Beach Guide

Best Beaches in Cambodia 2025

Discover the most beautiful beaches and coastal experiences in Cambodia.

Cambodia captivates visitors with the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, French colonial architecture, and pristine tropical beaches. From the bustling capital of Phnom Penh to the serene countryside, Cambodia offers an unforgettable blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.

Top 10 Beaches

The best beaches Cambodia has to offer.

1

Otres Beach

Relaxed backpacker and boutique resort beach8 km south of Sihanoukville center

One of Cambodia's most beautiful and still-relaxed beaches, with calm blue water, soft sand, and a laid-back atmosphere. Otres Beach has seen sustainable development with boutique bungalows and beach bars while avoiding over-commercialization.

sunbedsbeach barsrestaurantsbungalow accommodationkayak rental
2

Long Set Beach

Party and backpacker beach45 minutes by speedboat from Sihanoukville

The main beach on Koh Rong Island, famous for its white sand, turquoise water, and vibrant nightlife. The beach is equally known for its extraordinary bioluminescent plankton visible on dark nights.

beach barsrestaurantsguesthousesboat tripsdiving schools
3

Saracen Bay

Quiet relaxation and snorkeling1 hour by speedboat from Sihanoukville

The calm, sheltered bay on Koh Rong Samloem is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and total relaxation. Clear waters with excellent visibility, coral gardens, and fewer crowds than Koh Rong make this a favorite.

small restaurantsbungalowssnorkeling gear rentalhammocksdiving day trips
4

Rabbit Island (Koh Tunsay)

Peaceful day-trip island20 minutes by boat from Kep fishing village

A small, car-free island off the coast of Kep with several beautiful sandy beaches and minimal development. The island is ideal for a peaceful day trip with fresh barbecued seafood on the beach.

seafood BBQ restaurantshammocksbungalow accommodationsnorkelingboat rental
5

Sok San Beach

Secluded and pristine2 hours by boat from Sihanoukville or 45 min from Koh Rong village

A long, deserted beach on the western coast of Koh Rong accessible only by boat. Crystal-clear water, powder-white sand, and dense jungle make this feel like a remote paradise far from crowds.

a few beach bungalowsbasic restaurantskayak rental
6

Koh Ta Kiev Beach

Eco-camping and off-grid retreat1 hour by boat from Sihanoukville

One of Cambodia's few remaining undeveloped island beaches, accessible only by private boat arrangement. The island has several camp sites and basic eco-lodges with incredible untouched beaches.

eco-lodgescampingjungle hikingsnorkelingbioluminescent plankton swimming
7

Ochheuteal Beach

Busy resort beach3 km south of Sihanoukville center

Sihanoukville's largest beach with a long stretch of sand, beach clubs, and restaurants. While busy, it offers good infrastructure for a full beach day with easy access from town.

beach clubsrestaurantssunbeds and umbrellasjet ski rentalmassage services

Beaches by Vibe

Find the perfect beach for your style.

Relaxing

Quiet & Peaceful

Koh Rong Samloem's Saracen Bay and Rabbit Island near Kep offer the quietest beach experiences in Cambodia, ideal for couples and travelers seeking total relaxation without bars or nightlife.

Family

Family-Friendly

Otres Beach in Sihanoukville is the best family option with calm waters, shaded beach bars, and easy access. Rabbit Island also works well for families wanting a simple day trip.

Active

Water Sports

Koh Rong's Long Set Beach and Sihanoukville's Ochheuteal Beach are best for water sports, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and island-hopping adventures.

Social

Lively Scene

Long Set Beach on Koh Rong is Cambodia's most social beach scene, with beach bars, fire dancers, and the famous bioluminescent night swims bringing travelers together.

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Complete Beach Guide

Detailed beach profiles, packing lists, and seasonal recommendations.

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Beach Activities

Things to do at the beach and in the water.

Snorkeling

The waters around Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, and Koh Ta Kiev offer Cambodia's best snorkeling with coral gardens and colorful fish. Visibility is best November to May when seas are calmer.

Best at: Saracen Bay on Koh Rong Samloem and Sok San Beach on Koh Rong

Scuba Diving

Cambodia's islands offer beginner-friendly dive sites at 12-25 meter depths with hard and soft coral, reef fish, and occasional whale sharks in season. PADI certification courses available.

Best at: Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem — several dive schools based in Long Set Beach village

Bioluminescent Night Swimming

Swimming at night through the bioluminescent plankton creates a magical blue glow around your body. Best experienced on dark moonless nights from October to March on Koh Rong.

Best at: Long Set Beach, Koh Rong, and Koh Ta Kiev

Kayaking

Single and double kayaks available for rent at most beaches to explore sea caves, mangroves, and nearby islets. Koh Rong's coastline has excellent kayaking with calm sheltered bays.

Best at: Otres Beach, Saracen Bay, and Koh Ta Kiev

Island Hopping

Speedboat and longtail boat tours connect the main Cambodian islands, allowing a full day visiting multiple beaches, snorkel spots, and fishing villages in one trip.

Best at: Departs from Sihanoukville pier — visits Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, and Koh Ta Kiev

Practical Information

What you need to know before heading to the beach.

Best Season

November to May is best with calm seas and clear water. June to October brings monsoon rains — some islands have limited access during peak storms.

Facilities

Koh Rong Long Set Beach has good restaurant and bar facilities. More remote beaches have minimal facilities — bring snacks, sunscreen, and water.

Access

All islands accessed by speedboat or ferry from Sihanoukville pier. Tickets bookable at pier or through guesthouses. Ferries to Koh Rong from $25 return.

Costs

Speedboat/ferry $25-35 return per person to Koh Rong. Sunbeds free at most beach bars when buying drinks. Snorkel gear rental $5/day, kayak $5-10/hour.

What to Bring

  • Sun protection (high SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
  • Plenty of water to stay hydrated
  • Beach towel or mat
  • Modest swimwear (check local customs)
  • Water shoes for rocky areas
  • Cash for vendors and rentals
  • Waterproof bag for valuables

Beach Safety

Stay safe while enjoying the water.

IMPORTANT

Always check local conditions and follow lifeguard instructions. Swim in designated areas only.

CAUTION

Be aware of currents, tides, and marine life. Don't swim alone or when flags indicate danger.

TIP

Protect yourself from sun. Apply sunscreen regularly and seek shade during peak hours (11am-3pm).

INFO

Keep valuables secure or leave them at your accommodation. Don't leave belongings unattended.

Explore Cambodia's Best Beaches

Get our complete beach guide with seasonal tips, packing checklists, and activity recommendations.

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