Cambodia has over 60 islands scattered across the Gulf of Thailand, ranging from the developed beaches of Koh Rong to tiny uninhabited islets. This guide covers the top islands by visitor appeal, accessibility, and unique character.
Quick Comparison: Cambodia’s Most Visited Islands
| Island | Khmer Name | Size | Vibe | Best For | Access From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Rong | កោះរ៉ុង | 78 km² | Lively, backpacker-friendly | Nightlife, budget stays, long beaches | Sihanoukville (45 min ferry) |
| Koh Rong Sanloem | កោះរុងសន្លឹម | 25 km² | Quieter, upscale-leaning | Couples, relaxation, Saracen Bay | Sihanoukville (45–60 min ferry) |
| Koh Kong (Outer) | កោះកុងក្រៅ | 105 km² | Remote, jungle-clad | Adventure, wildlife, mangroves | Koh Kong town (2 hr boat) |
| Koh Russei (Bamboo Island) | កោះឫស្សី | 1.4 km² | Day-trip, minimal development | Snorkeling, day trips from Sihanoukville | Sihanoukville (40 min boat) |
| Koh Ta Kiev | កោះតាគៀវ | ~15 km² | Rustic, eco-focused | Glamping, bioluminescence, digital detox | Sihanoukville (1.5 hr boat) |
| Koh Thmei | កោះថ្មី | ~9 km² | Protected, national park | Birdwatching, turtle nesting, solitude | Sihanoukville (1 hr boat) |
| Koh Sdach | កោះស្ដេច | 1.1 km² | Fishing village, authentic | Local culture, seafood, homestays | Koh Kong (30 min boat) |
Koh Rong: The Original Island Escape
Koh Rong remains Cambodia’s best-known island, 45 minutes by high-speed ferry from Sihanoukville. At 78 km², it’s the second-largest Cambodian island after Koh Kong. Long Beach (Koh Touch) on the southeast corner hosts the main backpacker strip, bars, fire shows, and budget bungalows. The north and west coasts stay quieter with resorts like Royal Group’s Sok San Beach and the newer Sol Beach.
What to Know in 2025
- Ferries: Buva Sea Cambodia, GTVC, and Angkor Speed Ferry run 4–6 daily departures from Ochheuteal Pier; tickets $15–25 round-trip.
- Accommodation: Dorm beds from $8, private bungalows $25–60, upscale resorts $120+.
- Bioluminescence: Visible on moonless nights at Long Beach and Police Beach, book a night kayak tour ($15–20).
- Getting around: No roads; boat taxis connect beaches ($5–15 per ride), or hike jungle trails (30–90 min between main beaches).
Koh Rong Sanloem: Saracen Bay & Lazy Days
Just 25 km², Koh Rong Sanloem sits south of Koh Rong and draws a quieter crowd. Saracen Bay on the east coast curves around calm, shallow water, ideal for families and swimmers. The west side (M’Pai Bay) has a fishing village vibe with cheaper rooms and a growing expat community. Lazy Beach on the southwest requires a 40-minute jungle hike but rewards with clear water and almost no crowds.
2025 Practical Details
- Ferries: Same operators as Koh Rong; some boats stop at both islands. Sanloem-specific departures from Serendipity Pier.
- Where to stay: Saracen Bay mid-range $40–100; M’Pai Bay budget $15–35; Lazy Beach eco-lodges $60–120.
- No ATMs: Bring enough cash (USD and small-denomination riel). Card acceptance is spotty.
- Electricity: Most places run generators 6 PM–6 AM; solar charging common.
Koh Kong Island: Cambodia’s Largest, Least Visited
At 105 km², Koh Kong (Outer) dwarfs the Rong islands but sees a fraction of visitors. It sits near the Thai border, accessible from Koh Kong town via a two-hour boat ride through mangrove channels. The island is mostly protected forest, part of Botum Sakor National Park, with wild macaques, hornbills, and occasional dolphin sightings. A handful of eco-lodges (like 4 Rivers Floating Lodge on the mainland tributary) offer guided kayak trips into the mangroves.
Why Go
- Genuine wilderness, no nightlife, no souvenir stalls.
- Mangrove kayaking, waterfall hikes, wildlife spotting.
- Combine with Chi Phat community-based ecotourism on the mainland.
Smaller Islands Worth a Day Trip
Koh Russei (Bamboo Island)
1.4 km², 40 minutes from Sihanoukville. White sand, decent snorkeling off the north shore, a few beach shacks selling grilled seafood and cold beer. No overnight infrastructure, come for the day, leave by last boat (usually 4 PM).
Koh Ta Kiev
~15 km², 1.5 hours from Sihanoukville. Rustic eco-resorts (Ten103, Koh Ta Kiev Bungalows) focus on glamping tents and solar power. Known for bioluminescent plankton (best November–April) and zero light pollution. Hike to the abandoned lighthouse for sunset views.
Koh Thmei
Part of Ream National Park, ~9 km². One basic lodge (Koh Thmei Resort) runs conservation-focused stays. Green and hawksbill turtles nest on the beaches (December–March). Birdwatchers come for hornbills, sea eagles, and kingfishers. Book months ahead, only 10 rooms.
Koh Sdach
1.1 km² in the Koh Kong archipelago. A working fishing village with colorful boats, stilt houses, and a few homestays ($10–20). Authentic Khmer island life, no tourists beyond the occasional overlander. Fresh crab and squid cooked by your host family. Access from Koh Kong town (30 min boat).
How to Choose: Decision Framework
| If you want… | Go to | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Nightlife, social scene, easy logistics | Koh Rong (Koh Touch) | Koh Kong, Koh Thmei |
| Romantic, quiet, nice beach | Koh Rong Sanloem (Saracen Bay) | Koh Rong (Koh Touch) |
| Adventure, jungle, wildlife | Koh Kong, Koh Ta Kiev | Koh Russei, Koh Sdach |
| Day trip from Sihanoukville | Koh Russei, Koh Rong (day boats) | Koh Kong, Koh Ta Kiev |
| Authentic fishing village | Koh Sdach | Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem |
| Turtle nesting, birdwatching | Koh Thmei | All others |
| Bioluminescence | Koh Rong, Koh Ta Kiev, Koh Rong Sanloem | Koh Kong (mangroves block view) |
Getting There: Ferries & Logistics (2025)
All ferries depart from Sihanoukville’s Ochheuteal (Serendipity) Pier unless noted. High-speed catamarans take 45 minutes to Koh Rong/Sanloem; slower cargo ferries take 90+ minutes but cost half as much ($8–12). Book tickets at the pier or via Buva Sea Cambodia’s website, no advance booking required outside Khmer New Year (mid-April) and Water Festival (November).
Ferry Operators & 2025 Pricing (Round-Trip)
| Operator | Departure Times (Approx.) | Price USD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buva Sea Cambodia | 8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 | $25 | Most reliable, online booking |
| GTVC Speed Ferry | 8:30, 10:30, 13:00, 15:00 | $22 | Stops at both islands |
| Angkor Speed Ferry | 9:00, 11:00, 14:00, 16:00 | $20 | Budget option, older boats |
| Island Speed Ferry | 8:00, 12:00, 15:30 | $18 | Fewer departures |
Best Time to Visit Cambodia’s Islands
Dry season (November–April): Calm seas, reliable ferries, peak visibility for snorkeling/diving. December–February is high season, book accommodation early.
Shoulder (May, October): Occasional rain, fewer tourists, lower prices. Ferry schedules may adjust for weather.
Monsoon (June–September): Rough seas cancel ferries 20–30% of days. Koh Rong/Sanloem still reachable most days; outer islands (Koh Kong, Ta Kiev) often cut off. Resorts may close. Not recommended for short trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Cambodia’s islands?
Same visa as mainland Cambodia. Most nationalities get 30-day visa on arrival ($30) or e-visa ($36). No separate island permit needed.
Is there Wi-Fi on the islands?
Koh Rong and Sanloem have 4G (Cellcard, Smart, Metfone) and most resorts offer Wi-Fi, speeds vary. Koh Kong, Ta Kiev, Thmei have patchy or no signal. Buy a local SIM in Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville before departing.
Can I pay by card?
Larger resorts on Koh Rong/Sanloem accept cards (3–4% surcharge common). Smaller places, boat taxis, and all outer islands are cash-only. Bring small USD bills ($1, $5, $10) and riel for snacks, water, boat rides.
Are the islands safe?
Generally yes. Standard precautions: don’t leave valuables on the beach while swimming, avoid walking alone on unlit jungle paths at night, and check ferry weather cancellations before day trips. Medical facilities are basic, Sihanoukville has the nearest international clinic.
What about plastic waste?
Trash management is a challenge. Bring a reusable water bottle (refill at resorts), refuse plastic bags, and take non-biodegradable trash back to the mainland. Several resorts run beach cleanups, ask to join.
Key Takeaways
- Koh Rong = social, developed, easy access; Koh Rong Sanloem = quieter, better beaches, couples/families.
- Koh Kong is for adventure travelers with time; Koh Ta Kiev for digital detox; Koh Thmei for conservation; Koh Sdach for authentic village life.
- Dry season (Nov–Apr) is the only reliable window for outer islands; Koh Rong/Sanloem work year-round with caveats.
- Ferries run daily from Sihanoukville, no advance booking needed except holidays. Bring cash.
- No ATMs on any island. No hospitals. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is smart.