The 5 Best Cambodia Beaches
Think of Cambodia and beaches might not instantly come to mind, but our five favourites could give Thailand beaches a run for their money...
For many, Thailand's famous stretches of sand and picturesque islands are what spring to mind when you think of the Southeast Asian coastline. But Cambodia's islands and beaches are strong contenders for idyllic sun-soaking and snorkelling spots, where, unlike Thailand, crowds won't cramp your style.
If spending time on an untouched beach sounds like the ideal conclusion to your trip, we can safely say that Cambodia has some of the best. Here's our top five.
#5. Koh Trong
Stay at the Soriyabori Villas Resort
Undoubtedly one of the prettiest places in Cambodia. It's not technically on the coast, but Koh Trong is a beautiful, quiet and very, very rural sandbar in Northern Cambodia. For eight months of the year it's surrounded by powder white sand and sunny beaches – before the rains come and the green season sets in.
See the best of this tiny island by horse and cart, or on a bike. Weave through picture-perfect villages, see endangered fresh water Irrawaddy Dolphins, or simply kick back and enjoy the pristine beach.
#4. Koh Krabey
If you're in the market for something a little more luxurious, the 30-acre private island of Koh Krabey – home of the Six Senses Resort – is hard to beat. A stay here doesn't come cheap, but it's worth every penny as you enjoy Khmer-inspired treatments at the in-house spa, go paddle boarding on the warm sea, and help yourself to unlimited free scoops from the ice cream parlour. Only 15 minutes by boat from the mainland, this is barefoot luxury at its very best, in the most beautiful of settings.
#3. Koh Rong
The luminous waters of Long Beach
Imagine Thailand – minus 20+ years of tourism and development and you come close to picturing Koh Rong – a tropical paradise you'll never want to leave.
It's about a 40-minute boat ride from the mainland, and as you approach the island all you can see is greenery. As you get closer, there is sparse development around the port, but it's mostly guesthouses on pristine white sandy beaches.
Long Beach (also known as Sok San Beach) is the most spectacular of them all, with seven kilometres of calm, clear waters and fine white sand. Stay at Royal Sands Koh Rong and you'll have it all on your doorstep – or head to the equally lovely Pagoda Beach and stay at Tamu Koh Rong (another of our favourite beach resorts).
Nearby, there are beautiful coral beach and reefs perfect for snorkelling or scuba diving, and the whole area is surrounded by dense rainforest. Why head to Thailand's beaches after a trip to Cambodia, when this paradise awaits on your doorstep?
#2. Song Saa Private Island
Stay at the Song Saa Resort
The most luxurious, unique and incredible place to experience in Cambodia. Song Saa (meaning "sweethearts" in Khmer) consists of two small private islands off the coast of Sihanoukville that are linked with a footbridge – hence ‘sweetheart’ islands.
One of the islands has been left as a nature reserve. The other has a private resort featuring 26 individual pool villas (including Maldivian style over-water villas). While the private beach here is very small (as are the islands), the whole area is truly idyllic. The waters around the islands have been designated as a protected marine area – coral reefs provide an abundance of sea life to dive or snorkel around.
#1. Koh Rong Samloem
Just a hop, skip and a jump from Koh Rong, its big brother next door, Koh Rong Samloem has swaying coconut trees, hammocks, fine white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters... in short, everything you could possibly want from the perfect beach break.
Koh Rong Samloem is a small island with only two sides to it. Lazy Beach on one side is a little livelier and more "backpackery" (ironic, considering the name) while Saracen Bay on the other side is quieter. The water here is absolutely still, just like a mirror. Even with the recent addition of new beachfront hotels, it's still one of my favourite Cambodia beaches and in all of Southeast Asia.
Flip flops and snorkel at the ready?
Our Kingdom of Adventure itinerary concludes with a stay on Koh Rong Island, but you can add a beach extension to any of our Southeast Asian trips. Contact our team of specialists to start planning your own tailor-made trip to Cambodia.
