While many travelers may be familiar with Cambodia’s rich cultural history and popular attractions like the temples of Angkor Wat, this Southeast Asian country offers something more—a vast coastline stretching nearly 300 miles along the Gulf of Thailand. Beyond this extensive coastline, Cambodia boasts 60 offshore islands, many of which beckon as ideal holiday destinations, promising pristine beaches for relaxation and exploration. Some of the country’s most exquisite resorts are tucked away on these picturesque islands.

Cambodia’s beach destinations can be found in four of its provinces: Sihanoukville, Kampot, Koh Kong, and Kep. These beaches offer a diverse range of experiences, from secluded and unspoiled shores adorned with occasional fishermen’s shacks, as seen on Koh Rong Samloem, to well-developed beachfront areas with luxurious hotels, akin to those in Sihanoukville.

Start planning your tropical escape by perusing our list of Cambodia’s top beaches.

Otres Beach

Cambodian Beach is situated within the resort city of Sihanoukville but is distanced enough to provide a more secluded experience. Otres Beach in Sihanoukville can be reached in just a five-minute moto-taxi ride from downtown or the nearby Ochheuteal Beach, which is the primary tourist beach in the area. The water at Otres Beach is notably cleaner and clearer, and instead of resort hotels, you’ll find a line of tall casuarina and palm trees along the shoreline.

Accommodations at Otres Beach range from small boutique hotels and independent resorts to family-operated beachfront guesthouses. The beach is divided into two sections, Otres 1 and Otres 2, separated by a resort. Otres 1 tends to be more bustling, while Otres 2, situated farther down the coast, is less developed.

Koh Tonsay

Also known as Rabbit Island due to its shape, this secluded and undeveloped beach resort area is located just off the southern part of the Cambodian coast, near the border with Vietnam. The beaches here vary; some are relatively narrow and gently sloping, featuring coarse brown sand, while others are wide and flat, adorned with fine white sand. In both cases, these beaches are fringed by tall rows of trees. The water is pristine and transparent, making it an ideal beach for swimming and snorkeling.

Access to the island is by a 20-minute boat ride from the city of Kep. Besides its stunning beaches, the island is a favored destination for fishing. Visitors can either join a fishing boat excursion for a few hours or try their luck fishing from the beach or one of the docks.

Ream Beach

Ream Beach is situated within Ream National Park, which is located approximately 30 minutes from Sihanoukville City. This expansive natural reserve encompasses a lengthy stretch of unspoiled beach. Along the shoreline, you will find some simple fishermen’s shacks and a handful of small, family-owned beach cafes. Additionally, there are shaded seating areas equipped with rows of hammocks. Adjacent to the beach is a mangrove wetlands area. It serves as an excellent destination to seek respite from the crowds often found at some of Sihanoukville’s more bustling beaches, particularly during weekends or holidays.

Despite its status as a national park, this area is also home to a local community consisting of around 5,000 families engaged in farming, fishing, or running tourist-related enterprises. Moreover, Ream Beach enjoys proximity to Sihanoukville Airport, making it accessible for travelers arriving or departing by air.

Serendipity Beach

On occasions when you’re traveling with children or have limited time to spare, you may seek out a spacious beach equipped with ample facilities and dining options. Serendipity Beach, situated right in Sihanoukville, fits this description perfectly. While it may not provide a tranquil or secluded atmosphere, it offers an expansive shoreline, lifeguards on duty, and gentle waves suitable for swimming. Additionally, you will discover a lengthy pier and a beachfront area brimming with lodging options, stores, and cafes.

What’s more, the beach’s close proximity to Sihanoukville City means that just a short walk away, you’ll find an abundance of additional shops and restaurants.

Victory Beach

If you have limited time for the beach, Victory Beach is a convenient option as it is located near Sihanoukville City, right next to the new port, yet it provides a pleasant and somewhat secluded ambiance. Several beach shacks, small cafes, and tourist businesses offering raft and umbrella rentals can be found here. There is also a small pier that extends into the sea, suitable for fishing or sightseeing. While the views may be marred by the construction cranes from the nearby port development, this actually helps in keeping the crowds at bay.

Victory Beach tends to be much less crowded compared to its more popular and developed neighboring beaches like Serendipity. When you’re ready for a meal after a day at the beach, you can stroll up from the shore to the trendy Victory Hill neighborhood.

Sok San Beach

Koh Rong, located off the coast of Sihanoukville, is renowned for its extensive scenic coastline and unspoiled beaches. Among the island’s most renowned beaches is Sok San Beach, which is also referred to as Long Beach and 7km Beach due to its considerable size. You can reach Sok San Beach either by foot or by boat. 

The television series Survivor was recently filmed in Sok San, leading to a significant increase in tourism. Nevertheless, it remains a stunning and uncrowded destination ideal for enjoying the water and snorkeling. After sunset, the phosphorescent water creates a sparkling spectacle when disturbed, making it a compelling reason to visit at night.

Koh Thmei

Situated just off the Sihanoukville headland, Koh Thmei is an island that is part of the Ream National Park. This island is relatively compact and offers only one lodging option. While it may lack extensive infrastructure or attractions, Koh Thmei is a stunning destination known for its breathtaking beaches.

Visitors can engage in activities such as bird watching or dolphin spotting in the Gulf, and they have the opportunity to explore the nearby reef with a mask and snorkel. The experience of staying in beachfront bungalows adds to the tropical charm of Koh Thmei.

Sokha Beach

Sokha Beach in Sihanoukville stands out as a privately owned beach, which contributes to its reputation as one of the less crowded mainland beaches. It is celebrated for its cleanliness and safety, providing an ideal setting for sunbathing and relaxation. Visitors are required to pay an entrance fee for a day at the beach, or they can choose to stay at the resort conveniently situated right on the beachfront. 

Beyond snorkeling, sunbathing, and sampling local cuisine, you can embark on a fantastic coastal hike that connects Serendipity Beach and Sokha Beach, offering breathtaking scenic vistas.

Koh Pos

Just off the Sihanoukville coast lies Koh Pos, which translates to Snake Island. Koh Pos is relatively accessible compared to many other Cambodian islands, thanks to a small bridge known as Techo Morakot Bridge. This bridge leads to the lush, green island with picturesque rocky beaches. 

The island’s focal point is the appropriately named Treasure Island Seafood Restaurant, which serves as a hub for visitors seeking waterfront dining, scenic vistas, and a bounty of seafood. A short stroll from the beach takes you into the jungle, a habitat inhabited by a diverse range of wildlife, including monkeys and pythons.

Coral Beach

Just off the coast of Southwest Cambodia, near the Ream National Park, lies the island of Koh Ta Kiev. While the island has seen some development, much of it remains pristine and untouched. Koh Ta Kiev offers several beaches to explore, with one of the most picturesque ones being Coral Beach. 

This tropical beach provides accommodation options as well as food and drinks, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind while still enjoying comfort. Accessible by boat, you can even opt to rent a hammock for the day. When you visit, you can partake in activities like snorkeling, cliff diving, or even spearfishing.

Koh Russey

Koh Russey, also known as Bamboo Island, boasts a stunning, mile-long private beach that remains unspoiled. The gently sloping beach is bordered by a line of tall mangroves and palm trees, providing welcome shade during the sunniest parts of the day.

This Cambodian Island is home to the luxurious Koh Russey Villas & Resort, regarded as one of the finest resorts in Cambodia and a part of the Small Luxury Resorts of the World collection. The resort offers individual villas and pavilions, ranging from one to four bedrooms, all elegantly designed and furnished. Additionally, the resort features a full-service spa and exceptional dining options. Access to the island is provided by the resort’s private ferry, which docks near Ream for arrivals and departures.

Kep Beach

Kep is a sizable coastal town located in the southern part of Cambodia, near the border with Vietnam. Known as Krong Kaeb, this town boasts a delightful beach area that strikes a perfect balance between development and natural beauty. While the beach itself retains its raw and unspoiled character, the beachfront promenade features charming cafés and market stalls where you can select your own fresh seafood and fruit. Kep Beach is renowned for its exceptional, freshly caught seafood.

What adds to the allure of this area is its historical significance. Kep served as a former French beach resort that gained popularity during and after the era of French Colonialism when Cambodia was a protectorate of France from 1863 to 1953. Some of the architectural styles and broad streets in Kep harken back to the days of French rule. During the 1950s and 60s, Kep was the focal point of what was known as the Khmer Riviera.

Visitors to the beach will find vendors offering rentals of rafts, boogie boards, umbrellas, and beach chairs. The beach itself underwent a significant renovation by the government a few years ago, involving the importation of substantial amounts of sand from other areas to create an extensive recreational beach.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Cambodia: Best Areas & Hotels

FAQs

Q:  Are Cambodia’s beaches crowded with tourists?

A: Cambodia’s beaches are generally less crowded than those in neighboring countries, making them a great choice for a peaceful getaway.

Q:  What is the best time to visit Cambodia’s beaches?

A: The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from November to April, for sunny skies and calm seas.

Q: Is Cambodia safe for travelers?

A: Yes, Cambodia is considered safe for tourists, but like any destination, it’s essential to take usual precautions and stay informed about local conditions.

Q: Are there water sports activities available on these beaches?

A: Yes, you can enjoy activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and jet-skiing at various beaches in Cambodia.

Q: Can I find vegetarian or vegan food options at these beach destinations?

A: Yes, most beach areas in Cambodia offer a variety of dining options, including vegetarian and vegan-friendly choices.