The Cambodian coastline is far smaller than those of neighboring Vietnam or Thailand (but obviously larger than that of land-locked Laos).
While relatively small, there are several distinct beach destinations that vary from chilled-out, former-colonial chic (Kep) to hedonistic beach party vibe (Sihanoukville) to unspoiled and idyllic coastal nature (Koh Kong).
Separating the coast and the interior of the kingdom are Cambodia’s two tallest mountain ranges, those of the Cardamom and Elephant Mountains. These two densely forested mountain ranges contain some of the last remaining pristine areas of their kind in Southeast Asia, and visitors can enjoy some exotic flora and fauna by visiting a national park or eco-tourism project in a rural village.
Koh Kong is the westernmost coastal province, bordering Thailand and offering visitors a picturesque and lengthy stretch of undeveloped coastline. The province capital of the same name caters to visitors with a decent selection of accommodation and dining facilities while the interior, which stretches up into the Cardamom Mountains, offers adventurous travelers the opportunity to participate in eco-tourism activities in small, remote villages.
Southeast of Koh Kong is the small province of Sihanoukville (formerly Kampong Som), where Cambodia’s only seaport is located. Sihanoukville is a bit of a beach-boomtown, with tourism both on the coast and on numerous offshore islands fostering major development. While the beaches near the town are still a great alternative to overdeveloped Thai resort areas, Sihanoukville still offers some outstanding natural beauty, including Ream National Park.
Kampot province is best known for the capital city (um…town) of the same name and nearby Bokor National Park. The former is situated along the picturesque Kampot River (its near, but not on the coast), which is great to swim in at night because of bioluminescent plankton in the water and fireflies in the trees. The latter, famous for its large mountain that can be visited on a day-trip, though many nature lovers looking for a rich array of native flora and fauna may be disappointed by the tourism development atop Bokor Mountain.
Nearby Kep, located close to the border with Vietnam, is a beach town with a rich colonial history and some fine coastal scenery to boot. While its tourism popularity is growing once again, don’t expect stunning beaches and a whole lot to do; Kep is both pretty and pretty low key but its not the ultimate beach resort town, just a charming seaside town with pepper farms, caves, and great seafood.
Koh Tonsai, or Rabbit Island, is Kep’s most well-known attraction. Offering two beaches that are better than those on the mainland (particularly for swimming), Kep is accessible by boats from Kep and a small community residing on the island provides food and refreshments to day trippers.
Where to Go
Cities
- Krong Koh Kong: Beaches, waterfalls, and casinos are this border town’s main attractions.
- Sihanoukville: This town (and nearby islands) is quickly regaining its status as Cambodia’s leading beach resort.
- Kampot: Ruins of French colonial homes line the riverbank of this quiet and relaxing town famous for its pepper.
- Kep: A beach, a mountain, three major caves, and Cambodia’s best crabs are some of the attractions of this “town” full of abandoned colonial villas.
- Sre Ambel: jungles and limestone mountains surround this laid back village just across the river from Koh Kong.
Islands & Beaches
[need Sihanoukville islands: Koh Rung, Koh Rong Saloem]
- Koh Tonsay: Rabbit Island, as this island off Kep’s coast is known in English, offers the best beaches in the province.
- Koh Kong Island: Featuring one of Southeast Asia’s finest beaches, because Koh Kong Island can be challenging to get to as there is no tourism infrastructure.
- Otres Beach: the most peaceful (and most undeveloped) of Sihanoukville’s nearby beaches.
- Ochheuteal Beach: Also known as Serendipity Beach, Ochheuteal is currently Cambodia’s most popular beach for young party people.
- Kep Beach: this pebbly beach is an ideal sunbathing, though less so for swimming.
- Koh Thmei and Koh Ses: these two scenic islands belong to Ream National Park.
National Parks
- Bokor National Park: this park’s tropical jungles, waterfalls, and Elephant Mountains can best be seen from the mist-shrouded hill station.
- Ream National Park: Mangroves, beaches, reefs, and exotic wildlife species can all be found in this park near Sihanoukville Airport.
- Botum Sakor National Park: This national park is a peninsula situated near the Cardamom Mountains on the Gulf of Thailand’s coast.
- Kep National Park: this national park occupies the mountain in the center of Kep and offers some great day-trip hiking.
- Phnom Sankos Wildlife Sanctuary: Three majestic mountains, including Cambodia’s second highest peak, dominate this wildlife sanctuary’s landscape near the Thai border.
Other Destinations
- Stung Phong Roul: a dense jungle surrounds this waterfall, just a boat ride away from Sre Ambel.
- Kampong Pier Nup Lok: the breathtaking views from this small fishing port are worth the detour from Sihanoukville.
- Teuk Chhou Zoo: elephants and tigers are just two of the exotic wildlife species visitors can see in this small private zoo near Kep. [this place is HORRIBLE]
Provinces
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Kampot Province: Cambodia’s southernmost province is a popular destination for those who want to explore Bokor National Park and the town of Kampot, which features a beautiful river and charming pepper farms.
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Kep Province: This former French-colonial beach resort is once again a popular holiday destination for Phnom Penh residents for its colonial mansions/ruins and inexpensive crab.
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Koh Kong Province: This once remote town on the border of Thailand is most famous for its casinos, but offers some outstanding wilderness for those willing to explore.
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Sihanoukville Province: The most popular beach resort destination in Cambodia, if connections to Siem Reap via air continue, it will only get more popular. Get to the islands off the coast while they are still pristine!
Getting There
List any border crossings]Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (where Cambodia’s two international airports are located) are well connected to the coastal area; Kep, Kampot, and Sihanoukville are only 2-4 hours from the capital city via bus or taxi, while flights from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville were once again available as of 2012. Koh Kong was once only accessible via the Thai border, but is now connected to Sihanoukville by a well sealed road. Regular bus and taxi services connect all the coastal provinces.
Getting Around
The provincial capitals of the coastal region are best explored by rental bicycle or motorbike, though the latter may result in the occasional $5 fine simply for being a foreigner. Otherwise, there are tuk tuks, motorbike taxis, and other transportation providers in these highly touristy areas that can take you around to nearby attractions for a negotiable rate. Some islands, including Rabbit Island and Koh Rung, are serviced by regular ferry boats.
Need to Know
- Worth it?: Definitely, there are beaches that will suit both young and old as each beach resort area offers a different atmosphere and some excellent natural attractions.
- What to do: Party in Sihanoukville, visit pristine islands that have yet to become overdeveloped, eat crab and ride bicycles around Kep, take a night swim in the Kampot River, head into the mountains for an eco-tourism outing or rural village home-stay, or go diving/snorkeling.
- Best time to go: In the dry season months that fall between November (when it starts to get cool) and April (when its too hot and dry to be elsewhere in Cambodia).
- How long?: At least a week, perhaps longer if you want to visit islands or do an eco-tourism excursion.
- Trivia: Sihanoukville features Cambodia’s only deep water oceanic port.