The Cambodian south coast extends over 440 km along the Gulf of Thailand — a coastal strip long forgotten by major Southeast Asian tourist flows. It constitutes the beach dimension of the Cambodian trip, the ideal escape after the cultural intensity of Angkor and the emotional load of Phnom Penh.
The region is discovered via four complementary hubs with very different propositions: the disfigured port city of Sihanoukville (to avoid), the charming towns of Kampot (PGI pepper, bohemian atmosphere) and Kep (green-pepper crab, calm), and especially the tropical islands archipelago (Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, Koh Sdach).
Sihanoukville has undergone brutal transformation since 2017 — massive arrival of Chinese investments has covered the waterfront with casinos (over 80 establishments opened in a few years) and often unfinished skyscrapers, disfiguring a once-charming natural site.
The islands archipelago off Sihanoukville fortunately constitutes the essential beach dimension of the south coast. Koh Rong offers the Koh Toch beach — Southeast Asian backpacking icon. Koh Rong Samloem offers Saracen Bay — most appreciated mid-range/luxury option.
Read also
- Koh Rong — The paradise island of the Gulf of Thailand: 7 km Koh Toch beach, bioluminescent plankton, backpacker bungalows.
- Cambodia — Complete country guide: visa, currency, regions, best time to visit.
- Siem Reap and Angkor — The Angkor archaeological site (UNESCO) — to combine with the south coast.
- Phnom Penh and the South — The capital and the south-east — access to the islands goes through Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville.