Discover the Best Beaches in Cambodia for Your Next Island Getaway

Cambodia, best known for its majestic Angkor Wat and vibrant capital, Phnom Penh, also boasts an incredible stretch of coastline dotted with pristine beaches.

While neighboring Thailand often steals the spotlight, Cambodia’s beaches remain a largely undiscovered paradise for travelers seeking serenity, soft white sand, and turquoise waters.

From the party-friendly shores of Sihanoukville to the tranquil retreats of Koh Rong and Koh Ta Kiev, Cambodia offers a perfect mix of seclusion, nature, and local charm.

Here’s a guide to the 12 best beaches in Cambodia that will make you want to pack your bags and explore this coastal wonderland.

1. Otres Beach

Otres Beach is a peaceful escape just outside the hustle of Sihanoukville. With its long stretch of golden sand and calm, warm waters, it’s ideal for those who want a quieter, more relaxed beach experience.

Lined with chilled-out bars and beach bungalows, Otres offers incredible sunsets and a bohemian atmosphere that draws travelers who love a slower pace.

• Location: Sihanoukville

• Timings: Open 24 hours, but best enjoyed during daylight hours.

• How to Get There: Easily reachable via tuk-tuk or taxi from central Sihanoukville, just a 20-minute ride away.

• Best Time to Visit: November to March for cooler weather and clear skies.

• Things to Do: Kayaking, paddleboarding, sunbathing

• Places to Eat: Papa Pippo, Secret Garden

• Places to Stay:White Boutique Hotel, Mary Beach Hotel

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2. Serendipity Beach

Serendipity Beach is the beating heart of Sihanoukville’s beach scene. Known for its lively ambiance, beachfront bars, and night parties, this beach is perfect for travelers looking to socialize and enjoy the local nightlife.

It’s also the departure point for ferries to the nearby islands, making it a convenient base for island hopping.

• Location: Sihanoukville

• Timings: Open 24 hours, though mornings and late afternoons are most pleasant.

• How to Get There: Located within walking distance of Sihanoukville city center, ideal for day and night access.

• Best Time to Visit: December to February for the best beach weather and vibrant atmosphere.

• Things to Do: Swimming, beach parties, snorkeling

• Places to Eat:Big Easy, Maybe Later

• Places to Stay: Serendipity Beach Resort, Onederz Hostel

3. Sok San Beach

Located on Koh Rong island, Sok San Beach is a pristine stretch of coastline with powdery white sand and stunning turquoise waters.

More secluded than the main beaches, it’s perfect for those looking for a private beach experience. The beach is framed by jungle-covered hills, adding a lush backdrop to your tropical getaway.

• Location: Koh Rong

• Timings: Open 24 hours, but the beach is most stunning at sunrise and sunset.

• How to Get There: Take a ferry to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville, followed by a short boat or resort-arranged transfer.

• Best Time to Visit: November to May offers perfect conditions for beachgoers.

• Things to Do: Swimming, snorkeling, hiking

• Places to Eat: Sok San Beach Resort Restaurant

• Places to Stay:Sok San Beach Resort

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4. Long Set Beach (4K Beach)

Long Set Beach, also known as 4K Beach due to its approximate 4-kilometer length, is a dreamy stretch of sand on Koh Rong.

Its remoteness and undeveloped nature make it one of the most serene beaches in Cambodia. You’ll find crystal-clear water, soft sand, and hammocks tied to palm trees, ideal for disconnecting and recharging.

• Location: Koh Rong

• Timings: Open 24 hours, ideal for early morning and sunset strolls.

• How to Get There: Catch a ferry to Koh Rong, then walk or arrange a boat to reach the secluded beach.

• Best Time to Visit: December to April offers sunny days and calm sea conditions.

• Things to Do: Beachcombing, swimming, photography.

• Nearby Places to Eat:Treehouse Bungalows

• Places to Stay:Long Set Resort, Pura Vita Resort

5. Lazy Beach

Tucked away on Koh Rong Samloem, Lazy Beach is the definition of an island hideaway. Accessible only by a jungle trek or boat, this beach is known for its calm waters, coral reefs, and zero crowds.

Perfect for digital detox and deep relaxation, it offers a rare back-to-nature experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.

• Location: Koh Rong Samloem

• Timings: Open 24 hours; quietest and most peaceful during the day.

• How to Get There: Ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem, followed by a scenic 20-minute jungle trail walk.

• Best Time to Visit: November to May for calm waters and clear skies.

• Things to Do: Snorkeling, hammocking, stargazing

• Places to Eat:Lazy Beach Restaurant

• Places to Stay:Lazy Beach Bungalows

Suggested Read: Cambodia on a Budget: The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Adventures

6. Saracen Bay

Saracen Bay is the main beach on Koh Rong Samloem and offers a balanced mix of nature and comfort.

With white sand, calm waves, and a variety of beachfront resorts, it’s popular among couples and families alike. The gentle slope into the sea makes it ideal for swimming and safe for kids.

• Location: Koh Rong Samloem

• Timings: Open 24 hours, though mornings are especially serene.

• How to Get There: Hop on a ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem, with most boats docking right on the bay.

• Best Time to Visit: Visit from December to March for sunny weather and fewer insects.

• Things to Do: Kayaking, snorkeling, hiking

• Places to Eat: The One Resort Restaurant, Sol Beach

• Places to Stay: Sol Beach Resort, The One Resort

7. Koh Thmei Beach

Located in Ream National Park, Koh Thmei Beach is an untouched paradise with rich biodiversity.

It’s part of an eco-friendly island where dolphins, exotic birds, and even monkeys can be spotted. The beach is peaceful, clean, and ideal for nature lovers looking to unwind far from commercial developments.

• Location: Ream National Park

• Timings: Best to visit during daylight hours due to limited infrastructure.

• How to Get There: Reach by boat from Ream Beach Pier, after a drive from Sihanoukville to Ream National Park.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February ensures dry trails and a comfortable climate for exploring.

• Things to Do: Birdwatching, eco-tours, nature walks

• Places to Eat:Koh Thmei Resort kitchen

• Places to Stay:Koh Thmei Resort

8. Ream Beach

Just outside Sihanoukville, Ream Beach is a quiet stretch of sand known for its natural beauty and local fishing communities.

It’s part of the Ream National Park, so expect fewer tourists and more locals enjoying the day. It’s great for a picnic, long beach walks, and watching fishing boats sail by.

• Location: Ream National Park

• Timings: Open 24 hours, but early morning or late afternoon are best for avoiding heat.

• Entry Fee: Park entrance fee may apply

• How to Get There: About 30 minutes by taxi or motorbike from central Sihanoukville via National Route 4.

• Best time to Visit: November to April provides ideal weather and clearer views.

• Things to Do: Fishing, relaxing, walking

• Places to Eat: Local seafood stalls

• Places to Stay:Monkey Maya Eco Lodge

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9. Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach lives up to its name with some of the most breathtaking sunsets in Cambodia.

Located on Koh Rong Samloem’s western coast, it’s quieter than Saracen Bay and less commercialized. With its golden sands and fiery skies, it’s a haven for backpackers and couples looking for a romantic escape.

• Location: Koh Rong Samloem

• Timings: Open 24 hours; afternoons and evenings are perfect for watching the sunset.

• How to Get There: Take a ferry to Koh Rong Samloem, then trek through the jungle trail from Saracen Bay.

• Best time to Visit: December to March offers the best sunsets and most pleasant evenings.

• Things to Do: Sunset watching, snorkeling, beach bonfires

• Places to Eat:Robinson Bungalows

• Places to Stay: Sleeping Trees

10. Lonely Beach

True to its name, Lonely Beach on the northern tip of Koh Rong offers solitude like nowhere else.

With no electricity, limited Wi-Fi, and just a few eco-bungalows, it’s an ideal destination for off-grid travelers. The beach is postcard-perfect and usually has more monkeys than people.

• Location: Koh Rong

• Timings: Open 24 hours, but best enjoyed during the day due to minimal facilities.

• How to Get There: Reach by private boat from the main pier of Koh Rong; no public transport available.

• Best time to Visit: November to April ensures dry weather and smooth boat rides.

• Things to Do: Relaxing, photography, digital detox

• Places to Eat:Lonely Beach Resort kitchen

• Places to Stay:Lonely Beach Resort

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11. Koh Ta Kiev

A short boat ride from Sihanoukville, Koh Ta Kiev is a rustic, undeveloped island with a few backpacker-style accommodations and no roads.

The beaches here are raw, beautiful, and quiet, perfect for hammock life and fire-cooked seafood under the stars.

• Location: Off the coast of Sihanoukville

• Timings: Accessible all day, but day trips should return before dusk.

• How to Get There: Take a short boat ride from Otres Beach or Ream Beach to reach this rustic island.

• Best Time to Visit: December to March offers perfect beach weather and fewer insects.

• Things to Do: Cliff jumping, snorkeling, hiking

• Places to Eat: Coral Beach Bungalows

• Places to Stay: Crusoe Island

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12. Victory Beach

• Location: Sihanoukville

• Timings: Open 24 hours; early morning or sunset are the best times to visit.

• How to Get There: Just 10 minutes by tuk-tuk from downtown Sihanoukville, near the port area.

• Best Time to Visit: November to March is ideal for seafood, swimming, and scenic views.

• Things to Do: Swimming, dining, relaxing

• Places to Eat: Snake House, Five Men Fresh Beer

• Places to Stay:New Beach Hotel, Victory Paradise Resort

Practical Tips for Indian Travelers Visiting Beaches in Cambodia

1. November through April offers the best beach weather with minimal rain and clear waters

2. U.S. dollars are widely accepted; carry small denominations for easier transactions.

3. Credit cards work in cities and big resorts, but carry cash for island visits and beach towns.

4. Avoid drinking tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water, even for brushing teeth.

5. Vegetarian and Indian food options are available in cities, but are limited on remote beaches.

6. Pack sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a reusable water bottle, and beach shoes.

7. Dress modestly when leaving the beach; Cambodia is conservative compared to Goa or Bali.

Book ferries and beach stays in advance during peak season (November to February).

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FAQs

1. What’s the best time to visit Cambodian beaches?

The dry season, from November to April, is the best time. You’ll enjoy sunny skies, calm waters, and less rainfall.

2. Are beaches in Cambodia safe for swimming?

Yes, most beaches, especially on Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, are very safe for swimming with gentle waves and shallow waters.

3. How should Indian tourists manage connectivity and food on remote beaches?

Buy a local SIM for cheap internet, download offline maps, and expect limited food variety – carry snacks and be prepared for basic dining options on remote beaches.

4. Are there beach resorts in Cambodia?

Absolutely. From eco-bungalows on Koh Ta Kiev to luxury resorts on Koh Rong Samloem, there’s something for every budget.

5. Is vegetarian food easily available on the various beaches in Cambodia?

Vegetarian options are limited on smaller islands, but most beach towns and larger resorts offer basic vegetarian and vegan-friendly meals.

6. How do I get to the islands from Sihanoukville?

Regular ferries run from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. Speedboats take around 45 minutes.