5 Cambodia’s islands you need to visit

 

Cambodia has some beautiful beaches on its south coast that are less known among travellers. Whether you prefer lounging on an isolated shore or taking it easy after all-night parties, Cambodia has an island for you. Visit one of the islands to complete your trip to Cambodia.

 

Koh Rong

Koh Rong, now a famous party destination among backpackers doing the Southeast Asia loop, is a tale of two halves. The island can be divided into two areas: the bustling Koh Tuch village and the largely undeveloped rest of the island, which includes a few remote resorts and small fishing villages. Despite development plans, this area remains largely untouched. Koh Tuch Beach is also long enough to provide a peaceful escape from the crowds. If you are looking for dance parties and Mekong whisky buckets, Koh Tuch village is the place to be. During the day, visitors can exercise their adventurous side by swinging through the treetops at High Point Rope Adventure. However, the real highlight of the island is Long Set Beach, which stretches for 7km along the western shore. It is a popular spot, so expect crowds. Many visitors take boat trips to Long Beach for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.

 

 

Koh Totang

Koh Totang is situated in the Koh Sdach Archipelago and boasts a castaway vibe with impressive eco-credentials. The island’s only resort, Nomads Land, is beautifully secluded on the shore and exemplifies sustainable chic. The five bungalows are colourful and quirky, making them a dream for bohemian beachcombers. They are strung with hammocks and have plenty of cozy deck corners for relaxing. Despite their rustic charm, the bungalows are equipped with solar power for electricity, rainwater for drinking, and composting toilets and bucket showers for bathrooms.

 

 

Koh Ta Kiev

Koh Ta Kiev offers budget resorts on the west and southwest shorelines, providing options to sleep in hammocks, under canvas, or in dorms and basic huts. Two of the best options for a back-to-basics communal beach-bum life are Ten 103 and The Last Point. However, the fingerprints of big development are becoming more apparent with a road being built through the thick jungle interior to service a planned luxury resort on the north shore. Construction appears to have been delayed for the time being. However, if you wish to experience a traditional sandy beach, it is recommended to visit as soon as possible.

 

 

Koh Thmei

Koh Thmei, an almost uninhabited island surrounded by mangrove forests, is located off Ream National Park. The only establishment on the island is the intimate and ecologically conscious Koh Thmei Resort. This island is an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts. The beach is covered with exotic shells, and there is a coral reef for snorkelling just offshore. Moreover, the jungle interior is home to over a hundred species of birds.

 

 

Koh Rong Sanloem

Koh Rong Sanloem offers a wide sweep of sheltered Saracen Bay, which is the perfect beach idyll. There are at least 12 small-scale bungalow resorts built of wood and palm thatch, which sit in harmony with the dense jungle that hugs the shore. Intimate Cita Resort offers two-tiered bungalows with open-air bathrooms and hammock porches, while Secret Paradise’s bungalows exude effortless beach-casual glamour. For a more secluded getaway, head to the west of the island for a sand-between-your-toes living experience. Lazy Beach, the oldest resort on Koh Rong Sanloem, is a hideaway on the beach of the same name, perfect for hammock-swinging and sunset cocktails. Further north is Sunset Beach, which has just a couple of simple places on the sand.

 

 

Travel tips

• Ferries depart for Koh Tuch Beach on Koh Rong and Saracen Bay and M’Pai Bay on Koh Rong Sanloem at least three times daily from Sihanoukville. Journey time is under an hour, and schedules change seasonally. Private boats provided by the resorts are required for all other destinations.
• The high season is from November to March, with the peak period in December and January when places fill up quickly and prices are at their highest. From June, the rainy season begins.
• However, this is also a great time to find affordable bungalows. Remember to bring enough cash as there are no banks or ATMs on the islands. Additionally, bring sunscreen, insect repellent for the sandflies, and a flashlight.

 

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