Which is the best island in Cambodia?
It depends on your travel style. Koh Rong is the best all-rounder with the most beaches, activities, and accommodation range. Koh Rong Samloem is better for couples and divers seeking peace and clearer water. Koh Ta Kiev is the pick for eco-travellers wanting total seclusion. Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) near Kep is the easiest day-trip island for a taste of simple beach life.
- Koh Rong — best all-rounder, most beaches, widest accommodation range
- Koh Rong Samloem — best for couples, divers, and peace seekers
- Koh Ta Kiev — best for eco-travellers, total seclusion
- Koh Tonsay — easiest access near Kep, rustic charm
- Koh Sdach — best off-the-beaten-path for island hopping
- Koh Totang — best for complete digital detox
Cambodia's Island Scene — 2026 Overview
Cambodia has over 60 islands in its Gulf of Thailand waters, but only a handful are developed for tourism. Unlike Thailand's more commercialised islands, most Cambodian islands remain lightly touched — a combination of underdeveloped infrastructure, conservative government policy, and lower tourist volumes.
All the main islands are accessible from Sihanoukville port. The Sihanoukville mainland has gone through significant changes since 2018; the islands themselves have fared better and remain the primary reason most travellers visit the region.
Island Season
Koh Rong — Best All-Rounder
Cambodia's largest and most visited island. Koh Rong offers the widest range of beaches (20+ distinct beaches), accommodation types (from $8 dorms to $150/night resort), and activities. The main hub is Koh Touch village on the southeast tip — a concentrated strip of guesthouses, bars, restaurants, and dive shops within walking distance of the ferry pier.
What Koh Rong Does Best
- ✦ Longest beaches in Cambodia (Long Set Beach = 7 km)
- ✦ Bioluminescent plankton (best Nov–Apr on dark nights)
- ✦ Widest accommodation range ($8 dorm to $150 resort)
- ✦ Most restaurants and bars
- ✦ Best for large groups and solo backpackers
Koh Rong Drawbacks
- ✗ Koh Touch is crowded and noisy (loud music until 4am)
- ✗ Less clear water than Koh Rong Samloem for diving
- ✗ Sand flies (no-see-ums) particularly bad at Koh Touch
- ✗ Boat transfers between beaches add cost
| Best for | Backpackers, party seekers, first-time island visitors, groups |
| Accommodation | Dorms $8–15; bungalows $15–50; resort $80–200 |
| Food scene | Good range in Koh Touch; basic elsewhere |
| WiFi | 24-hr electricity; WiFi in most guesthouses (5–20 Mbps) |
| Diving | Several operators at Koh Touch; good beginner sites |
| Day trips | Snorkeling, sunset cruises, fishing, jungle treks — from $15–30 |
Koh Rong Samloem — Best for Peace & Diving
Koh Rong Samloem (also spelled Sanloem) is significantly smaller and quieter than its bigger neighbour. The main beach, Saracen Bay, has flat, crystal-clear water ideal for swimming and snorkeling. A marine protected area surrounds much of the island, giving EcoSea Dive's marine biologists excellent coral gardens to work with. No loud beach bars — the vibe is lounging in a hammock with a good book.
What Koh Rong Samloem Does Best
- ✦ Clearest water of any major Cambodian island
- ✦ Best diving (EcoSea PADI 5-Star, seahorse sightings)
- ✦ Lazy Beach — arguably Cambodia's prettiest cove
- ✦ Quiet, romantic atmosphere — no loud bars
- ✦ Best for digital nomads (24-hr electricity, decent WiFi)
Koh Rong Samloem Drawbacks
- ✗ Longer ferry journey than Koh Rong (1.5–2 hrs vs 45 min)
- ✗ Less accommodation variety (fewer budget dorm options)
- ✗ Fewer restaurants and nightlife options
- ✗ Can feel isolated if you want more social activity
| Best for | Couples, divers, digital nomads, families seeking calm water |
| Accommodation | Budget bungalows $20–40; mid-range $50–100; resorts $100–200 |
| Food scene | Good restaurants at Saracen Bay; limited at M'Pai Bay |
| WiFi | 24-hr electricity; WiFi in most resorts (10–30 Mbps at best spots) |
| Diving | EcoSea Dive — PADI 5-Star; OW course $350–450; fun dives $60–80 |
| Day trips | Snorkeling, boat trips to Lazy Beach, fishing from $15 |
Koh Ta Kiev — Best for Eco-Travellers
A small, almost entirely undeveloped island in Ream Bay, 10 km east of Sihanoukville. Only accessible by staying at one of three eco-resorts — no day-trip boats, no private vehicle access, no noise pollution. Generator electricity only (6pm–midnight typically). Four distinct beaches, all immaculate.
Eco-resorts: Ten103 Treehouse Resort (most famous — treehouse bungalows over the water, $40–80/night); Last Point ($25–50/night); Harmony Island ($30–60/night). Book well ahead November–March.
Koh Ta Kiev Access
Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) — Best Near Kep
A small island off the coast of Kep, reachable by longtail in 15 minutes. Three beaches with simple bungalow accommodation ($10–20/night) and seafood restaurants serving freshly caught fish and grilled prawns. Generator electricity only (6–11pm). The main beach (north-facing) is calm and good for swimming. Best visited as a one or two-night escape from Kep.
Best for: Travellers based in Kep or Kampot wanting a quick rustic island hit. Not ideal as a standalone destination given basic facilities. The seafood BBQ dinners on the beach at sunset are a highlight.
Koh Sdach & Archipelago Islands
Koh Sdach ("King Island") is the main island in a small archipelago in Koh Kong province, roughly 100 km northwest of Sihanoukville. It has a fishing village, a handful of basic guesthouses ($8–15/night), and several pristine surrounding islands that see almost no tourists. Best visited by renting a longtail to explore the uninhabited surrounding islands.
Koh Sdach Access
Smaller Islands Worth Knowing
Koh Totang
A tiny island near Koh Sdach with one lodge — Nomad's Land — offering complete digital detox stays ($60–100/night all-inclusive). No electricity beyond solar, no WiFi. Exceptional snorkeling and complete isolation. Popular with couples and those seeking genuine disconnection.
Koh Russey (Bamboo Island)
A national park island very close to Sihanoukville (15 min by speedboat). Beautiful white sand beaches, crystal water, and coral reefs. Currently undeveloped — day trips only from Sihanoukville ($10–20 return). No overnight accommodation. Check permit requirements before visiting.
Koh Pos (Snake Island)
A very small island south of Sihanoukville known for day trips, snorkeling, and the resident population of water monitors (not snakes — the name is misleading). A handful of simple food shacks serve lunch. Reached by boat from Sihanoukville in 20–30 minutes.
Koh Ach Seh
A small, protected island near Ream National Park used for sea turtle conservation by the Wildlife Alliance. Volunteer programs available through Wildlife Alliance ($80–100/week contribution requested). The island has excellent beaches but is not a standard tourist destination — wildlife research focus.
Cambodia Islands Comparison Matrix
| Island | Size | Ferry Cost | Party/Quiet | Diving | WiFi/Elec | Budget/Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Rong | 78 km² | $15–18 | Party hub | Good | 24hr/WiFi | $8–200 |
| Koh Rong Samloem | 9 km² | $15–20 | Very quiet | Excellent | 24hr/WiFi | $20–200 |
| Koh Ta Kiev | 3 km² | $10–15 | Silent | None | Generator/Limited | $25–80 |
| Koh Tonsay | Small | $5–7 | Quiet | None | Generator/None | $10–20 |
| Koh Sdach | Medium | $10–30 | Very quiet | None organised | Limited | $8–20 |
| Koh Totang | Tiny | Incl. in stay | Silent | Snorkel only | Solar/None | $60–100 (AI) |
| Koh Russey | Small | $10–20 (day) | Day trips only | Snorkel | None | Day trip only |
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