Koh Rong Sanloem 🇰🇭 Beaches, Food 2025 | M’Pai Bay, Hike to Clear Water Bay, Saracen Bay

We spent a fantastic few days on the Cambodian island paradise of Koh Rong Sanloem — in search of the best beaches, tasty local food, and a bit of peace and quiet away from the crowds.

Our journey started at Sihanoukville Ferry Terminal, where we caught a GTVC boat to M’Pai Bay Pier. After a first look around the fishing village, we headed straight to Plankton Beach for a late afternoon swim in crystal clear water.

Dinner on night one was a big surprise: excellent dumplings and rice bowls at Macondo.

The next day, we grabbed breakfast at Bong’s in M’Pai Bay before attempting the hike to Clear Water Bay. Things didn’t quite go to plan… a high tide delay, ignoring a blog-recommended trail, a brutal shortcut over a steep hill in 35°C heat — and even crossing an active construction site. (Lisa somehow negotiated our passage with the Cantonese-speaking site manager!)

Clear Water Bay was absolutely worth it though: powder-white sand and some of the clearest water we’ve seen anywhere in Southeast Asia.

👉 Blog we referenced for the route: Lost Abroad – How to Get to Clear Water Bay
But development is moving fast. Check our video maps for the most recent info, and be prepared to adapt if you attempt the hike.

We took the proper trail back, watched an amazing sunset at View Point Bar, and had dinner at Spicy 23, a Khmer-Thai fusion spot we really recommend.

On New Year’s Eve, we started with bagels and coffee at Seapony Café, then took a boat to Saracen Bay on the other side of the island. While the beach is picture-perfect, we also show what’s hidden behind the green site fencing — abandoned resorts, piles of rubbish, and signs of overdevelopment. We talk about the issues of evictions, plastic pollution, and rapid change on Koh Rong Sanloem — and why, despite it all, the island still deserves a visit.

We wrapped up the trip celebrating New Year’s with locals, travellers, and expats back in M’Pai Bay.

Next stop on our Cambodian island adventure: Koh Rong.

🏝️ Places of Interest & Beaches

• M’Pai Bay
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QYyhiLVqXqwxV...
• Plankton Beach
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3uQRVMQohztCb...
• Clear Water Bay
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nDhTeJhedT1DY...
• Saracen Bay
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uvKJ3k25mmyyv...

🍽️ Food, Bars & Cafés

• Macondo
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VtLjwHUuPx8dL...
• Bong’s Guesthouse & Café
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jFjqFpexrs5gj...
• View Point Bar
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Eo9VcSRd7j9Kz...
• Spicy 23
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ghcNisxip9oVW...
• Seapony Café
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yX3qQVYf9nfxa...
• The Big Easy
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KdzY7dfaGUe1q...

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
00:42 – Sihanoukville Ferry Terminal
02:36 – First impressions of the M'Pai Bay
03:09 – Plankton Beach
04:11 – Dumplings & rice bowls at Macondo
07:07 – Breakfast at Bong’s
07:21– The hike to Clear Water Bay
10:11 – The construction site "shortcut"
11:40 – Arrival at Driftwoor Pier
12:42 – Clear Water Bay
14:28 – Taking the proper trail back
17:06 – Sunset at View Point Bar
17:58 – Khmer-Thai fusion dinner at Spicy 23
19:28 – NYE breakfast at Seapony
20:39 – Boat to Saracen Bay
22:29 – Lunch at The Big Easy
22:54 – The downside of tourism development
24:56 – Final thoughts on the Island
25:44 – New Year’s Eve in M’Pai Bay

#KohRongSanloem
#CambodiaTravel
#IslandLife
#ClearWaterBay
#BeachAdventure