Koh Tonsay

Overview

Koh Tonsay, affectionately known as Rabbit Island, is a tiny island just 20 minutes by boat from Kep. It's the antithesis of a developed beach resort—here you'll find simple wooden bungalows, hammocks strung between palm trees, and local families grilling the day's catch on the beach.

The island has one main beach with a string of basic accommodation and restaurants. There's no development beyond this—no bars, no tour operators, no hassle. Just palm trees, warm water, and the sound of waves. It's the perfect day trip from Kep, or stay overnight to experience island life after the day-trippers leave.

Best Time to Visit

The seasons mirror nearby Kep:

• November to April: Dry season—calm seas, reliable boats, sunny weather. Weekends are busier with domestic visitors.
• May to October: Wet season—afternoon rains, sometimes rough seas. Boats may not run in bad weather. Fewer visitors.

Visit midweek for a quieter experience. Weekends, especially around holidays, see more Cambodian families and can feel busier.

Things to Do

The beauty of Koh Tonsay is its simplicity. Activities include:

• Swimming in the calm, warm waters
• Snorkeling off the beach (bring your own gear or rent)
• Walking to the quieter beaches on either end of the island
• Reading in a hammock—the ultimate island activity
• Watching sunset over the water
• Stargazing on clear nights (minimal light pollution)

Accommodation

Accommodation is basic but has its own charm:

• Beach bungalows: Simple wooden huts with fans, mosquito nets, basic beds. $10-20/night.
• Hammocks: Rent a hammock for the day ($2-3) or sleep in one overnight ($5).
• No luxury options: Don't expect hot water, air conditioning, or reliable electricity.

Electricity typically runs from generators in the evening only. Bring a flashlight. No advance booking needed—just show up and find a bungalow (except on busy holiday weekends).

Costs & Budget

Koh Tonsay is very affordable:

Day Trip Costs

• Boat return: $8-10
• Hammock rental: $2-3
• Seafood lunch with drinks: $8-15
• Snorkel rental: $3-5
• Total day trip: $15-30

Overnight Stay

• Basic bungalow: $10-20
• Meals (breakfast + dinner): $8-15
• Total per night: $20-40

Bring enough cash—there are no ATMs and most places don't accept cards. USD and Riel both accepted.

Getting There

Getting to Koh Tonsay is straightforward:

• From Kep: Boats depart from the pier near the crab market. 20 minutes, $8-10 return.
• Boat schedule: Roughly 9am-4pm with more frequent service on weekends. Last boat back is usually 4-5pm.
• From Kampot: Take a tuk-tuk to Kep pier (25 min, $8-10), then boat to island.
• From Phnom Penh: Bus/taxi to Kep (3-4 hours), then boat.

Buy tickets at the pier. No advance booking needed. In rough weather, boats may not run—check conditions before traveling.

Food & Dining

Food on Koh Tonsay is simple and delicious:

• Fresh seafood: Crab, prawns, squid, fish—grilled on the beach. $5-12 per dish.
• Khmer dishes: Simple rice and noodle dishes. $3-5.
• Drinks: Cold beers, soft drinks, fresh coconuts. $1-3.
• Breakfast: Simple eggs, toast, pancakes at guesthouses. $2-4.

Order your seafood early—they'll grill it fresh. Point at what you want and negotiate the price before cooking. Eating with your feet in the sand is part of the experience.

Safety Tips

• Bring cash—no ATMs or card facilities
• Apply sunscreen liberally—no shade on the beach
• Bring insect repellent for evenings
• Check boat conditions in wet season
• Watch for sea urchins in shallow water
• Don't miss the last boat back if day-tripping
• Bring a flashlight if staying overnight
• Drink plenty of water—tropical heat is dehydrating