When mentioning Cambodia, world travellers often think of the capital, Phnom Penh, or the Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap. Many also ask, “Does Cambodia have a coastline?” and the answer is yes. Although most of this country is landlocked, with 400 kilometers of coastline along the Gulf of Thailand, it remains an attractive destination with stunning Cambodia beaches.
Overview of Beaches in Cambodia
In contrast to some of the more well-known resort locations in Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia’s coastline remains in a blissfully undeveloped state. There are no tall hotel towers lining all of the beaches. Many beaches are still vast sandy expanses, have clear water, and are generally relaxing and peaceful, essentially places where time stands still. If you walk along the tranquil beaches of Koh Rong Samloem or view the sunset at Kep’s quiet beach, your experience will be a personal one rather than one that is shared with everyone else on the beach.
What is particularly attractive about Cambodia beaches is the combination of beautiful tropical island scenery, powdery white sand, a clear turquoise sea, and relatively low prices. Cambodia offers a wide variety of accommodations, from luxurious resorts on private islands to simple bungalows on the beach, that cater to all types of travellers. The beach experience includes snorkelling, island hopping, swimming with bioluminescent plankton, and eating fresh seafood cooked in Cambodia style on the beach.
Top 7 Most Beautiful Cambodia Beaches
Cambodia is a true paradise for those who love to spend their holidays on the beach. Endless white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and naturally stretching coastlines have become the defining image of this Asian country and its islands. Below are some highlights where you can relax in the sun and enjoy the blue sea and white sand scenery on Cambodia beaches.
Long Set Beach (Koh Rong)
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Location: Long Set Beach is located on the southeast side of Koh Rong Island, approximately a 10 to 15 minute boat ride from Koh Touch Pier.
Long Set Beach (also known as 4k Beach) is one of the main attraction beaches in Cambodia, due to having powdery white sand and crystal blue water. Long Set Beach provides a much quieter and larger option than the party-based beach area of Koh Touch, yet it has all the facilities and beachfront resorts.
There are lots of options for things to do at Long Set Beach, including swimming in shallow water, kayaking down the beach, taking a snorkeling tour, and seeing bioluminescent plankton in the water at night.
Good choices for staying at Long Set Beach include Long Set Resort, Pura Vita Resort, and The Royal Sands, which is a luxury resort further down the beach.
Sok San Beach (Koh Rong)
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Location: The western side of Koh Rong, accessible by boat transfer from the main pier.
Sok San Beach is renowned for having a long, wide sandy beach and spectacular views of the sun setting over the water. The beach has a more secluded and private feel than other parts of Koh Rong. This makes Sok San Beach an ideal destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
You can enjoy many activities at Sok San Beach, including taking walks along the beach at sunset, snorkeling, going on boat trips, or just relaxing at your beachfront villa.
Accommodation options on Sok San Beach include both the Sok San Beach Resort and The Royal Sands Koh Rong, which features luxurious villas with private pools.
Perfect for: Honeymooners; luxury travelers; anyone seeking a quiet retreat on an island.
Saracen Bay (Koh Rong Samloem)
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Location: Eastern side of Koh Rong Samloem! Where most ferries arrive!
Saracen Bay is a stunning, half-moon-shaped beach with powdery white sand and shallow, calm waters for swimming. This combination of beachfront boutique-style resorts makes for a perfect location for those looking for a relaxing vacation.
Activities for travelers include paddleboarding, snorkeling, jungle hikes to scenic viewpoints, and sunset boat cruises. Suggested places for lodging include Sara Resort, Sol Beach Resort, and The Secret Garden Koh Rong Samloem.
Great for: Couples, people visiting the island for the first-time, and people looking for a relaxing getaway but would like it to be less crowded.
Lazy Beach (Koh Rong Samloem)
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Position: Western side of Koh Rong Samloem, approximately a 30-minute jungle trek from Saracen Bay.
Lazy Beach is perhaps one of the calmest beaches in Cambodia, encircled by jungle and largely free from construction. The most well-known aspect of the beach is the incredible views of the setting sun over the Gulf of Thailand.
The main activities available on Lazy Beach are relaxing: swimming, snorkeling, watching bioluminescent at night, reading by the ocean, and simply being immersed in nature. The primary accommodation option is the Lazy Beach Resort, providing rustic eco-bungalows directly on the beach.
Who would appreciate Lazy Beach: Digital detoxers, wildlife enthusiasts and those looking for absolute tranquility.
Otres Beach (Sihanoukville)
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Location: Otres Beach is about 5-7 km south of Sihanoukville’s main town center, located on the mainland side of Preah Sihanouk.
Otres Beach offers long stretches of sand without any ferry connections. The growth of urban areas in the city center over the last couple of years was quick, and the southern portion of Otres has maintained a more mellowed vibe, especially to the south in Otres 2.
You can spend the day on the beach with nothing to do but relax, have a drink at one of the many small beach bars, or use Otres as a base while you travel to the islands. It’s an affordable option for budget travellers, and includes hotels such as The White Boutique Hotel, Tamu Hotel, and many other budget guesthouses. You could stay in Otres for a very short period of time, or you would be able to get your head around how to resume your trip to the island!
Best for: Budget travelers, short stays, and those who prefer mainland convenience.
Beach in Kep (Kep Province)
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Location: Town of Kep, 25km from Kampot
Situated in the town of Kep, a 3 to 4 hour driving distance from Phnom Penh, and approximately 25 km from Kampot, this small, crescent-shaped beach has calm waters as well as a welcoming local feel. While the scenery may not be as visually stunning as Koh’s Royal’s beautiful beaches, visitors will enjoy a peaceful experience with a much lower number of tourists.
Activities at the Beach in Kep include swimming, walking along the boardwalk, discovering what else there is to see in the neighboring Kep National Park, and enjoying a fresh crab dinner at the famous crab market located by the Beach in Kep.
Recommended hotels to stay at when visiting Kep Beach include Knai Bang Chatt, Veranda Natural Resort, and there are many boutique-style guesthouses along the ocean with amazing views of the sea.
Suitable for: Kep Beach is perfect for families, foodies, and anyone who loves small, quiet coastal towns.
Ream Beach (Sihanoukville)
Ream Beach is approximately 18 km to the east of Sihanoukville (in proximity to Ream National Park), making it one of the least commercialized beaches in Cambodia. It is surrounded by mangrove trees and tropical plants, allowing visitors to enjoy a natural environment with fewer signs of human development.
The activities available at this beach include kayaking among mangroves, watching wildlife, taking boat trips, and exploring the deserted sandy areas along the shore. Though there are not many options for accommodations, there are a few eco-lodges and boutique hotels within walking distance to Ream Beach.
Who will appreciate: Those who enjoy eco-travel, adventurous outdoor activities, and the beauty of nature will love visiting Ream Beach.
Best Time to Visit Cambodia Beaches
Cambodia experiences a warm tropical monsoon climate; there are two distinct seasons in Cambodia: the rainy season and the dry season. When planning to visit Cambodia beaches, you can base your decision on whether you prefer to be able to enjoy the pebioluminescent reflect sun every day or lower prices on hotel accommodation because fewer people are at the beach.
Dry Season (November to April)
The dry season is widely regarded as the best period to visit beaches in Cambodia. During this period, you can expect to receive lots of sunshine and blue skies along with clear seas, which is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Temperatures range from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius, or from 77 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest months are March and April. The sea is clearer, especially around Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, making it perfect for underwater activities.
However, this is also peak season, especially between the months of December and February. There is a good chance that beach destinations and accommodation have been fully booked, and fares can be quite expensive. In this case, it is advisable to book your tours or accommodations early.
Rainy Season (May to October)
During the rainy season, humidity is more pronounced, along with tropical rainstorms of small duration, mostly in the afternoons or evenings. The days are still quite sunny in the mornings, and everything looks lush and green!
The first and foremost advantage of visiting beaches in Cambodia during this period is that they are not crowded. The beaches are quite peaceful, and accommodation costs are also relatively low. Other accommodation types, mid-range and luxury resorts, may also offer cheaper options during this period.
However, travelers should be aware that the sea might get rougher, especially during periods of heavy rain. The ferry rides to and from Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem Islands might be bumpier than usual. Moreover, other water activities might be cancelled depending on the weather conditions.
Things You Should Notice when Visiting Cambodia Beaches
Prior to your Cambodia beach holiday, it’s good to know a few practical things.
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Most small restaurants, beach bars, or boat tours only accept cash, especially on the islands. Big resorts might accept credit cards, but it is always best to bring enough small bills of US dollars since they are widely used in Cambodia.
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It’s relatively easy to find an ATM in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. But when going to islands like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, the availability of an ATM can be limited or even unavailable. It’s advised to withdraw some cash in Sihanoukville before taking the ferry.
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Most hotels, as well as cafes, have a free Wi-Fi connection, though it may be slow. It is better to purchase a SIM card with MMS before visiting these places, which provide better internet connectivity.
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In order to protect Cambodia’s beaches, it is important that you avoid littering and avoid using plastic products as much as you can. When you plan to go snorkeling, it is best that you avoid using sunscreens that are harmful to reefs and also avoid touching anything underwater.
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Swimwear is perfectly okay when visiting the beach, whereas when moving around the towns or villages, it is best to be conservative with dress. However, it is paramount to always be respectful to the locals.
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The sun shines throughout the year, so carry sunscreen and drink water frequently. Mosquitoes abound, especially during the evening, and you should carry them along with long sleeves for nighttime.
FAQs about Cambodia Beaches
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Are Cambodia’s beaches expensive?
Compared with Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia’s beaches are reasonably priced. You can find budget guesthouses, mid-range resorts, and luxury beachfront villas.
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Are Cambodia’s beaches safe for swimming?
Yes, Cambodia’s popular beaches are generally safe to swim in during the dry season; however, it is very important to check the sea conditions at the time of your visit, especially during the rainy season, as the waves can be much larger.
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Are there vegetarian or Indian cuisine options at Cambodia beaches?
Yes, you will find many Indian restaurants in Sihanoukville. Additionally, at many of the beachside restaurants in Koh Rong, vegetarian options are available. The options on the smaller islands are more limited.
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Are Cambodia beaches clean?
The popular beaches on Koh Rong Island and Koh Rong Samloem Island are clean. Nonetheless, there may be plastic waste sometimes, so it is best to stay at eco-friendly accommodations.
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Can you see bioluminescent plankton in Cambodia?
Yes. On Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, it is possible to go on a night boat tour to see the glowing plankton in the water. Clear views can be had on dark, moonless nights.
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Are Cambodian beaches family-friendly?
Yes! Kep Beach and Saracen Bay are calm and family-friendly beaches. The water is generally shallow during the dry season.
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What beach is best for honeymooners in Cambodia?
Saracen Bay in Koh Rong Samloem and Long Set Beach in Koh Rong are excellent locations for honeymooners as they feature white sandy beaches, clear water, and seaside resorts.
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Is there nightlife at Cambodia beaches?
Yes, but mainly on Koh Rong (Koh Touch area). There are beach bars, fire shows, and nightlife here. Other beaches, such as Koh Rong Samloem and Kep, are very quiet.
Conclusion
The beaches of Cambodia offer a different specter of the country that is more than just the temples and Angkor Wat. With a coastline of over 400 kilometers, Cambodia boasts idyllic white sandy islands, peaceful fishing villages, and vibrant tourist centers, as well as unspoiled nature reserves.
If you are planning a trip to Cambodia and wish to combine its fabulous beach destinations with its cultural attractions, such as Angkor Wat, Vietnamtour.in can assist you in planning your ideal trip to these tropical destinations!