Koh Rong Sanloem — the balanced island
This is our top recommendation. Saracen Bay (east side) is sheltered from the waves, the waters are turquoise, and the corals are accessible for swimming from the beach. The village of Saracen Bay has about ten restaurants and a few accommodations of decent to good quality (20-80 USD per night).
The main beach is clean, and the island is small enough to walk across in an hour. The highlight: the nighttime bioluminescence in the bay is among the most intense we've seen in Southeast Asia.
Koh Rong — Long Beach and nightlife
The big sister, larger and more crowded. Long Beach (west side) is a 7 km stretch of spectacular white sand. The village of Koh Tuch has a concentration of bars and restaurants that make the island a livelier destination at night. If you're looking for nightlife, Koh Rong is the right choice.
On the downside, development is more chaotic here, some beaches lack maintenance, and the bioluminescence is less intense than on Koh Rong Sanloem.
Koh Ta Kiev — absolute isolation
Dense jungle, deserted beaches, three off-grid eco-lodges (no 24-hour electricity, Wi-Fi nearly nonexistent). It's an experience, not a comfort destination. The stilt bungalows by the water, the nighttime silence, the forest at your fingertips — for those who really want to disconnect.
Access by taxi boat from Sihanoukville (45 min, 15-20 USD, often organized directly by the accommodation). Book in advance as spots are limited.
Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) — from Kep
A small island in the Gulf, not to be confused with Koh Rong: fishing village vibe, bamboo bungalows, grilled crab, and accessible beaches without the pretentious "postcard" feel. Our detailed guide reviews indicative boat prices, walking tours of the island, and snorkeling.
It's an excellent addition after the crab market in Kep or for a calm day away from the Sihanoukville archipelago.
Koh Thmei — within Ream National Park
A protected island inside Ream National Park, 25 km east of Sihanoukville. Dense forest, little-frequented beaches, and some rare bird species. Only one eco-resort is present on the island. Ideal if you combine it with a mangrove and dolphin outing (possible in Ream Park).
Transport: how to reach the islands
Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem, and the nearby islets can be reached from Sihanoukville. The two most used companies are Speed Ferry Cambodia and GTVC Speedboat — several departures daily in high season (November–May), fewer during the rainy season.
Koh Tonsay: boat departure only from the waterfront of Kep; also see our page ferry Sihanoukville ↔ Koh Rong if you are planning to visit the other archipelago.
From Phnom Penh → Sihanoukville or Kep, expect about 4 to 6 hours by bus (depending on the line and stops). 12Go Asia often allows you to combine land connections and activities in one basket.
Book your island activities
For boat excursions, guided snorkeling, or island hopping from Sihanoukville:
Island hopping, snorkeling and boat tours from Sihanoukville.
From Kep, to Koh Tonsay:
Rabbit Island excursions from the Kep area.
Questions fréquentes
In low season, yes. In high season (December-February, July-August), accommodations on Koh Rong Sanloem and the eco-lodges of Koh Ta Kiev fill up. Book at least 1-2 weeks in advance for these periods.
No ATMs on the small islands. Bring enough cash in US dollars from Sihanoukville. Some accommodations accept cards but with additional fees.
Basic Wi-Fi is available on Koh Rong Sanloem and Koh Rong (in restaurants and accommodations). Very limited or even non-existent on Koh Ta Kiev. Cambodian 4G coverage (Smart, Cellcard) sometimes works better than the Wi-Fi in accommodations.
No: Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) is accessed from Kep, on the southern coast — it’s not the same port or route. If you’re combining Kep and the Sihanoukville archipelago, plan for two separate trips (bus or minibus between the two cities).