Beaches & Islands

Cambodia’s beaches were Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret for decades. They still are, largely — the crowds that overwhelmed Thailand’s islands have not yet arrived here in the same numbers. Come while they’re still like this.

Koh Rong

Cambodia’s second-largest island is 45 minutes by speedboat from Sihanoukville. Long Beach (7km of white sand) on the west coast, Koh Tuch village on the southeast — the main hub with restaurants, guesthouses, and that laidback island energy.

Don’t miss: Bioluminescent plankton at night. Wade into the water after dark and watch your footsteps light up electric blue. Best July–October when the blooms peak.

Stay: Budget beach bungalows on Koh Tuch; mid-range options along Long Beach; Song Saa Private Island for world-class luxury on a private islet just offshore.

Koh Rong Samloem

The quieter sister island, just south of Koh Rong. Saracen Bay — a protected, calm lagoon — is one of the most beautiful anchorages in Southeast Asia. Very little development. The bioluminescence here is even more spectacular.

Best for: Couples, digital detox, snorkeling, reading on a hammock.

Otres Beach (Sihanoukville)

The mainland has a beach too — Otres is 5km south of Sihanoukville town, separated from the casino development, with a proper backpacker and yoga-retreat village. Better than the town itself.

Koh Ta Kiev & Koh Rong Sanloem’s Lazy Beach

Completely off-grid islands with generator-powered bungalows, no wifi, hammocks over the water. The kind of beach holiday that requires zero decisions.

Kep & Rabbit Island

Just off the small coastal town of Kep lies Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) — 20 minutes by wooden boat. No cars. A handful of family-run restaurants and basic huts. Eat seafood. Swim. Repeat.

Kep itself is famous for its crab market — pick your live crab, choose your preparation (Kampot pepper, fried in garlic), and eat it metres from where it was caught.

Best Time for Beaches

November to April — dry season, calm seas, blue skies. The best months for swimming and diving.

May to October — rough seas on the south coast, rain. The islands are accessible but conditions are unpredictable.