Dreaming of a tropical escape that won’t break the bank? Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia’s tranquil island paradise, is an ideal destination for budget-conscious travellers craving a mix of relaxation and adventure. In this guide, we’ll break down the average daily costs of a 25 day stay, covering everything from accommodation and food to activities and shopping.
After years of travel, we’re always on the hunt for places that strike the perfect balance: stunning beaches and swimmable waters; tranquility; plenty of opportunities for physical activity; mouthwatering food; and, of course, affordability. Sadly, these gems are becoming harder to find as they grow over-touristed or out of reach for budget travellers. But for us, Koh Rong Samloem hits all the elusive sweet spots (even though it comes in higher than the rest of our SE Asia daily spend).
We’ll show you how to enjoy the very best this island has to offer—without overspending. Let’s dive into the details of this affordable tropical getaway!
This includes:
- transportation to and from the island
- accommodations
- meals & drinks
- activities
- shopping
Budget Breakdown
Transportation:
Van: $35.50 USD
This was a one way ticket for two people between Phnom Pehn and Sihanoukville.
Getting to Koh Rong Samloem involved a 4-hour van ride, which we booked through 12Go.Asia, a handy site for arranging transportation across Southeast Asia. The journey included three rest stops at clean roadside spots with good food options and restrooms, though we felt the number of stops were excessive and added unnecessary time to the trip. A quicker three-hour ride would have been ideal. The van itself was serviceable but cramped, especially for taller passengers, making it less than comfortable for a long journey. Next time, we might consider taking a bus for more legroom and fewer interruptions.
Ferry: $63.40
This is a round trip cost for two people to Koh Rong Samloem (from Sihanoukville).
Amortized: $4 USD per day
Accomodations:
$41 USD average per day
Our trip to Koh Rong Samloem began with an overnight stay in Sihanoukville at the Aristocrat Hotel because our flight into Phnom Pehn (from Kuala Lumpur) and subsequent van schedule meant that we missed the last ferry to the island. If you’re booking transportation in advance, we highly recommend allowing plenty of buffer time between your bus arrival and ferry departure. Buses can often run up to an hour late—and we’ve even heard of delays up to two hours, though thankfully, we haven’t experienced that ourselves. The Aristocrat Hotel was a convenient option for the night and included an excellent buffet breakfast, which made for a smooth start to the next day.
Once on the island, we stayed at Robinson Bungalows on Sunset Beach, a place we’ve fallen in love with over the years. It was our second time staying there, and we already hope to return many more times in the future! The bungalows offer a range of accommodations to suit different budgets, from cozy tents to waterfront beach bungalows, with prices ranging from $20 to $75 USD per night. We opted for a $40 USD per night bungalow, which provided a perfect balance of comfort and affordability. Whether you’re looking for a rustic retreat or something a bit more luxurious, Robinson Bungalows has an option for everyone.
Food:
$70 USD average per day
This was for two people and included three meals a day and drinks.
We enjoyed most of our meals at Robinson Bungalows, which specializes in flavourful Khmer cuisine. Their menu features a wide variety of dishes, many of which let you customize your protein—options include fish, tofu, beef, pork, shrimp, squid or chicken. We chose to dine here regularly not only for the delicious food but also because the meals are refreshingly healthy.
Other spots along Sunset Beach offers other dining options as well, including Western and European dishes like tapas and burgers. On average, outside meals for two people cost around $20 USD, with drinks adding to your budget. Coffee is affordable (and excellent), ranging from $1.75 to $3 USD per cup, while cocktails cost $4.50 to $7 USD. Wine lovers can expect to pay $4 USD for a glass or around $24 USD for a bottle when dining at Sunboo (which is the best place on Sunset Beach to get good quality wine served propoerly
Here’s what a typical day of eating looked like for us:
- Breakfast: Two Khmer coffees ($1.75 USD each), a fruit bowl with yogurt and muesli ($5.50 USD), and an omelette with a choice of filling ($6.50 USD).
- Lunch: Shared beef ceviche salad ($6.50 USD), an order of spring rolls ($4.75 USD), and two lime juices ($2 USD each).
- Afternoon: A cappuccino break with two cappuccinos at $3 USD each.
- Dinner: Shared stir-fried curry green beans with tofu ($5.50 USD), shared Lok Lak, a stir-fried beef with a fried egg and steamed rice ($8.25 USD per serving), and two soda waters ($2 USD each).
This mix of hearty meals, refreshing drinks, and vibrant local flavors kept us well-fed and within our budget while enjoying the island’s dining scene.
On our “treat days,” we indulged in a few extras. This often included a refreshing mixed fruit and vegetable smoothie ($3.75 USD each), a few cocktails, or even a bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner, followed by a decadent dessert. One particularly memorable treat was our Christmas Eve dinner, a special event hosted at Sunboo featuring a three-course set menu (including dessert). The meal included starter mulled wine and canapes (we indulged with three glasses of wine for a few extra dollars), all for $75 USD for two—a splurge that felt well worth it for the festive atmosphere and exceptional food. These occasional indulgences added a touch of celebration to our otherwise budget-friendly dining routine.
Activities:
$95 USD
We initially planned to spend more on activities, but an unexpected injury—Vic injured a finger on his right hand on the flight over (long story!)—meant we had to adjust our plans. Despite this, we still made the most of what the island had to offer. Anyes spent a couple of days trying her hand at rock climbing ($35 USD per session), while we both enjoyed snorkeling and kayaking a few times, soaking up the island’s stunning natural beauty. To cap off our trip, we joined a magical bioluminescent plankton night tour led by the Sunset Adventures team; an unforgettable experience that highlights the island’s charm. Even with a scaled-back itinerary, we found plenty to enjoy.
Amortized: $4 USD average per day
Shopping:
$62 USD
Let’s be clear: Koh Rong Samloem is not a shopping destination. You won’t find boutique stores or charming market vendors here. However, Sunset Adventures, where we rented our kayaks and snorkeling gear and joined guided tours, does have a small selection of clothing and jewelry available for purchase. It’s a simple but thoughtful option for those looking for a little something to take home. Anyes picked up a boho-style jumpsuit created in collaboration with a Cambodian tailor, along with two second-hand cropped tank tops.
Amortized: $3 USD average per day
Koh Rong Samloem has proved to be a perfect budget-friendly destination where we can focus on relaxation, healthy eating, physical activity and a little bit of indulgence. From savouring delicious Khmer cuisine to enjoying the bioluminescent plankton, this island offers a unique and enriching experience without breaking the bank. While the accommodations are simple and the shopping minimal, the natural beauty, welcoming atmosphere of staff and fellow travellers, and opportunity for deep rest make it a place we intend to visit many more times. It offers a wonderful chance to slow down and just be. We’ve already planned our next trip and can’t wait to sink into two months of pure serenity on this island paradise. If you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway that’s kind to both your wallet and your soul, Sunset Beach on Koh Rong Samloem is the best option we know of..
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