Cambodia Beach: Best Beaches in Cambodia for A Vacation

Cambodia’s beaches are full of charm, with hidden gems just waiting for you to explore. They may not be as famous as those in Thailand or Vietnam, but honestly, that’s part of what makes them so special.

Here in Cambodia, you won’t see towering resorts or crowded tourist strips like in Phuket or Nha Trang. Instead, you’ll find cozy, affordable places to stay, friendly little beach bars, easygoing local restaurants, and real leisure time—and that’s where the real magic is.

Of course, the pace of life here is slower. Some remote beaches might have patchy WiFi or limited electricity, and if you’re looking for a buzzing nightlife scene, you might find things a little too laid-back. But if you prefer peace, simplicity, and a bit of adventure, you’re in exactly the right place.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the best beach spots in Cambodia, and share some local tips to help you have an unforgettable, carefree holiday by the sea.

Best Beaches in Cambodia for A Vacation: Mainly Located in Koh Rong Island

When it comes to Cambodian beaches, Koh Rong Island is a must-see. It covers an area of approximately 78 square kilometers and has more than 40 kilometers of coastline. The resorts and beaches can be reached by ferry from Sihanoukville in just a short time. The island's beaches vary in style, from long stretches of powdery white sand to secluded hollows surrounded by jungle.

Sok San Beach

Sok San, also known as Long or Seven-kilometer Beach, is an incredible beach on Koh Rong Island. It is among the most popular beaches there. Tropical vegetation edges white sand, while turquoise waters are exceptional for snorkeling.

There are straw parasols and beach chairs available, or you may prefer relaxing on the soft sand. You may stay in a neighboring fishing village for a low price or book high-end beach resorts in Cambodia nearby.

Sok San Beach in Cambodia is known as Long or Seven-kilometer Beach.

Lonely Beach

Located on the north side of Koh Rong, Lonely Beach has clear waters, soft white sands, and towering palm trees all around it, making it a true island paradise. But it’s not so conveniently located, and it can take 2 to 3 hours to get there from Sihanoukville.

Long Set Beach (4K Beach)

Long Set Beach, often referred to as “4K Beach,” stretches for nearly four kilometers and offers calm, clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere. Aside from all that, the best thing about this beach is that it’s very close to Koh Touch, the main tourist area of Koh Rong. Buva Sea and Speed Ferry Cambodia now offer direct access to Long Set Beach, making it very easy to get to this part of the island.

7 Days Cambodia Mysteries Discovery Tour with Beach Relaxing

Siem Reap - Koh Rong Island

Other Notable Beach Destinations in Cambodia

Besides the beaches on Koh Rong, there are other beach destinations in Cambodia that are worth visiting.

Koh Rong Samloem

Koh Rong Sanloem is located near Sihanoukville, Cambodia. It is the sister island of Koh Rong Island. The main tourist beaches are Lazy Beach and Saracen Bay.

Lazy Beach was ranked second in the "21 Best Beaches in the World" by National Geographic Magazine and is located on the west side of Koh Rong Samloem. With mountains as its backdrop, Lazy Beach offers unforgettable sunset views and clear waters perfect for diving and snorkeling.

Please note that nearby accommodation is relatively simple, with no shops or amenities, and no Wi-Fi, so be sure to bring all the necessities.

Saracen Bay is the main tourist area on Koh Rong Samloem and is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing experience, where you can lie back and enjoy the stunning views. All major ferry services stop here regularly, making it one of the most convenient locations.

Saracen Bay has also seen the opening of several new resorts, new shops and new tours, making it an even more convenient destination to buy many of the necessities.

Otres Beach (Mainland-Sihanoukville)

Otres Beach is one of the most accessible beach resorts in Cambodia, so it balances convenience and relaxed vibes. Located just ten kilometers from the city of Sihanoukville, Otres Beach comes in two sizes, Otres 1 and 2. Otres 1 is lined with reggae bars, beach huts and colorful street art.

But Otres 2, a quieter stretch with simpler accommodation, remains that little bit special. It is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sunset with white sand, palms and deciduous trees.

Beach vacationists interested in commerce and entertainment may find Sihanoukville quite attractive.

Kep Beach

Cambodia's Kep Beach is man-made, but it's still so beautiful you can hardly tell. This main public beach stretches for a kilometer and features soft white sand and calm blue waters.

There are also hiking trails with sea views, which is a perfect place to relax, read a book, soak up the sun, and forget about your worries. Behind the beach is the famous crab market, which supplies fresh seafood and allows you to grill it on the spot and enjoy the delicious Cambodia food without leaving the beach.

Koh Thmei

Koh Thmei is a stunning Cambodian island in the Gulf of Thailand. It is part of the Ream National Park and holds a rich wildlife, including several endangered species and birds. The easiest way to reach Koh Thmei is by taking a ferry from Sihanoukville.

With clear sea waters and white sandy beaches on Koh Thmei, Golden Beach is among dozens of beaches on the island, being known for sunbathing. You can also rent kayaks to explore the coastline and paddle through mangroves and bays on the island.

Koh Ta Kiev

Located off the coast of Ream National Park, Koh Ta Kiev is much smaller than its more famous cousins, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem. The lack of modern amenities, such as electricity and internet, makes this gem of a place a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Sihanoukville and a relaxing getaway.

From Long Beach, it’s a 30-45 minute walk through the jungle to Plankton Beach (formerly Naked Beach, originally Sandal Beach), where you can see the glowing plankton that gives the beach its name.

And its Coral Beach, with basic accommodation facilities, is another top beach of Cambodia. There, you can stay in a tree bungalow surrounded by lush vegetation and relish almost unbroken solitude.

Koh Ta Kiev Island is an excellent place to run away from the hustle and bustle of Sihanoukville.

When is the Best Time to Enjoy a Beach Vacation in Cambodia? Nov to March

The ideal time for a Cambodian beach holiday is from November to March. During this period, the average daytime temperature is between 29 °C and 32 °C, with clear, sunny weather and low humidity, perfect for lounging and sunbathing, while the sea is clear and suitable for snorkeling and swimming.

If you are planning an island holiday or beach walk in Cambodia, book during these months to ensure the best experience. April and May temperatures can reach up to 35°C and the sand can be scorching. The rainy season from June to October is cheaper and less touristy, but there is heavy rainfall in the afternoon.

You can go for a Cambodia beach tour from November to March.

More insider tips for visiting Cambodia's Beaches and Islands

For the best experience, organize your trip in line with the following points:

Pack smart

Bring cash as credit cards are seldom accepted both on the island and around the beach, and you can pay in US dollars or Cambodia currency. Some essentials you should bring for your seaside holiday are mosquito repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a quick-dry towel.

Follow local rules

Plastic waste plagues many beaches, so don't litter, and using reusable water bottles can be better.

Plan ahead

Reserving flights, accommodation and ferries in advance is best, particularly during Cambodia’s peak tourist season. You can book a beach tour by a tour agency like us. Indochina Tour has a broad experience in organizing various trips in Cambodia at the best price. With us, you just specify wishes, habits, budget, and priorities, and our experienced staff will find the perfect solution for you.

15 Days Cambodia Historical Tour with Beach Relax

Siem Reap - Battambang - Phnom Penh - Kampot - Sihanoukville

Conclusion

When traveling to Cambodia, the coast and islands are perfect destinations for a relaxing beach vacation. If you like to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, and dive, you can find and enjoy excellent beaches along the Cambodian coast and on the islands.

With these beach destination recommendations, you can explore Cambodia's coastal treasures and enjoy a perfect beach vacation, and make great memories. Are you ready to start your adventure? Cambodia's best beaches are waiting for you!