Discover Cambodia’s Enchanting Islands with iBestTravel

Sandy bliss awaits travelers off Cambodia’s south coast. Whether you favor being glued to a hammock upon an isolated shore or fancy slothful days recovering from all-night raves, Cambodia has an island for you.

Lapped by the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand, the scattering of islands in Cambodia’s south offer hugely diverse beach scenes. All islands feature jungle-clad interiors, swaths of sand, and the nightly magic of bioluminescent plankton. However, most are shadowed by the looming threat of future development – the time to visit is now.

Koh Rong Sanloem: Hip Romantic Getaway

On Koh Rong Sanloem, the wide sweep of sheltered Saracen Bay might embody the perfect beach idyll. At least 12 small-scale bungalow resorts, built of wood and palm thatch, harmonize with the dense jungle hugging the shore. Intimate Cita Resort features two-tiered bungalows equipped with open-air bathrooms and hammock porches, while the bungalows of Secret Paradise offer beach-casual glamour.

For a more secluded getaway feel, head to the island’s west for sand-between-your-toes living. Koh Rong Sanloem’s oldest resort is Lazy Beach, a hideaway focused on hammock-swinging and sunset cocktails. Further north, Sunset Beach offers a couple of simple places on the sand.

Koh Rong Sanloem’s beach scene can be pricier than other islands; however, Saracen Bay features a couple of excellent budget options, including the stilted open-air dorm at Beach Island Resort. Intrepid travelers should venture to M’Pai Bay, where wallet-friendly basic lodging like Easy Tiger and the Chill Inn provide a friendly fishing village experience. This location emphasizes a vibrant local vibe rather than gorgeous stretches of white sand.

Koh Rong: Party Island

The famed party stop among backpackers traversing southeast Asia, Koh Rong presents a tale of two halves. The Koh Tuch village area is bustling with action and energy, while the rest of the island remains largely untouched, except for a few remote resorts and tiny fishing villages. Even Koh Tuch Beach provides a sense of solitude with its lengthy shoreline. To escape the crowds, consider Treehouse Bungalows. For those seeking dance parties and Mekong whisky buckets, the basic accommodations in Koh Tuch village are the place to be; however, don’t anticipate much sleep.

During the day, the more adventurous can unleash their primate instincts at High Point Rope Adventure. Nonetheless, the highlight of the island is the aptly named Long Set Beach, which stretches roughly 7km along the western shore. During daylight hours, many travelers embark on boat trips to this soft sandy locale for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing fun.

Koh Ta Kiev: Back to Basics

If you’re jaded by older travelers reminiscing about the golden days of rustic living in Southeast Asia, Koh Ta Kiev deserves your attention. This pristine island offers limited budget resorts along the west and southwest shorelines, featuring hammock accommodations, canvas shelters, dorms, and basic huts. Options like Ten 103 and The Last Point excel in providing a back-to-basics beach-bum lifestyle.

Notably, the touch of development is imminent here, with plans for a luxury resort necessitating road construction through the dense jungle. Nevertheless, if you wish to experience an old-school-style sandy haven, visiting sooner rather than later is advisable.

Koh Totang: Eco-Chic Isolation

Located in the Koh Sdach Archipelago, Koh Totang is a hidden gem with impressive eco-credentials. The island is home to a single resort, Nomads Land, which offers a secluded beachside getaway. The five charming bungalows provide hammocks and cozy deck corners for relaxation, while solar power supplies electricity, drinking water is sourced from collected rainwater, and bathrooms are equipped with composting toilets and bucket showers. This resort showcases that you don’t have to sacrifice style for an off-the-grid lifestyle.

Koh Thmei: Nature-Lover Simplicity

If you find yourself overwhelmed by the multitude of bungalows on other islands, consider visiting an island where simplicity reigns. Flanked by mangrove forests, the largely uninhabited Koh Thmei sits off Ream National Park, featuring the intimate, ecologically focused Koh Thmei Resort along its shoreline. This idyllic option is perfect for nature enthusiasts, with the beach strewn with exotic shells, a coral reef for snorkeling offshore, and a jungle interior teeming with over a hundred bird species.

Make it Happen

Regular ferries depart for both Koh Rong’s Koh Tuch Beach and Koh Rong Sanloem’s Saracen Bay and M’Pai Bay at least three times daily (schedules change seasonally) from Sihanoukville, with journey times of under an hour. For other destinations, private boats are provided by resorts.

From November to March, the high season occurs, peaking in December and January when accommodations fill quickly, and prices are at their highest. June marks the beginning of the rainy season; however, if you don’t mind storm clouds on the horizon from your porch, you may snag a bungalow bargain.

Remember your island essentials: enough cash for your stay (as none of the islands have banks or ATMs), sunscreen, insect repellent for rampant sandflies, and a flashlight.