Embark on a 5-day adventure to the heavenly island of Koh Rong - Cambodia

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Embark on a 5-day adventure to the heavenly island of Koh Rong - Cambodia

For those departing from HCMC, the itinerary can be shortened to 3 days, reducing the cost accordingly.

Embark on a 5-day adventure to the heavenly island of Koh Rong - Cambodia

The journey spans about 1,100 km, with the route from HCMC - Sihanoukville - Koh Rong Sanloem - Sihanoukville - HCMC. You can opt for shorter routes with fewer destinations, but this advice comes from a traveler who combined visits to other locations in Cambodia. Therefore, the journey will be longer, from HCMC - Phnom Penh (Cambodia) - Sihanoukville - Koh Rong Sanloem - Bokor Mountain - Kampot City - Ha Tien - HCMC.

First Day

- At 8 a.m., the bus departs from HCMC, and you will spend about 13 hours on the bus, so prepare mentally, physically, food, drinks... and many other things. Bus company: Sorya at 301 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, ticket price is about 550,000 VND/person (25 USD).

– Complete check-in procedures at Moc Bai border gate, Tay Ninh province. Here you can exchange currency immediately, from Vietnamese dong to USD or Riel. In Cambodia, you can spend with USD so you need to exchange Vietnamese dong to USD or Riel (Cambodian currency). Note that $2 bills cannot be used. The current exchange rate is 1 USD = 4,000 Riel, 10,000 VND = 2,000 Riel.

Continue the journey to the capital Phnom Penh, a distance of about 280 km, with a travel time of approximately 6 hours.

– If you feel tired or want to explore Phnom Penh, you can stay in the capital for one night. Otherwise, you can proceed directly to Sihanoukville. Tickets for direct transfer to Sihanoukville can be purchased directly from Saigon. The straight route from the capital to Sihanoukville is about 230 km so around 21h, you will arrive at the hotel.

– You can choose to stay at Onederz Hostel, with separate dorms for males and females. Most guests here are foreigners, they are very comfortable so you can chat with them. The hostel is located right at the Golden Lions roundabout – the symbol of Sihanoukville. The dorm price per night is $10/person. After checking in, you can take a walk in the evening along Sihanoukville beach, enjoy seafood, and watch fireworks that tourists can shoot on the beach.

Second Day

- Wake up, check out, and head to Serendipity pier to catch the 9 a.m. boat to Koh Rong Sanloem. The distance from the hostel to the pier is about 500 m, you can walk. Most hostels can help you book boat tickets to the island. There are 2 types of boats, the first is the Party Boat that goes slowly, circling around several islands, buffet on the boat, snorkeling, swimming... arriving at Koh Rong Sanloem in the afternoon. The second type is the Speed Ferry, a fast boat that takes just over 1 hour to reach the island. Both departure and return have several time frames to choose from. You need to remember clearly or you will miss the trip. Round-trip ticket price: $22/person.

Upon arriving at the island, you'll forget all fatigue amidst the stunning beauty of Koh Rong Sanloem's sea. Opt for the Orchid Resort, situated near the second pier. The price for a bungalow per night for 2 is 60 USD (inclusive of breakfast). The resort sits right by the beach with its own restaurant, eliminating the need to venture far for meals. Additionally, there are several upscale accommodation options available.

The island is incredibly picturesque and relaxing. Spend your time strolling, capturing photos, dining, sleeping, and swimming in the sea. By nightfall, indulge in the Western-style bars like 'Beach Park' for cocktails, live music, and the soothing sound of waves. These spots are around 200 meters from the resorts, offering vibrant atmospheres and plenty of entertainment. Expect dining expenses to be relatively high due to the island setting.

Day Three

Enjoy breakfast at the restaurant and have a leisurely morning. You won't tire of capturing the beautiful scenery throughout the day.

At 1 PM, head to the pier and await the ferry back to Sihanoukville. Typically, the ferry will drop you off where it picked you up. It's advisable to confirm which pier for convenience. Otherwise, navigating on foot with luggage can be cumbersome.

Around 3:30 PM, you'll arrive at Serendipity pier. From here, you can catch a ride to Kampot City, approximately 100 km away, with a travel time of about 2 hours. The route resembles the countryside of the Western provinces. Tickets cost 7 USD.

Witness the breathtaking sunset over the famous Kampot River. This is an experience not to be missed when in Cambodia. Depending on weather conditions and a bit of luck, you'll catch a stunning sunset.

In the evening, rent a motorbike to cruise along the Kampot riverbank, dine, and explore the fascinating life of the locals here. Rental prices range from 5-6 USD for 24 hours.

Accommodation: Apsara Guest House (near Kampot Bridge), priced at 10 USD per night for one person.

*This itinerary is designed for those who enjoy moving around and want to explore more of Cambodia. If you prefer relaxation, consider staying on Koh Rong for 1-2 nights, depending on your preference.

Wednesday's Agenda

Wake up, check out, and ride a motorbike to experience the Bokor Plateau (referred to as Tà Lơn Mountain by the Vietnamese), which stands over 1,000 meters tall. Bokor is approximately 40 km west of Kampot City. The journey from the base to the summit spans about 30 km and includes winding roads with sharp turns, so drive cautiously. The mountain air is cool, occasionally veiled in mist, making for picturesque photo opportunities.

– Notable attractions in this area:

+ Bokor Welcome Gate.

+ Statue of the Holy Lady Ya Mao: surrounded by mystical and sacred tales. Purchase bananas and incense at the foot of the mountain to offer prayers for peace and well-being to your family.

+ Ancient church.

+ Thansur Sokha Resort.

+ Five Boats Pagoda (Wat Sampov Pram): ancient architecture dating back nearly a century, offering stunning views. On a clear day, you can even see Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam from afar.

– Wander freely until 3 PM, then return the motorbike to the hotel and await transportation back to Ha Tien. The journey from Kampot City to Ha Tien town spans about 50 km.

– Complete procedures and check out at Ha Tien border gate.

– Check into Hương Xưa Hotel near Tô Châu Bridge, night market, and Thạnh Thới ferry terminal. In the evening, stroll along the Tô Châu Bridge riverbank and indulge in seafood.

*For those seeking to save time and costs, it's advisable to wait until evening, around 7 PM, to head to the Ha Tien bus station to return to Ho Chi Minh City directly.

Thursday's Schedule

– Depart Ha Tien at 8 AM via sleeper bus back to Ho Chi Minh City (book in advance the night before). The bus will pick you up at the hotel. By around 5 PM, you'll arrive at the Western Bus Station. Options include Phương Trang, Hoàng Minh... with ticket prices ranging from 220,000 to 250,000 VND per person.

According to Nhật Tân/Ngôi sao

***

Source: Travel guide from Mytour

MytourMarch 21, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended itinerary for a 5-day trip to Koh Rong from HCMC?

The ideal itinerary starts with an 8 a.m. bus from HCMC, taking approximately 13 hours to reach Phnom Penh. You can stay overnight or head directly to Sihanoukville. The next day, take a boat to Koh Rong Sanloem. Enjoy beach activities and explore Kampot City before returning to HCMC on the fifth day.

How much does it cost to travel from HCMC to Sihanoukville by bus?

A bus ticket from HCMC to Sihanoukville costs around 550,000 VND (approximately 25 USD). This price allows for a comfortable journey of about 13 hours to the coastal city.

What transportation options are available to reach Koh Rong Sanloem from Sihanoukville?

Travelers can choose between two boat options: the Party Boat, which includes buffet and sightseeing, or the Speed Ferry, which takes just over an hour. The round-trip ticket price for either option is about $22 per person.

What should I consider when staying on Koh Rong Sanloem?

When staying on Koh Rong Sanloem, consider booking accommodation like the Orchid Resort, which offers bungalows by the beach for around $60 a night. Enjoy nearby restaurants and vibrant nightlife at bars like Beach Park, which are a short walk from your resort.

What are the must-visit attractions at Bokor Plateau in Cambodia?

Key attractions at Bokor Plateau include the Bokor Welcome Gate, the Statue of the Holy Lady Ya Mao, the ancient church, Thansur Sokha Resort, and Five Boats Pagoda. Each site offers unique views and cultural significance, making them worthwhile stops during your visit.

How can I travel from Kampot City to Ha Tien after my stay?

To travel from Kampot City to Ha Tien, you can take a taxi or bus. The distance is about 50 km, and it's advisable to arrange transportation in advance, especially for a smoother journey to the Ha Tien border gate.

What are the key tips for planning a trip from HCMC to Cambodia?

Key tips for planning your trip include booking transportation in advance, preparing currency exchange at the border, and ensuring you have accommodation booked. Additionally, check the ferry schedules for Koh Rong Sanloem and consider staying flexible for a more enjoyable experience.

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