koh Rong to Koh Rong Samloem will be by small boat. There are two types: Speed Ferry Cambodia, which is yellow, and Speed Ferry Cambodia Island, which is green. If your hotel offers canoe pick-up service, when purchasing tickets, remember to ask which color your boat is to confirm with the hotel.

Upon arriving at Koh Rong Samloem, remember to confirm your return date and time to Sihanoukville. Otherwise, you'll need to arrive at least 3 hours early to confirm your ticket on the day of departure.

Welcome to paradise, with azure seas, white sands, and golden sunshine.

I booked a room at The One resort. It's the only hotel with a swimming pool, air conditioning, and fully functioning electricity (which you sometimes have to appreciate). The staff is incredibly friendly; upon arrival, you'll even be offered some orange juice, leaving a great impression.

We don't have much time here; we'll just relax at the main beach and enjoy the resort. Additionally, you can take a leisurely forest walk, taking about an hour to reach another beach.

Day 5: Returning to Saigon

Originally, the plan was to continue on to the capital, Phnom Penh, but after hearing about the recent explosion and spending all our cash, we decided to head back to HCMC.

We contacted Vietcamthai to arrange for them to pick us up and purchase return tickets for us. The evening ticket price is 12 USD per person, and 168,000 VND per person for the ticket back to Saigon.

I took the 10 AM ferry from Koh Rong Samloem back to Sihanoukville, and the 1 PM Vietcamthai ferry back to Ha Tien. Make sure to plan your return time appropriately. After 5 PM, the border closes, and you'll have to stay in Cambodia overnight until the next morning.

According to Zing News

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Reference: Travel Guide on Mytour