Cambodia's south coast rarely gets the attention it deserves next to more famous beach destinations in the region, but its islands and coastal towns hold some genuinely beautiful, uncrowded stretches of sand.
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem
These two islands off Sihanoukville are Cambodia's best-known island escapes — white sand beaches, warm turquoise water, and, after dark, patches of bioluminescent plankton that glow blue with every wave. Koh Rong has a livelier village strip, while Koh Rong Sanloem leans quieter and more laid-back.
Sihanoukville: the gateway
Most island ferries depart from Sihanoukville, Cambodia's main port city, which also has its own stretch of coastline and serves as the practical hub for coastal travel.
Kep and Kampot
Further along the coast, sleepy Kep is famous for its crab market and abandoned French colonial villas, while nearby Kampot offers a relaxed riverside town, pepper plantations, and boat trips to watch the sunset over the water.
The dry season, from November to May, offers the calmest seas and clearest skies for a coastal escape — and we're happy to build in a few beach days alongside a temple-focused itinerary for a well-rounded trip.