Cambodia Islands: Best Cambodia Islands for Relaxing, Diving and More

Cambodia sits in the heart of Southeast Asia. And although it has only been open for tourism for a short period of time — it has become one of the more popular tourist destinations in Indochina, due to its rich cultural history, natural beauty, and stunning islands!

The coast of Cambodia is dotted with small islands, which are finally getting the attention that they have long deserved. While they may be less developed than their Thai neighbors, these islands are more picturesque and most stunning in Southeast Asia. So, which one is just right for your next trip? Check out the list of the best Cambodia islands below and see what each one has to offer!

How Many Islands Are in Cambodia? The Location Map of Cambodia Islands

Cambodia has a coastline of about 443 km and is blessed with almost 60 islands scattered along its coast in the Gulf of Thailand. The islands of Cambodia are diverse in size, shape, and character and offer different attractions and experiences for visitors.

Some are popular tourist destinations, while others are secluded and tranquil. Some are easily accessible by boat, while others require more adventurous travel. In short, whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, some amazing diving, or an all-night party, there is an island in Cambodia for everyone.

The following are the most famous islands in Cambodia:
● Koh Rong
● Koh Rong Sanloem
● Song Saa
● Koh Thmei
● Koh Tang
● Koh Totang

Koh Rong: The Largest and Most Famous Island in Cambodia

Koh Rong is the ultimate destination for party lovers and sun seekers. The island has a variety of accommodation options, from cheap bungalows to luxury resorts, and has many activities to offer, such as snorkeling, diving, hiking, and fishing.

The island is famous for its nightlife and parties, which happen on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The island also hosts Full Moon Parties on Police Beach, which attract hundreds of revelers.

● Location: Koh Rong is located about 20 kilometers west of Sihanoukville, the beach capital of Cambodia. It is the second-largest island off the coast of Cambodia, covering an area of around 78 square kilometers.
● How to get there: The easiest way to get to Koh Rong is by taking a high-speed ferry from Sihanoukville, which costs around $22 for a return ticket. The ferry takes about 45 minutes to reach the island and runs more than a dozen times a day in the peak seasons. You can also book a private boat or helicopter for a more exclusive experience.

Cambodia Koh Rong Island

The Most Recommended Island in Cambodia for Backpacker Paradise: Koh Rong Sanloem

Koh Rong Sanloem is a paradise for backpackers who want to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Cambodia. The island caters to all comers, from luxury hotels to basic bunkhouses. The island is perfect for a relaxing vacation, snorkeling the reefs, paddleboarding slowly along the shore, or just relaxing under a palm tree with a good book and some refreshing iced tea.

You can also watch the sunset on Sunset Beach, which offers amazing views of the horizon. If you want to experience some local culture, you can visit M’phey Bei village, where you can stay in cheap homestays and interact with friendly fishermen.

● Location: Koh Rong Sanloem is a smaller and quieter island than Koh Rong and lies about 5km south of Koh Rong. It has a heart-shaped bay called Saracen Bay on the east side and a stunning Sunset Beach on the west. It also has a small fishing village called M’phey Bei on the north side.
● How to get there: You can get to Koh Rong Sanloem by taking the same high-speed ferry that goes to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville. The fare is the same $22 for a return ticket, and the journey takes about an hour. You can also hire a private boat or a kayak if you want to explore the island at your own pace.

7 Days Cambodia Mysteries Discovery Tour with Beach Relaxing

Siem Reap - Koh Rong Island

The Most Recommended Island for Luxury: Song Saa

Song Saa is an exclusive resort that offers luxury vacations for those who can afford it. The resort costs around 3,000 dollars per night and provides gourmet restaurants, free champagne, and private speedboats.

You can stay in luxurious villas overlooking the sea or the jungle, dine in fine restaurants serving local and international cuisine, and sip champagne on your balcony or by the pool.

You can also enjoy spa treatments, yoga sessions, or meditation classes that will soothe your body and mind. Moreover, you can support the resort's sustainability efforts by participating in its conservation programs, such as marine wildlife preservation, community development, and education.

● Location: Song Saa is a pair of private islands that lie about 500 meters off the west coast of Koh Rong, near Preaek Svay town. The islands are called Koh Ouen and Koh Bong and are connected by a footbridge.
● How to get there: The only way to get to Song Saa is by taking a private speedboat from Sihanoukville, which is organized free for guests of the resort. The speedboat runs twice a day and takes about 40 minutes to reach the islands. You can also fly by helicopter if you want to arrive in style.

Enjoy spa treatments in Snorkeling in Cambodia Song Saa Island

The Best Cambodia Island for Nature Lovers: Koh Thmei

Koh Thmei is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers who want to escape the crowds and explore the wilderness. The island has diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, beaches, forests, and coral reefs. The island has only one place to stay, the Koh Thmei Resort, which is little more than a group of seven simple wooden bungalows.

The main attraction of the island is its wildlife, especially the birds. You can see over 150 species of birds, such as eagles, hornbills, pelicans, and kingfishers. You can also go snorkeling, kayaking in clear waters, or hiking in the forest to see monkeys, deer, and lizards.

● Location: Koh Thmei is one of Cambodia's least developed islands and is part of Ream National Park. It is located about 15 kilometers east of Sihanoukville and covers an area of around 150 square kilometers.
● How to get there: The best way to get to Koh Thmei is by taking a boat from Ream National Park headquarters near Sihanoukville airport. The boat ride takes about an hour and costs around $10 per person. You can also arrange a boat directly from Sihanoukville, but it will be more expensive and take longer.

Relaxing in Cambodia Koh Thmei Island

The Best Cambodia Island for Diving: Koh Tang

Koh Tang is a paradise for divers who want to see the rich marine life that surrounds the island. The island has coral reefs that are home to thousands of fish species and other creatures, such as sharks, rays, turtles, and dolphins. The water is clear and has good visibility for diving. The island also has a dark history, as it was the site of a massacre by the Khmer Rouge in 1975.

● Location: Koh Tang is one of the Outer Islands of Cambodia and lies around 52 kilometers from the shore of Sihanoukville. This small island has no permanent inhabitants except for the small base that the Cambodian military maintains on the island.
● How to get there: The only way to get to Koh Tang is by booking overnight diving trips with one of the many travel agencies or diving companies in Sihanoukville. The booking includes the boat to the island, diving for the two days, and the boat returning. Accommodation is basic, merely huts along the coastline in the east of the island.

14 Days Cambodia Road Tour to Sihanoukville

Siem Reap - Phnom Penh - Kampot - Sihanoukville

The Best Cambodia Island for Isolation: Koh Totang

Koh Totang is an island for those who want to get away from it all and enjoy a simple life. The island has only one resort that offers rustic accommodation and organic food.

The island has no electricity or internet connection as well, so you can truly disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself. You can swim or snorkel in the calm waters, walk on the beach or in the jungle, or join a fishing trip with the locals.

● Location: Koh Totang is one of the most remote islands in Cambodia and lies about 60 kilometers from Sihanoukville. It is part of a group of islands called Koh Sdach Archipelago. It has an area of about 3 square kilometers.
● How to get there: The only way to get to Koh Totang is by taking a boat from Koh Sdach Island, which is about 4 hours away from Sihanoukville by car and ferry. The boat ride takes about an hour and costs around $15 per person. You can also charter a private boat from Sihanoukville if you have a bigger budget.

Enjoy a simple life in Cambodia Koh Totang Island

When to Visit Islands in Cambodia?

Cambodia is a two-season tropical country with very little variation in the climate and weather across the entire country. For most people, the best time to visit Cambodia is from November to February, in the dry season. With cooler weather and almost no rain, this is Cambodia's peak season for tourism.

However, if you are into having the weather a little hotter, then the hot season, from March to May, is the ideal time to travel. Temperatures can reach well into the mid-thirties during the day, and there is little rain, only increasing slightly in May as the monsoon gets ready to begin.

If you are not into crowds, then choosing the off-season periods on either side of the peak season is the best option. From mid-September to the end of October, there are fewer tourists, which makes it easier to get good deals on holidays and accommodation.

17 Days Cambodia Tour from Temples to the Sea

Siem Reap - Battambang - Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham - Kratie - Sihanoukville

Travel to Cambodia Islands with IndochinaTour.com!

Cambodia's islands are arguably the most beautiful and diverse of all the Indochina islands. However, time is of the essence. These unspoiled gems won't remain hidden for long. As Cambodia's tourism industry grows, the islands are likely to see more commercial development.

So, if you're planning a trip to Cambodia, don't miss the chance to explore these scenic, untouched destinations. Get in touch with us, and we specialize in Indochina tours to help you make the most of your island adventure. Get in touch with us today to plan your Cambodia Islands trip!