Southern Cambodia has seen little development over time, until just a few years ago. The main port town of Sihanoukville is now in the hands of developers from China, who also have their eyes on the islands. For now, Cambodia’s islands remain the tropical paradise travellers dream about – endless white powdery sand beaches, hammocks swaying in the breeze, authentic fishing villages on stilts, and brilliant sunsets. These beaches won’t remain undeveloped for long so visit before the masses arrive!
Based on my own personal interests and preferences, here is my list of Top 10 most astonishing places in southern Cambodia.
1. Clearwater Beach (Koh Rong Sanloem)
One of Asia’s most beautiful and unspoiled beaches is at the northern end of Koh Rong Sanloem Island. Walk to the eastern end of M’Pay Bay beach where a small signpost announces “Clear Water Bay”. An interesting hike through the jungle leads to the beach.
This long beach with crystal clear water is completely undeveloped – not a guesthouse or even a little shop. Nothing but pure unspoiled nature. Sadly, this is about to change. Chinese developers have staked out a huge tract of land here and their earth-moving equipment has destroyed swathes of the jungle for a new resort. Better visit as soon as possible.
2. Sok San Beach (Koh Rong)
Another contender for being one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia is Sok San Beach, also aptly known as “Long Beach”.
Located at the western side of Koh Rong Island, the beach has a small fishing village at the northern end and a luxury resort, The Royal Sands Koh Rong, at the southern end. In between is a long stretch of undeveloped paradise. The waves ripple smoothly, the water is crystal clear, and the white sandy beach is mostly free of any drifting rubbish.
3. Lonely Beach (Koh Rong)
Located at the northern tip of Koh Rong Island, with the larger and more developed sister island of Koh Rong Sanloem to its south. Lonely Beach offers a paradise-island-feel with its tall overhanging palm trees, crystal clear ocean waters, and soft brown-white sandy beaches. This beach is also one of the very best spots in the area to see the colours of bioluminescent plankton at night.
The only accommodation available on this part of the island is the basic Lonely Beach Bungalows.
Lonely Beach, Koh Rong Island Lonely Beach, Koh Rong Island
4. Western Beaches (Koh Rong Sanloem)
The west side of Koh Rong Sanloem Island is blessed with three small unspoiled beaches, each with a special charm. From south to north are Buck Beach, Lazy Beach, and Sunset Beach.
Accommodation and restaurants are very limited here, with Sunset Beach having a few places to stay and a couple of basic tourist restaurants. Enjoying the sunsets is a daily routine here, though hiking back through the jungle to Saracen Beach with its vibrant tourist facilities is not a pleasant experience, if done after sunset.
5. Fishing villages on the Cambodian islands
Southern Cambodia has several fishing villages of varying sizes. The more interesting are those on the islands.
Koh Rong Island has three fishing villages worth visiting. The most authentic village is Daem Thkov which is a short walk to the north of Coconut Beach on the southeastern side of the island. Preaek Svay village is a 45-minute walk from Lonely Beach in the far north, while Sok San village is on the southwestern side of the island. M’Pay Bay village on Koh Rong Sanloem is also worth a visit.
6. Tonsay Island
Rabbit Island, or Koh Tonsay as it is known in Khmer, is a 30-minute ride from Kep on a fishing boat converted into a tourist ferry.
The small island has no road or vehicular traffic and is known for its rustic atmosphere, complete with hammocks in front of basic adobe huts under swaying palm trees. While the beaches here are not among the best in the region, threadbare bungalows and restaurant shacks create a true island feeling. Relaxing with a cold beer on the beach during sunset is a must!
7. Kep
The seaside town of Kep has a flamboyant past that left behind several now abandoned and decaying stately villas. These spooky old villas have become a tourist attraction among foreigners while locals believe the buildings are haunted.
Kep is more popular among the Cambodians for its blue sea crabs. Sadly, huge demand for the crab meat is decimating stocks and contributing to the destruction of nearby coral reefs and seagrass beds. Outside town are a few pepper farms, limestone caves, and salt lakes worth visiting.
8. Kampot
The enchanting town of Kampot has a loyal following of travellers dating back decades. While many backpackers still come for the lazy days and nights at rustic huts along the river, the town and the surrounding area offers many attractions.
In town are many old colonial buildings, some of which have been ever so tastefully restored to their former glory. The town also has interesting markets and boat trips up and down the river. Several caves, salt and pepper farms, and lakes can be visited from Kampot.
9. Bokor National Park
Located just 10 kilometres (six miles) to the southeast of Kampot, the Bokor National Park features waterfalls, exotic fauna and flora, remnants of abandoned French villas, a large Catholic church ruin, a rustic pagoda, and breathtaking vistas over the sea and the islands.
While the park offers shelter to an incredible array of wildlife, it takes considerable effort and patience to track them down. Most casual visitors to the park come to photograph the many abandoned buildings of the old French Hill Station.
10. Rural Southern Cambodia
Rent a bicycle, or even better, a scooter, strap on a crash helmet with travel insurance papers in your pocket, and head out in any direction. No map required, except for your phone to navigate back to the guesthouse at the end of the day. Rural Cambodia has so much to offer the inquisitive traveller.
Leave the main road and head down the small motorbike trails through endless rice paddies only to be interrupted by a small cluster of wooden houses every few kilometres. Locals are friendly.
☛ Read more: 4 Most Idyllic Islands – 11 Best Beaches of Cambodia
☛ Read more: Enchanting Coastal Towns of Cambodia
Blog post and photos by Peter who has been travelling almost full-time since 2005 and has been to over 122 countries. He visited several countries, such as Japan, more than 20 times. Peter is Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of GlobeRovers Magazine, an independent travel magazine focused on intrepid destinations.