For the longest time, vacationers to Cambodia solely had eyes for the temples of Angkor, however lately, the seashores and islands dotting the south coast have change into a serious attraction in their very own proper.
Sunseekers are spoiled for alternative in Southeast Asia, with legendary seashores tracing the shores of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, however Cambodia can compete with one of the best of them in terms of powdery sands, swaying palms and turquoise waters.
When you’re within the temper for a little bit of Cambodian island-hopping, the idyllic isles off the coast close to Sihanoukville have one thing for everybody, from die-hard occasion folks to of us looking for sun-smooched solitude. And attending to Cambodia’s islands is simple, with common ferries and longtail boats setting out from the mainland coast.
All it’s essential do to seek out seashore perfection in Cambodia is decide your island, select your seashore, and sprawl on the sand surrounded by heat, clear waters. There is a cause many guests to Cambodia test in and determine to by no means take a look at!
Whether or not you crave a crowd or a peaceful escape, here is our information to one of the best seashores in Cambodia.
The very best time to go to the seashores of Cambodia
It pays to think about the local weather when planning a seashore journey to Cambodia. From November to March, the seashores and temples bask below largely dry skies, and temperatures are heat however not overpowering. That is additionally one of the best time to dive on the reefs round Koh Rong, however charges peak at Cambodia’s seashore resorts.
Rainfall is average in April and early Might, however temperatures can climb to uncomfortable ranges, typically reaching 35°C (95°F). The soggy monsoon months from June to September will not be supreme for a seashore journey, however it does not rain all day day by day, and this coincides with the summer time trip season in Europe, North America and Oceania, so there are nonetheless loads of guests to the south coast.
1. Lengthy Seashore, Koh Rong
Finest for serene sands
Hugging the western shore of the idyllic island of Koh Rong, Lengthy Seashore – also referred to as Sok San Seashore – is the island’s best escape, an virtually empty stretch of beyond-beautiful sands operating for 7km (4.3 miles). The powder-like sand is so squeaky gentle that you simply is likely to be forgiven for considering there had been an explosion in a child powder manufacturing unit!
Confusingly, the seashore is usually often called 7km Seashore due to its size, or Royal Sands Seashore in honor of the resorts that lie on the northern and southern ends of this castaway fantasy. In case the beachfront appears to be like acquainted, the strip was used as a key filming location for the favored US tv sequence Survivor.
Planning Tip: Motos (bike taxis) can zip you across the island to different seashores, or you may constitution a longtail boat for beach-to-beach transfers.
2. Saracen Bay, Koh Rong Sanloem
Finest for a straightforward escape from Sihanoukville
Blessed with infinite sands and steamy jungles, Koh Rong Sanloem is tropical perfection. The island has three principal settlements, every with its personal distinct persona, however there is no doubt that crescent-shaped Saracen Bay is probably the most stunning, with a sleek curve of white sand hemming the island’s jap shoreline.
In case you are weighing up Koh Rong versus Koh Rong Sanloem, the latter is calmer and has a extra barefoot vibe, with much less growth behind the sand. There are few roads on the island, so strolling or chartering a longtail boat is the default strategy to get round.
Planning Tip: There are resorts to go well with each funds strung alongside its 2.5km (1.5 miles) of sand, and this standard bay is effectively related to Sihanoukville on the mainland by high-powered speedboats. Ferries additionally shuttle throughout to close by Koh Rong.
3. Lengthy Set Seashore, Koh Rong
Finest for a low-key island expertise
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Also referred to as 4km Seashore due to its ample proportions, this gorgeous stretch of sand graces the south coast of Koh Rong island. It takes its title from one of many first resorts to arrange store right here, however it’s nonetheless comparatively undeveloped in comparison with neighboring Koh Tuch.
You will discover a handful of hostels and boutique resorts lined up behind the greenery-backed sands, however it’s nonetheless fairly peaceable. To the west, Lengthy Set is related to busy Koh Tuch by way of a brief forest stroll, passing the moderately beautiful Treehouse Bungalows.
Detour: On the excessive east finish of Lengthy Set Seashore, behind Koh Rong Hill Seashore Resort, a brief path results in close by Nature Seashore, one other fairly spray of sand that feels extra unique.
4. Lazy Seashore, Koh Rong Sanloem
Finest for a household seashore break
On the southwest coast of Koh Rong Sanloem, this idyllic hideaway is house to probably the most gorgeous seashores you’ll discover anyplace. There is just one place to remain right here, Lazy Seashore – the agreeably rustic resort that gave the seashore its title.
The essential bungalows have balconies and hammocks to soak up the splendor of the sands, and the mixed restaurant and lounge space is well-stocked with books and board video games, making this seashore an excellent match for households.
5. Lagoon Seashore, Koh Kong Island
Finest for pristine waters
Basking off the coast north of Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s largest island rises out of seas so clear you may virtually make out particular person grains of sand within the shallow waters. The island has seven seashores, lined up alongside the west coast, and backed by coconut palms and luxurious vegetation, simply as you’d count on in a tropical paradise.
A number of of one of the best seashores are on the mouths of little streams – we strongly advocate the sixth seashore, often called Lagoon Seashore, the place a slender channel results in a hidden lagoon.
Planning Tip: To entry Koh Kong Island, you will want to rearrange a ship tour from Koh Rong metropolis or Tatai on the mainland; direct buses and minivans run to Koh Kong metropolis from Phnom Penh, Kampot and Sihanoukville.
6. Koh Ta Kiev, Sihanoukville
Finest for an island getaway from Sihanoukville
In case your dream seashore escape includes switching off and tuning out, then the little island of Koh Ta Kiev, off the coast close to Ream Nationwide Park, will tick all the appropriate bins. Though builders are circling, for the second the southern tip of the island retains its castaway temper.
On arrival, you will discover a clutch of delightfully bohemian and eco-friendly funds digs and the spectacular Lengthy Seashore to sprawl on. That is the place the backpacking vibe of Otres Village lives on below the watchful gaze of high-rise Sihanoukville.
Planning Tip: Resorts on Koh Ta Kiev provide transfers by longtail boat from Otres Seashore or Ream Seashore close to Sihanoukville.
7. Koh Sdach Islands, Koh Kong
Finest for secluded snorkeling and diving
Simply off the southwest tip of Botum Sakor Nationwide Park, the Koh Sdach Archipelago is a castaway cluster of 12 small islands, lots of which have good snorkeling and scuba diving. The primary island – Koh Sdach (King’s Island) – lacks seashores however it’s a terrific place to expertise island life with out the crowds.
From right here you may rent a ship to discover close by islands with blissfully empty seashores, together with Koh Totang, the sand spits of the Koh Ampil islets, and the lengthy white seashores on both aspect of Koh Smach. That is positively one for adventurous beachcombers.
Planning Tip: Boats to the Koh Sdach Islands depart from the southwestern tip of Botum Sakor Nationwide Park, however you can also make preparations with the Koh Sdach Resort, or with companies in Koh Kong metropolis.
8. Lonely Seashore, Koh Rong
Finest for sustainable dwelling
Lonely Seashore is an idyllic traveler bolthole hidden away on a non-public seashore at Koh Rong’s northern tip. There’s a robust dedication to sustainability at this low-key eco-resort; cute bungalows and open-air dorms are cooled by sea breezes and all water is disbursed by way of coconut-shell scoop.
Excessive season brings excursions to different islands, snorkeling journeys and nightly banquets on the seashore. Do not be stunned in case you by no means need to depart; some vacationers who find yourself right here lengthen their keep by months.
Planning Tip: The resort presents transfers by way of a each day boat service, leaving from Sihanoukville’s Royal Pier.
9. Koh Tonsay, Kep
Finest for a style of the outdated Cambodia
On the mainland close to Kampot, Kep was Cambodia’s unique seashore resort, attracting the glamorous and delightful within the nation’s pre-civil-war heyday. The many years have seen a little bit of the polish come off, however it’s nonetheless an interesting hangout and a well-liked resort for locals, who’re lured right here by household seashore enjoyable and town’s well-known peppered crab.
For a extra peaceable seashore escape, head over to Koh Tonsay – Rabbit Island – accessible by boat from Kep in 20 minutes. On weekdays, a tranquil temper pervades the island’s sandy, palm-backed seashores, and there is first rate snorkeling when you’ve got your individual gear. Locals collect on the weekend for pocket-friendly seafood feasts.
A flashy new resort is below building on the southwestern tip of the island, so focus your consideration on the principle seashore, the place a handful of bungalow locations provide chilled-out lodging, cheap meals, hammocks to sway in, and boat journeys to tiny Koh Puos and Koh Svay, the place you could spot dolphins.
Planning Tip: It is easy to achieve Rabbit Island – boats depart from Rabbit Island Pier close to Kep’s principal seashore.
10. Koh Thmei, Sihanoukville
Finest for a real castaway vibe
Koh Ta Kiev is not the one idyllic hideaway basking off the coast close to Sihanoukville. Nearer to the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc than Sihanoukville, Koh Thmei has serene, sandy seashores backed by tropical greenery however no roads, automobiles or telephone sign – excellent if you wish to really escape from all of it.
There’s only a single resort – an off-grid murals, stuffed with contraptions that reduce its ecological footprint. Everybody will get their very own hammock swinging on the entrance deck, and board video games and listening to the sounds of nature are the principle actions within the evenings. With no different settlement or enterprise on Koh Thmei, there’s each probability you’ll have the island to your self.
Planning Tip: The Koh Thmei Resort arranges transfers from the pier by Ouchomna Market, about 35km from Sihanoukville, accessible by way of the minivans that run from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville.
