If you’ve ever dreamed of pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and tropical adventures, you’re not alone. Cambodia’s coastline is an underrated gem in Southeast Asia.
If you have ever googled ‘are there any beaches in Cambodia?’, this blog is just for you. Many travellers don’t realise just how much this country has to offer beyond its famous temples.
In this blog, we’ll take you through some of the most popular Cambodian islands known for their stunning beaches and tropical charm.
Like Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, Rabbit Island, and Bamboo Island.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which islands to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and what to do. Whether you’re seeking lively beach parties, tranquil hideaways, or romantic escapes.
Don’t miss the last part of the blog, which will give you travel tips so that you can make the most out of your trip!
Best Time to Visit the Cambodia Beaches
Cambodia has two major seasons: Dry and Rainy. And dry has two sub-seasons of hot and cool seasons. And the “cool” season is the best time to visit Cambodia’s islands and its beaches.
The cool season in Cambodia runs from November to January. This is when the temperature hovers around 21-31°C. Cambodia can get pretty warm, and these months are the best time to explore Cambodia pleasantly.
Best Islands of Cambodia
Many travellers don’t realise that Cambodia isn’t just landlocked with temples; it also has a coastline and numerous islands. In fact, Cambodia is home to 66 islands and 8 smaller islets, offering plenty of gems to explore.
Koh Rong Island
Located near Sihanoukville, this Cambodian island of Koh Rong is the most popular in the whole of Cambodia! The island is approximately 15 km in length, and it is the second biggest island in the Gulf of Thailand.
This tropical island is known for its true blue water and powdery white sand that’s soft under your feet. Koh Rong is a perfect balance of lavish resorts and its party scenes. The island also has a few paved roads, which will be easy for you to explore by rental scooters.
The beachside areas like Koh Toch and Longset Beach (4K Beach) are pretty lively. Here, bars stay open well after midnight with fantastic music, pole dances, fire shows, and even games like fire limbo! Just drink, socialise, and have great vibes until dawn!
Note: Most of the bars have their own accommodations and backpackers’ hostels with budget dorm beds!
Beyond the beaches and parties, the island is abundant with forests. Their Kong Roh National Park is a tropical rainforest with dense trees and hidden waterfalls. You can cool off at Vichea Waterfall or Koh Rong Waterfall, or take a scenic hike to Prek Svay Waterfall.
The most magical experience of the island is its bioluminescent plankton, a marine organism that emits blue light when disturbed. Boat tours are available all over the island to take you to the right spot. Remember that the visibility will be better during the dry season (November to May) and even better on a new moon day.
- Recommended places to stay: You & Me Resort, Natural Bungalow TaKheav, and Golden Beach Resort.
- Recommended Pubs/Bars: Funky beach club, Nest beach club
How to Reach Koh Rong?
To get to Koh Rong, your journey begins in Sihanoukville. Sihanoukville can be reached by taxi, train, or flight from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh by booking online.
Once you reach Sihanoukville, a ferry can be taken from the Sihanoukville port to reach the islands of Cambodia.
Several ferry operators run daily services between the mainland and the island, with multiple departures throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased online at 12GO or Bookaway.
Or get your passes directly at the ticket counter of the port.
Note: When buying your ticket, make sure you know which stop on Koh Rong you’re heading to, as ferries make multiple stops around the island; choose the one closest to your accommodation for convenience.
Here’s a quick overview of the approximate travel times to popular areas on Koh Rong:
| Koh Rong Island Stops | Duration taken to Reach (approx.) |
| Koh Toch Beach | 1 hour |
| Koh Rong Ocean Breeze | 40 mins |
| Thansour Beach | 50 mins |
| Hill Beach Pier | 45 mins |
| Sok San Beach | 55 mins |
| Kong Rong Long Set Beach | 45 mins – 1 hour |
| Koh Rong Sea House | 45 mins – 50 mins |
Boat Charges: 1200 – 1600 INR (approx.)
Koh Rong Samloem Island
Located just 4 km from Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem is often called its sister island. Both islands are pretty much similar, except that this one is much quieter and has a more relaxed vibe.
Being smaller than Kong Rong, you still will find a decent amount of resorts and restaurants, mainly concentrated in places like M’Pai Bay and Saracen Bay, which have a lively crowd. (But don’t expect any crazy parties).
For more tranquillity, head to the other side of the island to Sunset Beach and Lazy Beach. Living up to their names, these beaches exist on the west side of the island, perfect for watching sunsets and also away from the busier beaches.
These beaches house a fair number of luxury resorts, a go-to spot for honeymooners.
Note: Sunset Beach can be accessed either by hiking for about 30 minutes or by a boat taxi, which can be found on the beach piers across the island. The boat charges work in terms of negotiation, but expect anywhere around 1000 INR.
- Recommended places to stay: Eden Beach Resort, Bong’s Guesthouse, M’Pai Bay, Sara Resort, Sleeping Trees.
- Recommended Pubs/Bars: Bar Bok Bowie, The Hornbill Hostel and Cafe, and Bong’s.
How to Reach Koh Rong Samloem?
Travelling from Sihanoukville to Koh Roh Samloem follows the same process as travelling from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong. (Read the Kong Rong part of the blog to find out!)
Here’s a quick overview of the approximate travel times to piers of Koh Rong Samloem:
| Koh Rong Samloem Island Stops | Duration Taken to Reach (approx.) |
| Saracen Bay | 1 hour |
| M’Pai Bay | 45 mins |
| Koh Rong Samloem | 45 – 50 mins |
Boat Charges: 1200 – 1400 INR (approx.)
Kaoh Tonsay (Rabbit Island)
Kaoh Tonsay, also called Rabbit Island, is one of Cambodia’s smaller, quieter islands located off the coast of Kep province. This is considered to have the best Cambodian beaches.
Unlike Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem, this island is largely untouched and uncommercialised. You’ll find basic guesthouses and bamboo huts instead of luxury resorts.
Sandy shores with gentle waves, perfect for swimming or just lazing by the water in the mornings. And with little light pollution, evenings are magical with stars shining across the sky.
On weekends, local groups from Kep sometimes visit, bringing a bit of liveliness to the otherwise serene island. But most days, Kaoh Tonsay is all about relaxation: sunbathing, massages, and simply doing nothing but soaking up the island vibes.
Note: Electricity is usually generator-based, and the network is patchy. Be prepared to pay extra money for electricity at your accommodation. Expect a few hours of no power, but just you and nature.
How to Reach Koh Tonsay?
Rabbit Island is located offshore of Kep, which can be reached by a taxi, bus, or train when booked online.
When in Kep, make your way to the Koh Tonsay Boat Terminal. You’ll get loads of boats that can transfer you to Koh Tonsay in 20 minutes.
Note: The last ferry to Rabbit Island from Kep will be at 5:00 PM.
Boat Charges: 710 INR and 2219 INR for a private transfer. (approx.)
Koh Ta Kiev
Koh Ta Kiev is a serene island located south of Sihanoukville, perfect for travellers looking to slow down and disconnect.
The island is largely undeveloped, with no paved roads, no ATMs, and very limited electricity. Most accommodations are eco-lodges or simple bungalows, often powered by generators or solar energy. Expect bamboo structures, cushion beds, and mosquito nets, rather than luxury resorts.
Some lodges even offer yoga sessions, making it a great spot to relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Note: Electricity and Wi-Fi are not consistent on the island, Only SIM cards from the company ‘SMART’ will work reliably here.
Koh Ta Kiev is truly an ideal destination to switch off your phone, disconnect from the digital world, and reconnect with nature, offering a peaceful Cambodia island getaway!
- Recommended places to stay: The Last Point and Kactus Koh Ta Kiev (all the accommodations have their own cafe and bar).
How to Reach Koh Ta Kiev?
- From Sihanoukville: Most travellers start here. Unlike Koh Rong ferries, there are no regular public boats to Koh Ta Kiev. Instead, boats are usually arranged by the eco-resorts on the island.
- From Ream Beach: This is the closest access point. Many guesthouses and resorts on Koh Ta Kiev send their own longtail boats to pick up guests from Ream pier. The ride takes anywhere between 20 and 40 minutes.
- From Otres or Ochheuteal Beach (Sihanoukville): Some resorts also offer transfers from here, though less common now.
Koh Russey (Bamboo Island)
For an ultimate peaceful stay, Bamboo Island is the best option among other Cambodian islands. This small island measures just 1.6 km at its farthest length and breadth, offering an intimate and secluded escape.
Bamboo Island is home to only two high-end resorts: Koh Russey Resort and JATI Koh Russey. Both 5-star accommodations promise a luxurious stay.
These resorts provide endless facilities like tennis, pickleball, volleyball, kayaking, snorkelling, sunset cruises, pool, kids’ area, plus a gym and spa. Making these resorts your perfect island escape.
There is also an option to take a day trip to this island. You can just drink a beer, lounge on the beach, and simply enjoy nature with utmost privacy!
How to Reach Koh Russey?
There are no public ferries to this island.
You’ve got two options
- If you are staying at any of the above-mentioned resorts, your resort will arrange a boat for you. Their convenient pick-up and drop-off pier is usually at Ream Beach.
- For visitors planning a day trip, private boat owners from Ream Beach can often be hired to take you to the island.
Travel Tips
Tips are always helpful. These travel tips are gathered specifically for the Islands of Cambodia, and they will make your trip a little bit easier.
- Islands will be more expensive than the mainland due to the extra cost of transportation, labour, and storage.
- Most of these islands have no ATMs, even if they do, they aren’t reliable, and the cash-out service might cost you more money. So, carry cash with you at all times because cards won’t be accepted widely.
- You won’t find full-fledged supermarkets or pharmacies on these islands. So, stock up on essentials and a bit of extras before island hopping.
- When you search for any particular spot on the Islands of Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem, it will show as Preah Sihanouk. Don’t panic; these two islands technically belong to Preah Sihanouk (Sihanoukville). Check the map before booking anything, just to be sure.
- If you want to try out the beachside fish BBQs on any of these islands, make sure to check if they store their fish in an ice container. If not, the meat tends to lose its freshness and even turn rancid fast in a hot environment.
- Carry motion sickness tablets while on a trip to these islands, as you’ll need to travel by boat.
- Watch out for monkeys. You won’t be harmed, but your things will be stolen.
Conclusion
Cambodia’s islands are honestly something else. From the wild parties of Koh Rong to the quieter islands of Koh Rong Samloem, the remote Rabbit Island, and the smallest Bamboo Island, there’s a spot for every kind of traveller.
Pack your bags, and just soak in the sun, the sand, and the sea.
Forget the usual chaos of researching, building a travel plan, and getting a visa by contacting Dimaak Tours! We will create the perfect itinerary that’s perfect for you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cambodia Beaches
Any islands in Cambodia?
Yes! Many people are not aware that Cambodia has islands or even a coastal area. However, according to Wikipedia, there are 66 islands in Cambodia, along with eight islets.
How to get to Koh Rong Island?
Getting to Koh Rong, an island off the coast of southwest Cambodia, is pretty straightforward. From the city of Sihanoukville, a ferry can be taken from the Sihanoukville port to reach Koh Rong. The journey takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour.
What language is spoken in Cambodia?
The official language of Cambodia is Khmer. However, since Cambodia has three neighbours, some people also speak Lao, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese and English as well.
Are There Any Hidden Cambodia Beaches to Explore?
Cambodia beaches hold hidden gems like Koh Ta Kiev’s Plankton and Coral Beaches, and Lonely Beach on Koh Rong Samloem, offering serene, off-the-beaten-path. A perfect escape for travelers seeking untouched coastal beauty.
