For the longest time, vacationers to Cambodia solely had eyes for the temples of Angkor, however in recent times, the seashores and islands dotting the south coast have develop into a serious attraction in their very own proper.
Sunseekers are spoiled for selection in Southeast Asia, with legendary seashores tracing the shores of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, however Cambodia can compete with the most effective 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 social gathering folks to people looking for sun-smooched solitude. And attending to Cambodia's islands is straightforward, with common ferries and longtail boats setting out from the mainland coast.
All you’ll want to do to search out seaside perfection in Cambodia is choose your island, select your seaside, and sprawl on the sand surrounded by heat, clear waters. There's a purpose 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, right here's our information to the most effective seashores in Cambodia.
The perfect time to go to the seashores of Cambodia
It pays to contemplate the local weather when planning a seaside 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 the most effective time to dive on the reefs round Koh Rong, however charges peak at Cambodia's seaside resorts.
Rainfall is average in April and early Might, however temperatures can climb to uncomfortable ranges, usually reaching 35°C (95°F). The soggy monsoon months from June to September are usually not excellent for a seaside journey, nevertheless it doesn't rain all day day-after-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 Seaside, Koh Rong
Greatest for serene sands
Hugging the western shore of the idyllic island of Koh Rong, Lengthy Seaside – also referred to as Sok San Seaside – 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 smooth that you just may be forgiven for pondering there had been an explosion in a child powder manufacturing facility!
Confusingly, the seaside is usually often called 7km Seaside because of its size, or Royal Sands Seaside in honor of the resorts that lie on the northern and southern ends of this castaway fantasy. In case the beachfront seems acquainted, the strip was used as a key filming location for the favored US tv collection Survivor.
Planning tip: Motos (motorbike 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
Greatest for a straightforward escape from Sihanoukville
Blessed with countless sands and steamy jungles, Koh Rong Sanloem is tropical perfection. The island has three important settlements, every with its personal distinct character, however there's little question that crescent-shaped Saracen Bay is probably the most stunning, with a sleek curve of white sand hemming the island's japanese 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 swimsuit each funds strung alongside its 2.5km (1.5 miles) of sand, and this in style bay is properly linked to Sihanoukville on the mainland by high-powered speedboats. Ferries additionally shuttle throughout to close by Koh Rong.
3. Lengthy Set Seaside, Koh Rong
Greatest for a low-key island expertise
Also referred to as 4km Seaside because of its ample proportions, this beautiful stretch of sand graces the south coast of Koh Rong island. It takes its identify from one of many first resorts to arrange store right here, nevertheless it's nonetheless comparatively undeveloped in comparison with neighboring Koh Tuch.
You'll discover a handful of hostels and boutique resorts lined up behind the greenery-backed sands, nevertheless it's nonetheless fairly peaceable. To the west, Lengthy Set is linked to busy Koh Tuch by way of a brief forest stroll, passing the quite pretty Treehouse Bungalows.
Detour: On the excessive east finish of Lengthy Set Seaside, behind Koh Rong Hill Seaside Resort, a brief path results in close by Nature Seaside, one other fairly spray of sand that feels extra unique.
4. Lazy Seaside, Koh Rong Sanloem
Greatest for a household seaside break
On the southwest coast of Koh Rong Sanloem, this idyllic hideaway is house to one of the beautiful seashores you'll discover anyplace. There is just one place to remain right here, Lazy Seaside – the agreeably rustic resort that gave the seaside its identify.
The essential bungalows have balconies and hammocks to absorb the splendor of the sands, and the mixed restaurant and lounge space is well-stocked with books and board video games, making this seaside a very good match for households.
5. Lagoon Seaside, Koh Kong Island
Greatest 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 plush vegetation, simply as you'd anticipate in a tropical paradise.
A number of of the most effective seashores are on the mouths of little streams – we strongly advocate the sixth seaside, often called Lagoon Seaside, the place a slim channel results in a hidden lagoon.
Planning tip: To entry Koh Kong Island, you'll 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
Greatest for an island getaway from Sihanoukville
In case your dream seaside 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 proper containers. Though builders are circling, for the second the southern tip of the island retains its castaway temper.
On arrival, you'll discover a clutch of delightfully bohemian and eco-friendly funds digs and the spectacular Lengthy Seaside 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 supply transfers by longtail boat from Otres Seaside or Ream Seaside close to Sihanoukville.
7. Koh Sdach Islands, Koh Kong
Greatest 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, a lot of which have good snorkeling and scuba diving. The primary island – Koh Sdach (King's Island) – lacks seashores nevertheless it's an awesome 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 facet of Koh Smach. That is undoubtedly 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 businesses in Koh Kong metropolis.
8. Lonely Seaside, Koh Rong
Greatest for sustainable dwelling
Lonely Seaside is an idyllic traveler bolthole hidden away on a non-public seaside at Koh Rong's northern tip. There’s a sturdy dedication to sustainability at this low-key eco-resort; cute bungalows and open-air dorms are cooled by sea breezes and all water is allotted by way of coconut-shell scoop.
Excessive season brings excursions to different islands, snorkeling journeys and nightly banquets on the seaside. Don't 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 affords transfers by way of a every day boat service, leaving from Sihanoukville's Royal Pier.
9. Koh Tonsay, Kep
Greatest for a style of the previous Cambodia
On the mainland close to Kampot, Kep was Cambodia's unique seaside resort, attracting the glamorous and delightful within the nation's pre-civil-war heyday. The many years have seen somewhat of the polish come off, nevertheless it's nonetheless an interesting hangout and a preferred resort for locals, who’re lured right here by household seaside enjoyable and the town's well-known peppered crab.
For a extra peaceable seaside 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's first rate snorkeling in case you have your personal gear. Locals collect on the weekend for pocket-friendly seafood feasts.
A flashy new resort is below development on the southwestern tip of the island, so focus your consideration on the primary seaside, the place a handful of bungalow locations supply chilled-out lodging, cheap meals, hammocks to sway in, and boat journeys to tiny Koh Puos and Koh Svay, the place it’s possible you’ll spot dolphins.
Planning tip: It's straightforward to achieve Rabbit Island – boats depart from Rabbit Island Pier close to Kep's important seaside.
10. Koh Thmei, Sihanoukville
Greatest for a real castaway vibe
Koh Ta Kiev isn't 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 – good if you wish to actually escape from all of it.
There's only a single resort – an off-grid murals, filled with contraptions that decrease 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 primary actions within the evenings. With no different settlement or enterprise on Koh Thmei, there's each likelihood 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.
