I had just arrived in Phnom Penh, the bustling capital of Cambodia, with a short stay planned before heading to Siem Reap to explore the majestic temples of Angkor Wat.
After announcing my entry into Cambodia on Instagram with a story of me walking across the border from Vietnam, my friend, Dan, noticed I was in Cambodia and reached out. He asked if I was planning to visit Koh Rong—an island off the southern tip not too far from Thailand. Intrigued and surprised (who knew Cambodia had islands?), I was initially hesitant to deviate from my plans. However, Dan’s enthusiasm for the island piqued my curiosity and I decided it was worth the detour.
My journey to Koh Rong began with a $20 bus ride to Sihanoukville. As I waited for the ferry, I found a beautiful resort on Pagoda Beach called Sweet Dreams. I reached out, mentioning my role as a professional content creator, and to my delight, they offered me a partnership for my stay.
Upon arrival, the resort staff welcomed me warmly, taking me to a stunning two-bedroom villa right on the beachfront. The room was prepared quite romantically—towels crafted into kissing swans and surrounded by a sea of flower petals. It seemed I had stumbled into my single-girl honeymoon phase, and I was loving every second of it.
The next few days were a blend of relaxation and creativity. I lounged on the soft, white sand beaches, swam in the crystal-clear waters that felt as warm as a bath, and captured the serene beauty around me. The resort felt almost deserted, offering a solitude that allowed me deep reflection on the beauty surrounding me and the incredible journey I was on. Some days, it felt as though the island belonged entirely to me, and after visiting so many crowded cities, this emptiness was not going to be taken for granted.
As night fell, I ventured into the ocean to experience something truly magical—the bioluminescence. Initially hesitant due to my fear of the ocean and its unseen depths, the assurance of the locals that there were no sharks (idk how) encouraged me to embrace this experience. As I waded deeper, the water around me began to glow with a soft blue light, illuminating my movements. Each stroke of my hand left a trail of sparkling light, and soon I was laughing out loud, feeling a childlike wonder at the natural magic of the world.
This enchanting experience led me to spend hours each night swimming among the glowing waves, feeling a profound connection to the vast, mysterious ocean. It made me feel small, yet not insignificant—instead, I felt at peace with the vastness, embraced by the universe.
This solitude was transformative. It allowed me to appreciate the silence that so many find uncomfortable. In these quiet moments, I found a deep sense of peace and contentment within myself. I was learning to live fully in the present, embracing each moment as it came without dwelling on the past or fearing the future.
This trip wasn’t just about relaxation; it was about pushing my boundaries, trying new things, and committing to personal growth. It was about finding joy in solitude and the quiet moments that allow us to connect deeply with ourselves and the world around us.
As I prepared to leave Koh Rong, I felt a profound gratitude for the journey and the unexpected detour that brought me here. My time on the island reinforced my love for travel, my passion for storytelling through my videos and photos, and my desire to continue exploring, meeting new people, and embracing every new experience.
Thank you, Dan, for the recommendation that led me to one of my favorite places on earth. Koh Rong, with its unspoiled beaches and magical nights, will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s a vivid reminder of how travel continually enriches my life, bringing incredible people and experiences into my world and allowing me to grow into the best version of myself.
