The Best Beaches In Cambodia: From Koh Rong To Sihanoukville

Beaches are probably not what come to mind when people think about traveling to Cambodia.  Most people probably imagine themselves exploring the temples of Angkor or visiting the Killing Fields.  While these are probably the two most noteworthy attractions in Cambodia, the beaches of Cambodia are becoming increasingly popular with tourists.

We’ll cover the 8 best beaches in Cambodia.  From the island of Koh Rong to the popular Sihanoukville, you’ll find beautiful beaches that have yet to be overrun by the tourism trade.  Many people liken the beaches in Cambodia to what Thailand used to be like before it became so popular.

1.    Long Set Beach, Koh Rong

Long Set Beach is one of the many beautiful beaches on the island of Koh Rong.  The island is located off the coast and can only be reached by boat from Sihanoukville.  The beach is a beautiful stretch of a white sand and blue-green seas.  While there is some high-end accommodation on the island, it is still underdeveloped and a great place to get some peace and relaxation. Long Set Beach (also called 4k Beach) is located a short distance from the village of Koh Toch.

2.    Long Beach, Koh Rong

Sok San Beach is a lovely tropical beach paradise.  Often called Long Beach by both businesses and backpackers due to the mile-long stretch of white sand.  This is the beach where the TV show Survivor was filmed.  There are quaint guest houses located among the palm trees for accommodation. The beach is easily reached by boat from Koh Toch village and even some direct boats from Sihanoukville.

3.    Sokha Beach, Sihanoukville

While Koh Rong is Cambodia’s tropical island paradise, Sihanoukville is the tourist-centric beach destination with dozens of available beaches.  Sokha Beach is one of Sihanoukville’s best beaches.  It has a few miles of beautiful white sand and calm waters that make it a popular place.  Unfortunately, a hotel has bought the area and now only a small portion is open to the public.  The rest is available only to hotel guests or those who purchase a day pass.  Being private has some advantages, including fewer crowds and no one trying to sell you items as you try to relax.

4.    Otres Beach, Sihanoukville

Otres Beach is a laid back and relaxing beach area not far from the city center.  There are lots of hotels with beach front access and plenty of places to eat and drink in the area.  It is a great area to relax away from some of the other party beaches in Sihanoukville.  Otres beach is known to have views of some of the most spectacular sunsets in Cambodia.

5.    Ochheuteal Beach

Ochheuteal Beach is a nice Beach to grab a beach chair, get some food and a few beers and hang out.  It gets busy with a mix of backpackers, locals, and tourists alike.  There are dozens or bar and restaurant shacks right on the beach where you can pull up a chair and eat while looking out at the ocean.  It’s a more lively area than a relaxing getaway.

6.    Independence Beach, Sihanoukville

Independence Beach is another laid back and relaxing beach area not far from the city.  The Independence Beach is overly developed, with a few restaurants available and the namesake Independence Hotel located on one end of the beach. With a long stretch of white sand and trees lining the beach, it is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun.

7.    Serendipity Beach

Serendipity Beach is the main beach in Sihanoukville.  It is backpacker and party central.  While the beach itself is quite nice, it can be quite crowded and busy.  There are dozens of bars and restaurants that line the beach to the point it takes away from the experience as much as it adds to it.  The beach is not kept very clean and if you are looking for a tropical beach experience this is not it.  If you are looking to party and have a good time, this might be the spot for you.

8.    Victory Beach, Sihanoukville

Victory Beach used to be a popular family friendly beach near the Victory Hill area in Sihanoukville.  However, it is now partially closed and most of the beach shacks have closed up shop and moved on to the other popular beaches.  Even still, Victory Beach is still one of the best spots to take in a sunset while you are in town.

The best beaches in Cambodia can vary greatly. If you are looking for a tropical beach paradise, it is hard to beat the beaches on Koh Rong.  There are about 28 of them and we just covered a few.  If you want a more traditional beach holiday, Sihanoukville is the place you want to go in Cambodia.

Do you have any other beaches you think should have made the list?  Let us know in the comments below.