Koh Rong Sanloem is a tropical island paradise located off the coast of Sihanoukville in southern Cambodia. Smaller and more laid-back than its neighboring island Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem is known for its powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and peaceful, slow island life. It’s the kind of destination where time feels like it pauses — no traffic, no city noise, just palm trees swaying and waves gently hitting the shore.
The island is especially famous for Saracen Bay, a long stretch of soft white sand lined with beachfront resorts, calm shallow waters, and postcard-worthy sunrises. Families come here to unwind, swim in the warm sea, build sandcastles, snorkel in clear waters, and simply disconnect from busy everyday life. It’s one of the best destinations in Cambodia for a relaxing beach vacation with kids.
But did you know that there are so many more things to do in Koh Rong Sanloem aside from dipping in the beach?
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If you’re planning a Cambodia island getaway with your family, here are 8 different activities you can do on the island — especially if you’re traveling with kids.
1. Jet Ski Adventure
If your family loves a little adrenaline, jet skiing is available on the island and is safe for kids 7 years old and above (with adult supervision). Two people can ride at a time, making it perfect for a parent-and-child adventure.
The rate is around $75 for 30 minutes, and it’s a thrilling way to explore the waters of Saracen Bay. The sea is generally calm, making it beginner-friendly while still exciting.
2. Ride an ATV or Buggy
One of the most fun and adventurous things to do in Koh Rong Sanloem is renting an ATV or buggy. This gives you the freedom to explore parts of the island that you wouldn’t normally reach by foot.
You can ride to other beaches like:
- Lazy Beach
- Sunset Beach
Rentals usually start at 2 hours or more, and prices depend on the size of the ATV or buggy, ranging from $30 to $60 per hour.
In our case, we rented a buggy for $50 per hour, which gave us enough time to visit Lazy Beach, stay there for about 5 minutes to take photos, and then head straight to the island’s viewpoint before sunset. It was dusty, bumpy, and SO much fun — definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
Also Read: Surya Bintang Adventure in Bali, Indonesia. We also rode an ATV, plus did two more exciting and thrilling activities!
3. Go to the Viewpoint at Sunset
If you rent an ATV or buggy, don’t miss the island viewpoint. The sunset there is absolutely stunning, and you’ll get an incredible panoramic view of Lazy Beach and the surrounding coastline.
Watching the sun dip below the horizon while overlooking the jungle and ocean is something you’ll remember long after your trip ends. It’s one of the most Instagram-worthy spots on the island and a must-do for sunset lovers.
4. Island Hopping
Another exciting activity is island hopping. You can rent a private boat or join a small tour to explore nearby islands, hidden beaches, and snorkeling spots.
Some tours include stops where you can swim, snorkel, and even enjoy lunch on another island. It’s a fantastic way to see more of Cambodia’s tropical beauty beyond Saracen Bay.
Island hopping is highly recommended if you’re staying for several days and want to maximize your Koh Rong Sanloem travel itinerary.
5. Eat Grilled Seafood
No island trip is complete without seafood. One of our favorite dining experiences was at Sara Resort — their grilled seafood is incredible.
Freshly grilled fish, prawns, squid — cooked simply but perfectly. Dining by the beach while hearing the waves makes everything taste even better. If you’re a seafood lover, this is a must when visiting Koh Rong Sanloem.
6. Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the most relaxing and family-friendly activities on the island. Many beachfront resorts offer kayaks free of charge for their guests.
We saw complimentary kayaks available at:
- Saracen Bay Resort
- Sara Resort
- Sol Beach Resort
Paddling across the calm waters of Saracen Bay in the early morning or late afternoon is peaceful and safe, even for kids (with supervision).
7. Beach Volleyball
When the tide is low, you’ll notice volleyball nets set up along the shore. Just request a volleyball from the resort staff, gather your family, and start a friendly match.
It’s a great way to stay active while enjoying the beach. Plus, it’s a fun way for kids to burn off energy after swimming.
Also read: One Beach Resort – featuring our experiences and recommended activities on the other side of Koh Rong Sanloem!
8. Relax, Recharge, and Move Your Body
Sometimes, the best activities are the simplest ones.
You can:
- Lounge in beach chairs
- Read a book under a beach umbrella
- Work on your tan
- Meditate by the shore
- Get a traditional Khmer massage
- Run or walk early in the morning along the sand
Koh Rong Sanloem is the perfect place for a digital detox and mindful travel. The peaceful atmosphere makes it easy to slow down and reconnect with your family.
Why Koh Rong Sanloem is Perfect for Families
If you’re searching for family-friendly beaches in Cambodia, Koh Rong Sanloem should be at the top of your list. The calm waters, clean shoreline, variety of activities, and relaxed vibe make it ideal for traveling with kids.
Whether you’re looking for adventure like ATV rides and jet skiing, or relaxation like kayaking and massages, this island offers the perfect balance.
So there you have it — Koh Rong Sanloem is more than just a beautiful beach destination. It’s an island full of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable family memories.
If you’re planning your next Cambodia beach vacation, consider adding Koh Rong Sanloem to your travel bucket list.
And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to follow and subscribe to our travel blog, Team Tala Travels, for more family-friendly travel guides, island itineraries, and honest resort reviews.
See you on the next adventure! 🌴✨
