Cambodia’s islands have a beautiful quietness about them. They are hidden in the Gulf of Thailand and aren’t as well known worldwide as their Thai or Indonesian neighbors. But that’s what makes them feel so special. These are Southeast Asia’s quiet beaches, where soft white sand meets blue water. Often, the only sound is the gentle hum of waves lapping against the shore.
Starting the Journey
Island-hopping in Cambodia is less about luxury yachts and curated itineraries and more about slowing down, sinking into barefoot days, and embracing the unexpected joys of discovery. These islands aren’t trying to show off their wealth. But they offer something much more personal: peace, nature that hasn’t been changed, and a level of simplicity that is getting harder to find.
Your journey usually begins in Sihanoukville, though the town has changed recently. Sihanoukville used to be a calm beach halt. It has grown quickly but is still the main way to get to Cambodia’s islands. From this point, boats take people away from the shore and out to a group of islands that look like promises on the horizon.
Koh Rong
When the boat pulls up to Koh Rong, it’s hard not to feel excited. The water is unbelievably clean, and its shades of blue and green constantly change. The beaches are as long as a paintbrush and cover the whole coast. Koh Rong is Cambodia’s most oversized island and may be the most useful. There are seaside hotels, reggae bars, and groups of sun-kissed tourists telling stories over cold Angkor beers in some parts of it that are busy. Koh Rong has a different side if you go a little further. There are quiet coves, fishing towns, and trails that lead to secret waterfalls.
Koh Rong Samloem
Koh Rong Samloem is often described as Koh Rong’s gentler sibling, just a short boat ride away. It does feel softer and calmer. Here, mornings come slowly. The first light creeps across the water and turns everything yellow. During the day, you could swim among coral reefs, walk through the bush, or read in a chair while the ocean waves rolled by. Some things about Koh Rong Samloem don’t change over time. We lose track of time; the only thing that matters is when the sun goes down and the stars emerge.
Koh Ta Kyiv
Then there are the islands few people know about, like Koh Ta Kyiv, which feel even farther away. To go from one island to another is at its best here. Some people go to Koh Ta Kyiv because it is beautiful, but it doesn’t have any roads or power. Geckos will chirp while you sleep, and when you wake up, the smell of the sea breeze and campfire smoke will greet you. You can sleep in treehouses or tents. It’s not for everyone, but for some, it stays with them forever.
The Rhythm of Island Life
What makes island-hopping in Cambodia so unique isn’t just the scenery—it’s the rhythm of it all. Things become clearer to you, and you start to enjoy the little things in life again. The way the water moves around your feet—the sound of kids laughing as they chase crabs on the shore. The engine of a fisherman’s boat could be heard through the mist in the early morning. There is beauty in the breaks and the quiet times in between places.
Embracing the Unexpected
Of course, no island experience is complete without food. Shacks on each island’s beach serve grilled fish that tastes so fresh it tastes like the ocean—simple seasonings and grilling over open fires for red snapper, squid, shrimp, and barracuda. People often eat together under fairy lights or the moonlight, with their toes in the sand and their hearts firmly in the moment.
Cambodian island hopping is fun because you can’t tell what will happen next. The ferry may be late sometimes. It can rain right when you are about to go swimming. That, too, is part of the trip, though. You learn not to worry about every little thing. You give in to the waves.
And when the time comes to return to the mainland, there’s a strange mix of salt on your skin and sadness in your chest. Not just because the trip is over but also because you wish there were more. More sunrises over beaches that are empty. More days of peace without Wi-Fi. After spending the night with you around a fire, more talks with people who become like old friends.
Farewell to the Islands
Cambodia’s islands may not always be polished or predictable, making them unforgettable. They’re not trying to change who they are. They’re just that—pure, real, and bright. If you let them, they’ll make you remember how good it is to live quietly, take your time, and fall in love with the world again.
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