M'Pai Bay — Attraction in Khaet Preah Sihanouk

M'Pai Bay on Koh Rong Sanloem is a quaint destination that retains its traditional charm as a fishing village. The bay is bustling with fishermen, and visitors have the unique opportunity to join them in their nightly sea ventures for a small fee. This authentic experience, however, comes with a caveat; the main beach suffers from pollution due to oil and petrol from the boats, as environmental consciousness is not a priority among the local fishermen. Additionally, plastic litter is a common sight, a problem that unfortunately extends beyond M'Pai Bay to the entire island.

One of the more challenging aspects of visiting M'Pai Bay is the presence of numerous homeless dogs. These animals, while generally harmless, can be quite assertive in their search for food and have been known to randomly approach or even attack people. This could be distressing, especially for visitors who are uneasy around dogs.

Practicality-wise, it's essential to bring cash, preferably in USD or Riel, as digital or card payments are almost non-existent here. Connectivity is not an issue, with excellent mobile coverage available for those with a Khmer SIM card. Be prepared to encounter mosquitoes, though repellents are readily available for purchase on the island.

For nature enthusiasts, M'Pai Bay is a paradise. The waters are pristine and ideal for diving and snorkeling, boasting a rich and unspoiled marine life—a stark contrast to some over-touristed spots in Thailand. Visitors are encouraged to respect and preserve this natural beauty.

Accommodation in M'Pai Bay is among the most affordable in the region, making it a perfect retreat for backpackers and those seeking a tranquil getaway. However, families, particularly those with young children, might find Saracen Bay more suitable due to its better amenities. If health and safety are major concerns, staying in Thailand might be a better option.

The bay is peaceful at night, offering a serene atmosphere unlike other more bustling parts of the island. Fishing enthusiasts should consider bringing their gear, as the bay offers excellent opportunities for a good catch in its clean and clear waters.

In summary, M'Pai Bay is a great destination for those who seek a rustic experience and are comfortable with a bit of ruggedness. Its natural beauty and tranquil nights make it an appealing choice for backpackers and relaxed travelers. However, those with specific concerns, especially regarding cleanliness and animal encounters, might want to consider alternative locations.

Only two daily trips to Sihanoukville available and some other trips to...

I've had such a wonderful stay in this small piece of paradise called M'Pai Bay. It's a very special place where you will feel at home immediately. M'Pai Bay is a fishermen's village and has not had a lot of tourism the last couple of years because of the pandemic - which makes it the ultimate place to relax and catch you breath from traveling (in my opinion). It's a small village which means you can easily walk through the village, to the ocean, the beach or into the jungle making it very easy to connect with nature and to relax. The expats and locals that live here are very welcoming - the people that have a business here communicate in a group chat about which business is open that day, so that there's always something for you to do! I understood that previously this was a little bit different but because there's not been as many tourists as pre-covid - this is a great solution to support each other and you can really feel a community vibe. It also makes it very easy to get to know new people and connect with them! Before I arrived I read online about power cuts in M'Pai Bay which made me a little hesitant because I had to do work online. Luckily when I arrived I got the news that since a couple of days there's only 1 power cut from 11AM till 1PM - which is the best time to go to the beach, or on a boat trip anyway! So that was no issue at all! All in all I can really recommend staying in M'Pai Bay as it's a very special place and you will for sure have a good and relaxing...

Mpai Bay is a charming small village that blends a community of expats with local families, many of whom originally worked as fishermen. The village offers a wide variety of excellent Western and Khmer cuisine, creating a delightful culinary experience. The atmosphere is relaxed and has a distinct backpacker vibe, with accommodation options generally being affordable. Bring enough US dollars cash as there isn’t any ATM on the island and only 1 place accepts card payment, unless you have an ABA account.

The village is easy to explore on foot, and a 10–15 minute walk from the pier, across a picturesque yellow bridge, takes you to Long Beach—a beautiful stretch of sandy shoreline. While there are occasional parties and a handful of late-night venues, the laid-back vibe of Mpai Bay is what we love most.

Swimming is possible at the beach near the pier when the sea is calm and clean, depending on the tide. However, caution is advised when wading into the shallows, as there may be glass or other debris on the sand bed from the village, boats, or even washed in from the mainland. Unfortunately, during our visit, we witnessed the estuary mouth being dredged to create a passage for grey water to flow into the bay, turning the water a murky brown and filling the seafront with a pungent smell. We hope that better solutions for wastewater management are introduced to the village soon—for the well-being of both the environment and the...