A trip to Koh Tonsay, the "Rabbit Island", from Kep offers an easy tropical getaway: about 20 to 30 minutes by boat to the beaches, ideally for a half-day or a full day to enjoy the peaceful contrast to the hustle and bustle of the mainland. This small island in the Gulf of Thailand (often cited as around 2 km², about 4.5 km off the coast of Kep according to travel guides) remains a common excursion after a crab lunch at the market: you will still find light sandy beaches, water generally suitable for swimming and light snorkeling from the shore, small fishing restaurants where fresh grilled crab is often served, and rustic bungalows for those who wish to extend their stay overnight.
The English nickname Rabbit Island comes from the shape of the island when viewed from above (rabbit ear, according to the most widespread cartographic legend). Long promoted for its simple scenery, it has been undergoing a significant tourism development since the early 2020s (new port, larger constructions) that is altering the landscape, as detailed in the Routard – Visiting Koh Tonsay. The Routard also mentions a hiking trail of a few hours around the perimeter or through the jungle interior of coconut trees, mangroves, as well as kayaking to explore calmer coves.
Important notes for planning
What to do on the island?
- Relax on the beach — pleasant shallow water during the dry season.
- Snorkeling — mask from the shore when the sea is calm; underwater visibility can be affected when construction or movements stir up too many fine particles.
- Walk around the island — expect 2 to 3 hours for a leisurely loop depending on your stops and the heat.
- Sea kayaking — kayaks available depending on the year and season.
- Enjoy seafood — blue crab from Kep, daily catch, Kampot pepper upon request.
In the vicinity
The proximity to Kep allows for a combination of crab market visits, modernist villas on a bike ride, or trails in the Kep National Park on the hills (coastal and island panoramas). For a broader tour, check out our Kampot guide about thirty minutes away.
Book an organized excursion
Rabbit Island excursions — day trips from Kep area.
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Additional source
To cross-check schedules, recent photos, and infrastructure developments, the page Visiting Koh Tonsay on Routard.com remains a practical reference in French — prices and docks change quickly, always verify on-site the day before.
Questions fréquentes
Indicative prices collected on-site and in travel media: a range around 5 to 10 USD depending on the season, tide, or daily negotiation. Confirm at the dock where you buy the ticket.
Yes, to enjoy a beach, swim, have a leisurely lunch, and even take a short walking loop. If you plan on a long hike and a lengthy lunch, it’s better to set aside the whole day.
The Khmer nickname means Rabbit Island; several sources explain the name by a shape seen from the sky resembling an ear or a rabbit — a small curiosity of traveler cartography above all.
No: apart from walking paths and small local docks, everything is done on foot (or from the sea with kayak rentals). Bring sneakers or closed sandals if the jungle is wet after rain.