Dave Fest location
Dave Fest is held on a beach called "M'pai Bay" on the Northern part of the Koh Rong Sanloem Island, you cannot access Mpai Bay on land (neither on foot or by car) from other parts of the island and boat taxis are not common at night, so recommend to book to stay on M'pai Bay to enjoy the festival. Dave fest is not in one single location but partners with 15+ venues across the M'pai Bay village, the epicentre is at Win Win Mart here. Everywhere on Mpai Bei (as its sometimes spelled) is walkable in around 5 minutes.
Transport
You can book via the form here, or you can make your own way, in which case you will need to get a boat from Sihanoukville Autonomous Port here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fw34QijTX2fpaDBx5
Ferries run several times per day leaving Sihanoukville at 8AM, 11AM, 2PM and 4PM with GTVC and 2:30PM and 5PM with Buva Sea, if you are travelling from Phnom Penh, allow four hours for the journey, so for example if you wish to get the 11AM ferry, get a 7AM bus.
Ferries leave M'pai bay to Sihanoukville 6 times daily at 8:35AM, 11:45AM, 2:45PM and 4:45PM with GTVC. Buva Sea has ferries at 6:30AM and 3:30PM. Public bus or taxi from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville takes around 3-4 hours, and around 8-12 hours from Siem Reap. Sihanoukville has a small airport with flights to Siem Reap and occasionally other regional destinations.
Accommodation
Dave Fest is held on M'pai Bay, on the north of Koh Rong Sanloem island, other parts of the island are not easily accessible from the festival site. M'pai bay has a range of places to stay at ranging from $10 per room per night to $200+.
- Agoda has a search directly for "Mpay bei", this link has a saved search over Dave Fest dates.
- Booking.com doesn't have a direct search, but you'd need to zoom into the right area (shown on the map below)
- If you're after AC, Coral Bungalows, M'pai bay Hotel and Thmor Da resort are all options, but fan rooms are comfortable during the Dave fest season. Some guesthouses we work with are on the list below.
FAQ
Can I buy stuff on the island?
There is a shop that stocks suprisingly lots of stuff Win Win Mart including snacks, drinks, cigarettes, medicines, sunscreen, shampoo etc. You can also rent snorkel gear or kayaks.
What should I bring?
You'll likely wear beach clothes and shoes (flip flops/sandals) the whole time. There are hiking options though. Be responsible, use mosquito spray, sunscreen as required, most accom will supply towels but maybe bring a beach towel too.
Is it safe?
The bay is very shallow, so swimming is not risky, but there is no lifeguard on duty, so swim at your own risk. There is little to no crime reported on the island and there are police stationed there. The Malaria risk is very low, but there are certain tropical diseases around Cambodia.
In no event shall the Festival Organiser David Benaim be liable to you for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from or related to your attendance at Dave Fest. By attending any single event at Dave Fest, you acknowledge this.
Medical & emergency
1. Dave fest will have a paramedic with search and rescue training on duty throughout
2. There is also a clinic open from Monday to Friday next to Flambee here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cMdcD6Q61oCnzRvy8
3. Emergency evacuation via a private boat to a hospital in Sihanoukville (around one hour away) can be arranged 24/7, but it will be costly, so best to have insurance just in case.
If you have any questions, please contact the Dave fest Telegram Channel (which a few organisers have access to), those without Telegram can contact Dave Benaim on +855-89-259-248.