Country has an island for all types and budgets
June 27, 2014

Whether you're looking for an all-night party or an underwater adventure among pristine coral reefs, Cambodia's got an island for all types and all budgets.
Here are seven of the best.
Best island for partying: Koh Rong
Not too long ago Koh Rong's only tourist amenities were a handful of bungalows and miles of dense jungle flanked by gorgeous white sand beaches.
There's still amazing hiking and trekking on the island in the parts of the jungle that loggers haven't destroyed, but in the last few years dozens of cheap accommodations have been built and the place has become a backpacker Shangri-la.
Though Koh Rong remains surprisingly undeveloped, at least by Thai island standards, its business owners are notoriously party-friendly, bringing in generators to keep the music going until the wee hours and offering live DJs and free-beer happy hours.
A 24-hour bar and a permissive attitude towards ganja have made the island a go-to spot for sun burnt travelers who want to bake on the beach by day and get toasted by night.
Getting there: Head to Sihanoukville and catch a high-speed ferry (Speed Ferry Cambodia, Serendipity Beach Road, Sihanoukville, +855 34 934 744), which takes 50 minutes from shore and costs $15 return.
In terms of accommodation, Vagabonds (+855 15 662 437, kohrongvagabonds@gmail.com) caters to the party set while Monkey Island (+855 81 830 991) and Paradise Bungalows (+855 34 933 664) are a bit quieter.
Best island for relaxing: Koh Rong Sanloem
Koh Rong Sanloem has long been a favorite of expats in Phnom Penh, who head to the quiet island for weekends at Lazy Beach, once the only accommodation option here.
More recently, a dozen new places have sprung up on the opposite side of the island, Saracen Bay -- a heart-shaped inlet with calm turquoise surf and beautiful beaches.
Fortunately the new businesses are determined to avoid the mistakes made on some of the neighboring islands and are promoting low-impact, sustainable tourism.
The result is clean white sand beaches that you can have nearly all to yourself.
There's not much to do on the island, but that's the point.
Days can be spent paddle-boarding, snorkeling or relaxing under a palm tree with a good book.
Getting there: From Sihanoukville, many of the Speed Ferry Cambodia ferries to Koh Rong also stop at Koh Rong Sanloem for $20 return. Accommodation options include Paradise Villas (+855 34 933 664), Saracen Bay Resort (+855 16 997 047) and Lazy Beach (+855 016 214 211).
Best island for luxury: Song Saa
The nickname of these two small private islands means "sweethearts" in Khmer. Fitting, as you'd have to be pretty sweet on someone to take them there, with villa prices topping $3,000 per night.
The 27-room resort offers Cambodia's most exclusive island experience, starting with the bottle of Champagne awaiting you at check-in.
The Champagne's included in the price and so is just about everything else, from the transfers from shore and the gourmet meals made from locally sourced foods to the well-stocked mini-bar and free international calls from your villa.
Even better, Song Saa is a model for sustainable development in Cambodia.
The resort is helping the local community develop education and waste management programs and has embarked on several conservation efforts, including a marine reserve covering 50,000 square meters around the islands.
Getting there: There are twice-daily speedboats to Song Saa (+855 236 860 360) from the Sihanoukville port that are free for guests, or you can organize a private boat with them for $660 or helicopter for $1,320.
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