What are the best beaches in Cambodia?
Cambodia's top beaches are concentrated on its Gulf of Thailand islands. Long Set Beach (Koh Rong) ranks #1 for sheer beauty — 7 km of white sand backed by jungle. Saracen Bay (Koh Rong Samloem) is the best for calm swimming. Lazy Beach is the top secluded pick. On the mainland, Otres Beach outside Sihanoukville remains the most pleasant and accessible.
- Long Set Beach (Koh Rong) — #1 for beauty, 7 km white sand
- Saracen Bay (Koh Rong Samloem) — best for calm water and snorkeling
- Lazy Beach (Koh Rong Samloem) — most beautiful secluded beach
- Sok San Beach (Koh Rong) — authentic village feel, pristine water
- Otres Beach (Sihanoukville) — best mainland beach, backpacker-friendly
- Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) — rustic charm near Kep
Cambodia Beach Overview
Cambodia's coastline stretches 440 km along the Gulf of Thailand, with the best beaches located on offshore islands accessible by ferry from Sihanoukville. Unlike Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia's beach scene remains relatively undeveloped — a double-edged sword that means fewer facilities but more untouched paradise.
The main beach hubs are: Koh Rong (party island, Cambodia's most famous), Koh Rong Samloem (quieter, more upscale), and the mainland strip around Sihanoukville and south toward Kep.
2026 Ferry Tip
Koh Rong Beaches — Ranked
Koh Rong is Cambodia's largest island and home to some of its most spectacular coastline. Despite growing tourism, 90% of the island remains jungle with beaches reachable only by boat or jungle trail.
Long Set Beach (4K Beach / Long Beach)
Cambodia's most famous beach and arguably its most beautiful. Seven kilometers of powder-white sand backed by tropical jungle, with turquoise water that turns vivid blue-green in the afternoon light. The southern end (near Koh Touch village) has beach bars and bungalows; the northern 5 km is almost completely deserted. Bioluminescent plankton glows on dark nights November–May.
Sok San Beach
On Koh Rong's western coast, Sok San combines a working fishing village with pristine white sand and calm, shallow water perfect for swimming. Royal Sands Koh Rong resort anchors the south end (from $150/night); budget bungalows cluster around the village. Snorkeling is excellent just off the beach.
Coconut Beach
A beautiful crescent of sand on Koh Rong's southeast coast with a social but not overwhelming atmosphere. Several budget bungalow operations ($10–25/night) and small restaurants line the beach. Bioluminescence here is some of the most reliable on the island. Accessible by longtail from Koh Touch in 15 minutes.
Prek Svay Beach
A small fishing community on Koh Rong's northeast tip with a gentle, sheltered beach. Far from the party scene and popular with travellers seeking authentic village life. A few simple guesthouses operate from $8–15/night. The sunrises here are spectacular.
Koh Rong Samloem Beaches — Ranked
Koh Rong Samloem (also spelled Sanloem) is the quieter, more upscale sister island. Smaller than Koh Rong with less party culture, it draws couples, divers, and travellers who want pristine beaches without the crowds.
Saracen Bay
The main bay on Koh Rong Samloem is a contender for Cambodia's most beautiful beach: a graceful arc of white sand with flat, crystal-clear water so calm it looks like glass in the morning. The beach faces east, making it perfect for morning swimming and sunsets across the treeline. Accommodation ranges from backpacker bungalows to mid-range resorts ($20–120/night). Excellent snorkeling just off the beach.
Lazy Beach
On the west coast of Koh Rong Samloem, Lazy Beach is one of Cambodia's most genuinely beautiful spots — a tiny cove of perfect white sand with excellent snorkeling. Lazy Beach Resort operates the only accommodation ($35–80/night for bungalows) and a restaurant. Access is by longtail from Saracen Bay or direct from Sihanoukville. You genuinely may be one of only a handful of people on the entire beach.
Sihanoukville Mainland Beaches
Sihanoukville's mainland beaches went through dramatic overdevelopment in 2018–2019. The better beaches have recovered somewhat, but the city itself remains chaotic. Stick to Otres Beach for the best mainland experience.
Otres Beach — Best Mainland Pick
Located 4 km south of central Sihanoukville, Otres is the most traveller-friendly beach on the mainland. Otres 1 (north end) has a strip of beach bars and budget guesthouses ($15–40/night). Otres 2 (south) is quieter and more upscale. The beach itself is 3 km of sand, cleaner and less crowded than the city beaches.
Ochheuteal Beach
The longest mainland beach (3 km) in central Sihanoukville. More developed with a restaurant and bar strip (Serendipity area). Less pristine than Otres but convenient for those passing through. Crowds during Cambodian holidays.
Independence Beach
A quieter, cleaner beach north of central Sihanoukville near Independence Hotel. Good for a calm swim, less bar-heavy than Ochheuteal. The beach is maintained by the adjacent hotel. Entry is free.
Kep & Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay)
Kep is a small coastal town 170 km south of Phnom Penh, famous for its crab market and gentle pace. The beaches aren't as spectacular as the islands, but the combination of seafood, French colonial architecture, and easy access makes it popular.
Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) Beach
A 15-minute longtail ride from Kep pier, Koh Tonsay has three small beaches with very simple bungalow accommodation ($10–20/night) and seafood restaurants. Rustic and charming — no electricity outside generator hours. Perfect for a night or two of unplugged beach life.
Kep Beach
The main beach in Kep town is small and not the most impressive for swimming, but it's pleasant for an evening stroll and the sunsets over the mangroves are beautiful. The crab market is a 5-minute walk — dinner of fresh pepper crab costs $8–15.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Beaches
Koh Ta Kiev Beaches
A small, mostly undeveloped island with four beaches accessible only via the island's three eco-resorts. Long Set Beach on Koh Ta Kiev (not to be confused with Koh Rong's Long Set) is exceptional. No day-trippers — you must stay overnight ($25–80 for simple beach bungalows). Access by longtail from Ream pier or arranged by resorts.
Koh Rong Samloem — M'Pai Bay
A small fishing village bay on the north end of Koh Rong Samloem, accessible by longtail from Saracen Bay. Very basic facilities ($8–15/night bungalows) and a handful of restaurants. Gets good sunset views and almost no tourists.
Ream National Park Beaches
Within Ream National Park (20 km east of Sihanoukville), several pristine beaches are accessible by boat tour. The beaches inside the park are some of the cleanest in the region. Ranger-led boat tours from Ream pier cost $15–25 per person.
Beach Comparison Table
| Beach | Island/Location | Best For | Crowds | Budget/Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Set Beach | Koh Rong | Beauty, bioluminescence, variety | Low–Moderate | $10–50 |
| Saracen Bay | Koh Rong Samloem | Couples, diving, snorkeling | Low–Moderate | $15–150 |
| Lazy Beach | Koh Rong Samloem | Seclusion, snorkeling, romance | Very Low | $35–80 |
| Sok San Beach | Koh Rong | Village feel, calm water | Low | $12–250 |
| Coconut Beach | Koh Rong | Backpackers, bioluminescence | Low | $10–25 |
| Otres Beach | Sihanoukville (mainland) | Convenience, social scene | Moderate | $15–100 |
| Koh Tonsay Beach | Rabbit Island, near Kep | Rustic charm, off-grid | Low | $10–20 |
| Koh Ta Kiev | Near Ream NP | Complete seclusion, eco stays | Very Low | $25–80 |
Getting to Cambodia's Beaches
From Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
From Sihanoukville to Islands
From Phnom Penh to Kep
Frequently Asked Questions
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