'The Forgotten Haven' in Cambodia

Heading south from the bustling seaside city of Sihanoukville lies 'The Forgotten Haven'. It's a place of raw beauty with long stretches of white sandy beaches and pristine turquoise waters – Koh Rong Island.

The enchanting moniker 'The Forgotten Haven' stems from a foreign article dedicated to Koh Rong, one of the top 45 travel destinations in 2012. In stark contrast to neighboring Thailand, renowned for its bustling beach tourism, Cambodia's islands have remained largely overlooked until now.

Traveling to Koh Rong from the vibrant coastal city of Sihanoukville

The most convenient way to reach Koh Rong is by a 2-hour boat ride from Sihanoukville, a coastal city in southern Cambodia. Travelers from Saigon have two primary routes to Sihanoukville. The easiest is through the Moc Bai border crossing into Phnom Penh, then taking a bus south to Sihanoukville. Alternatively, another route loops down to Ha Tien, crosses the Xa Xia border, and passes through Kampot province to reach the destination.

Most tour packages follow the first route, while the second route appeals to backpackers seeking new and adventurous experiences.

Acquiring boat tickets to Koh Rong is effortlessly accessible at any hotel or travel agency in Sihanoukville. A round-trip ticket costs merely 5 USD, yet it's more enthralling when combined with Kok Rong island tours ranging from 20 -35 USD. These tours are organized with buffet meals on the boat and activities such as snorkeling or diving. The boats typically return on the same day, allowing you spare time to explore this vibrant coastal city.

Sihanoukville is most enticing during the evening hours. It's a time when the beaches are illuminated with colorful lights from dozens of restaurants and bars lining up, blending with the mystical glow of candles on hundreds of tables set by the shore, accompanied by large cushioned wicker chairs. Dining is also relatively inexpensive, with seafood dishes priced at just 3.5 to 5 USD, enjoyed alongside a chilled Angkor beer.

Another notable aspect of the Sihanoukville nightscape is the fireworks. From handheld sparklers reminiscent of Vietnam in the 90s to loud rockets and grand fireworks displays. Local children sell fireworks to tourists along the beach. And after indulging in seafood, Sihanoukville is ready to entertain lively visitors with numerous lively beach bars until the early hours of the morning.

The Party Boat excursion and the 'paradise' Koh Rong Samloem

Among the tours to Koh Rong Island, the Party Boat excursion, priced at 20 USD per person, could be an ideal choice. Not only modern and lively, but the destination of the Party Boat is a smaller island bay named 'Koh Rong Samloem', adjacent to but more pristine and beautiful than the larger Koh Rong Island.

The Party Boat embodies a distinct 'Western' vibe. With 2 floors and a large deck resembling a rooftop, the boat is equipped with a full bar serving beer, liquor, and a DJ system with magnificent sound. On the upper deck besides sun loungers, there are also loudspeakers and ample lighting for onboard nighttime parties.

On the way to Koh Rong Samloem, travelers can relax and enjoy the sea breeze while admiring the majestic Morakot Bridge. The Party Boat stops for 30 minutes near a small island for fun and lunch. Life jackets and snorkeling gear are always available for exploring coral reefs and fantastic marine life. Or, the thrilling game of jumping from the upper deck into the sea awaits those who enjoy adrenaline rushes. An enticing buffet lunch will be ready on the boat. And don't forget to try the upper deck to experience the wonderful feeling of enjoying delicious food amidst the vast ocean view.

After about 2 hours, the boat arrives at Koh Rong Samloem. Even from a distance, one can perceive the 'paradise' beauty of this place with its long stretches of turquoise water and white sandy beaches, against lush green tropical forests in the background. A complete contrast to the bustling Sihanoukville, Koh Rong Samloem is truly an unspoiled and gentle 'paradise' that captivates you upon arrival. Here, you can completely relax in the clear, warm tropical waters. Besides swimming, visitors can enjoy fishing and visit the local fishing port.

On Koh Rong Samloem island, there are almost no local residents, only a resort named Paradise in Western style. The resort offers beachfront bungalows for overnight stays. There's also a Western-style bar with a bartender, and a large dance floor on the beach to host lively night parties for island guests.

After about 3 hours of entertainment on the island, the Party Boat returns to the mainland at 5:30 PM. As we departed, each of us silently vowed to return to this island paradise whenever possible. And we are confident you will feel the same when visiting Koh Rong Samloem.

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Source: Mytour Travel Guide – By: Infonet.