The Most Beautiful Beaches in Cambodia

As Cambodia’s largest and most developed island, Koh Rong tends to get all the attention, with the majority of travellers heading straight to Koh Toch. However, peace remains easy to find, thanks to the island’s 28 beaches. Long Beach (also referred to as Sok San Beach) is undoubtedly one of its finest, with the 4mi (7km) stretch of blindingly white sand that crunches beneath your feet accompanied by vividly clear waters. A true tropical paradise, the coastline provided the setting for the 32nd season of the reality TV show Survivor. It is home to a sprinkling of guesthouses, upmarket Sok San Resort and the recently-opened, luxurious five-star Royal Sands Koh Rong.

The clue is in the name, with Lonely Beach sitting at the isolated northern tip of Koh Rong. Development is yet to hit the area and there remains only one resort here, meaning you pretty much have this secluded paradise to yourself. If you’re lucky, a late-night dip may light up the waters, as bioluminescent plankton like to hang out here. But do make sure you pack all the essentials, because there isn’t a shop in sight.

While the island of Koh Rong Samloem is far from overrun by tourists, if you truly want to escape, then head to Lazy Beach on the west of the island. It’s a 40-minute walk through the jungle — or Lazy Beach resort guests can take a speedboat from Sihanoukville. Away from the main tourist beach of Saracen Bay, the long stretch of pristine beach here provides the perfect prescription to follow its namesake: kick back, relax and immerse yourself in tropical island life.

Although undoubtedly still a quieter alternative to Sihanoukville’s other offerings, Otres is becoming increasingly built-up, with concrete accommodation that includes swimming pools and AC. These buildings almost outnumber the bamboo huts that line the sand. Boasting a chilled-out vibe, Otres Beach attracts the more laidback traveller. The beach is edged by shacks selling food and drinks, as well as cheap places to rest. On the other side of the dirt track sits more upmarket accommodation and even more upcoming bars and restaurants.

Koh Tonsay, also known as Rabbit Island, sits about a 20-minute boat ride from Kep. Development is sparse on the small island, with accommodation in the form of a few basic wooden huts on the shoreline. Most visitors stop off at the island for the day to splash in the shallow waters, feast on the local food served from the few basic restaurants and relax in the hammocks that swing beneath the palm trees.

The sleepy coastal town of Kep is a popular getaway with the Cambodian crowd and is often packed on weekends – with families picnicking in the shade, splashing about in the sea in their jeans and T-shirts and gorging on freshly caught crab from the nearby market. Starting as a small stretch of beach, it underwent an upgrade in 2013 when white sand was shipped in from other parts of the country. A shaded promenade is peppered with small stalls, selling food and drinks and swimming tubes, parasols and seats for hire.

Okay, so technically this isn’t a beach, but it’s such a beautiful spot, we didn’t want to leave it off the list. Plus, there’s a makeshift beach at the resort that lines a small stretch of the river, complete with sunbeds, tables and chairs – so we’re not entirely cheating. Since opening in 2017, Sabay Beach has become a popular spot to take in the tranquil riverside life that’s just under a mile out of town along the Kampot River. Take a boat trip through the mangroves, go paddleboarding, take a dip in the river or simply relax on the “beach” and enjoy the panoramic views.