When mentioning Cambodia, tourists may think of ancient temples and the magnificent Angkor Wat. However, beyond archaeological treasures and fascinating Khmer culture, this country is also home to a beautiful coastline, tropical islands, quiet fishing communities, and sandy beaches with soft white sand and turquoise water. Let’s explore the top 07 beaches in Cambodia with Handspan Travel!

Through this blog post, you will find the following pieces of information.

Why you should visit the beaches in Cambodia?

Compared to other beaches in the area, the beaches in Cambodia are less crowded. They offer a peaceful escape from the country's famous temples and busy cities. With white sandy shores, turquoise waters, and tropical landscapes, destinations such as Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are ideal for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying island life.

Beyond beautiful scenery, the beaches in Cambodia also provide opportunities to experience local coastal culture. From fresh seafood in Kep to traditional fishing communities and quieter islands, you can discover a slower and more authentic side of Cambodia.

Besides, you can take a beach stay to balance a cultural itinerary. After exploring Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, or Cambodia's countryside, a few relaxing days by the sea can add a refreshing end to your journey. 

The best time to visit the beaches in Cambodia

Cambodia has a tropical climate, with generally warm temperatures throughout the year. If you are planning for a beach holiday, you may want to visit the beaches in Cambodia in the dry season. It lasts from November to April, with sunny weather and calm seas. This season is usually the most convenient period because you can expect less rain and more favorable conditions for outdoor activities.

The rainy season, from May to October, can still offer rewarding experiences, especially if you enjoy greener landscapes and fewer visitors. However, rain can affect boat journeys and outdoor plans, so it is worth keeping your itinerary flexible.

Generally, if you want to spend most of your time on the beach and island activities, you may prefer the drier months. If you are combining the coast with cultural exploration and don't mind occasional showers, other periods can also work.

The top 07 best beaches in Cambodia

Cambodia's main beach destinations are concentrated along the country's southern coastline. The best-known areas include Sihanoukville, Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem, Kep, and Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island). Let’s explore the top 07 best beaches in Cambodia with us!

Sok San Beach (Long Beach), Koh Rong Island

Sok San Beach, which is located on Koh Rong Island, is one of the beaches in Cambodia that you should not miss. It is outstanding with a 7-kilometer-long sandy bank, surrounded by clear blue water. While the island's main town, Koh Toch, is often bustling with tourists, music, and lively bars, Sok San Beach remains untouched, with a pristine and peaceful atmosphere. Nevertheless, Long Beach offers a full range of amenities, from food and beverage outlets to beachfront bungalows. Below are some amazing experiences in Sok San Beach. 

• Walking along the endless white-sand beach

Sok San Beach is ideal for a leisurely walk, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Let’s follow the shoreline at your own pace, listen to the sound of the waves, and enjoy the feeling of having plenty of space to yourself.

• Swimming and relaxing in crystal-clear water

The calm, clear water of Sok San Beach is perfect for swimming and cooling off under the tropical sun. You may spend a slow afternoon floating on the sea or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere on this beach. 

• Exploring the local village on foot

You may want to go beyond the beach and take a walk through Sok San Village to see a more local side of Koh Rong. Along the way, you can observe everyday island life, meet residents, and discover small houses, shops, and fishing activities away from the main tourist areas.

• Admiring the sunset and glowing plankton

Sok San Beach is an ideal place on Koh Rong Island to see the sunset and enjoy the evening. Let’s take a leisurely walk along Long Beach and find a quiet spot to watch the spectacular sunset. After dark, you can stay by the shore to witness the magical glow of bioluminescent plankton lighting up the water, creating an unforgettable nighttime experience. 

Lonely Beach

Lonely Beach is also among the best beaches in Cambodia. It is located in the Northwest of Koh Rong Island, famous for its pristine and tranquil atmosphere. Completely removed from the bars and bustle of the island's southern end, this place offers an atmosphere of absolute tranquility. With its crescent-shaped stretch of golden sand framed by lush green palms swaying in the breeze, Lonely Beach is the perfect spot to unwind and take in a stunning sunset. Let’s see some things to do in Lonely Beach with us!

• Walking through the jungle beach

Reaching Lonely Beach feels like a small adventure in itself. Follow the jungle paths leading towards the coast, surrounded by dense tropical vegetation and the sounds of nature. The walk offers a chance to experience a quieter, more untouched side of Koh Rong.

• Exploring the quiet shoreline

When you take a slow walk along Lonely Beach, you can enjoy its peaceful, secluded atmosphere. With fewer visitors around, you can wander at your own pace, explore the natural surroundings, and appreciate the simplicity of island life away from the busier parts of Koh Rong. 

• Watching the sunset and discovering bioluminescent plankton

Like Sok San Beach, Lonely Beach is also among the best beaches in Cambodia to see the sunset and bioluminescent plankton. As evening approaches, you can walk along the shore to find a perfect spot for watching the sunset over the Gulf of Thailand. After dark, let’s stay by the water to look for bioluminescent plankton, which can create tiny flashes of blue light as the water moves around you.

Long Set Beach

Long Set Beach, known as the 4K Beach, is also one of the worth-visiting beaches in Cambodia. This beach is 4 kilometer long, outstanding with its fine white sands and warm, turquoise waters. The location offers a tranquil setting surrounded by lush forest, shaded by cashew, mango, and coconut trees, which creates an atmosphere of pristine serenity. This is an ideal destination for you to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. If you are looking for a destination that combines relaxation with nature-based activities, Long Set Beach is an ideal choice. Coming to the Long Set Beach, you should not miss these exciting activities below.

• Snorkeling

The waters here are incredibly clear and blue, making snorkeling an activity you shouldn't miss. Although the best spots may be a bit of a distance from the main beach, it is well worth the effort.

• Viewing bioluminescent plankton at night

If you splash the water in a dark area at any beach on Koh Rong, you will see plenty of plankton emitting a magical, shimmering glow. After 10 p.m., when most resorts have turned off their lights, you can gaze at the moon, stars, and glowing plankton.

• Jungle trekking

The trekking route to the Long Set Beach is an incredibly easy route. It takes you about 30 minutes to walk to reach the beautiful, tranquil beach.

• Kayaking

Kayaking on your own is the best way to explore every beautiful spot at your own pace, without being rushed by tour operators. You can simply pull up and explore wherever catches your eye, then paddle on whenever you’re ready. 

Kep Beach

If the islands are about tropical scenery, Kep offers a different interpretation of a Cambodian beach escape. Among the beaches in Cambodia, Kep Beach is also worth visiting. Located in southern Cambodia near the border with Vietnam, Kep is a small seaside town with a relaxed atmosphere. The town has long been associated with seafood, coastal landscapes, and its distinctive colonial heritage. 

Kep Beach itself is relatively small, but that is part of its charm. It is a place to sit by the sea, enjoy the breeze, and combine a simple beach visit with a seafood meal or a walk around town. 

Handspan highlights this beach as one of its memorable travel experiences in Indochina. You may want to spend time at Kep Beach, visit the famous crab market, and take a boat to Koh Tonsay. Kep is therefore particularly interesting for travelers who don't necessarily need a huge stretch of sand. Instead, the appeal lies in combining beach, food, local life, and a slower coastal atmosphere.

Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island)

For a more rustic beach experience, consider Koh Tonsay, also known as Rabbit Island. The island also possesses one of the appealing beaches in Cambodia, standing out with clear blue waters, fine white sand, and a pristine, peaceful atmosphere. 

The sea here is relatively shallow, warm, calm, and gently sloping, making it safe and ideal for swimming. Fine white sands stretch along the shore, complemented by rows of lush green coconut palms that create a picturesque setting. The waters surrounding the island feature coral reefs and diverse marine life, making the area perfect for snorkeling. As the island retains a rustic charm, free from extensive modern development or strong Wi-Fi signals, you can take a leisurely retreat that fosters a close connection with nature. 

Coming to the island, you can enjoy a variety of relaxing and adventurous experiences. It is ideal to swim in crystal-clear waters or go snorkeling to discover colorful marine life beneath the surface. Besides, you can unwind in a hammock under the trees while enjoying the sea breeze and sunset. If you are a food lover, fresh seafood is served at rustic beachfront restaurants and local eateries, often at affordable prices of around $5–$7 per main dish. Beyond the beach, you can also explore the island on foot, go hiking, or rent a bicycle to discover quiet trails and hidden corners surrounded by tropical nature. Handspan's Cambodia for Art & Nature Globetrotters includes a beach break around Kep and Koh Tonsay. After exploring Cambodia's cultural and natural highlights, the itinerary allows travelers to spend time on the island before returning to Phnom Penh.

Lazy Beach

Lazy Beach, located on Koh Rong Samloem Island, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cambodia. The beach has gained international fame for its unspoiled beauty. Its fine golden sand, tranquil turquoise waters, and lush rainforest create a pristine and peaceful environment. With its stunning natural scenery, Lazy Beach offers visitors a relaxing atmosphere where they can find peace and a closer connection to nature. 

Coming here, you can stroll along the sandy shore to admire the surroundings or go diving to view the coral reefs. While the central seabed is sandy, rocky areas line the edges in shallower waters, attracting schools of fish. For those who enjoy trekking, there are opportunities to explore the lush green forests in the area. Additionally, you can go fishing or simply sit by the sea to enjoy the captivating sight of the sun slowly setting over the water.

Otres Beach, Sihanoukville

Located in Sihanoukville, Otres Beach is also among the beaches in Cambodia you should drop by. It is distinguished by a stretch of smooth white sand, clear blue waters, and an atmosphere that is more peaceful than the city center. The beach is divided into two areas. The Otres 1 is livelier, featuring beachfront bars, restaurants, and guesthouses, while the Otres 2 is quiet and secluded, making it ideal for relaxation. There is a stretch of 4-kilometer sandy bank, shaded by casuarina and tamarind trees that create a cool, pleasant atmosphere. Coming to the beach, you can swim, enjoy kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, and take a sunset boat trips. 

How to combine Cambodian beaches with an Angkor itinerary?

For many first-time visitors, the easiest way to experience Cambodia's beaches is to combine them with the country's cultural highlights. You can begin in Siem Reap and spend several days exploring Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and the surrounding countryside. From there, continue through other parts of Cambodia before finishing your trip on the southern coast. This is essentially the concept behind Handspan's Cambodia Grand Discovery. The itinerary combines Angkor and Siem Reap with Phnom Penh, Battambang, rural landscapes, and a final beach break around the Sihanoukville islands. For a shorter trip, Handspan's Cambodia Essentials focuses on Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, while also suggesting Sihanoukville, Koh Rong, and Kep as options for travelers who want to add a beach extension. This flexibility makes it easy to design a Cambodia holiday around your own interests rather than following a fixed sightseeing checklist.

FAQs about the beaches in Cambodia

• What are the best beaches in Cambodia?

Some of the most popular coastal destinations include Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem, Kep, Koh Tonsay, and the beaches around Sihanoukville. The right choice depends on whether you prefer island scenery, a quiet seaside town, or easy access to coastal resorts.

• Is Koh Rong worth visiting?

Yes, Koh Rong is a popular choice for travelers looking for tropical beaches, island scenery, and time to relax by the sea. It can also be combined with a wider Cambodia itinerary, as demonstrated by Handspan's Cambodia Grand Discovery itinerary.

• Is Kep good for a beach holiday?

Kep is better suited to travelers looking for a relaxed coastal experience rather than a large resort-style beach destination. Its appeal comes from the combination of the sea, seafood, local life, and nearby Koh Tonsay.

• Can I visit the beach after visiting Angkor Wat?

Absolutely. A beach extension after exploring Angkor Wat is a practical way to balance cultural sightseeing with relaxation. Sihanoukville and its surrounding islands are among the options suggested by Handspan for travelers looking to add a beach break to a Cambodia trip.

• How many days should I spend at the beach in Cambodia?

For a wider Cambodia itinerary, around 2–4 days can provide enough time to relax without taking too much time away from cultural and inland destinations. Longer stays are suitable if your main goal is an island holiday. 

In conclusion, beyond ancient temples, Cambodia also possesses beautiful beaches that provide opportunities to slow down, explore small seaside communities, discover tropical islands, and experience another side of Cambodian life. Whether you prefer the island atmosphere of Koh Rong, the peaceful shores of Koh Rong Sanloem, the seafood and relaxed charm of Kep, or a simple escape to Koh Tonsay, there are plenty of ways to include the coast in your journey. If you want to book a tour package to Cambodia or tailor your itinerary, don’t hesitate to contact our team.