Koh Rong Samloem – Saracen bay
Outside of the private islands, this is one of our most commonly visited beaches; it is perfect for a few days get away. Saracen Bay is protected from the ocean and so is almost always tranquil, which is great for a cooling dip. The beach itself is white sand and soft for an evening stroll. The tide doesn’t go out too far and the beach is a perfect width for sunbathing and other activities. The beach has a relaxed vibe and good for all ages. On an evening it comes to life with a wealth of small beach side bars and restaurants serving up fresh tasty seafood BBQ’s and ice cold drinks right on the beach. In addition there are plenty of activities to partake in right from the beach such as Scuba Diving, bio-luminescence watching and Jungle treks to other parts of the island, coupled with some great hotels such as La Passion and Moonlight it has something for everyone.
Koh Rong Sok San Beach
Sok San is possibly the longest uninterrupted stretch of white sand beach in Cambodia. It has even been the set of movies with its perfect blend of azure blue seas set against the palm fringed beach with Jungle clad mountains in the hazy distance. It’s hard to take a bad photo on this beach. We suggest splurging and staying at the beautiful Royal Sands resort in one of their private pool villas overlooking the coast. This beach is quiet and remote so it’s perfect for relaxing and wellness retreats. There are other accessible beaches on the island with more activity but although it is the largest popular island it remains quiet.
Song Saa Private Island
As Cambodia’s most exclusive Island resort there is not much not to like about this stunning beach property. Barefoot luxury is at its pinnacle here as shoes are not required on the island, you can simply explore with the white sand between your toes. Famed for its wellness activities it is the perfect place to escape the rest of the world for a while. Spend time in your over water villa while your personal butler attends to your every need or go and explore the island on foot or by kayak. The beach is small and private but certainly one to show friends back home. Even arriving here is an experience by a private speedboat or helicopter, both great ways to make an entrance.
Koh Ta Kiev
The beaches here are as beautiful as any and the island is generally uninhabited other than a few fishermen and small hideaways. The beaches here are particularly quiet and generally centre on rustic guesthouses / resorts. Koh ta Kiev is the perfect place to take walks on the beach and chill with a cold drink at sunsets. Really relax, unwind and take on a slower pace of life on this part of Cambodia often overlooked and undiscovered by most visitors.
Koh Kong Beach
Just a stone’s throw from the border with Thailand, Koh Kong offers a more local experience for those with a little more adventure, however the sunset is still stunning and the yellow sand goes on for miles. This area has not yet seen mass tourism and attracts mainly locals, so resorts have a small rustic feel but generally serve up all the essentials you need for a remote beach stay. There are several beach bars to choose from and plenty of hammocks to chill with a good book, our favourite is Young Wild & Free. For those wishing to explore, nearby there are authentic fishing villages and further afield waterfalls and mangroves can be found. Koh Kong town is also worth an evening exploring the river front area.
Kep Beach
Kep is not known for its beaches; however it is a renowned coastal getaway dating back to the colonial era. It does however have some small beaches, with the main one in front of the town. We think that some of the small hidden ones are more idyllic and quiet. You can experience these when staying at some of our favourite hotels in Kep, namely Knai Bang Chat and Samanea Resort which have their own small, private beaches, which when coupled with the beautiful architecture makes for perfect photos, especially at the famous Sailing Club sunsets.
