cambodia tourist islands

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Best islands in Cambodia

Cambodia islands

In recent years, Cambodia islands have started to get more attention from backpackers to luxury sun seekers. Luckily, these islands are still way less crowded and more affordable than Thailand’s popular and well-known neighbors. Whether you are looking for a hammock to relax upon a remoted shore, take a dip underwater among pristine coral reefs or participate in an all-night party, Cambodia offers an island to meet all tastes and budgets.

From Sihanouk Ville, it’s not difficult to take boat trips to explore any one of the gorgeous islands off Cambodia’s south coast. Departing daily from Sihanouk Ville pier, there are lots of slow and speed boat options with various price points. Some island resorts include boat transfers to bring more comfortable stay for in-house guests.

If you are confused about finding the best islands in Cambodia to include into your next adventure in this beautiful country, just take a look at our below suggestions. Each island has its own attractiveness and here’s everything you need to know about the top island destinations in Cambodia .

Table of Contents

1. Koh Rong – Party Island.

2. koh rong sanloem – relaxing island., 3. koh thmei – nature-watching island., 4. koh ta kiev – “back-to-basic” island., 5. koh russey, koh krabey and koh ouen – luxury islands..

Located about an hour’s speedboat ride away from Sihanouk Ville is Koh Rong – the second largest island in Cambodia. Koh Rong has earned its reputation as a party island thanks to Koh Touch – the hub for a sandy guesthouse-packed stretch. This touristy section does have bar shacks with good food and affordable but basic accommodation. There are island pub crawls in several days of the week and all-night parties in full moon days.

In Koh Rong, tourists can join in island pub crawls in several days of the week and all-night parties in full moon days.

On the other side, the development is mostly limited to basic bungalows and cheap guesthouses in Koh Touch, so it remains easy to find solitude elsewhere on the more remote parts of the island. The sunning on the miles of white sand has contributed to make Koh Rong become Cambodia’s must-go spot for sunburned travelers who want to bake on the beach by day. As the name suggests, Lonely Beach is an isolated area of Koh Rong in a serene setting undisturbed by visitors, and offering stunning sunsets and spectacular luminous plankton.

Along the island’s western shore is 7km Long Beach . With calmer and quieter waters, this island highlight is an ideal place for diving and snorkeling adventure. During the day, there are many boat options from Koh Rong to Long Beach, and it even can be accessible by some direct boats from Sihanouk Ville Pier. Although most of the hostels are concentrated in Koh Touch, mid-range beach huts to luxurious high-end resorts can be found along the rest of the island, such as Palm Beach and Sok San Beach .

Being considered as the sister island of Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem is smaller, quieter and slightly more chill-out. It can be reached by 30-minute speedboat from Sihanouk Ville or via 20-minute ferry from Koh Rong.

The eastern side of the island boasts the heart-shaped Saracen Bay – the most developed bay on the island. With calm turquoise surf and eye-blinding white sand beaches, there are more than a dozen choice of accommodation from simple wooden bungalows to luxury beachfront villas. On the other side of the island, Lazy Beach and Sunset Beach offer a more secluded getaway feel. These gorgeous yellow sand beaches are perfect for relaxing on the hammock all day long and watching the pink and purple sunsets over the water every afternoon.

Bioluminescent plankton is an extraordinary natural phenomenon in Koh Rong Sanloem.

For those looking for something completely different, M’Pai Bay fishing village is a great suggestion. Located on the island’s northern tip, this small fishing village is where you can interact with friendly local fishermen and learn more about their daily life. Don’t expect to find high quality resorts or enjoy gorgeous white sand here because this is more a beach laid-back with a true local vibe. Several inexpensive accommodations have been opened up within this friendly fishing village.

The dreamy tropical paradise Koh Rong Sanloem has white sand beaches, turquoise waters and sprawling jungle just a few steps from the shore. Here you can snorkel, dive and swim, or take a jungle hike. If coming here between April and July, you may have chance to stroll along the shoreline as your footsteps light up the bioluminescent plankton.

The pristine Koh Thmei is part of the Ream National Park . This island is flanked by mangrove forests and home to monkeys, civets, lizards, as well as several threatened species like fishing cat – a wetland feline. The visit to Koh Thmei secures excellent bird-watching opportunities because there are over 150 species of birds making their home in the island. As soon as you disembark at the pier, you will be amazed by iridescent seashells and golden sand on the beach.

This unspoiled island doesn’t have an entire village, though a few families with about 200 people living there. And Koh Thmei Resort is the only one option for overnight stay. The term “resort” is used loosely because this actually included several eco-friendly wooden bungalows and equipped with solar powered electricity system.

Overview of Koh Thmei and its only resort from the bird’s eye view.

Staying there, guest can take hike through the jungle via well-marked trails, snorkel offshore or take sea-kayak out for a spin. The nearby deserted beaches can offer occasional views of dolphins swimming between the months of December and April.

If you want to sample “back-to-basic” sandy haven, don’t hesitate to get Koh Ta Kiev sooner rather than later. This breathtaking and yet to be destroyed island is just one hour away from Sihanouk Ville by boat and also considerably closer to the mainland than the others. The island possesses three yellow sand beaches shaded by pine trees and coral reefs here also offer excellent snorkeling conditions. Tourists can fill their island days with beachcombing and snorkeling.

Koh Ta Kiev is a breathtaking and yet to be destroyed island.

If you are feeling adventurous, just follow marked trekking paths in the jungle. The blue marked path takes you to a small fishing village on the east side, where you can buy a freshly caught fish or crab lunch. While the red marked trail will lead you to Naked Beach on the southern part of the island. Bird-watchers will surely happy to know that more than hundreds of bird species call Koh Ta Kiev home. Especially, when the sun goes down, the island is almost dark and it’s time for bioluminescent plankton lighting up the water.

Koh Ta Kiev is home to just a few rustic eco-friendly bungalows with dorm and basic hut options, which concentrate on the west and southwest shorelines. But what it lacks in amenities it more than makes up for in charm. For the ultimate nature experience, you can rent hammocks or tent and fall asleep under the stars. If you want to spend the night here, be sure to bring everything you might need. This is definitely the place to unplug so don’t expect much in the way of electricity or WiFi.

Each of these three islands are home to only one luxury resort and they are only accessible by in-house guests. Song Saa – the first luxury private island resort in Cambodia, is located in Koh Ouen . The resort actually spans over two neighboring islands – Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, and ringed by calm clear waters. This high-end eco-friendly resort consists of 24 vast thatched roof villas in a contemporary-tropical style, with cool stone walls and four-poster beds wrapped in blousy muslin.

All villas possess private pools with sizes ranging from 26sqm to 33sqm. Lists of activities to enhance private island experience include snorkeling & scuba diving, sea kayaking, yoga & meditation, island safari, Buddhist ceremonies. The spa concept in Song Saa is “spa with no walls”. It’s actually made up of little ‘sanctuaries’ dotted across the island, where treatments take place nestled in nature.

Koh Russey or literally named Bamboo Island used to serve exclusively as an outspot for the Cambodian Navy. However, the rising tourist development in Sihanouk Ville brought tourism to the island. At this moment, the low-density Koh Russey Villas and Resort is only one place to stay on the island. This luxury resort blends seamlessly into the surrounding nature with a maximum of two storeys and set well back from the beach. Its 1.2 km beach is deep cleaned and water is crystal clear. Only 15 percent of the land area has been developed and most of the jungle has been preserved.

The low-density Koh Russey Villas and Resort blends seamlessly into the surrounding nature and set well back from the beach.

With the design inspired by the tradition geometry of the Cambodian Krama fabric, this ideal natural retreat boasts 50 luxurious pavilions and 13 pool villas. Besides beach infinity pool, fitness center, spa and yoga studio, the resort offers plenty of sea, beach and land excursions ideal for couples, families with children and friends.

Off Cambodia’s southwestern coast is tropical paradise Koh Krabey . From Ream National Park’s pier in Sihanouk Ville, tourists can access this island by only 15-minute boat ride. This transfer is included with your stay in the uber-luxurious Six Senses Krabey Island Resort . Opening in early 2019, this health-focused resort features 40 private free-standing pool villas that blend into the natural vegetation. While staying there, in-house guests can experience various water-based activities, boat trips and tailored wellness programs.

Six Senses Krabey Island Resort features 40 private free-standing pool villas that blend into the natural vegetation.

The boardwalks across the island connect lush surrounds punctuated by small secluded beaches, natural sea pools, organic farms, and cozy coves. Many a handful of romantic spots around you afford the colorful displays over the water as the sun sinks below the horizon.

The dry season (November – May) is the season for beach bum to hit Cambodia’s islands . During this period, Khmer Kingdom’s tropical islands bask in brilliant sunshine with clear turquoise blue waters. The weather is relatively pleasant and low chance of rain. The months of November to February coincides with Cambodia’s peak tourist season when travelers look for relaxing beach vacation to take advantage of the lack of rain and relative cool. Consequently, you should prepare your trip in advance and contact Cambodia Travel today to get instant support to secure a perfect off-shore vacation in one of the most beautiful islands in Cambodia .

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When you dock at the pier there’s a beach filled with iridescent seashells and the eastern beach has golden sand. There are several mangrove forests and tons of bird species, as well as a few endangered animal species like the brahminy kite, fishing cat, and wetland feline. There are several marked trails through the jungle and the center of the island has two peaks on it. There are some local guides offering cheap (about $10) tours of the island and there are also bikes for rent. Like Koh Ta Kiev, you won’t be able to buy anything here and there is no WiFi or much electricity.

Currently, the only place to spend the night on the island is the Koh Thmei Resort, which has a private beach and garden along with simple but clean bungalows that use solar energy for electricity.

Private Island Resorts: Koh Russey, Koh Krabey, and Koh Ouen

Each of these islands features only one luxury resort and cannot be accessed unless you are a guest of those resorts.

Literally meaning Bamboo Island, Koh Russey used to serve as an outpost for the Cambodian navy. Today, there’s only one place to stay on the island, the architecturally impressive Alila Villas Koh Russey , which opened in November 2018. The luxury resort, which blends seamlessly into the surrounding nature, offers private pool villas and suites, some jungle facing and some oceanfront. The copper sand beach is clean and quiet and the resort’s restaurants serve top-quality Khmer, Thai, and Western food options—be sure to order a fresh-squeezed juice or cocktail by the Angkor Wat inspired pool. While this resort is a bit of a splurge (suites start at $280), you’d be hard-pressed to find private island accommodations at this price point in Thailand or anywhere else in Asia for that matter. Transportation via private boat to the island is included and excursions to various parts of the mainland like Kampot and Bokor National Park are offered. Non-electric watercraft are complementary and boat rides and picnics can be arranged. The spa features private bungalows and there is a yoga studio and fitness center.

Koh Krabey became the home of Six Senses Krabey Island in early 2019. The health-focused posh resort features 40 pool villas, a huge spa, a sunset bar, two restaurants, an ice cream parlor, lap pool, outdoor fitness circuit, oceanfront boardwalk, beachfront sundeck, open-air cinema, and sky observatory. Experiences range from water activities, boat trips, and personally tailored wellness programs. Transportation to the island is included with your stay and is just a 15-minute boat ride.

Koh Ouen is home to the country’s very first luxury private island resort, Song Saa . Actually spread across two neighboring islands, the high-end eco-friendly resort consists of 27 ocean-view villas, each with its own pool as well as an open-air spa, fitness center, infinity-edge pool, yoga pavilion, over-water restaurant, and beachfront bar. Activities for guests include snorkeling, kayaking, and picnics. Included in all guests’ stay is a visit to a local village on the island and visits to the island’s waterfalls are also available. At night, a speedboat can take you for a swim in bioluminescent waters.

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Island-Hopping Cambodia: We Rank the 10 Best Islands

Cambodia has an island for every type of traveller. Lucky explorers who have swam or snorkeled their way around at least one of Cambodia’s unique islands will confirm that they each offer something unique. If your ideal vacation involves soaking in the local culture by connecting with the wildlife and nature, deep sea diving and exploring pristine blue waters, and dancing the night (and day) away with the locals and visitors alike, Cambodia’s got you covered.

We’ve ranked 10 of Cambodia’s islands that will help narrow down your island search to match your travel goals.

Travel to: Cambodia

Koh Rong Samloem

Koh Rong is Cambodia’s most popular island, and we definitely see why. The beach resort island of Cambodia, Koh Rong Samloem is located in the Gulf of Thailand. You can choose between a forty-five minute ferry ride or a two hour fishing boat from the mainland to start your adventure.

Travellers choose Samloem for its tranquility and calmness, in comparison to the other islands in close proximity. Neighbouring island Koh Rong, is notorious for being a party paradise, while Samolem is a top choice for serenity and bliss. As it is less developed, it is free of air and noise pollution, making the days spent relaxing on the beach more pleasant.

Samolem is part of the Wonderful Wildlife of Sanolem project, which preserves and protects the natural beauty of the island and those who are living on it, including the diverse indigenous animal population.

See Also: Cambodia vs Vietnam: Let's Help You Decide

The sister island to Koh Rong Sanloem, Koh Rong is the second-largest island in Cambodia.

Koh Rong lives up to its reputation of being Cambodia’s party island paradise, with bars lining the beaches, cheap alcohol, and affordable accommodation wherever you turn. Koh Touch is the main tourist beach, and with white beaches and clear water, it’s easy to find paradise on Koh Rong!

To take a break from the dancing and music, there are less congested beaches that offer a necessary balance. Long Set Beach, White Beach, Palm Beach, and Lonely Beach muffle the party atmosphere throughout the island.

Koh Ta Kiev

Disconnect with the modern world and connect with nature on Koh Ta Kiev. With no wifi and limited development, the smallest island near Cambodia’s coastline will spoil travellers with beautiful yellow-sand beaches and coral reef coasts. Koh Ta Kiev is most popular for day trips for travellers wanting to snorkel, kayak, and cliff-jump.

Pack comfortable shoes to enjoy this island, as the only way to explore here is by foot. With no paved roads, there are no tuk-tuks or bikes to bring travellers from one end of the island to the other. This makes for a unique experience, differentiating itself from other Cambodian islands.

Calling all wilderness explorers! Koh Tang is Cambodia’s largest island, and one of the most underrated spots for real adventurers who love exploring the unknown. This island is ninety percent covered by forests, with many areas left unexplored. It is very well-preserved and unmarked by tourists, with only one hostel on the island, so if Koh Tang is on your list, make sure to plan well in advance!

Koh Tang is also the only island in Cambodia where travellers can go wreck diving. Tour groups recommend spending the night, as night diving is the most popular attraction to the island.

See Also: The 10 Best Islands in Vietnam, Ranked

Give a warm welcome to Koh Seh: Cambodia’s most recent tourist spot. Only a few years ago, Koh Seh was completely underdeveloped and merely an unrecognized fishing island.

Today, Koh Seh is home to some of Cambodia’s cleanest and most beautiful beaches. Boasting some of the best snorkeling and swimming, as the tides are low and waves are more manageable in comparison to other islands, Koh Seh is a family-friendly, laid-back island perfect for both relaxation and adventure.

A boat during sunset in Koh Rong, Cambodia

Koh Russei, also referred to as Bamboo Island and the new Cambodian Riviera, is part of the Ream National Park. “Russei” translates to bamboo in Khmer, reflecting the generous amount of bamboo covering the quaint island. Situated on the Cambodian river, Koh Russei is home to the largest number of endangered species on earth.

Travellers who venture to Koh Russei are in good hands. Not only are travellers drawn to the island because of the clear, turquoise water and yellow-sand beaches, there are countless cultural excursions visitors are encouraged to participate in. One of the most highly-anticipated attractions is a visit to Bokor National Park, which is a collection of historic French colonial buildings dating back to the 1920s.

Drop off the map and visit one of the 12 islands that make up Koh S’Dach. This undeveloped paradise is unheard of by most travellers, mainly due to its distance from the mainland. What makes Koh Totang so unique and special is that there is only one option for accommodation, and only two families (and their dog) reside on the island.

The resort, Nomads Land, makes group adventures solo trips more exciting with their free paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkelling gear readily available from the beautiful Sunset Beach. If you’re looking for a truly local getaway, Koh Totang may be perfect for you!

Koh Pring is a diver’s paradise. The opportunity for early morning and late night dives makes the stay worth your while. Visiting this island requires a bit more organization, as you must book all your dives at the Dive Shop located in Sihanoukville or on Koh Rong island. Travellers brave the 8-hour boat journey to dive, but also to view and learn about the diverse sea life.

This quiet, laid-back atmosphere is what pulls travellers to spend nights on the island. With little-to-no power or cell service, travellers can fully immerse themselves in the island’s culture.

See Also: What to Expect at a Homestay in Southeast Asia

One of the most pristine islands, Koh Thmei is an eco-friendly island that welcomes nature lovers. The only accomodation on this island is the Koh Thmei Resort. It is solely powered by solar panels, and has a natural water filtration system.

The wildlife is what draws travellers to this small, peaceful island. With over 150 named bird types, it is a bird watcher’s paradise.

The sun setting over the ocean in Koh Tonsay, Cambodia

Koh Tonsay, also referred to as Rabbit Island, is one of the most easily-accessible islands to travel to in Cambodia. This island is a local hotspot, and in fact it is where most Cambodian locals choose to spend their weekends away with friends.

When travellers aren’t relaxing by the beach, they are off exploring. It takes around three hours to see the whole island, and there are many little bays to swim in and enjoy the marine life.

It is a quiet, relaxing island, where the power goes out at ten o’clock. That’s right – the generators get switched off, so rest assured, you will get a good sleep while visiting this island.

If you still haven’t gotten enough of Cambodia, check out our video highlighting an exciting itinerary through Cambodia and Vietnam!

Larissa Peros

Larissa is a Canadian storyteller, who is always searching for her next adventure to write about. From solo backpacking to group travel, she has travelled to 23 countries, and can’t wait for what’s next. Website: thetravelcounsel.org Instagram: @larissaperos

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Exploring Cambodia’s Top Islands: Finding Your Perfect Paradise

March 18, 2024
Attractions , Koh Rong

In recent years, Cambodia’s islands have emerged as sought-after destinations, attracting everyone from backpackers to luxury travelers. Despite their growing popularity, these islands remain less crowded and more affordable than their Thai counterparts. Whether you’re seeking a secluded hammock on a remote shore, underwater adventures amid pristine coral reefs, or lively beach parties, Cambodia has an island to suit every taste and budget.

Departing daily from Sihanoukville pier, numerous slow and speed boat options offer access to the stunning islands off Cambodia’s south coast. Some resorts even provide boat transfers for a more comfortable stay. If you’re unsure which island is right for you, take a look at our recommendations below, each offering its own unique allure.

Koh Rong – Party Island : Just an hour’s speedboat ride from Sihanouk Ville lies Koh Rong, Cambodia’s second-largest island. Known as a party destination, Koh Rong’s Koh Touch area is packed with guesthouses and bars, offering lively nightlife and all-night beach parties, particularly during full moons. However, beyond Koh Touch, the island retains its tranquility, with secluded beaches like Lonely Beach offering serene sunsets and mesmerizing bioluminescent plankton displays.

For those seeking adventure, Long Beach on the western shore provides ideal conditions for diving and snorkeling amid calmer waters. Accommodation options range from basic bungalows in Koh Touch to mid-range beach huts and luxurious resorts along Palm Beach and Sok San Beach.

2. Koh Rong Sanloem – Relaxing Island : Considered Koh Rong’s sister island, Koh Rong Sanloem offers a quieter and more laid-back atmosphere. Accessible by speedboat from Sihanouk Ville or a ferry from Koh Rong, the island features the developed Saracen Bay on its eastern side, boasting calm turquoise waters and a variety of accommodations, from simple bungalows to luxury villas.

On the opposite side of the island, Lazy Beach and Sunset Beach provide secluded getaways, perfect for unwinding in hammocks and admiring stunning sunsets. For a taste of local life, M’Pai Bay fishing village offers a genuine experience, with affordable accommodations and a relaxed ambiance.

Koh Thmei – Nature-Watching Island : Situated within Ream National Park , Koh Thmei offers a pristine environment rich in wildlife. Home to monkeys, civets, and various bird species, the island provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature walks. Koh Thmei Resort, the island’s only accommodation option, offers eco-friendly bungalows and activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking through the jungle.
Koh Ta Kiev – “Back-to-Basic” Island : For a rustic island experience, Koh Ta Kiev is the perfect choice. Just an hour from Sihanouk Ville by boat, this untouched island boasts yellow sand beaches shaded by pine trees and vibrant coral reefs. Trekking trails lead to a fishing village on the east side and Naked Beach on the south, while birdwatchers can marvel at the island’s diverse avian population. Basic accommodations in eco-friendly bungalows offer a charming and unplugged stay amid nature’s beauty.
Koh Russey, Koh Krabey, and Koh Ouen – Luxury Islands : For those seeking indulgence, Koh Russey, Koh Krabey, and Koh Ouen offer exclusive luxury resorts accessible only to in-house guests. Song Saa, Cambodia’s first luxury private island resort, spans Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, offering lavish villas, private pools, and a range of activities including snorkeling, yoga, and spa treatments.

Koh Russey Villas and Resort on Koh Russey boasts a pristine 1.2 km beach and luxurious accommodations blending seamlessly with nature. Meanwhile, Six Senses Krabey Island Resort on Koh Krabey offers private pool villas, wellness programs, and access to secluded beaches and organic farms.

When to visit the Cambodian islands?

The dry season (November – May) is the best time to visit Cambodia’s islands, with brilliant sunshine and minimal rainfall. During this period, the islands’ turquoise waters beckon beach enthusiasts, making it essential to plan your trip in advance. Contact Cambodia Travel today for expert assistance in securing your perfect island getaway in this tropical paradise.

Author: Tom Starkey

Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.

Ultimate Guide to Cambodia’s Beaches and Islands

Post author: Tanya Korteling
Post published: 11/01/2022
Post last modified: 01/05/2024
Post comments: 14 Comments

Guide to Cambodia's beaches and islands. Green palm tree on the left of a pristine white sand beach with azure clear water to the right.

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Cambodia’s beaches and islands are all found on the coast of, or in the bright blue sea of the Gulf of Thailand. Over 12 years of visiting and living in the country, Andy and I have visited many of these. I was keen to share our favourites with you, whilst a t the same time providing you with the most up-to-date information possible.

Therefore I enlisted the help of some fellow travel writers who had visited more recently. Our combined experiences have come together to create this ultimate guide to Cambodia’s beaches and islands .

Affiliate Link Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our Affiliate Link Disclosure.

What you'll find in this post

Beaches and Islands of Cambodia

Located in the south, southwest and northeast , the beaches and islands of Cambodia are spread across four provinces – Kep, Kampot, Sihanoukville and Koh Kong. The country’s coastal waters boast around 60 islands in total, most of which are only a short distance from the mainland. The two most well-known, which you will probably of heard of, are Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem , but there are many others also worth a visit.

Starting in Kep in the south and moving up the coast to Koh Kong in the northwest; here’s our ultimate guide to Cambodia’s beaches and islands .

by Free Two Roam

The small beachside town of Kep with its giant blue crab statue is home to a small crescent-shaped white sand beach. The water is calm and the temperature is perfect. That makes it fantastic for swimming and sunbathing, as well as ideal for families.

The road behind Kep Beach brims with street food stalls, seafood vendors, dining platforms and hammocks. It’s very popular with both tourists and locals alike. This is a great place to spend the day, kicking back and relaxing with great food, a few drinks and a beautiful beach to chill on.

Kep is also famous for its crab market which is just down the road from the beach. There you can order crabs by the kilo and someone will fetch them straight out of the water and cook it to your liking. It doesn’t get much fresher than that!

Kep is easily reached by bus or minivan from Phnom Penh . It takes approximately four hours depending on the traffic and which bus company you use. You can also reach Kep from the delightful and slightly bigger riverside town of Kampot, our favourite place in Cambodia. If you choose to stay there instead, you can get to Kep in about 30 minutes by tuk tuk or scooter.

Koh Tonsay Island

Koh Tonsay Island is just a little way off Kep mainland and also reachable from the charming, sleepy town of Kampot .

Also known as Rabbit Island due to its shape, it’s one of the lesser-visited islands of Cambodia. You’ll find it rather rustic, with a handful of beach restaurants-cum-bars serving freshly caught seafood. You can even pick your own fish or crab when the boats bring them in.

There’s no wifi and very little to do other than swimming, snorkelling and a little jungle hiking. You’ll find yourself forced to chill in a hammock or on the beach with a book and a cold fresh coconut (maybe with a shot of rum). It’s a hard life on Koh Tonsay!

There are three ways to get to Koh Tonsay. You can take the daily community boat from Koh Tonsay Pier in Kep at 9 am or 1 pm, pay for a more flexible private boat from the same pier, or take The Crab Shuttle from Kampot .

You could even make a mini-break of it if you’re happy to rough it a little in one of the beach huts that sit behind the restaurants, such as Srey Ngin Bungalows .

Ream National Park Beaches and Islands

The protected Ream National Park is between Kampot and Sihanoukville City. Largely mainland jungle, it also includes the coastal peninsula beaches and a group of about 20 small islands . Some of the islands are uninhabited and some have only a very small population living on them.

Ream National Park was once an area of natural beauty, rich in flora and fauna. Unfortunately, it’s now another area that has become a victim of Chinese developers and is being rapidly destroyed . Sadly , that means I must caveat the following account. There’s a high chance that soon it will no longer be as stunning as before the construction.

Koh Sampouch Beach

By voyager .

One of Cambodia’s beaches that blew our minds was Koh Sampouch Beach. It’s one of the beaches of Ream National Park where many private resorts are now popping up.

When we visited the beach, there was hardly anyone else there. The beautiful waters had an emerald hue and gently caressed the soft and spotless sands. Some swings hanging on the fringes of the beach made an excellent place to relax and take in the mesmerizing sight that stretched out in front.

A long wooden bridge led to and skirted a small rock island. From the bridge, there were stunning, panoramic views of the landscape. The sound of the water and rustling trees broke the otherwise silent aura that enveloped the beach.

Koh Thmei and Koh Seh Islands

There are two larger islands off Ream National Park – Koh Thmei and Koh Seh, which can be visited by boat. Andy and I haven’t made it out to these islands yet so check at the Ream National Park Ranger’s Station, mainland accommodation or a tour agency for more details. We’ll update this post with more details when we’ve been on our next Cambodia island-hopping adventure.

From our understanding, Koh Thmei is an uninhabited island edged with beaches and mangroves. It’s possible to stay there in one of a series of simple bungalows at Koh Thmei Resort . The only accommodation on the island, this resort reportedly sits on one great beach, whilst there are several others within walking distance.

There is little else on this island but if you like the simple life and are happy with relaxing on a beach, swimming and snorkelling and don’t need any luxuries it could make a fantastic break for you.

Koh Seh is also uninhabited, there’s no accommodation but it used to be possible to camp there. I’m not sure if this is still the case but you can check if this is still permitted at the Ream National Park Ranger’s Station.

Otres Beaches

The next beaches up the coast are the beaches of Otres. There’s Otres 1, Otres 2 and the empty stretch between those called Otres 1.5. Strictly speaking, the Otres beaches are part of Sihanoukville. But, in my opinion, as they’re the only Sihanoukville beaches worth visiting, I thought they should have their own dedicated section.

I’m saddened to say it, but Otres has gone the same way as the rest of Sihanoukville, swamped with construction and development. In case you’re curious, below is what it used to be like.

by This Life Of Travel

Having been to Sihanoukville in 2010 and again recently, I’ve noticed many things have changed, and not for the better. As mentioned above the beaches of Otres are the only parts of Sihanoukville that have retained their charm.

The water at Otres 1 is blue and clear, but at times there’s rubbish on the beach due to the trash problem plaguing most of SE Asia. The beach is still quite nice though and most of the time you’ll have it to yourself.

Harmony Home and Hurricane Windsurfing offer lessons and rentals for those wanting to kayak or windsurf. There are also dive schools in the main town of Sihanoukville that will take you on dives one to two hours away by boat and often offer a pickup from Otres 1. For nightlife, there are several options. These include hanging around by Mushroom Point, going to JJ’s Playground, or checking out Otres Marketplace.

I stayed at Mushroom Point which is right in the midst of Otres 1 Beach. If you prefer something a bit less budget, take a look at Sea Breeze Resort .

Sihanoukville Mainland Beaches

Historically, Sihanoukville was the most well-known area for mainland beaches in Cambodia. Until recent years it also used to be the most popular. Unfortunately, extensive development has had a huge impact. The area is now designed to cater to Chinese tourists and is just a mass of 5-star hotels and casinos.

Due to the current unattractive state of the mainland beaches in Sihanoukville, I can’t give a recent review. However, in case you’re interested below is what two of the beaches were like before the most recent wave of construction. The other mainland Sihanoukville beaches (Victory, Independence, Sokha, Hawaii, Ocheateaul etc.) are no longer worth visiting.

Serendipity Beach

By my simple soujourn.

Sihanoukville was the perfect holiday destination after visiting history-rich Phnom Penh. I fell in love with this city and its beaches.

I found that Serendipity Beach was one of the most happening beaches in this beach town. Its white sandy beach, clean water and lots of restaurants & shacks made it a perfect place to relax.

The ferries and boats go to nearby islands from Serendipity jetty. We also rented a boat from here and went to nearby islands. A day I had spent a day at Serendipity Beach enjoying the sun and sand was one of the best memories I had. It was a good experience. I have good memories from my short trip to Serendipity in Sihanoukville .

Like most travellers, I didn’t check about Sihanoukville again after my visit. Recently I learnt from other travellers that this beautiful beach is nothing like it used to be. Now there are many new buildings, and lots of construction happening on this beach. Restaurants have been razed, there is garbage on the beach and the sea is polluted. With most of the shacks and restaurants gone, I believe it’s no longer the same place as in my memories and photographs .

Ratanak Beach

By nomllers.

Ratanak Beach in Sihanoukville is one of the few Cambodian beaches that not many people know about. I was travelling for 12 days in Cambodia for my birthday and just stumbled upon this hidden gem in Sihanoukville. This small, white-sand beach lies at the westernmost tip of the city from where you can get a direct view of Kaoh Poah Island which is also known as Snake Island.

One of the best places to watch a sunset, Ratanak beach has beautiful rocks decorating it on Kaoh Poah island side which give off a beautiful sunset reflection in the evenings. You can come here to relax or swing in one of the tree swings while admiring the sunset. There are also two cafés on this beach where you can have some delicious snacks and drinks and can easily spend half a day or a full day on this beach.

This beach is situated next to Independence Beach and is just 2.5 km by road. So, you can cycle or drive to this beach from anywhere in Sihanoukville. There will be a small road leading to this beach which will be surrounded by trees on both sides and it is a relatively secluded place. But once you reach the beach, you will see a parking area and the beach next to it.

Cambodia’s Southern Islands and Their Beaches

Despite the southern mainland beaches ‘leaving a lot to desired it’s only a short boat ride to some stunningly beautiful islands.

Always popular, but more so with the demise of Sihanoukville and Otres, the southern islands are still well worth a visit. You’ll be spoilt for choice and which you choose to visit will depend on what you’re looking to get out of your island and beach break.

Koh Rong Island

About 1 hour by high-speed ferry from Sihanoukville , Koh Rong Island has, over the years, earned the reputation of being the party island of Cambodia. Whilst this is certainly true for the lively area of Koh Touch there are plenty of other chilled, relaxing and beautiful spots to choose from. Here’s the low down on the wide range of options for a stay on Koh Rong Island .

Let’s start with Koh Touch (or Koh Tui) which is where the ferries arrive and depart and is the main touristy and party area of Koh Rong. The part in front of where you get off the ferry is jam-packed full of guesthouses, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Many establishments here get the party started early in the day and continue through the night into the early hours, sometimes even dawn.

As is often the norm with party destinations, it’s hard to keep clean, there’s a noise problem, and accommodation can be a bit dubious/ basic/ dirty. Every cloud has a silver lining though, and Koh Touch also has some Western-style shops, ATMs, generally good wifi and lots of water-based activities. If you want to have fun and party it’s the place to go.

White Beach

By travelling jezebel.

If you’re staying in the village of Koh Touch (Koh Tui) but are feeling too lazy to walk to beaches further afield, then White Beach is the beach for you. As the name suggests, the sand is snow white and squeaks underfoot, and the water is SO clear that it looks like something out of a holiday brochure. Not only that, but it’s usually uncrowded because most visitors choose to relax under the shade of the trees just before White Beach.

If that isn’t enough of a selling point you’ll be interested to know that White Beach is the perfect place for a swim if you don’t want to walk to a further beach. While the water in front of the main strip can be very dirty (trust me on this), the water at White Beach is clear, clean, and refreshingly warm.

I highly recommend spending a lazy day at White Beach. It’s just a five-minute walk from the main guest houses, shops and bars and was the beach that I spent the most time on when I worked on Koh Rong! Even now I’m back in the UK, I can think of nothing better than a dip in the sea at White Beach before basking in the Cambodian sunshine with a fruit shake or ice-cold Klang beer!

It’s also possible to stay overnight in this cleaner, quieter part of Koh Touch, you’ll also find the accommodation better quality. Tree House Bungalows are a good option or slightly more upmarket is White Beach Bungalows .

Longset Beach

By destinavo .

Longset Beach which stretches more than seven kilometres is one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Cambodia. It offers pure, fine, white sand, which combined with turquoise water makes you think you’ve come to the Caribbean instead.

A few years ago, there was nothing built along Long Beach in Koh Rong, but it’s since become a heaven for backpackers. Several hotels and hostels have popped up on the island, including along Long Beach. However, it’s still a pristine paradise beach.

You can get to Long Beach in two ways. Either a 45-minute walk in the jungle or by taking a boat from the pier, the price being dependent on which boat owner you get to meet when arriving. The jungle walk is very interesting, but not something you’d want to do with luggage.

If you decide to walk through the jungle, be wary of the snakes living there as several are dangerous and potentially deadly if they bite you. A snake would most likely escape before you saw it, but it’s still good to be aware as the jungle of Koh Rong is a real jungle with wild animals. After a 45-minute walk, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Southeast Asia!

As for accommodation I recommend Sok San Bungalows , which are located on the far end of the beach.

Sok San Beach

By kathmandu and beyond .

At the north end of Long Beach, the sand melds seamlessly into Sok San Beach. This west side of Koh Rong is unspoilt and largely undeveloped. Sok San is a pristine stretch of beach, with squeaky white sand, and inviting crystal-clear waters . Almost entirely occupied by a resort of the same name – Sok San Beach Resort , this beach has to be one of the best beaches in all of Cambodia .

Formerly known as Sok San Base Camp, this was mission control for the ‘Survivor’ TV shows. It was originally built to accommodate production companies and crew. The style of accommodation is best described as smart beach huts. They are comfortable but not luxurious, what you are paying for here is location. By far the best rooms are the seafront rooms which are perfectly situated directly on the beach. The resort atmosphere is very relaxed and casual – no need to dress up or wear shoes.

There are plenty of activities for those who want to do more than laze on the beach. Diving and snorkelling trips are easy to arrange, as are excursions that will show you something of Koh Rong’s red-earth interior. Quad biking and mangrove kayaking are well worth doing to see a completely different side of the island.

There’s no road access to Sok San Beach from Koh Rong’s main passenger port, so the primary way of reaching it is by speedboat from Sihanoukville’s port. This limited access helps keep the beach unspoilt and free from excessive noise from speed boats that you often get on other popular beaches. In short, Sok San Beach gives travellers a taste of what the beaches of Thailand were like 20-odd years ago!

Lonely Beach

By the northern boy .

Lonely Beach on Koh Rong was the sweetest place I visited whilst backpacking around Cambodia. It can be found by travelling to the north of Koh Rong Island. If you’re looking for a party beach then skip Lonely Beach as this tranquil paradise won’t be what you’re looking for. You can only reach Lonely Beach via boat, which makes it more special and a truly unique island experience.

Once on this amazing beach, you can relax in the chillout hammocks surrounded by tall swaying palm trees. Dine in one of the cosiest restaurants on Koh Rong and go snorkelling in the coral reef that surrounds this epic beach.

If you want to stay overnight at Lonely Beach I recommend checking out the eco-friendly Lonely Beach Resort . Overall, Lonely Beach is a must-visit place on Koh Rong. You will be thankful for the unique island experience you will get.

Coconut Beach

Koh Rong is famous for its bioluminescent plankton, and Coconut Beach is one of the prime spots. Every night you can swim straight into the ocean to see this glowing phenomenon. Other activities such as boat trips, motorbike rentals, hikes and beach games are available for travellers visiting this slice of paradise.

Visitors have seven restaurant options serving a variety of Khmer and Western food. In the evening, I recommend visiting the newly opened Bottle Bar which is made from plastic bottles collected from the beach. They have a daily happy hour, nightly bonfires, weekly BBQs, and other special events. Bottle Bar is a great place to socialize with other travellers.

There is one mini-mart on the beach for basic snacks and supplies, but there are no ATMs available so bring plenty of cash. WiFi is available at most resorts, however since the beach is very remote, it can be unreliable at times so we recommend enjoying a digital detox.

Generator-based electricity is limited to a few hours in the morning and all night to reduce their eco-footprint. Unlike other beaches which struggle with waste problems and sewage running into the sea, all businesses on Coconut Beach have sewage systems and the beach is cleaned daily.

Coconut Beach is ideal for couples or groups of friends looking for a relaxing holiday getaway . It boasts several accommodation options ranging from tents on the beach to nicer resort rooms or bungalows .

Koh Rong Sanloem Island

Again, about one hour by high-speed ferry from Sihanoukville, Koh Rong Sanloem (often misspelt as Koh Rong Samloem) is mine and Andy’s favourite island in Cambodia.

When we first visited 12 years ago there was only one private rustic resort on the island – Lazy Beach in its own little bay. Unsurprisingly, this has changed over the years. Now on the opposite side of the island in Saracen Bay, various accommodation and restaurant options have popped up. Despite this, it doesn’t feel too touristy (for now at least). In our opinion, it’s the best island to visit for some rest and relaxation in beautiful surroundings. Here’s what Koh Rong Sanloem has to offer visitors.

Lazy Beach on Koh Rong Sanloem Island in Cambodia

We’ve visited Lazy Beach, a 700 metre stretch of pine-tree fringed beach, several times over the years, both as a couple and with groups of friends. It’s a favourite with expats living in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and was justifiably named as one of the top 21 beaches in the World by National Geographic in 2017. The pine-tree fringed beach itself belongs to Lazy Beach , a private tropical hideaway resort.

The calm blue seas in the bay here are perfect for swimming and the spotless sands are kept that way by the dedicated staff at Lazy Beach. They get up early every day to clean away the rubbish washed up overnight and rake the beach.

The wooden beach bungalows are set back from the beach around a big reception-cum-restaurant-cum bar. This overlooks the beach and bay and is the perfect spot for a sundowner and some delicious food.

The only downside that I can see to Lazy Beach is that it can be difficult to get a reservation as it’s often booked up way in advance. It’s a little slice of paradise which we can’t wait to get back to soon.

Saracen Bay

By dive into malaysia.

Saracen Bay is not just a top beach in Cambodia but one of the prettiest and cleanest I have visited in Asia.

This beach is perfect for people who want a beautiful tropical island getaway with enough development to offer eating and accommodation options whilst still being quiet, pretty and feeling away from it all. I feel like there is an excellent balance of all this in Saracen Bay.

The beach itself is crazy beautiful. There is aqua clear water, white powdery sand the green jungle surrounding the beach. Everything is low rise so development does not spoil the views. You can hike from the beach to other parts of the island, do a variety of water sports or use it as a starting point to explore nearby islands. Diving and snorkelling are also easy to do. A popular option is a night trip to see the bioluminescent plankton.

We stayed at The One Resort which is perfect if you are looking for your own villa. It has air conditioning and a gorgeous infinity pool out to the water. It is a higher-end option but we found it worth the price. There are a variety of accommodation options if this isn’t for you.

Wi-Fi isn’t the best on the island but is available. My local SIM card only worked at random moments. There are no ATMs although some places will accept credit cards with a fee. I recommend taking over all the cash you think you need.

Note that this island is much more expensive than being on the mainland of Cambodia.

M’Pai Bay Beach

By don’t forget to move.

Located on the northeast side of Koh Rong Sanloem , M’Pai Bay Beach is much less developed than the rest of the island. While the sand here is more yellow compared to the stunning white sand beaches of Saracen Bay, there are still plenty of advantages to staying here. M’Pai is popular with backpackers who will enjoy the budget accommodations available. With budget rooms comes more of a backpacker culture, as well.

We loved M’Pai Bay because it is a small village with a much more local vibe than the more developed sides of Koh Rong Sanloem. Hanging on the beach you’re likely to have curious kids come up to you or get invited to a local’s house for coffee. Those who are interested in Khmer culture will love being immersed in this local seaside village!

There’s plenty to do out on the water as well like snorkelling, scuba diving, paddleboarding and kayaking. Depending on the conditions, you can also sometimes see the plankton that glows in the water at night!

There’s no shortage of accommodation options in M’Pai Bay from as cheap as $6 USD (£4.62) per night for a dorm bed. If you want to stuff your belly full of delicious seafood, be sure to hit up the Fishing Hook for an all-you-can-eat buffet. There is currently no ATM on Koh Rong Sanloem so be sure to bring cash with you from the mainland.

Koh Ta Kiev Island and Its Beaches

Until recent years Koh Ta Kiev Island was one of Cambodia’s best-kept secrets. Andy and I only first heard about it on our fourth visit to Cambodia in 2016 when we relocated to live in Siem Reap. It’s becoming more well-known these days but still retains its laid-back island paradise vibe.

Its idyllic 13 km coast consists of stunning beaches, sheltered bays, craggy cliff faces, thick and mangroves. The island’s interior is a thick jungle crisscrossed with well-marked trails. The trails lead to various viewpoints, beaches and a handful of rustic resorts.

Despite being the ideal destination to do absolutely nothing, there’s still plenty to do on Koh Ta Kiev if you like to keep busy. There are the usual beach activities of swimming, snorkelling, fishing, beach volleyball and maybe sea-kayaking. Then there are also some good jungle hikes, cliff jumps and potentially a spear-fishing lesson.

This island is as rustic as you get so make sure you’re prepared. Expect cold water bucket showers, and limited electricity and wifi – it’s the perfect destination for a digital detox. Make sure you bring a torch, spare batteries, insect repellent and snacks. And don’t forget plenty of cash as there’s no ATM on the island.

Each resort on the island is tucked away on its very own stretch of beach. There are several beaches on the island but here’s some info on the two main ones.

Long Beach is the main beach on Koh Ta Kiev. It stretches for several kilometres and is where most of the accommodation is. This string of unique guesthouses is set just back from the beach amongst the trees.

We stayed at Coral Beach at the far left of Long Beach, which has since closed. I think if we returned to Koh Ta Kiev we’d choose to stay in one of the locally run bungalows on Long Beach, probably at Koh Ta Kiev Bungalows where we ate a couple of times during our island stay.

One thing to watch out for towards the left end of Long Beach, near where Coral Beach resort was, is the very sharp, spiny black sea urchins that litter the seabed. They are extremely painful to stand on so take care.

Plankton Beach

Plankton Beach is a 2 km stretch of beach that sits between two headlands. It’s a 30 to 45-minute hike along jungle trails from Long Beach. This is a quieter beach than Long Beach and is ideal for some R&R on the sand, or maybe in a hammock slung up between two trees.

As its name suggests Plankton Beach is where, given the right conditions, you can see other-worldly bioluminescent plankton in the sea at night.

The only accommodation on this beach is Kactus . It’s hidden at one end of the beach and consists of wooden treehouses and bungalows. We didn’t stay here but visited one day for a few sunset drinks. It was a lovely setting but there was an overwhelming smell of weed and rather slow service. The majority of guests and staff seemed to be high, but it’s not our thing (we prefer a beer), so we just ignored it. If being around people that are constantly high annoys or offends you it may be best to consider alternative accommodation.

Song Saa Island

Song Saa Private Island is currently the only 5-star private island resort in Cambodia and whilst we haven’t personally visited it we thought it worth mentioning. I’ve heard and read great things about this stunning tropical island and resort. Of course, it comes with a fairly hefty price tag, but just in case you want to treat yourselves to some luxury you can read more in Song Saa: The private island luxury resort you can’t miss in Cambodia .

Koh Russey Island

By wandering wheatleys.

To visit the private island of Koh Russey (sometimes spelt Russei and also known as Bamboo Island), you’ll need to make a reservation at the exclusive Alila Villas Koh Russey . This newly opened ultra-luxurious hotel is one of the top properties in Cambodia and was recently listed by The Time UK as number one of their 10 Best New Hotels for 2019 .

To reach the island you’ll travel 8 kilometres south of the Sihanoukville airport to the tiny coastal village of Ream. Here you’ll check in at the Alila’s private customer lounge and boat pier. You’ll then board their speedboat and enjoy a glass of champagne while they whisk you away to your private island paradise.

At Alila Villas Koh Russey you can enjoy the large infinity pool, a decedent à la carte breakfast, daily yoga classes, and a world-class spa. If you really want to treat yourself, upgrade to a lavish beach villa to enjoy your own private pool and private butler!

The beach on Koh Russey is a long arc of golden sand facing southwest which makes for spectacular sunsets. If you tire of lounging by the beach you can take advantage of the stand-up paddleboards and kayaks provided by the resort.

Alila Villas Koh Russey focuses on sustainable tourism. Environmentally sustainable design principles were used during construction to reduce the impact on the island. They use only farm-to-table local ingredients in the cuisine and organic products in the spa and your room.

A stay on Koh Russey doesn’t come cheap, but we think it’s worth every penny to enjoy the top luxury hotel in Sihanoukville and perhaps in all of Cambodia!

Koh Totang and Koh Sdach Islands

Koh kong mainland beaches.

Koh Kong has a few mainland beaches, some of which are more worth checking out than others.

Koh Yor Beach is just 7 km outside Koh Kong City so easily reachable by moto or tuk tuk. It’s not the best beach you’ll ever visit but it is generally quiet with sun loungers and parasols you can rent. Close by is the Crab Shack, well-known for its soft shell crabs and reason enough on its own for a visit.

You could also take a trip out to Sner Beach or Lam Da Beach. They are 17 km and 20 km away from Koh Kong City respectively so you’d need a scooter, tuk tuk or taxi to visit them.

Koh Kong Island

Roughly 10 km to the south of Koh Kong city is Koh Kong Island, the biggest island in Cambodia. It has seven unspoilt gold-sand beaches, a crystal clear blue sea, and tall, swaying palm trees. It’s still relatively unvisited so it’s likely you won’t see many if any other tourists.

To reach Koh Kong Island you can take a tour with an agency in Koh Kong city like Ritthy Koh Kong Eco-Adventure Tours. It takes about 2.5 hours to reach the island but it’s worth the trip.

Once on the island, you can spend your time relaxing, reading, swimming, snorkelling, and beachcombing. Depending on the tour you may also have the chance to sea-kayak and enjoy a freshly cooked seafood lunch on the beach.

The only negative of a trip to Koh Kong Island is the sandflies, but with plenty of insect repellant, you should be fine. You could also camp overnight on the island or stay at one of the four accommodation options on the island. If you decide to do this your transport to the island may be arranged when you book.

Koh Kong Island is definitely one of Cambodia’s hidden gems.

How to Get to Cambodia’s Beaches and Islands

The mainland beaches and islands are fairly easy to reach from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh by plane and/ or road (bus, mini-bus, taxi and/ or tuk tuk).

The easiest way to get to the south and south-west beaches and islands around Kep and Sihanoukville is to take a flight from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville , then jump in a tuk tuk to the mainland beach of your choice. If an island is your final destination you can then take a high-speed ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem, a boat from Otres to Koh Ta Kiev and as mentioned earlier various boats from Kep to Koh Tonsay.

To get to the north-west beaches and islands your only options are to take a bus, mini-bus or taxi to Koh Kong (or Poi Yopon for Koh Totang/ Koh Sdach) and then a boat out to the islands.

You can often book travel tickets in Cambodia from your accommodation or tour agencies, but this often involves an inflated price. An alternative, easier way to book travel by bus, taxi and ferry is online via CamboTicket.

Alternatively, you could also book transport online via Bookaway .

BOOK CAMBODIA TRANSPORT HERE

We hope our ultimate guide to the beaches and islands of Cambodia has left you feeling inspired to explore. Except for the mainland Sihanoukville beaches, there’s a great selection of stunning, pristine, palm-fringed sands to while away a few days, weeks or even months.

Be warned, the southeast islands off Sihanoukville especially can be easy to find yourself stuck on.

If you’ve been to Cambodia which was your favourite beach or island and why? Have we missed any hidden gems from our list?

Planning Your Trip to Cambodia?

Planning your trip to Cambodia? Here are some of our recommended useful resources to help you have the best time possible:

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Tanya Korteling

This post has 14 comments.

Hi Tanya, I loved your post very informative. Am just starting my itinerary so this post has been so helpful. I am hoping that an update will be coming soon. Thanks.

Hi Sharon, So glad you found it helpful. I’m in the process of asking some friends in Cambodia for updates so it should be fully updated soon. Have a great trip 🙂

we are planning on going to Cambodia in feb 2023. Do you have an updated guide?

Hi, I’m not on the ground in Cambodia at the moment. However, I do have plans to review this post, check everything is still open that I’ve mentioned and add alternatives if not.

I have many friends in Cambodia who will be helping me with this.

I expect it to be updated in the next month or two.

Thanks Tanya

Amazing Article, Really useful information to all So, I hope you will share more information.

Glad you found it useful 🙂

Wow this is definitely the ultimate guide! I’ve been to some of these beaches, but nowhere near half of those on this list. I guess I have an excuse to go back!

Thanks – yes there’s definitely lots to choose from. It’s my goal to go check them all out when we move back to Cambodia later in the year and ensure this post is 100% up to date.

I never made to any of the islands and beaches of Cambodia, it was just a quick trip through Angkor and Phnom Penh. Would love to go back and explore some of these recommendations!

I hope you get to at some point – you’ll love it 🙂

Great post and some very inviting pictures. It’s so sad to hear that many of the beaches that might previously have been on this list are no longer worth visiting due to construction. When will we wake up 🙁

Thank you 🙂 Yes it really is so sad – I expect it will only be so long before all the rest are also ruined 🙁

So beautiful! I haven’t made it to Asia yet but hope to soon!

I hope you get to go – you’ll love it.

Cambodia - from the temples to the islands

By Condé Nast Traveller

Temples of Angkor Wat

If you want to see South-East Asia at its most beguiling, you need to head to Cambodia. Go to watch dawn break over the jungle temples of Angkor, and for the authentic traditions of its villages and laidback capital, Phnom Penh. But also go for its immaculate beaches, and for a new resort that is leading the way in sustainable luxury. By Rodney Bolt.

The dancer raises her hands with exquisite grace, fingers flexing backward at a supernatural angle. A sequined fish tail curves up from the small of her back, strapped to her waist with a silk sash. Standing on one leg, slowly crooking the other until it disappears into the folds of her skirt, she becomes a mermaid. Hanuman the monkey god, in a terrifying mask, stomps up to woo her. A tumble of local children caper about as the monkey army. On stage, it is as if one of the bas-reliefs I had seen that morning at Angkor Wat has come to life.

The temples of Angkor have lured travellers to Cambodia for centuries. Watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat, the most impressive of them all, stands alongside viewing the Taj Mahal by moonlight or a dawn visit to the giant rock of Uluru in Australia, in a catalogue of global must-sees, and it would make a rich prelude to my own tour. But my visit, also taking in villages, urban buzz andan island in the Gulf of Thailand, reveals that Cambodia has even more to offer than awe-inspiring antiquities.

Pictured: Dawn breaks over the temple towers of Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat at dawn

Five o'clock in the morning is rush hour in Siem Reap, the town closest to the Angkor ruins. Minibuses, tuk-tuks, motorbikes, even bicycles join a steady, slow-moving stream out of town, tail-lights and rear reflectors glinting in the dark. As we crowd six deep along the wide moat fronting Angkor Wat, waiting for the sun to rise - a constellation of glowing camera screens beside the water - I wonder whether this is one experience that will prove overrated. But then, the puff of grey cloud behind the 12th-century wat becomes tinged with pink. The edges of corn-cob towers grow more distinct, and slowly a reflection begins to appear in the moat, gaining colour and definition as if conjured by an underwater magician. The sky pink strengthens, and deepens to mauve. Geese at the water's edge begin to cackle; gongs, a xylophone, and soft drums waft gentle music from a monastery alongside. Water lilies open their flowers. The crowd of other onlookers simply fades from my view.

Suddenly, it is all over. The sun is up. People turn on their heels to head back to their hotels. 'Now is a good time to visit the wat,' says my guide Chab Sokhum, as we step on to the long causeway that crosses the moat. 'It will be less crowded.' Pictured: Monks at Bayon temple

History of Angkor Wat

From around 800AD until the mid-15th century, Angkor was the heart of the powerful Khmer Empire, which extended over what is now Cambodia as well as large areas of present-day Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. With each new monarch surged a wave of fresh construction. Rising from rice paddies, clothed in thick forest, scores of temples surround the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, over an area covering some 400 square kilometres. Up until the 11th century, the Khmer Empire was Hindu. After a brief Buddhist interlude, Hinduism revived in the 13th century, only to be replaced by Buddhism again as the empire declined. In the Angkor temples, the two worlds meet. Exuberant carvings depicting scenes from the great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata, stand alongside statues of serene bodhisattvas; plinths that once enclosed lingas (phallic representations of Shiva) now support images of the Buddha. Apsaras, the 'celestial dancers' of Hindu mythology, have crossed the divide to become a prime element of Khmer Buddhist temple architecture - and indeed something of a national symbol in modern-day Cambodia. The costumes, intricate headdress and hand positions of the asparas of Angkor would be instantly recognisable in the dancer I see that night, on stage at the Apsara Terrace of the Raffles Grand Hôtel d'Angkor.

Pictured: Bayon temple in the ancient city of Angkor Thom

Religion and politics in Cambodia

'Even today the beliefs mingle,' says Sokhum, as we reach the outer galleries of the wat. 'Cambodia is a Buddhist country with a Buddhist king, but during their welcoming ceremony in the Royal Palace, new MPs sip purifying water which flows from the head of an image that resembles the Hindu god Vishnu.'

Together we view intricately sculpted bas-reliefs - gruesome battles, historic processions - that run along more than 700 metres of colonnaded galleries. One wall depicts Heaven, Earth and Hell in three parallel layers, the underworld a turmoil of terrifying tortures: people chained together by the cheeks; having their bones smashed, their tongues pulled out.

Sokhum adds a chilling note. 'The Khmer Rouge imitated some of those methods when they tortured people,' he says, referring to the fanatical reign of terror conducted by Pol Pot between 1975 and 1978. Even though the Khmer Rouge were then ousted from power, decades of guerrilla violence followed, which only really came to an end in the 1990s. Every corner of the wat seems covered in carving, as we climb to the second level of the central temple pyramid, where more than 1,500 asparas adorn the walls - each one different, down to details of finger positions, headdress and jewellery. From the upper level I look out on high over the top of the surrounding forest, already steaming slightly in the morning sun. Then it's back down for breakfast, from vendors selling skewered eggs, barbecued quails, and bananas grilled over charcoal.

Pictured: Buddha worship at Banteay Kdei, east of Angkor Thom

Traditional rice harvesting close to Preah Dak village

Returning to Siem Reap, through paddies where women in conical straw hats are harvesting rice with sickles, we stop off at Preah Dak, a hamlet of wooden stilt-houses (without electricity or running water), where villagers specialise in making palm sugar. Nectar bubbles in enormous woks over wood fires. Women press the resultant paste into moulds, cut strips of palm leaf to wrap the sugar blocks. Apart from the mobile-phone numbers chalked on doorways (in lieu of an address), wedding photographs on the walls and the odd battery-powered television, life seems pretty much as it would have been when Angkor Wat was built. Siem Reap is a busy little place, a tumult of tourists and townsfolk, of farmers in for the day for market, and craftspeople selling their wares. Young lads sit in chatty rows, their feet in tanks of water, enjoying a foot-nibbling fish massage. Women weave jasmine garlands at an outdoor shrine; a hawker offers five different varieties of edible beetle for sale, as well as marinated snake.

At the central market, I enter through a series of layers - first jewellery stalls, glinting with silver and gems, then luscious silks. Next, clothes stands, interspersed with women at sewing machines making clothes to order, then hairdressers and manicurists, and at the heart noodle bars, fish stalls, mounds of bright fruit and trussed chickens with legs pointing upwards like a row of naked chorus girls. But Sokhum soon plucks me out to return to Angkor.

Pictured: Woman harvesting rice in the traditional way

What to see in Angkor

It would take weeks to see all the sights of Angkor. Over the next day and a half we manage some of the highlights: the walled city of Angkor Thom with its magnificent gates and Terrace of the Elephants, from where the king watched parades, animal training and processions, as well as acrobats tight-rope walking between towers across the way; the 700- metre-long 'royal bath' of Srah Srang which, according to its 10th-century inscription, stored water for the benefit of all creatures, except the 'dyke-breakers' (elephants), and the bewitching temple of Ta Prohm, where kapok trees and strangler figs growing from seeds dropped into the masonry by birds have pushed their roots through walls, straddled archways, entwined pillars and entangled entire corners of buildings. At Bayon, 37 towers bear gigantic faces of the Bodhisattva Lokesvara (the Mahayana Buddhist ideal of compassion), while friezes along an outer gallery depict scenes from daily life: women having hair and nails attended to; a pig fight; wrestling; drinkers knocking back rice wine; a man having his bottom bitten by a turtle (carried by his wife behind him), his expression of shock and anger still clearly visible after 800 years.

But for me, the carvings at Banteay Srei eclipse all. Uniquely among the temples, Banteay Srei is made from pink sandstone. It was densely sculpted, more than a millennium ago, with breathtaking delicacy: the fingers of asparas are individually crafted, as are the teeth of monkey gods, each smaller than a grain of rice. 'The name means Citadel of Women,' says Sokhum. 'People say that is because men's large hands could not possibly have done this work.' It occurs to me that I could spend a day in Banteay Srei alone.

Pictured: The pink-sandstone Banteay Srei temple

Song Saa Private Island

But it is time to return to the modern world… and the modern world certainly has its allure, in the form of Song Saa Private Island, 300km south in the Gulf of Thailand. When Cambodia was a French protectorate, from the 1860s until just after World War II, the coastline was a popular holiday spot. The hotels and villas crumbled into disrepair during the decades of violence that came in the latter half of the 20th century, in the wake of Khmer Rouge rule.

Nowadays, the region is being compared to Thailand of 40 years ago, and developers are beginning to take notice. New hotels have already opened on the mainland, but the islands off the coast have long been the realm of fishing villages and rainforest. Song Saa Private Island is the first luxury resort to appear on the islands. Its owners, Rory and Melita Hunter, hope to set the benchmark for responsible, sustainable development in the archipelago. 'Song Saa' is Khmer for 'the sweethearts', a local nickname for the two islets of Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, standing beside each other in a sprinkling of some 60 islands, about a third of them uninhabited. On the larger of the two, Rory and Melita are building a luxury resort inspired by the layout and architecture of local fishing villages. A walkway leads across the water to the smaller island, covered in rainforest, at present with only an east-facing yoga platform, but one day to accommodate an integrated outdoor spa. The Hunters have established a Marine Protected Area, extending 200 metres from the outer edge of the coral reefs that fringe both islands.

Pictured: Song Saa Private Island

Song Saa Private Island history

Rory and Melita stumbled across Song Saa by chance. They were looking for land to buy on the large, neighbouring island of Koh Rung. Word got out, and the chief of the village on Koh Ouen offered them his entire island, and its uninhabited 'sweetheart' alongside. Fishing was bad, times were hard, and the whole village had long wanted to up sticks for the mainland. The chief set his price. 'It was all we had,' says Melita, but the couple decided to take the plunge. They returned to Phnom Penh, withdrew their life savings, and came back to the island with the money in a bag. The deal was sealed with thumbprints and a bottle of whisky. Rory guaranteed that any villager who wanted to stay on could do so, and would have a job for life - eight did, the others left for the mainland. The island was a mess, much of it a rubbish dump. It took two years to complete a massive clean-up. Meanwhile, Melita began developing ideas about the architecture and interiors, and Rory sought investors. From the start, environmental concerns were paramount. 'That's what I get out of bed for in the morning,' says Rory.

And that meant not only the local ecology, but the human environment, too: helping communities towards sustainable livelihoods (fish stocks were depleted in the area, and fishing forbidden in the protected zone) and supporting village rejuvenation and clean-ups on neighbouring islands. This was not done top down, but by talking to village chiefs and local monks. 'We realised that simply by buying the island, we did not own it,' says Melita.

Pictured: A bathtub with a view at Song Saa Private Island

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In so many resorts I have visited, the 'environmental officer' is someone like the diving instructor on his afternoon off. At Song Saa there's a team of four marine biologists, one with a doctorate, the others with master's degrees, plus two community officers who are residents of the islands. Song Saa clearly means business. One morning, together with the director of conservation Wayne McCallum, I take a boat across to Koh Rung and the village of Prek Svay, with its wooden houses built on the sand between palms and on stilts over the water, many with fresh paint and new roofs. It is spotless. 'Working with village elders, we set up solid-waste management, recycling and composting systems,' said Wayne. 'Now other villages on the island want to do the same.' We visit Tieng Pha on her plot of land behind a well-stocked village shop, her fruit and vegetables flourishing, then take in Song Saa School which hosts local education groups, and (soon) a Khmer cooking school. Visiting interns join Cambodian academics at the school on residential research programmes, and a Western therapist will join forces with local herbalists to come up with natural remedies for the spa.

Pictured: The village of Prek Svay on Koh Rung

Song Saa Private Island villas

Later, I kayak with conservation team leader Barnaby Olson through a thicket of mangroves, dragonflies flitting past us, out to a meadow of seagrass - both delicate habitats that Song Saa is working to rehabilitate. 'We're going to operate a carbon-offset scheme for guests,' says Barnaby. 'If they choose, they can calculate the carbon footprint of their stay, and make a contribution based on that to this project.'

With Rory, I take a boat out to the picture-postcard Coral Island, to snorkel at a reef of unbleached coral, teeming with fish. The only other human we see en route is a fisherman in a basket-like coracle. Other Song Saa projects include coral gardens, water-quality control, and stations to monitor marine life. But all this is not to say that the resort is a realm of austere do-gooders. Song Saa (still in its finishing stages when I visited) is going to be a paradise of understated luxury and indigenous charm. The villas - some in the rainforest, others edging the water or on stilts over it - are sumptuously spacious, have unobstructed sea views, private garden-terraces (many with their own outdoor dining areas and pools), covered outdoor daybeds, large open-plan bathrooms with a rain-shower and sunken bath as well as outdoor showers. Driftwood gathered from all over the archipelago goes to make furniture, clad pillars, support wash basins and adorn walls. Orchids droop from tree branches, hornbills squawk as they fly overhead.

Pictured: A villa at Song Saa Private Island

Eating in Cambodia

The highlight of my visit comes with chef Neil Wager's cuisine - in my villa, beside the pool, under the stars at the over-water restaurant, at picnics (and soon by waterborne 'room service' to secluded nearby coves). Wager spent months travelling through Cambodia, gathering recipes, experimenting with traditional methods and allowing his culinary ingenuity to roam free. He discovered, for example, that the juice of green coconuts from the coast has a distinctive smoky flavour. Chilled, unadulterated, it makes a heavenly consommé - offset with a little salt-cured hamachi (yellowtail fish) and lime granita. Headily aromatic Kampot pepper combines with fresh lemon to make ice cream to cry for.

Virgin rainforests, secluded beaches, coral reefs and quiet luxury are all prime draws for a first visit to Song Saa. I suspect Neil Wager's cuisine will be the reason many people return. I know that I'll be coming back myself. The riches of Cambodia's ancient heritage, combined with the unspoiled beauty as such places as Song Saa, make a match that is hard to beat.

Pictured: A picnic lunch on Coral Island

Cambodia travel information

GETTING THERE

A 10-day trip costs from £4,150 per person (based on two sharing) with Audley Travel (01993 838160; www.audleytravel.com ), staying three nights at La Résidence d'Angkor in Siem Reap (with a private guide to the temples), four at Song Saa Private Island, all inclusive, and two in Phnom Penh, including flights with Thai Airways . Song Saa can arrange transport from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, from which a boat transfer takes you to the island. Cambodia Angkor Air ( www.cambodiaangkorair.com ) flies direct from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville. JOURNEY TIME

About 14 hours from London to Siem Reap via Bangkok. For further information, visit www.tourismcambodia.com . WHERE TO STAY IN CAMBODIA

Shinta Mani Wild (00 855 34 900150; www.wild.bensleycollection.com ) Daring, boundary-pushing design camp in Cambodia’s green wilderness from one of South-East Asia’s most experienced players. Doubles from US$2,300

Rosewood Phnom Penh (00 855 23 936888; rosewoodhotels.com ) Big-city skyscraper hotel with far-reaching views – a landmark in its own right. Doubles from US$270

La Résidence d'Angkor (00 855 63 963390; www.residenceangkor.com ). Built in Khmer style, set in the calm of a lush riverside garden. Doubles from US$336

Hôtel de la Paix (00 855 63 966000; www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com ). Super-stylish hotel, seemingly beamed in to central Siem Reap from a world of cutting-edge design. Doubles from US$234

Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor (00 855 63 963888; www.raffles.com/siemreap ). The grande dame of Angkor mixes period allure with all mod cons, plus the biggest pool in town. Doubles from US$269

Hanuman Alaya Boutique Hotel (00 855 63 760582; www.hanumanalaya.com ). Crammed full of arts and antiques, with a restaurant serving excellent local cuisine. Doubles from US$85

Song Saa Private Island (00 855 12 777452; www.songsaa.com ). From US$668 per person per night, including transfers, meals, drinks, laundry, and use of facilities. RESTAURANTS IN SIEM REAP

FCC, Pokambor Avenue (00 855 63 760280; www.fcccambodia.com ). The former Foreign Correspondents' Club is a hotspot for cocktails, pastas and pizzas, and Khmer meals (from US$8).

Cuisine Wat Damnak , near Psa Dey Hoy market, Wat Damnak Village (00 855 77 347762; www.cuisinewatdamnak.com ). Arguably the best Khmer cuisine in town, often with a modern twist. Menus from US$17

The Aspara Terrace, Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor (00 855 63 963888; www.raffles.com/siemreap ). The best place for classical Khmer dance; the Pan-Asian buffet includes excellent Khmer dishes (the kitchen was given the royal cookbook by the former king). US$45 per person for buffet and performance (Mon, Weds, Fri). VISITING ANGKOR Angkor Archaeological Park is open from 5am to sunset (with the exception of Banteay Srei, which closes at 5pm). Passes are available at the ticket office on the Siem Reap-Angkor Wat road (one day US$20; three days US$40; one week US$60). Plans of the area and of the routes to follow are also available at the ticket office. It is impractical to consider walking between sites. Motos (motorcycles on which you ride as a passenger) and tuk-tuks can be hired in town, and you can also hire a guide for US$25-US$50 per day. Ask at your hotel or the Khmer Angkor Tour Guide Association ( www.khmerangkortourguide.com ).

SHOPPING IN SIEM REAP****Psar Chas (the Old Market) beside the river is the place for silk, handicrafts and art. More modern designs can be found at Eric Raisina ( www.ericraisina.com ) in Kok Chork. Senteurs d'Angkor ( www.senteursdangkor.com ), near Psar Chas, uses traditional materials to make beauty products, spice mixes, candles and more. The Lucky Mall on Sivatha Boulevard includes a Bodia Spa (which also stocks beauty products made with local ingredients), and a supermarket that has the heavenly Kampot pepper.

WHEN TO GO TO CAMBODIA Visit between November (when humidity is at its lowest) and April. The monsoon starts in May, but downpours are short and don't prevent travel.

Prasat Samnang Tasok Photo by: Nicky Sullivan

Introduction

For beginners
Visas & borders
Getting here

An independent travel guide to Cambodia

For decades off limits to all but the most intrepid travellers, today Southeast Asia's Cambodia is a popular destination for all kinds of folks: from independent backpackers who roam far into the hinterland to luxury tourists who stay in style and experience Angkor Wat between massages and exquisite French meals.

Tourism to Cambodia has exploded over the last two decades in two waves. The first was when security concerns were addressed, allowing easier access to Angkor and then, more recently, the second was when Cambodia's stunning islands opened for business. Despite an influx of visitors, mass tourism remains largely restricted to just a few destinations and it remains relatively easy to drop off the tourist highways. Don't assume Angkor Wat is all Cambodia has to offer; there is so very much more.

Our Cambodia travel guide is here to help you get the most out of each and every one of your trips to Cambodia, beginning with some guidelines below aimed at first-time travellers to the country. Enjoy.

Absolute highlights

Given Cambodia has an Angkor Wat motif on the flag, it's difficult not to think Cambodia equals Angkor. While it's true that Angkor Wat and the surrounding historical park are one of Cambodia's highlights, they are not the only one. The country also has some outstanding tropical islands, a nascent ecotourism scene, and some fascinating and historical urban centres. While the country lends itself to a quick trip to see the ruins, it deserves more.

Explore the ruins of Angkor. Photo by: Stuart McDonald.

Angkor Wat : Cambodia’s Angkor Wat is, quite simply, one of the most splendid attractions in all of Southeast Asia . Long considered “lost”, the ruins of Angkor were never really lost to the Khmers, who have used the monuments as religious sites throughout their history.

Siem Reap : Just five kilometres south of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap has exploded from a relatively small backwater town into the fastest growing settlement in the nation. Think amazing food, seductive places to stay and a mass of non-ruin things to do.

Phnom Penh : A crossroads of cultures, times, peoples and worlds, in Phnom Penh you can find temples, markets and buzzing back streets. The thriving, turbulent city brings together Cambodian, Chinese and French influences in a congested, grimy, shiny, vibrant and thrilling mash that somehow seems to work—except when it rains.

Islands : When many people think "Cambodia islands" they draw a blank. But the kingdom is home to some outstanding islands, suited to chilling, sunning and funning (ok, we made that word up)— here are some of our favourites .

Popular destinations

Battambang : With a rich architectural heritage, an increasingly confident art scene providing a cradle for many of Cambodia’s top talents, and stunning surrounding countryside, Battambang is a tranquil respite from the boom and hustle of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

The incredibly moving Tuol Sleng. Photo by: Stuart McDonald.

Kratie : A charming, cheerful little town on the Mekong, Kratie is best known for its dolphins, in particular the Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins. The dwindling population of these endangered creatures makes their home off the village of Kampi, 20 kilometres north of town.

Banlung : One of Cambodia’s loveliest provinces is also one of the furthest away from anywhere else. But Ratanakiri and its capital, Banlung , is truly worth the effort, and is now easier to get to than ever before.

Koh Kong : Overlooking the peninsula that links Cambodia to Thailand, which is accessed by a near two-kilometre long bridge, Koh Kong is a breezy town, and makes for a pleasant and relaxing base from which to explore the surrounding hills, seas and all that lies in between.

Alternative destinations

Kampot : Long described as “sleepy”, the Kampot of today is transforming into a lively tourist destination, with plenty of good restaurants, bars and music to be found. But that doesn’t mean they’ve given up on the hardcore riverside lounging that the city has built its name on. Not by a long shot.

Position vacant. Photo by: Nicky Sullivan.

Kompong Thom : For those longing to escape the crowds and madness of Cambodia’s main tourist attractions, yet keen to visit some spectacular locations, Kompong Thom might be just the ticket.

Kompong Chhnang : Central Kompong Chhnang province is home to Cambodia's most sublime and easily accessible scenery, while the provincial capital of the same name is one of Cambodia’s most picturesque, photogenic and fascinating regional towns.

Sen Monorom : Little-visited Sen Monorom is the capital of Mondulkiri, famed for its (rapidly disappearing) thick forests, thunderous waterfalls, hills that wave up and down towards misty, faraway horizons and a real chance to immerse yourself in nature.

Chi Phat : An idyllic Cambodian village between a mountain and a river offers a relaxed, welcoming base from which to explore a special part of the world. Tucked into the southeastern front of the Cardamom Mountain range, Chi Phat is a pretty, prosperous two-street village.

Tropical islands

In recent years the islands off the coast of Cambodia (we cover seven Cambodian islands on Travelfish) have become a tourist destination in their own right, with new accommodation being built on nearly all of them, along with a host of bars, restaurants, dive shops and so on. While they're no longer deserted island paradises, they do still possess a serenity not easily found elsewhere in mainland Southeast Asia.

On Koh Ta Kiev. Photo by: Nicky Sullivan.

Koh Rong : From the image of pristine, picture-postcard-perfect cliche to somewhat messy, party destination extraordinaire to… whatever comes next, Koh Rong offers 43 kilometres of gorgeous, pristine beachfront along seven bays, all teeming with corals, marine life and fluorescent plankton, as well as dense forests covering its interior.

Koh Rong Samloem : Just 45 minutes by speedboat, yet a world away from the grubby confines of Sihanoukville, Koh Rong Samloem offers four completely different atmospheres on four beaches on what many might describe as the archetypal paradise island.

Koh Ta Kiev : Not so many people stay overnight on Koh Ta Kiev , which is a shame because it's beautiful and has a few easily accessible beaches.

Koh Totang : Unspoiled and undeveloped—there are no roads, barely even any tracks—makes getting back to nature easy on Ko Totang .

Nature lovers

National parks : Cambodia lacks the wide selection of national parks that can be found in some of its neighbours, but for the dedicated nature lover, Virachey National Park in the northeast remains a highlight. Coastal nature lovers may find Ream National Park of interest and, in the same area, Bokor National Park , while largely de-charmed by developers, is still worth a peek. Close to Phnom Penh lies Kirirom , Cambodia's first national park.

Trekking in the Cardamom Mountains. Photo by: Nicky Sullivan.

Ruins and rivers

When it comes to Cambodia and Khmer ruins it is a bit of a challenge to know just where to start—ruins great and small can be found scattered all over the country. For ease of comprehension, we've broken some of the main sites out into a few clear clusters.

The incredible Koh Ker. Photo by: Nicky Sullivan.

From Siem Reap : Siem Reap is the hub for visiting Angkor Historical Park , along with outlying sites including Banteay Srei , Phnom Kulen , Beng Mealea , the Roluos Group and Koh Ker .

From Banteay Chhmar : While possible to visit from Siem Reap, we highly recommend overnighting at Banteay Chhmar as a part of a community-based tourism scheme.

From Kompong Thom : Preah Khan of Kompong Svay occupies a near-mythical position in Cambodia-traveller lore and is best visited from Kompong Thom—as is the lovely pre-Angkorian Sambor Prei Kuk .

From Battambang : An important province in the Angkor period, Battambang is home to several temple ruins and historical sites which can be found within a 30 kilometre radius of town, providing convenient day trip opportunities.

Preah Vihear Temple : The object of a longstanding territorial dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, Prasat Preah Vihear is one of the kingdom’s most stunning creations, not just because of the temple itself but thanks to the spectacular views across northwest Cambodia afforded from atop the 650 metre-high cliffs at the temple’s apex. A must see.

So you've got your ruin-wandering and beach baking done, what else is there to do in Cambodia? Quite a bit actually!

No shortage of waterfalls. Photo by: Stuart McDonald.

Learn to dive: While Cambodia's diving does not rival Thailand's you can learn to dive on some of the islands out from Sihanoukville, including Koh Rong and Ko Sdach.

Cooking courses and food walks : Food walks and cooking courses are popping up across the country like mushrooms in the wet season. Battambang , Siem Reap and Phnom Penh all have options for the culinarily inclined.

Trekking : In northeast Cambodia, trekking in Virachey National Park will appeal to those looking to get right off the map. Don't expect minority villages and the like—this is all about the wilderness—or at least what remains of it. Also look into Chi Phat and Kirirom .

The most popular time to go to Cambodia is between November and February, with the peak season falling between late December and mid January. At this time of year the weather in Cambodia is excellent—there is little rain and it isn't uncomfortably hot. This is a popular time of the year though, and destinations such as Angkor Wat and the Cambodian islands can be very busy—in peak season having a reservation for Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem can be a prudent idea.

Oh wet season. Photo by: Stuart McDonald.

While the Christmas period is the most popular team to go to Cambodia, opting for shoulder season instead, either between late October and early December or from early February through to the end of March, can be a good idea. In doing this you'll only have a moderate risk of rain (if visiting in October/November) or of uncomfortable heat (March, April) but the pay off will be in slightly reduced numbers of tourists.

Cambodia's wet season runs from May to October and isn't the best time for a Cambodian beach holiday—seas can be rough, in heavy weather boat services may be curtailed and some island accommodation may be closed. On the mainland, the wet keeps the crowds at bay somewhat and Angkor is wonderful in the wet season, so it isn't all bad. Phnom Penh often experiences heavy flooding during Cambodia's monsoon season.

How long to go for

How long have you got?! For a first time visitor looking to see just see Angkor Wat on a fly-in, fly-out trip, three days would suffice as an introduction. As soon as you get into multiple destinations, you'll be needing at least a week. With two weeks you could see Angkor, a couple of towns and perhaps an island. Overall, we'd say the country really deserves two weeks as a primer .

The best way to see elephants. Photo by: Nicky Sullivan.

If you’re planning on travelling around more, three to four four weeks is a popular stretch especially as Cambodia has good land border connections with all three of its neighbours, allowing it to fit in well for a regional trip.

If you are planning a longer stay, it pays to familiarise yourself with Cambodia’s visa rules . They change occasionally and some rules are enforced haphazardly, complicating what should be a simple process.

What it will cost

Your budget will depend very much on your style of travelling . If you’re comfortable in very simple accommodation, eating street food, not drinking too much alcohol, travelling using cheap transport and steering clear of heavily touristed (and so more expensive) destinations, you can survive on around US$15 per day—more on the islands and maybe a couple of dollars less if you’re especially frugal and travelling as a couple.

Scenery near Phsar Krom. Photo by: Mark Ord.

Most independent budget travellers though tend to spend more. That air-con room is tempting, as is the pool and WiFi, latte and occasional VIP bus or short domestic flight. All these conspire to push daily budgets up to around a more comfortable US$20-$30 per day.

If your tastes veer more towards the luxurious, then Cambodia does offer terrific value — especially in the accommodation stakes, with lovely and tasteful offerings in the US$50-$150 per night mark scattered across the country. Food and entertainment costs can rise accordingly. Likewise, you can also spend north of a thousand dollars per day for truly luxurious settings—think private pool villas, butlers and so on—flying everywhere and fine dining the whole way along.

What to watch out for

Cambodia is one of the poorest nations on earth, yet it remains a fairly safe place. Petty theft is a problem, particularly the snatch and grab variety, but violent crime is rare. Always keep your wits about you. Drinking 15 beers and walking home at 3am probably isn't safe in your home country either.

Violent crime specifically aimed at foreign travellers remains rare, but does happen. Use your common sense, stay under control and, if a situation becomes uncomfortable, leave or seek assistance immediately. In the case of theft, we strongly advise not to resist and to hand over whatever the thief is demanding—it is not unusual for thieves to be beaten to death when caught—so they have far more to lose then you

Having adequate travel insurance cover is essential .

Each year at least a few foreigners are found dead in Phnom Penh guesthouses of accidental drug overdoses. The main reason? Buying cocaine that is actually heroin. Aside from being illegal, the risks involved in taking drugs in Cambodia may be higher than those in your home country. The penalties, if caught, are harsh. Don’t ride (or drive) stoned or drunk. Just because the tuk tuk driver who sold you a bag of pot didn’t get arrested doesn’t mean you won’t be.

The general state of driving skill on Cambodia's roads is poor. Cars and buses often travel at high speed, seat belts are often not fitted and drug use among drivers is reportedly not unusual. Vehicles are frequently overloaded. Roads often include everything from high speed taxis to buffalo carts, and the speed differential increases the dangers considerably. Avoid being on the roads at night when possible. We do not recommend using buses at night.

Always, always always wear a helmet when on a motorbike in Cambodia.

If you wouldn’t do it in your home country because it is stupid, why do it in Cambodia?

Popular destinations in

Angkor Banlung Banteay Chhmar Battambang Kampot Kep Koh Ker Koh Rong Koh Rong Samloem Koh Ta Kiev Koh Totang Kompong Cham Kompong Chhnang Kratie Pailin Phnom Penh Preah Vihear Temple Sen Monorom Siem Reap Sihanoukville Stung Treng Takeo See all destinations in Cambodia

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The Cambodia Travel Guide will help you discover one of Southeast Asia’s most enjoyable destinations. Visit Cambodia, and you’ll find plentiful attractions ranging from unspoilt beaches and colonial townscapes through to dense forests and majestic rivers and lakes. The legendary temples of Angkor continue to attract millions of visitors each year. Away from the temples, Cambodia is refreshingly untouristy. Cambodia remains largely unexplored in many places. New roads now bring once remote destinations within easy reach.

Cambodia travel facts

Where to go in cambodia, best time to go to cambodia.

How to get to Cambodia

Cambodia’s cities

Phnom Penh is the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The city is an alluring attraction in its own right. The centre has broad appeal, and its French influence is evident in the open-fronted colonial shophouses that line the streets. There are a mind-boggling number of restaurants, bars and cafes to try. Many tourists that travel to Cambodia linger here for the culinary experience. You can also take a boat trip from Phnom Penh along the mighty Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers.

Siem Reap is Cambodia’s principal tourist town. This city offers a gateway to the temples of Angkor. More than one hundred Angkorian monuments lie spread over some 3000 square kilometres of the countryside around the town. Siem Reap retains its small-town charm despite its popularity. It’s a lively city with many activities and attractions including lively Psar Chas Market, buzzing cafes, bars, boutique shops and plentiful nightlife. It’s also a good spot from which to visit the nearby floating villages on the Tonle Sap.

Laidback Battambang is Cambodia’s second biggest city. It is worlds apart from Phnom Penh’s urban bustle. It has a growing number of ex-pats fuelling the growth of arty cafes, restaurants and bars. It’s also home to impressive colonial architecture. You can take a countryside ride on its quirky bamboo railway.

Kompong Cham is Eastern Cambodia’s largest city. The waterfront is particularly attractive, with a string of colonial buildings lined up along the Mekong.

Temples of Angkor

For most tourists that choose to come here, their Cambodia trip is not complete without a visit to the unforgettable temples of Angkor. Understandably, this is high on the list for many who travel Cambodia as it is one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia. The awe-inspiring Angkor Wat is the most famous of the temples dominated by five corncob towers. Visit early in the morning to avoid some of the crowds. The temples attract some two million visitors per year. Visit How to see Angkor Wat without the crowds for more tips.

Southwest Cambodia & The Southern Islands

Visit the Southwest to discover miles of unspoilt beaches, hidden coves and idyllic Cambodian islands. Sihanoukville is the most popular beach resort. Ochheuteal Beach and Serendipity Beach Road justify their party town reputation. There are quieter spots too, particularly around Otres, 6km away. Sihanoukville is also the entry point to the islands of Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Ta Kiev. Koh Rong has a buzzing backpacker strip at Koh Toch. The beaches at Long Set and Long Beach along the west coast are more laidback. Peaceful Koh Ta Tiev retains a real castaway vibe. Remember to take cash as there are no ATM’s on the islands.

Ream National Park is 18km east of Sihanoukville. It’s a great place to explore Cambodia’s unspoilt natural environment. The park is evergreen with mangrove forests, sandy beaches, coral reefs, and offshore islands. The riverside town of Kampot with the backdrop of misty Bokor mountains is one of Cambodia’s most appealing towns to add to your Cambodia trip itinerary. 25km southeast of Kampot, Kep is a favourite with ex-pats and Cambodians who descend at the weekend. They are attracted by its delicious, inexpensive seafood, freshly plucked from the ocean.

Eastern Cambodia

If you travel to Cambodia and you like nature and wildlife, the east is the place to be. There are patches of dense, unspoilt rainforest that remain in Eastern Cambodia . The riverside town of Kratie is an excellent base for exploring the nearby countryside. Just over 20km from Kratie is Kampie which provides the best riverside vantage point to view a pod of rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins . It’s thought that only around eighty remain in the entire Mekong river.

Tucked away in the forest near the sleepy capital of Banlung in the Rattanakiri province, there is a trio of impressive nearby waterfalls Ka Chhang, Katieng and Chha Ong.

Discover more places in Cambodia

Nokor Bachey Pagoda, Kampong Cham, Cambodia © Sergei Mugashev/Shutterstock

Battambang Travel Guide

Figuring out the best time to travel Cambodia depends on what you plan to do when you arrive. Cambodia is warm all year round, but it has a rainy season too.

If you visit Cambodia between March and May, the temperatures and humidity are higher. Visiting at this time can still be a good choice if you are hitting the coast. If you are travelling Cambodia to explore the temples, the season between November and February is cool enough for sightseeing. December and January can be the most popular time for tourists.

Travel Cambodia in the rainy season, and you’ll find the countryside at its lushest. Travelling around Cambodia during this season can present some practical challenges and flooding is commonplace. However, the mornings are usually dry as the rain mainly falls in the afternoon. If you do choose to go visit in the rainy season, you’ll avoid the crowds too.

The busiest International Airports are Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. There aren’t any direct flights from Europe to Cambodia. You can reach Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap via Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City and several other destinations. Take a look at Skyscanner for more options.

It’s also possible to travel overland into Cambodia from neighbouring countries. You can cross the border at several spots in Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.

Find out more Cambodia travel information in Getting to Cambodia .

When planning how to travel around Cambodia, consider the transport as part of the adventure.

Roads have seen massive improvements in the past five years, so getting around the country is much easier than it once was. The bus system provides connections between all major towns. The bus offers the cheapest and usually the most convenient way to travel.

Minibuses and ‘share taxis’ are also other options to travel by road. Share taxis are faster than taking the bus, but they do get absurdly packed. You can ask to pay roughly double the standard fare to have a front seat to yourself. You could also pay to hire the entire taxi.

For short local trips, you can hire a motorcycle or ‘moto’ for the day or a tuk-tuk. A tuk-tuk is a passenger carriage pulled by a motorbike. It’s virtually impossible to rent a self-drive car in Cambodia, but you can hire a car with a driver. Three-wheeled cycle rickshaws called cyclos are also available in Phnom Penh for short trips.

You may also end up travelling Cambodia by boat. Boat trips run between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and between Siem Reap and Battambang. In the south, regular ferries and fast catamarans run between Sihanoukville and Koh Rong. Find out more about how to travel to Cambodia in our Cambodia guide to “ Getting Around ”.

Why travel to Cambodia? Here are 10 of the best places to travel in Cambodia. These highlights are sure to convince any traveller to include Cambodia on their itinerary when taking a trip to Southeast Asia.

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh are the city’s finest example of twentieth-century Khmer influenced architecture. The Royal Palace is set back from the riverbank on Sothearos Boulevard. You can stroll this complex of regal structures and perfectly manicured grounds. While there, you will gain an insight into Cambodia’s past and present. A blue flag flies when the King is in residence. While the palace itself is off-limits, it’s possible to visit several buildings within the grounds. The Silver Pagoda is named for its floor which is covered in gleaming silver.
Temples of Angkor The Temples of Angkor are world-renowned and house some of the country’s finest monuments. More than one hundred Angkorian monuments lie spread over some 3000 square kilometres of the countryside. The best-known monuments are the vast temple of Angkor Wat and the walled city of Angkor Thom. During the Angkorian period, the ruling god-kings built imposing temples as a way of asserting their divinity. They left a legacy of more than one hundred temples constructed between the ninth and fifteenth centuries. The full magnificence of Angkor Wat represents the height of Khmer art. The pretty tenth-century temple of Banteay Srei is unique, made from unusual pink sandstone and with intricate ornamentation.
Koh Ta Tiev Peaceful Koh Ta Tiev is one of the southern islands, and it’s a tropical paradise retaining a real castaway vibe. There are several types of accommodation to choose from, and you can even camp or sleep in a hammock between two trees over the sand. There is limited electricity on the island and no wifi. Spend your days’ jungle trekking, snorkelling, or experiencing authentic Khmer cooking.
Battambang Battambang is Cambodia’s second largest city, but it’s often overlooked. It’s a bustling city that is both welcoming and laidback. Its lush surrounding countryside is ideal for bike rides, and it’s easy to get out on the water by kayak. You can whizz past rice paddies and rattle over bridges when you ride the quirky bamboo railway too.
Kampot The riverside Kampot is one of Cambodia’s most appealing towns with the backdrop of misty Bokor Mountains. At Kampot, you can potter along the river for a swim or sunset cruise. You could also head into the mountains to explore caves. Kampot is also a base from which to explore the region’s famed pepper plantations. Bokor National Park is home to an abandoned 1920s hotel and casino. Kampot has a friendly but low key nightlife.
Kep Kep is renowned throughout Cambodia for its delicious, inexpensive seafood. It’s heaven for seafood connoisseurs. You can get fresh crab straight from the sea at the crab market on the western seafront. It’s also a good base from which to go on an island boat tour. Head over to the palm-fringed beach of Rabbit Island or Koh Tonsay.
Floating villages on Tonle Sap Tonle Sap lake is home to dozens of picturesque floating villages. Explore the fascinating houses built from bamboo and raised on stilts; they are mainly inhabited by Vietnamese fisherman. You’ll pass floating markets, schools and pagodas and learn more about local life.
Irrawaddy Dolphins Around 20km north of Kratie is Kampie. It offers the best riverside vantage point to spot the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins. It is expected that only around eighty remain in the entire Mekong. The Irrawaddy dolphins look very much like porpoises. The Irrawaddy dolphin has been added to the IUCN Red List as a critically endangered species. The dolphin-watching site is now run as an ecotourism project by the local community.
Ream National Park Ream National Park is one of Cambodia’s most accessible national parks. Here you can explore Cambodia’s unspoilt natural environment with mangrove forests, sandy beaches and rich diversity of flora and fauna. You are likely to see kingfishers, eagles and monkeys.
Trekking in Rattanakiri Trek into the forest of Rattanakiri, the capital Banlung is surrounded by peaceful countryside. It is dotted with waterfalls and lakes, and it’s also home to the indigenous chunchiet hill tribes. You may spot gibbons, rare birdlife and endangered species in the Virachey National Park.

For more places to visit, check out these gorgeous pictures of Cambodia .

The carefully-curated itineraries in our Cambodia travel guide will inspire you to make the most of your trip. These itineraries take in the most popular destinations for those that travel Cambodia including the cities and infamous Temples of Angkor. You can also take the opportunity to go off the beaten track and take in Cambodia’s natural attractions. There is an itinerary to suit anyboth your interests and your timeframes.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Cambodia, created by local experts

22 days / from 4799 USD

The Ultimate Southeast Asia Grand Tour

Explore the highlights of four countries in a bit over 3 weeks: Halong Bay & the Mekong Delta in Vietnam combined with the cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Proceed to Cambodia with Angkor Wat before watching the monks in Luang Prabang/Laos. Your trip ends in Thailand with elephants and Bangkok.

21 days / from 4545 USD

Impressions of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos

Start and end your trip in Ho Chi Minh City and visit highlights such as the Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh with the Killing Fields, Angkor Wat, the historic city of Luang Prabang in Laos before heading back to Vietnam - Hanoi, Halong Bay and Hoi An await.

4 days / from 1025 USD

Siem Reap Family Adventure

Traditional ox and carts, sprawling rice fields, majestic temples, glorious food and breath-taking countryside – this is Cambodia. Take some time out in Siem Reap with its Old Market and boutiques, savour local cuisine and be prepared for the trip of a lifetime. Perfect for groups and families.

Cambodia cultural discovery tour takes in Phnom Penh, with its romantic cafes and haute cuisine, ancient, awe-inspiring temples, stunning countryside and one of the greatest wonders of the world.

Cambodia Explorer travel tour takes you from the glorious temples and rolling countryside of Siem Reap to the attractive riverside capital of Phnom Penh where you can explore the city’s broad boulevards, new restaurants and myriad sights.

Combining remote locations that are as yet not overrun with tourists is the aim of the Unseen Cambodia itinerary , which includes trips to quiet tucked away townships and villages.

Travel advice for Cambodia

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Cambodia

Eating and drinking in Cambodia
Getting around Cambodia: Transportation Tips
Travel Tips Cambodia for planning and on the go
Best time to visit Cambodia
Weather in Cambodia in May
Weather in Cambodia in April
Weather in Cambodia in March

When you plan your Cambodia trip, make sure you have the latest Cambodia travel advice.

Check out the travel essentials section with all the travel advice you need before you go. It will help you to make sure your trip runs smoothly. It covers tips on travelling Cambodia, including keeping healthy, staying safe, money and insurance. Cambodia travel essentials also includes festival and public holiday dates, tips on travelling with children and more.

All foreign nationals except those from certain Southeast Asian countries need a visa to enter Cambodia. Tourist visas are valid for thirty days. The tourist visas are issued on arrival at all border crossings and airports. You will need two passport photos to get your visa. You can also take care of your tourist visa online in advance evisa.gov.kh. The e-visas are only valid at airports and the Poipet, Koh Kong and Bavet land crossings. Check the website for full details. E-visas take three days to process, and you still need to provide a digital photograph.

A tourist visa can be extended once for one month. Many travel agents and guesthouses can help you extend your visa for a commission. You can also buy a business visa, and this can be extended in a variety of ways, and they allow multiple entries. Find out more in the Cambodia guide to travel essentials.

The main cities in Cambodia have several accommodation options and finding something is rarely a problem. There are basic hotels in every provincial town too. The budget accommodation can be very cheap at around $7 to 8$ per night. Most hotel rooms have a double bed as standard. Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville also offer tourist-orientated budget guesthouses and hostels. Hostels can be priced as little as $2 per night. Camping is theoretically illegal in Cambodia, but is a possibility in some places – for example, on the beaches and islands of the south coast.

Mid-range and luxury accommodation is usually only found around the tourist hotspots and major towns. Luxury accommodation is widely available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Sihanoukville and Kep. There are choices of five-star chain hotels, chic boutiques and idyllic resorts constructed in traditional Khmer style.

Find out more in the Cambodia guide to accommodation .

Cambodian food has influences from many other countries in Asia and French influence too. Cambodian food is milder than Thai food and often herbs, spices and chilli are served on the side rather than blended into the dish. Dishes are delicately enhanced with flavours like lemongrass and coriander. Cambodia’s national dish is bamboo-leaf infused fish amok. Stir-fries feature on most menus alongside delicious coconut milk curry dishes and rice.

Local variations of typical Vietnamese dishes can also be found too. French influences can also be found on the menus here with endless coffee options and French-style baguettes. You can find Khmer street food at markets and on street stalls. You can fill up on noodle dishes, filled baguettes and stir-fries.

Cambodians drink plenty of green tea and fruit shakes. Stalls are set up in towns all over the country from late afternoon. Also available is iced sugar-cane juice and the juice of green coconuts - all very refreshing. Cambodia’s national beer is Angkor, brewed by an Australian and Cambodian joint venture in Sihanoukville. Find out more about food and drink in Cambodia .

Cambodia has an increasing number of activities and sports. In the northeast, particularly in Banlung and Sen Monorom, local guides can lead groups or individuals on treks into the surrounding jungle and Virachey National Park. Treks can last anything from a day to a week. There is also good trekking in the forested hills around Koh Kong.

Diving in Cambodia

There are excellent opportunities to snorkel and dive in and around Cambodia. There are several PADI dive shops in Sihanoukville and nearby islands offering both certification and fun day trips.

Cycling and kayaking are available in the northeast around the Mekong River. Bike trips can be organised at Kratie, Stung Treng and around Angkor’s temples or the Cardamom Mountains.

Those that travel Cambodia will gain more respect from locals if they are well dressed. Both men and women dress conservatively. It’s best to avoid skimpy clothes and shorts unless you are at a beach resort. When visiting temples, it’s best to have both shoulders and legs covered. Remove your shoes before entering a Cambodian temple or Cambodian home. Cambodians themselves are conservative and do their best to keep clean and well presented.

It’s advisable to avoid any displays of public affection between men and women. Even visitors holding hands can be embarrassing for Cambodians.

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written by Andy Turner

updated 29.04.2024

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14 Top-Rated Places to Visit in Cambodia

Written by Jess Lee Updated Mar 18, 2024

Best known as both the home of the colossal temples of Angkor Wat and for the brutal Khmer Rouge era of the 1970s and later civil war, Cambodian history encompasses both some of humanity's greatest artistic accomplishments and most horrific deeds.

The history is what draws most travelers here, but this Southeast Asian nation has more tourist attractions to offer for those who linger longer than a short temple hop to Siem Reap.

Beyond the temples, Cambodia is a prime destination for Southeast Asia travels that manages to charm all who come.

The coastline of sandy white beaches tempts every sun sloth. The jungle-swathed countryside is geared up for the more intrepid, and the buzzing capital of Phnom Penh envelops visitors in the frenetic pulse of contemporary Cambodian city life.

Plan your sightseeing in this fascinating country with our list of the top places to visit in Cambodia.

1. Angkor Wat (Angkor Archaeological Park)

2. phnom penh, 3. koh rong samloem, 4. siem reap, 5. ratanakiri, 6. prasat preah vihear, 7. battambang, 9. tonlé sap lake, 10. koh kong conservation corridor, 12. sambor prei kuk, 13. banteay chhmar, 14. mundulkiri, frequently asked questions, when is the best time to visit cambodia.

This temple city is the number one tourist spot in Cambodia.

Accessed from the town of Siem Reap, the temples of the Angkorian period are so ambitious in scale and in the majesty of their construction, that Angkor Wat is rated as one of the world's must-see ancient sites .

Built between 802 and 1432, this was the largest city in the world during the medieval age and the vast powerhouse of the Khmer kings who endeavored to outbid their predecessors in the beauty of their construction.

As the city's wooden dwellings were encroached and then decayed by the surrounding jungle, what remains today, are just those mighty temples.

The temple of Angkor Wat itself, the world's largest religious building, is only one sliver of the site in total, and the sprawling circuit of temples deserves three days to explore if you want to understand the scope of the Angkorian period's architectural achievements.

For those short on time though, the main highlights after Angkor Wat are the tree-root clasped temple of Ta Prohm (which first found international fame as a location used in the movie Tomb Raider), the Bayon Temple for its 216 stone-carved faces, Angkor Thom and Preah Khan.

Cambodia's capital is the frenetic heartbeat of the nation; a city of chaotic streets abuzz with motorbikes and car horns that can frazzle at first glance.

Deserted completely during the Khmer Rouge madness and left to wither and decay, Phnom Penh has bounced back to become one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic cities.

For visitors, this is Cambodia's most cosmopolitan destination, with a café and restaurant scene unrivaled in the rest of the country.

It's also home to a scattering of important historic sites that help unravel both Cambodia's modern and ancient history.

The National Museum is home to a swag of Khmer sculpture that traces the nation's history from the pre-Angkorian age right through to the phenomenal majesty of the god-Kings of Angkor.

The Royal Palace provides gorgeous examples of traditional artistry, while Tuol Sleng Museum and the killing fields of Choeung Ek speak of the horror and brutality the people of this country suffered under Khmer Rouge rule.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Phnom Penh

Just off Cambodia's south coast lie a scattering of islands just as beautiful as their Thai counterparts to the west, but much less visited.

Compared to the now very developed islands of Koh Samui and Phuket , Cambodia's islands are a slice of laid-back tropical bliss, where sun and sand take center stage, and the big resorts have yet to make their mark.

Of all the islands, Koh Rong Samloem is one of the most beautiful, with the long, sandy Saracen Bay home to a dozen beach hut resorts that offer a welcome respite from the world.

It's really all about hammock-time here, but there's plenty of scuba diving activities on offer for the more active.

You can access these islands from Sihanoukville.

Siem Reap is usually seen by travelers as among Cambodia's top places to visit due to it being the base for Angkor Archaeological Park, but the town itself offers more interesting attractions beyond the mighty temples.

This is the country's major activity center, with bundles of tours on offer, from cycle trips around the lush countryside just outside of town to Cambodian cookery tours.

Shoppers will also find plenty to keep them occupied, as central Siem Reap is brimming with opportunities to browse traditional crafts.

Make sure to visit Angkor National Museum, before heading to Angkor Wat itself, to dose up on the history of the site. The exhibits here explore the breadth of culture and artistry of the Khmer empire.

For evening entertainment while in town, don't miss Phare The Cambodian Circus. This internationally-renowned circus troupe and social enterprise puts on dazzling shows where performers combine theater, acrobatics, and music.

Ratanakiri is a nature-filled reprieve for travelers suffering from temple-fatigue.

This is outback Cambodia, and the endless red-dirt roads of the region, leading to ethnic minority villages, are an intrepid traveler's delight.

For those with an adventurous streak, the province is one of the best places in Cambodia for trekking, from spotting gibbons at Veun Sai-Siem Pang Conservation Area, where overnight trips involve sleeping in hammocks and early rises to track buff-cheeked gibbons, to hiking in Virachey National Park home to elephants, tigers, and sun bears.

There's more relaxing options on offer as well. The emerald water of Yeak Lom Crater Lake just outside of Ban Lung town is a tranquil swimming spot, while the waterfalls of Chaa Ong and Ka Tieng are fun diversions that provide more opportunities for getting wet.

The temples of Angkor Wat may gain all the glory, but Prasat Preah Vihear wins the prize for the most dramatic location.

Sitting atop the Dangrek Mountains, on an escarpment with dizzying views across the Cambodian floodplains, Prasat Preah Vihear is a monumental temple complex of intricately carved pavilions linked by long causeways, built originally to honor the god Shiva.

The temple is snug against the border with Thailand and has historically been a point of contention between the two nations, who both claim it as their own.

The International Court of Justice ruled in Cambodia's favor in 2013 after border disputes flared up between 2008 and 2011.

Tensions have dissipated in the last few years, meaning this UNESCO World Heritage Site can now reclaim its rightful role on the tourist trail.

Access is from Sra Em, although most visitors come on a day trip from Siem Reap (200 kilometers south).

The countryside of rice fields and tiny villages surrounding the northwest city of Battambang holds some of the most tranquil rural scenery in Cambodia, and the area is home to swags of historic riches as well.

All this has made the city itself a popular destination on traveler itineraries.

For history fans, the temples of Phnom Sampeau, Phnom Banan and Wat Ek Phnom are all within day-tripping distance, while the famed Bamboo Train - a single-line rail track where "carriages" made from a platform of wood and bamboo travel between Battambang's east bank and the tiny village of O Srav - is one of the most popular activities for visitors.

Battambang itself is a rather sleepy city compared to the buzz of the capital, with a central district brimming with colonial buildings.

For those who found Phnom Penh's hectic buzz a bit too much to handle, Battambang is a thoroughly approachable town to use as a base.

The laid-back riverine town of Kampot has oodles of old-world ambience.

The compact central district is a joy to ramble around, full of surviving shop-house architecture, some of which has been painstakingly restored.

Kampot's charm lies in its exceedingly chilled-out atmosphere, and many a traveler finds themselves waylaid here longer than they expected, having succumbed to its easygoing pace.

For the more active though, this is also an excellent base for discovering the surrounding sights of the south.

The old French summer getaway of Boker Hill Station, with its abandoned church and eerie, empty shell of a once-grand hotel, is an easy day trip from town, as are the limestone caves of Phnom Chhnork and Phnom Sorsia both with old temples inside.

Tonlé Sap is Cambodia's most important waterway and Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake.

As well as being an important source of food and a vital tool for Cambodian irrigation, the lake itself is home to 170 floating villages that depend on fishing for their livelihood, with homes built directly on the water.

The houses, shops, churches, schools, and temples of these villages are built on rustic buoy foundations of lashed together barrels and bamboo, and all transport is by boat. They're a fascinating place to spend a day exploring.

One of the most interesting is the sprawling village of Kompong Luong, near the town of Pursat on Tonlé Sap's western shore, although the most popular village to visit is Chong Kneas near Siem Reap.

The Koh Kong Conservation Corridor stretches across an area within Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains, south of the border town of Koh Kong in the country's southwest.

The highlands here, home to dense rainforest, winding rivers, and waterfalls, offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and boat tours.

Head to the Tatai River if you want to simply soak up the lush surroundings and take a time out from life. Here, you'll find a handful of boutique eco-resorts scattered along the riverbank all offering activities such as day hikes and kayaking.

Further south in the Cardamoms is the village of Chi Pat, an eco-tourism center with simple homestay and guesthouse accommodation and plenty of activities, ranging from multi-day treks into the forested mountains to wildlife-spotting river boat trips.

If you're here for the full Mekong experience, you've come to the right place.

Spread along the banks of the mighty Mekong, Kratie has become a major destination for travelers due to its dolphin-watching tours.

The endangered Irrawaddy dolphins are endemic to the Mekong, and environmental measures have now been put in place to try and help their dwindling numbers.

Tourism has played a good role in trying to protect the dolphins by offering an alternative economy to fishing.

To see the dolphins head to Kampi, just north of Kratie, where there are plenty of boat tours available.

This pre-Angkorian temple site dates from the early 7th century when it was the capital of the Upper Chenla Empire.

More than 100 brick temples dedicated to various Hindu gods sit within the forest here, many half-swallowed by mammoth tree roots.

Archaeologically, the site is extremely important, containing some of Cambodia's oldest surviving buildings, but you don't have to be an archaeology buff to appreciate the ethereal beauty of this tree-wrapped site.

The most important temples in the archaeological site include Prasat Sambor, Prasat Tao and Prasat Yeay Peau which all have remarkably clear carvings on their temple walls and plenty of ethereal ambience provided by twisting tree trunks and coiling vines.

You can access Sambor Prei Kuk from Kompong Thom.

For a touch of Indiana Jones-style temple exploring, you can't beat Banteay Chhmar.

This mammoth temple complex sits consumed by surrounding jungle in Cambodia's lonely northwest, providing the perfect opportunity to discover the highlights without the crowds.

It was built by the 12th-century Angkorian king Jayavarman VII, and the remarkable stone reliefs along its walls are some of the most intricately detailed you'll see in the country.

In particular, the spectacular bas reliefs depicting Avalokiteśvara on the south wall and the dizzying array of battle scenes depicted on the eastern walls are prime examples of the Angkorian era's artistry.

The village neighboring the archaeological site has simple homestay accommodation. Otherwise, most people stay in Sisophon (60 kilometers south) or take a day trip to the ruins from Siem Reap.

Adventurous travelers beeline to the hill country of Mundulkiri Province in Cambodia's far east for wildlife spotting, village life, trail-bike tours, and the Elephant Valley Project.

The most famous tourist attraction in the region, the Elephant Valley Project offers visitors a chance to walk with the sanctuary's elephants (no riding allowed) while providing an opportunity for local mahouts (elephant keepers) to earn a wage that doesn't involve overworking their elephants.

For adrenaline-junkies, the Mayura zipline course skims right over the top of Bou Sra waterfall, while bird-watchers and wildlife spotters will want to take a tour into Seima Protected Forest, home to gibbons, the endangered black-shanked douc langurs, and plentiful birdlife.

The small town of Sen Monorom is the main base for travelers in Mundulkiri and within easy day-tripping distance to all of the tourist attractions.

Most visitors who arrive in Cambodia are heading to the Angkor Wat temples as their main destination - so it makes sense that the best time to visit Cambodia is when the temples are at their best. Weather-wise, the best time to visit Siem Reap and Angkor Wat is between December and February, when temperatures drop into the high 20s and the humidity is low enough to be bearable.

However, these months are part of the cool season, which is also high season in the country - this means higher prices, bigger crowds, and more expensive airfares. For better prices and slightly smaller crowds, consider arriving in March or early April - while temperatures are rising fast at this time, the rainy season is just starting by then, so you should be able to still enjoy the outdoors.

Phnom Penh has hot and humid weather all year-round, with just a small dip in temperature and humidity dropping to around 70 percent during the cool season. This is also a good time to visit Koh Rong, Cambodia's best beach destination.

More on Cambodia

Cambodia Travel Guide: Plan Your Perfect Trip

The best beaches in Cambodia to escape to after exploring Angkor Wat

Apr 6, 2022 • 6 min read

A boat picks up backpackers from secluded Koh Russei

For the longest time, the temples of Angkor left other destinations in Cambodia in the shade, but in recent years, the beaches and islands of the South Coast have become a major attraction in their own right.

With countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam as close neighbors, beach lovers are spoiled for choice, but Cambodia can compete with the best of them when it comes to powdery sands, swaying palms and turquoise waters.

The islands off the coast near Sihanoukville have something for everyone, from die-hard party people to folks seeking sun-kissed solitude. All you need to do to find beach perfection in Cambodia is pick your island, select your beach, and sprawl on the sand surrounded by warm, clear waters. There's a reason many visitors to Cambodia check in and decide to never checkout!

Whether you crave a crowd or a calm escape, here's our guide to the best beaches in Cambodia.

Long Beach, Koh Rong

Best for serene sands.

Hugging the western shore of Koh Rong , Long Beach is the island's finest escape, an almost empty stretch of beyond-beautiful sands running for 7km (4.3 miles). The powder-like sand is so squeaky soft you might be forgiven for thinking there had been an explosion in a baby powder factory. It's sometimes known as 7km Beach thanks to its length, and it's also confusingly known as Sok San Beach or Royal Sands Beach in honor of the resorts that lie at the northern and southern ends of this castaway dream. In case it looks familiar, the strip was used as a key filming location for the popular US television series Survivor .

Saracen Bay, Koh Rong Sanloem

Best for an easy escape from sihanoukville.

Blessed with endless sands and teeming jungles, Koh Rong Sanloem is a vision of tropical perfection. The island has three main settlements, each with its own distinct personality, but there's no doubt that crescent-shaped Saracen Bay is the most beautiful, with a graceful curve of white sand wrapping around the island’s eastern shoreline. There are resorts to suit every budget strung along its 2.5km (1.5 miles) of sand, and this popular bay is well connected to Sihanoukville on the mainland by high-powered speedboats.

Summer yoga session on a beach on Koh Rong, Cambodia

Long Set Beach, Koh Rong

Best for a low-key island experience.

Also known as 4km Beach thanks to its ample proportions, this is a stunning stretch of sand on the south coast of Koh Rong. It takes its name from one of the first resorts to set up shop here, but it's still relatively undeveloped compared to neighboring Koh Tuch. You'll find a handful of hostels and boutique resorts lined up behind the greenery-backed sands, but it's still pretty peaceful. At the extreme east end of Long Set Beach, behind Koh Rong Hill Beach Resort , a short path leads to nearby Nature Beach, another pretty spray of sand. To the west, Long Set is connected to busy Koh Tuch via a short forest walk, passing the rather lovely Treehouse Bungalows .

Otres Beach, Sihanoukville

Best for a quick mainland beach trip.

Skip the overdeveloped beaches in Sihanoukville City and head out to Otres Beach , a seemingly boundless strip of casuarinas and blinding white sand. Despite some mega-developments inland from the sand, the beach itself is still very beautiful, and the 2km (1.2 mile) stretch between Otres 1 Beach and Otres 2 Beach remains relatively undeveloped. Keep your eyes looking out to the infinite horizon so the tropical bubble won't be burst by the construction underway onshore. This is a light and easily accessible version of the Cambodian beach experience for those who don’t have time to chill out on the islands.

Jetty running into the sea on the beach at Ream National Park

Ream Beach, Sihanoukville

Best for wildlife and boat trips.

Ream National Park may not be one of Cambodia’s most celebrated protected areas, but it is home to some of the country’s finest beaches, many of which remain relatively undeveloped. Travelers who make the effort to visit Ream can take boat trips through coastal mangroves and wander along long stretches of unspoiled sand. The park is home to breeding populations of several endangered birds of prey and there are sometimes dolphins or porpoises frolicking in the waves where the river meets the sea. When it comes to choosing a strip of sand, Ream Beach has its charm marred slightly by lines of barbecue shacks – if you're planning to take a chill pill for the day, head for Prek Chak Beach and Koh Sramoch Beach.

Lazy Beach, Koh Rong Sanloem

Best for a family getaway.

On the southwest coast of Koh Rong Sanloem, this idyllic hideaway is home to one of the most stunning beaches you’ll find anywhere. There is only one place to stay here, Lazy Beach , the agreeably rustic resort that gave the beach its name. The basic bungalows have balconies and hammocks to take in the splendor of the sands, and the combined restaurant and common area is well-stocked with books and board games, making this beach a good fit for families.

A mother and kids snorkeling in clear tropical water on an empty beach on Koh wrong, Cambodia

Lagoon Beach, Koh Kong Island

Best for crystal waters.

Cambodia’s largest island towers over seas so crystal-clear you can almost make out individual grains of sand in the shallow waters. The island has seven beaches, lined up along the west coast, and backed by coconut palms and lush vegetation, just as you’d expect in a tropical paradise. Several of the best beaches are at the mouths of little streams – we strongly recommend the sixth beach, known as Lagoon Beach, where a narrow channel leads to a hidden lagoon.

Koh Ta Khiev, Sihanoukville

Best for a low-key island getaway.

If your dream beach escape involves switching off and tuning out, then the little island of Koh Ta Khiev, off the coast near Ream National Park, will tick all the right boxes. Although developers are circling, for the moment the southern tip of the island retains its castaway mood, with a clutch of delightfully bohemian and eco-friendly budget digs and the impressive Long Beach to sprawl on. This is where the backpacking vibe of Otres Village lives on under the watchful gaze of high-rise Sihanoukville.

Beach in the Koh Sdach archipelago near Botum Sakor National Park, Cambodia

Koh Sdach Islands, Koh Kong

Best for secluded snorkeling and diving.

Just off the southwest tip of Botum Sakor National Park , the Koh Sdach Archipelago is a castaway cluster of 12 small islands, many of which have good snorkeling and scuba diving. The main island, Koh Sdach (King's Island), lacks beaches but it's a great place to experience island life without the crowds. From here you can hire a boat to explore nearby islands with blissfully empty beaches, including Koh Totang, the sand spits of the Koh Ampil islets and the long white beaches on either side of Koh Smach. This is definitely one for adventurous beachcombers.

Lonely Beach, Koh Rong

Best for sustainable living.

Lonely Beach is an idyllic traveler bolthole hidden away on a private beach at Koh Rong's northern tip. There is a strong commitment to sustainability at this low-key resort – the cute bungalows and open-air dorms are breeze-cooled and all water is dispensed via coconut-shell scoop. High season brings excursions to other islands, snorkeling trips and nightly banquets on the beach. Don't be surprised if you never want to leave; some travelers who end up here extend their stay by months.

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Beaches and Islands of Cambodia

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Koh Tonsay Island

Ream National Park Beaches and Islands

Koh Sampouch Beach

Koh Thmei and Koh Seh Islands

Otres Beaches

by This Life Of Travel

Sihanoukville Mainland Beaches

Serendipity Beach

Ratanak Beach

Cambodia’s Southern Islands and Their Beaches

Koh Rong Island

White Beach

Longset Beach

Sok San Beach

Lonely Beach

Coconut Beach

Koh Rong Sanloem Island

Saracen Bay

M’Pai Bay Beach

Koh Ta Kiev Island and Its Beaches

Plankton Beach

Song Saa Island

Koh Russey Island

Koh Totang and Koh Sdach Islands

Koh Kong Island

How to Get to Cambodia’s Beaches and Islands

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Cambodia - from the temples to the islands

Temples of Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat at dawn

History of Angkor Wat

Religion and politics in Cambodia

What to see in Angkor

Song Saa Private Island

Song Saa Private Island history

Environmental tourism in Cambodia

Song Saa Private Island villas

Eating in Cambodia

Cambodia travel information

Introduction

An independent travel guide to Cambodia

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Absolute highlights

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Tropical islands

Nature lovers

Ruins and rivers

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