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If your trip to Cambodia needs a peaceful island pause after navigating the country’s bustling mainland routes, such as Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, you’re in the right place. We chose Koh Rong Samloem over its busier neighbor, Koh Rong, for its slower, untouched vibe, and it completely stole our hearts.
Whether you’ve spent your days exploring the ancient stone complexes up north or uncovering the deep history of the capital, balancing that rich cultural exploration with a few days of beach relaxation creates the ultimate well-rounded itinerary.
After doing thorough research into Saracen Bay accommodation, we put together this complete guide on where to stay in Koh Rong Samloem. From our absolute favorite top pick – Onederz Koh Rong Samloem – to alternative spots for every budget, we’ve mapped out everything you need, including how to get there and what to do around the bay.
Here is the best part: Saracen Bay is entirely barefoot territory. I genuinely didn’t realize you could walk straight from your hotel door onto the sand to every restaurant on the coast without ever needing shoes. Let’s dive in and get you just as excited for island time as we were!
WELCOME TO
How to Get to Koh Rong Samloem
Actually, before you get to Koh Rong Samloem you need to know something very important..
There are no ATMs on Koh Rong Samloem. While some larger resorts and restaurants in Saracen Bay accept card payments (inclouding the OneDerz hotel we stayed at), you should bring enough cash (ideally US Dollars or Cambodian Riel).
We used both currencies and didn’t have problems with getting change back although some small shops might give you change in Cambodian Riel even if you paid in USD.
The Mainland Leg
Traveling long distances within Cambodia is seamless with operators like Giant Ibis Transport or via platforms like 12Go Asia. For a complete breakdown of routes, schedules, and tips, check out our dedicated Cambodia Transport Guide.
Starting our journey from Phnom Penh, we booked our tickets with Giant Ibis Transport. The experience was seamless: we left on time, received complimentary cold water and a croissant, and arrived in Sihanoukville without issues.
Note: Road traffic in Cambodia can be unpredictable. Always factor in potential delays and avoid scheduling your ferry too close to the expected bus arrival time.
Sihanoukville is primarily an emerging casino town and a transit hub to the islands. Since Alessandro had to work that day, we decided to break up the trip with a night at Villa Blue Lagoon, a lovely oasis inside an otherwise uninteresting town. If you are short on time, you can skip staying here altogether.
The Ferry Crossing
There are 2 or 3 main ferry operators (such as Buva Sea and G.T.V.C.) that run daily, but they operate at different times and use different departure piers.
It’s best to compare current schedules and book your tickets ahead of time via platforms like 12Go Asia or check live timetables directly on sites like Direct Ferries to see what works best for your travel dates.
You can easily book your speedboat tickets in advance via 12Go Asia or directly through your bus company representative (we did the same with Giant Ibis bus). The fare is roughly $15 per person one-way.
Depending on where you are staying, coordinate your arrival pier accordingly. If you’re staying at Onederz, they offer transportation from both piers in Saracen Bay – just check in with them a few days before arriving to see which pier is best. The speedboat crossing takes about 40 – 50 minutes and is a fast, straightforward ride.
Pier Arrival → Hotel
This was by far the best transfer we’ve ever had in our lives. Since Koh Rong Samloem has zero paved roads and no cars, we were thrilled to discover that our ride to the hotel was an open-air beach tractor!
Provided by Onederz to move guests and luggage to and from the piers, these tractors and local scooters used by the locals are the ultimate way to navigate the sand.
Where to Stay in Koh Rong Samloem
Before diving into the specific hotel we loved and other alternatives, it is best to understand why staying in Saracen Bay is your best option. Saracen Bay is located on the east coast of the island facing the mainland. It easily wins over more isolated spots by offering immediate access to restaurants, complete barefoot walkability, and connections to the island’s main piers.
The other alternative is M’Pai Bay on the north side (or the secluded west-side spots like Sunset Beach and Lazy Beach). While these areas offer more privacy, a rustic village feel, or ultimate peace, they cut you off from the main strip and often require taking a water taxi to get around.
From Saracen Bay, you’ll also have easy access to cross-island jungle trails and west-facing sunset viewpoints, making it the ultimate base for first-timers.
Our Top Pick: Onederz Koh Rong Samloem
Alessandro and I are not typically “hostel people”. We only choose them when options are limited or alternatives are much pricier. But I will admit that Onederz was one of the best stays we’ve ever experienced, especially considering the remote island location, room rates, and stellar level of service.
The Vibe & Setup
Onederz Koh Rong Samloem features a fantastic beachfront layout with plenty of beach chairs to sunbathe on, great common areas to relax or socialize, a huge restaurant right on the sand, and rows of hammocks in the back garden. Who doesn’t love kicking back in a hammock on a tropical island surrounded by trees and flowers?
It also features a small gym tucked away in the back garden, which we actually used a few times during our stay. It was so impressive to see how they built custom equipment using basic materials. Our favorite detail was the dumbbells made entirely out of concrete!
Finally, they organize group day trips taking you out by boat for snorkeling, swimming, and lunch on the water. It’s a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers and switch things up from just chilling on the beach.
Rooms & Amenities
Like most hostels, Onederz offers a mix of dorms (6 and 8-bed shared or female-only options) and private rooms, all set within lush tropical greenery. To truly test the experience, I started in a female-only dorm while Alessandro stayed in a shared one, and a few days later we upgraded to a private room.
Honestly, the dorms exceeded all our expectations for a remote island where services are limited. They were cleaned daily, have large lockers for backpacks, and had surprisingly comfortable mattresses. Because Koh Rong Samloem is a quiet island with no late-night party scene and no overnight ferries, the rooms stayed very peaceful.
Our private room offered that same great comfort, plus the bonus of a private bathroom and a small patio to relax on. While we usually prefer private rooms, staying in the dorms was a fantastic way to meet people. Even if you prefer to book a private room, you’ll still have plenty of chances to mingle in the social restaurant and common areas, which are full of solo travelers.
Food, Drinks & Happy Hour
Another highlight was the wide selection of affordable local and Western food and drinks. We tried many dishes and found everything to be delicious.
Also, during the evening Happy Hour, the cocktails cost just $2 and beer was a steal at $0.75. Picture yourself chilling in a peaceful tropical setting, sipping a cheap cold drink after a full day of swimming – and if you time it right, you can catch the rotating beach fire shows that Onederz and a few other spots along the bay host every few days.
Although we are rarely ones to revisit the exact same places, we would gladly make an exception for Onederz Koh Rong Samloem. It truly strikes the ultimate balance for an unforgettable island stay.
👉 Ready to explore? Read our guide on how to spend 2 days in Koh Rong Samloem
Other Saracen Bay Accommodation Options
Not everyone loves the hostel vibe – especially during peak season. If you prefer a bit more privacy or a different setup, here are some top alternative accommodations that we checked out in person:
Best for Mid-Range & Couples (Boutique & Bungalows)
- Coco Bungalows: A newer, meticulously clean spot just steps from the sand, offering cozy private bungalows with a warm, personal touch and great hospitality.
- Sara Resort: A fantastic mid-range option right in the heart of Saracen Bay featuring a beachfront setting, an infinity pool, and lovely garden bungalows that offer a great mix of comfort and relaxation.
- Saracen Bay Resort: Known for its modern beachfront villas and tranquil atmosphere, this is a wonderful pick if you want your own private slice of the beach without breaking the bank
Best for Quiet Luxury & Higher Budget
- Eden Beach Resort by EHM: One of the more upscale 4-star properties on the bay, featuring a gorgeous outdoor pool, beautifully manicured grounds, and a prime beachfront location with high-end amenities.
- Sol Beach Resort: A serene coastal retreat offering beautiful wooden cabin-style villas right on the shoreline, an on-site spa, and a peaceful, premium atmosphere that is ideal for couples looking to unwind.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are planning a tropical getaway to unwind or looking to explore pristine island beaches, choosing the right Saracen Bay Accommodation makes all the difference.
Onederz Koh Rong Samloem completely stole our hearts with its unbeatable vibe, comfort, and community. Pack your bags, leave your shoes behind, and get ready for an unforgettable island escape!
⏰ Planning the rest of your trip? Don’t miss our other Cambodia guides:
→ How to Spend 2 days in Koh Rong Samloem: Ultimate Beach Guide
→ Why a 2-Day Angkor Wat Tour is Worth Every Penny
→ Cambodia Transport Guide
→ Siem Reap Beyond Angkor Wat
→ Is Phnom Penh Worth Visiting?
→ Phnom Penh Killing Fields and S21
→ How to Spend 10 Days in Cambodia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Saracen Bay is the main and most convenient hub on the island. It is a massive stretch of white-sand beach, with 2 of the island’s primary ferry piers, and the widest selection of restaurants, bars, and accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to top-rated hostels.
You can take a modern speedboat ferry from Sihanoukville port directly to Saracen Bay, which takes about 40-50 minutes. There are 2 or 3 main ferry operators (such as Buva Sea and G.T.V.C.) that run daily, but they operate at different times and use different departure piers.
It’s best to compare current schedules and book your tickets ahead of time via platforms like 12Go Asia or check live timetables directly on sites like Direct Ferries to see what works best for your travel dates.
No, there are no ATMs on Koh Rong Samloem. While some larger resorts and restaurants in Saracen Bay accept card payments, you should bring enough cash (ideally US Dollars or Cambodian Riel) for your entire stay.
We used both currencies and didn’t have problems with getting change back although some small shops might give you change in Cambodian Riel even if you paid in USD.
Saracen Bay is walkable, but you can also hike across jungle trails to reach spots like Lazy Beach or Sunset Beach in the west side of the island. For longer distances or other bays, you can hire local water taxis/longtail boats or catch island transfer boats. There are timetables available at all accommodations.
→ Check out our complete guide on how to Spend 2 days in Koh Rong Samloem
November through March is ideal for hot, sunny days and calm waters. For fewer crowds, March through May is also great; we visited in March and loved the occasional tropical rain, which offered a welcome break from the scorching heat!
