Paradise Awaits: Explore Your Slice of Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia
As I write this blog post I’m sitting at my Mum’s house in the UK and it’s freezing. I’m wearing fingerless gloves to warm up my hands just enough so that I can type and my hands don’t seize up. I’m dreaming of my whirlwind trip to Cambodia and in particular, a beautiful island called Koh Rong Samloem, just off the coast of Sihanoukville.
Slice of Paradise
There’s a place in Asia that tops all the others – a beach so dazzling you’d swear it’s a slice straight out of coconut-laden paradise.
What Makes It So Stunning?
- White, Whisper‑Fine Sand – It squeaks underfoot like a tiny footstep of a ghost.
- Turquoise Waters – Picture a giant clear‑skinned lake that’s warmer than your old bathwater.
- Sun‑Kissed Horizon – The sky does a perfect backdrop for selfie time.
Compared to the Caribbean, this place stands out. I’d never seen sand that crisp or water that bright before.
Deciding the Night‑Before Adventure
Turner and I were all caught in a classic debate: the “Nap Bar booze cruise” vs. the “Party Boat”.
“Nap Bar” – The Drunken Deal
He promised beer bongs and shots, but we’re a bit older now, and our bodies aren’t kissing anything more than a glass of fine whisky.
“Party Boat” – Chill & Splash
We got our sweet deal for $18 (we got a discount, because even the hustler agreed we’re too cool to pay full price).
In the end, we chose the laid‑back boat that felt more like a floating pool than a cocktail climber. Cheers to freedom, friendship, and a still‑warm ocean!
Koh Rong Party BoatÂ
Sunset Cruise to a Sihanoukville Island
At 9 a.m., we were whisked out of the guesthouse by a cramped tuk‑tuk that felt more like a jungle bumpy ride than a mode of transport. The party boat that awaited us was a colossal vessel that shied away from the shore—so much so that we had to hop onto a smaller dinghy just to reach it.
Planning for Motion Sickness
- Grab some anti‑nausea tablets. If you’re prone to queasiness, take a couple of Traveleze pastilles before you board.
- Be prepared to sway. The boat has a tendency to rock back and forth, so plan for a bit of head‑and‑shoulder shake.
- Keep the windows open. Fresh air helps, and you’ll be less likely to end up with “sitting in a freezing boat” vibes.
What the Party Boat Looks Like
The Sihanoukville cruiser has three distinct levels:
- Bottom deck – A bustling social hub where people chat, dance, and sample tropical drinks.
- Middle deck – A quieter zone. Imagine a lounge with comfortable chairs and a few hammocks for those moments of spare time.
- Top deck (the real gem) – A sunbathing paradise. Padded sunbeds and floor cushions, all pitched around a wide open space where you can lounge under a clear sky.
Sunburn: The Reality Check
We thought, “Let’s soak up the sun for the entire two‑hour journey.” Turns out the beach sun is a masher: between the heat and the position of the boat, even the brief lounging turns our skin into a lobster‑red shade. Lesson learned — sunscreen is a must, even while you’re only cooling off for a short hop.
Final Thoughts
Despite the unexpected sunburn and a boat that’s more “rock and roll” than “smooth sailing,” the trip offered a mix of adventure, tropical vibes, and a perfect excuse for finding a great spot to nap on a sunbed. Just remember to bring a bottle of SPF and your anti‑motion meds — you’ll thank yourself later!
The Top Deck: The Crown Jewel of Every Vessel
Why the Top Deck is the Ultimate Social Hub
Picture this: the sun is setting, waves are lapping against the hull, and you’re sitting on the top deck with a cup of coffee that’s hotter than a freshly baked pastry. That’s when you realize the top deck isn’t just a surface—it’s a whole experience. Here’s why every ship loves a good top deck session:
- Clear Air: No other deck can give you a panoramic view of the horizon—no clouds, no crowd, just raw, open sky.
- Fresh Breathing: The wind tastes like adventure, and it pushes your hair in ways you never could on the lower decks.
- Instant Instagram: From sunset to stars, the top deck makes your pictures look as if an artist painted them.
- Top‑Level Conversations: You’ll have real talk right over the waves, where nobody’s looking at your desk or your board.
Top Deck Traditions: From “Sunset Rituals” to “Ribbon Cuts”
Every crew has its own playbook for the top deck. Below are some of the most beloved rituals:
Sunset Rituals
Night just became a masterpiece. Sailors gather, a portable speaker starts playing “Walking on Sunshine” and a Polaroid stranger’s top deck sunrise photo is securely stored.
Ribbon Cuts
When a new passport is welcomed or a blockbuster snack is rolled out, a festive ribbon cut is done right on the top deck, giving the crew a tasty celebration.
“One‑Shot Solar Pop”
Come together at dawn to shoot radio clip, thanking everyone for adding life. It’s like an extra cosmic conference or just the peaceful beat of the waves.
It’s Not Just a Deck, It’s a Lifestyle
And look, the top deck could have hidden treasure—maybe a drone or a camera. Don’t be surprised the top deck is the most incomplete part on a boat. It goes so high!
So, the next time you’re strolling on a ship (or a sailboat) let’s check what the top deck is awaiting. Nothing like a perfect day, with gracious waves, to attract and measure time.
Living It Up at Koh Rong Samloem
We hit the swim area for a quick splash and some snorkeling — the water was warm, the fish were curious, and the whole vibe felt like a refreshing reset. After that, it was time for a foodie adventure.
Picture this: a buffet spread that left our taste buds dancing. We devoured a smorgasbord of Asian delicacies, went bananas with fresh fruit, and couldn’t resist those golden, crunch‑filled onion rings that feel like a party in your molars.
- Fish & chips: swimming side
- Asian fusion plates that were stunningly flavorful
- Fresh tropical fruit – our personal vitamin boost
- Onion rings that took our snack game to the next level
With the belly full and our hearts buoyant, we made our way—no, we breezed—into pure paradise. Koh Rong Samloem in Cambodia: the kind of place you’ve only ever dreamed of until now.
Jumping Photos: The Ultimate Cliché
Ever seen one of those photos where a person is mid‑air, arms flung out, and everyone is thinking “this is it” – this is the classic jump shot that pops up in every social‑media feed?
Why We Love the Classic Jump
- Instant Energy: The moment feels alive, like a burst of pure joy captured in a second.
- Universal Appeal: Anyone can do it—teacher, kid, or even the grumpy elder who decides to head for a jump.
- Self‑Confidence Boost: That little chin lift and wide grin instantly make you look like a superhero.
Spotting the Cliché
- Everyone’s face is “smile for the camera” with a wild look that screams “I’m having a blast!”
- Camera angle: from the side, the perspective is perfectly linear – the one that looks best and goes viral in a heartbeat.
- Backdrops: sandy beaches, open parks, or even the shady corner of some hallway.
Adding a Twist
If you’re tired of the same old jump‑in‑mid‑air stuff, spice it up with a quirky idea:
- Jump while holding a banana… yeah, we’re just that mad.
- Use a confetti machine to get that cinematic “burst” feel.
- Record a short V‑log talking about what your life means after you’ve “jumped”!
Final Thought
So the next time you see someone “jump” for a photo, remember: that moment isn’t special by itself. The real magic lies in the story you tell with that image. Don’t be afraid to break the cliché—throw a banana in, dance a little while you’re up, or add a laugh-worthy caption. It’s all about making that timeless jump look like the very first time you’ve ever jumped!
The Chilled Paradise of Koh Rong Samloem
Kick‑back Vibes
Bungalow or Dorm?
- Each bedroom comes with a double bed and a mosquito net – no pesky bugs spoil the night.
- A curtain separates beds to give you a slice of privacy, so you can sleep without hearing the beach chatter.
The Missing Link
Sunset on the Water
Living Life on My Own Terms
What the $20 Boat Bundle Brings
Ready for a bite‑size adventure? Your $20 “part‑boat” ticket gets you:
- Pick‑up from your guesthouse straight onto the water—no more wandering at the dock.
- Pastry for breakfast – because nothing says “morning after” like a sweet treat before you set sail.
- Buffet lunch – a spread that’ll make you forget you’re actually on a boat.
- Free tea & coffee – caffeine for the times you want to keep the conversation flowing.
- Return boat trip – no ad‑hoc ferry fees after the fun.
- One drinks voucher – swap it for a beer or a soft drink; let’s keep the vibes chill.
All that, extra cheesy (or no‑cheese, we’ll let you decide) beyond what a typical tour includes. So load up, enjoy the water, and watch the money work its wizardry!
