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 beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Cambodia.
-
- Relaxed backpacker and boutique resort beach
- sunbeds
- beach bars
- restaurants
- bungalow accommodation
- kayak rental
Otres Beach
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.
-
- Party and backpacker beach
- beach bars
- restaurants
- guesthouses
- boat trips
- diving schools
Long Set Beach
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.
-
- Quiet relaxation and snorkeling
- small restaurants
- bungalows
- snorkeling gear rental
- hammocks
- diving day trips
Saracen Bay
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.
-
- Peaceful day-trip island
- seafood BBQ restaurants
- hammocks
- bungalow accommodation
- snorkeling
- boat rental
Rabbit Island (Koh Tunsay)
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.
-
- Secluded and pristine
- a few beach bungalows
- basic restaurants
- kayak rental
Sok San Beach
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.
-
- Eco-camping and off-grid retreat
- eco-lodges
- camping
- jungle hiking
- snorkeling
- bioluminescent plankton swimming
Koh Ta Kiev Beach
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.
-
- Busy resort beach
- beach clubs
- restaurants
- sunbeds and umbrellas
- jet ski rental
- massage services
Ochheuteal Beach
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.
Beaches by vibe
Pick by the mood you want — quiet, social, family, or active — and we point you at where that style lives along the coast.
Relax
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.
Sport
Active & sporty
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.
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Cambodia memorable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Departs from Sihanoukville pier — visits Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, and Koh Ta Kiev
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
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.
Getting there
All islands accessed by speedboat or ferry from Sihanoukville pier. Tickets bookable at pier or through guesthouses. Ferries to Koh Rong from $25 return.
On-beach facilities
Koh Rong Long Set Beach has good restaurant and bar facilities. More remote beaches have minimal facilities — bring snacks, sunscreen, and water.
Costs to budget
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
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.