The 5 Best Cambodia Beaches

Think of Cambodia and beaches might not instantly come to mind, but our five favorites could give Thailand beaches a run for their money...

Image

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 snorkeling 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 Russey

Image

An island escape, Koh Russey

Located just a 15-minute speed boat ride from the Cambodian mainland, Koh Russey (also known as Bamboo Island) is an undeveloped island paradise. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, it is home to pristine bays and tropical jungle.

This is one of our favorite places to escape and unwind and, with only two hotels on the island, you are guaranteed a peaceful stay. The JATI offers contemporary villas, designed for those seeking a laid-back yet refined escape. Catch a movie at the outdoor beach cinema, take a boat tour through the mangroves or learn about the local cuisine with a Khmer cookery demonstration. There are also plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and stand-up paddle boarding or you can simply sit back and sip a cocktail by your very own private plunge pool.

#4. Koh Krabey

Image

Stay at the Six Senses. Photo Credit: EXO Travel

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 parlor. 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

Image

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 kilometers 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 favorite beach resorts).

Nearby, there are beautiful coral reefs perfect for snorkeling 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

Image

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 dove or snorkel around.

#1. Koh Rong Samloem

Image

Stormy skies on 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" while Saracen Bay on the other side is relaxed and peaceful. The water here is absolutely still, just like a mirror, and the crescent beach stretches for 2.5 km. The boutique resort La Passion by Achariyak is one of the nicest options here, with the beach to the front and jungle to the back. With something for everyone, it's one of our favorite beaches in Cambodia 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.