Vietnamese Bay

Vietnamese Bay is an advanced dive site located on the northern reaches of Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia, where the island's rugged coastline meets the deeper waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Descending to 13 metres, this site demands solid buoyancy skills and experience with variable conditions, earning its advanced rating through a combination of stronger currents and more complex underwater terrain. The site takes its name from the secluded bay on the island's north face, an area historically associated with Vietnamese fishing communities. Below the surface, the seabed drops away more steeply than at neighbouring sites, with large granite boulders creating a dramatic landscape of swim-throughs, overhangs, and crevices that harbour a wealth of marine life. The rocky substrate supports impressive growths of barrel sponges and sea fans that extend into the current to filter-feed on passing plankton. These larger sessile organisms create a backdrop of deep purples, reds, and oranges that contrast beautifully with the blue water column beyond. Moray eels find ideal homes in the gaps between boulders, and observant divers may spot blue-spotted ribbontail rays resting on the sandy patches between rock formations. Current is the defining feature of Vietnamese Bay. When the tidal flow picks up, it brings pelagic visitors closer to the reef structure. Barracuda are occasionally sighted patrolling the edges of the reef, and schools of fusiliers stream past in impressive numbers during feeding events. The current also means that drift diving is sometimes the preferred approach, with boats positioning for pick-up at the site's southern end. The best diving conditions occur between November and April, when the northeast monsoon brings calmer seas and improved visibility that can reach 15 metres or more. During the wet season, swells from the southwest can make surface conditions challenging, and visibility may drop significantly. Vietnamese Bay rewards experienced divers with a more adventurous dive than the sheltered sites on Koh Rong Samloem's southern coast, offering a taste of the wilder side of Cambodian diving.