Where to swim in Cambodia: 15 beaches of Sihanoukville, Kep and the islands

The coast of Cambodia looks more modest than Thailand's. Flights and accommodation here are cheaper, while the sandy stretches are wider and less crowded. In recent years Sihanoukville has changed a lot: part of the shore has been taken over by casinos and high-rise complexes, but Otres and the islands in the Gulf of Thailand have stayed quiet.

Below are 15 beaches in Cambodia: from the urban Ochheuteal and Serendipity to the wild shores of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. For each one there's practical info: how to get there, what it's like now, who it's for, and the catch.

The swimming season on the Gulf of Thailand coast runs from December to March. Entry to most beaches is free; you only pay for loungers and umbrellas at cafes. The ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem costs from $17 round trip (as of 09/2026, Direct Ferries). The visa is processed online; more about it in the questions below.

1. Ochheuteal Beach

💡 In short:

• The longest urban beach in Sihanoukville.
• The southern part is wild and rocky, the northern part is developed.
• From central hotels it's a 5-15 minute tuk-tuk ride (as of 09/2026, Ochheuteal guide).

© Dmitry Makeev · CC BY-SAPhoto: Dmitry Makeev, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Ochheuteal stretches almost three kilometers along the city's built-up area (on the map). It's the longest stretch of coastline in Sihanoukville and the most varied in mood. An imaginary line runs through the middle; the south and north live by different rules.

The southern half is barely developed. The shore is strewn with smooth boulders, but the water is cleaner and there are fewer people. If you're looking for solitude, this is the place. The north is lined with cafes and restaurants; in the evening music plays and fire shows take place. Locals come in groups on weekends.

Loungers and umbrellas belong to the establishments: to use them, order a drink. Guesthouses in the blocks behind the beach have the lowest prices in town. Nearby there's a park with playgrounds. At the shore you'll be offered boats to the neighboring islands, and you can rent a scooter on the spot.

Trash washed up by the tide is cleaned up every morning. In the evening tables and soft chairs are set out by the water; the sunset looks good from any point along the strip. During the day the atmosphere is calm; the noise only starts after eight in the evening.

• Who it's for: those who want to live in the city and walk to the beach.
• The catch: the south is rocky, and the north is noisy in the evening.

2. Otres Beach

💡 In short:

• A southern suburb of Sihanoukville, away from the casino districts.
• Otres 1 is lived-in, Otres 2 is quieter and pricier.
• Fine white sand, clear water, gentle entry into the sea.

© Kiensvay · CC BY-SAPhoto: Kiensvay, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Otres lies in the southern suburb of Sihanoukville, away from the casino districts. Locals consider it the last beach of the "old town" (as of 09/2026, overview of Sihanoukville neighborhoods). The sand here is fine and white, the water is clearer than at Ochheuteal, and you can swim in almost any weather.

A small headland divides the beach into two parts. Otres 1 is more densely built up: bungalows and hotels on the first line, bars, restaurants with vegetarian menus, plus a pharmacy and ATMs nearby. Otres 2 is more spacious and quieter; accommodation there is mostly more expensive: boutique hotels and standalone bungalows are far apart.

The second part has barely been touched by development. A wide strip of sand runs under casuarina trees, with young palms planted along the path. People do yoga in the pavilions, and there are toilets. The entry into the sea is gentle, so it's convenient and safe with children here.

Accommodation on the first line costs more than in the blocks further back. The cheapest options, bungalows made of branches and tiny cafes, survive at the start of Otres 1. When choosing between the parts, look at your budget: you pay more for the quiet of Otres 2.

• Who it's for: calm swimming and relaxing with children.
• The catch: Otres 2 has few cafes; look for lunch in the hotels.

3. Independence Beach

💡 In short:

• A two-kilometer strip with a wooden pier.
• One of the best sunset beaches in Sihanoukville.
• The right side is reserved for the hotel; entry for non-guests is paid.

© Dmitry Makeev ] · CC BY-SAPhoto: Dmitry Makeev ], CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Independence Beach runs along the western part of Sihanoukville and is considered one of the best spots for sunset (as of 09/2026, fresh beach review). The beach is named after the Independence Hotel, which occupies the right half of the strip. Hotel guests use the beach for free; everyone else pays for entry.

Sculptures, bridges, designer tables, and trash bins are placed along the water. The central part is more modestly equipped, but it has more trees with wide canopies: in the shade you can lie without an umbrella. A free lounger is given for an order at a cafe, and there are several here.

The beach's main feature is a wooden pier with a thatched-roof pavilion. From it you can see the entire shore and the islands on the horizon. The bottom is even, the sand is firm, and in the water there are boulders in places, with crabs scurrying around them. The left edge transitions into a wild strip by the hotel-casino; there are almost no people there, and you'll hear only the surf.

The sandy strip is even and pleasant to walk along. A wide street runs along the beach, making it easy to reach neighboring sections and the center. The low crowds and clean water make Independence a good alternative to the noisy Ochheuteal.

• Who it's for: those who value sunset and calm water.
• The catch: part of the shore is closed to outsiders.

4. Sokha Beach

💡 In short:

• One and a half kilometers of fine white sand in the north of the city.
• More than half of the strip is occupied by Sokha Beach Resort.
• Entry for non-guests is paid; there's a free section in the north.

© Dmitry Makeev · CC BY-SAPhoto: Dmitry Makeev, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Sokha Beach stretches one and a half kilometers along the northern part of Sihanoukville (on the map). More than half of the strip is occupied by Sokha Beach Resort, and it shows: the grounds are constantly cleaned, the sand is even, and the vegetation is trimmed. The water near the shore warms up quickly, and the entry is gentle.

For non-guests access is paid: the hotel sells day passes to the beach and pool. Check the exact price at the front desk; it changes by season. There's a free section in the northern part, about a hundred meters long (on the map). Local children and tourists who aren't staying at the hotel usually swim there.

The grounds are decorated with oriental-style pavilions, lacy bridges, and bungalows on stilts right above the water. At the entrance stands a giant sculpture of a dragon's tail, visible from the road. On the slopes among the greenery, the roofs of guest houses peek out, so you'll have plenty to look at on your way to the water.

• Who it's for: those willing to pay for upkeep and infrastructure.
• The catch: free access only on the short northern section.

5. Serendipity Beach

💡 In short:

• A central beach next to bars and dive centers.
• Calm water during the day, music and dancing in the evening.
• There's a quiet spot behind the pier.

© Dmitry Makeev · CC BY-SAPhoto: Dmitry Makeev, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Serendipity Beach sits in the center of Sihanoukville's coastline. In the morning it's quiet here, during the day the soft white sand is good for relaxed swimming, and after sunset the shore turns into a venue for music, wine, and dancing. The shallow, warm sea near the shore is a favorite with families with children.

Divers come here too: corals grow not far from the shore, and you'll easily find a dive school. A string of cafes and restaurants operates around the clock, with menus ranging from Asian to European. Prices in the center are higher than on the outskirts, but everything is close by.

The quietest stretch starts past the pier. It's uncrowded there even on weekends, when locals come to Serendipity. There are many rocks near the shore; they stop the flow of swimmers, although the bottom is even and nothing gets in the way of swimming.

• Who it's for: those who want nightlife and diving nearby.
• The catch: trash washed in by the current, and the inconvenient road to the beach.

6. Prek Treng Beach

💡 In short:

• The northern edge of Sihanoukville with no development and no vendors.
• Picnic pavilions, trash bins, and toilets are available, but there are no cafes.
• Almost empty on weekdays.

© Dmitry Makeev · CC BY-SAPhoto: Dmitry Makeev, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Prek Treng lies in the northern outskirts of Sihanoukville, farther from the casino districts than any other city beach. There are no high-rises or billboards here, just exotic palms and snow-white sand. This is the spot locals choose for their weekends.

On weekdays the shore is nearly deserted: no vendors, no loud music. The beach stays clean on its own, as visitors take their trash with them. Nothing will disturb a quiet day by the water.

That said, the beach is not without amenities. Sturdy pavilions on the shore offer shade from the sun and a place for a barbecue picnic. Trash bins and toilets are available, but there are no cafes or bars nearby, so bring your own food and drinks. If you value nature over services, you will like it here.

• Who it's for: a picnic in nature and a quiet day by the water.
• The catch: no cafes, you bring all your own supplies.

7. Victory Beach

💡 In short:

• A shore near the Sihanoukville port.
• Views of ships and shallow water near the beach.
• Almost no infrastructure, hotels stand back from the water.

Victory Beach stretches not far from the Sihanoukville port. This shore is chosen by those who care less about comfort than about the view: ships glide across the sea, the water near the shore is shallow and clean. There is almost no infrastructure, and no cafes within walking distance either.

The land side, however, lets you relax on soft white sand. The palm trunks here have unusual shapes, and the crowns of other trees provide reliable shade from the sun. There are no rocks, the bottom is even and sandy, and the water stays shallow for a long stretch near the shore. It is convenient for swimming with children.

Locals sell fruit and sweets right by the water. A full meal is offered by restaurants about three hundred meters from the shore (on the map), and hotels of various levels are nearby. In the evening people come here to watch the port lights and the sunset behind the ships.

• Who it's for: those who want quiet and a sea view.
• The catch: the proximity of the port and minimal amenities on the shore.

8. Ratanak Beach

💡 In short:

• The smallest beach on the Sihanoukville coast.
• A secluded spot in tropical greenery.
• Sun loungers, cafes, and a children's playground are available.

Ratanak ranks last on the list by size, but not by charm. It is a tiny stretch of shore hidden in lush tropical greenery. Low umbrella palms and tall coconut palms, casuarinas, and shrubs fill the air with freshness.

The main drawback is obvious right away: in some places the shore is covered with large rocks, and the bottom is rocky. It is better to swim in designated areas, otherwise you risk stepping on a boulder. For this reason Ratanak gets fewer tourists than neighboring beaches.

Otherwise the strip is reasonably well equipped. Sun loungers under exotic umbrellas line the shore, cafes are open, and a children's playground with mini attractions is set up. In the spacious pavilions and on wooden benches under the palms you can simply sit and look out at the water.

In the dry season it is noticeably more pleasant here than in the rainy season: the waves are calmer and the water is clearer. The lack of crowds remains Ratanak's main advantage if you want to escape the city bustle.

• Who it's for: those looking for a small, quiet shore.
• The catch: rocks on the shore and a rocky bottom.

9. Lazy Beach

💡 In short:

• The western shore of Koh Rong Samloem island.
• Golden sand and casuarinas instead of the usual palms.
• You get here by ferry, then walk across the island.

© Treehill · CC BY-SAPhoto: Treehill, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Lazy Beach lies on the western side of Koh Rong Samloem island, away from the noisy piers. The ferry arrives on the eastern shore, and from there you have to walk across the island along a trail. In return, you get a strip of golden sand and water with not a single boat near the shore.

Monkeys leap among the casuarinas here and barely react to people. Modern infrastructure exists, but it does not spoil the feeling of seclusion. Unusually shaped bungalows are comfortably furnished, and the local restaurants serve a varied menu in a relaxed setting.

Underwater boulders not far from the shore attract fish, so snorkeling and fishing are among the main activities here. Traveling with children is also possible: the water entry is gentle and there is no strong current nearby. The place suits a honeymoon just as well, but mosquitoes will find you in the evening.

• Who it's for: snorkeling and seclusion on an island.
• The catch: you walk across the island to reach the beach.

10. The Kampot Coast

💡 In short:

• A southeastern province with colonial architecture.
• Kampot pepper plantations and Phnom Bokor National Park.
• A water park and cave temples nearby.

© Anilakeo · CC BY-SAPhoto: Anilakeo, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Kampot is a southeastern province of Cambodia, a concentration of natural and man-made attractions. The province's main town draws tourists with its old monuments of French colonial architecture. The entire area is covered in picturesque greenery, and a sandy strip surrounded by wild nature runs along the Gulf of Thailand.

This is where the famous Kampot black pepper is grown, which holds protected geographical indication status (as of 09/2026, province guide). The plantations are open to visitors, and you can see the entire journey from bush to bag of peppercorns. Nearby lie the Elephant Mountains, Phnom Bokor National Park, and cave temples in limestone cliffs.

There is more to do than swim. In the village of Teuk Chhou there is a water park where families come for the whole day. The shore has volleyball courts, ping-pong tables, and billiards. Kayaks and boats are rented right by the water, so you can arrange a sea outing without any middlemen.

Accommodation is not a problem: from budget bungalows and guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Prices are lower than on the islands, and the choice is wider. If you want to combine the beach with sightseeing, this province is the best fit.

• Who it's for: those who combine beach time and sightseeing.
• The catch: the water near the town is murkier than on the islands.

11. Kep Beach

💡 In short:

• The only beach in the country's smallest province.
• White sand was poured over pebbles, with a crab market nearby.
• A boat to Koh Tonsay leaves from the port.

© PsamatheM · CC BY-SAPhoto: PsamatheM, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Kep Beach is the only beach in Kep Province, the smallest in the country. The French once took a liking to this five-hundred-meter cozy bay and covered the pebbles with white sand for comfort. The strip is short, but the water in the bay is calm, and the sunsets are considered among the best on the coast.

The long war halted development; later the sand was brought in again and the infrastructure restored. Today Khmer from surrounding villages come here on weekends, so the shore fills up on Saturdays. On weekdays, however, you will find a free spot and a lounger without waiting.

The entrance to the sea is marked by a giant crab sculpture, the symbol of the town. It seems to greet swimmers with a raised claw. In the eastern corner of the beach stands a statue of a girl gazing out to sea, a memorial to lost fishermen.

Restaurants, bars, and hotels operate nearby, and there are currency exchanges and ATMs. Street stalls sell fruit and sweets. Boats also leave from here for Koh Tonsay, known as Rabbit Island: the trip takes about 20 minutes, and a round-trip ticket costs $8-10 (as of 09/2026, island guide). The island is almost undeveloped, with simple bungalows, hammocks, and fresh grilled fish.

Eight kilometers from town lies the fishing village of Angkol with the wild Angkul Beach. One and a half kilometers of sand with no infrastructure at all (on the map). Its regular visitors are fishermen who head out at sunset and return at dawn.

• Who it's for: a short trip to the sea and to Rabbit Island.
• The catch: the shore is packed on weekends, and there is only one beach.

12. Long Set Beach

💡 In short:

• A beach on Koh Rong island, with ferries from Sihanoukville.
• White sand, plankton near the shore after sunset.
• Overnight stays only in beachfront bungalows.

© MoonsMoon · CC BYPhoto: MoonsMoon, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Long Set Beach is considered one of the best beaches on Koh Rong. Ferries arrive here from Sihanoukville, so getting there is easier than the map might suggest. A narrow strip of white sand is edged by a thick fringe of sprawling trees, with loungers set up beneath their canopies.

The water near the shore is clear, and the sand is almost white. Sunsets here shift hues every few minutes, and after the sun goes down the main show begins: plankton near the shore starts sparkling with silver glints. People come here for that glow even if they don't care about swimming.

You can stay in affordable bungalows and hotels right behind the beach. If you rent a motorbike, you can circle the whole island in a couple of hours and find coves that tours don't reach. There is almost no lighting on the shore in the evening, so a flashlight will come in handy.

• Who it's for: for overnight stays on the island and the nighttime plankton glow.
• The catch: infrastructure is limited to bungalows and a couple of cafes.

13. Sok San Beach

💡 In short:

• A long stretch on the western side of Koh Rong.
• The beach belongs to the hotel of the same name, but access is open.
• Boat trips, snorkeling, and a spa nearby.

© Wikirictor · CC BY-SAPhoto: Wikirictor, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Sok San Beach runs along emerald water on the western side of Koh Rong. If Long Set remains a semi-wild shore, Sok San is its civilized version. The stretch of sand is long, at points it seems to disappear over the horizon, and neat rows of coconut palms line it.

Across from the hotel, right by the water, there are light dining tables with chairs. Other sections have loungers and white mushroom-shaped shades. Thatched umbrellas and well-kept greenery make the shore look like a film set, but photos here turn out great without filters.

The hotel owners keep guests busy: they organize boat trips to neighboring islands, fishing, diving, and snorkeling. In the evening, guests watch the plankton glow, and in the midday heat you can escape to spa treatments. Many people walk to the neighboring village, where simple cafes cook Cambodian-style food.

The hotel rooms can't be called luxurious, but they are cozy, clean, and fully equipped. If you're looking for a balance between nature and service, Sok San fits better than the other shores of Koh Rong.

• Who it's for: for those who want an island without compromises on service.
• The catch: there are few hotels, and lodging options are limited.

14. Koh Thmey Beach

💡 In short:

• A beach on an island in Ream National Park.
• Golden sand beneath coniferous trees.
• Lodging only in bungalows, no civilization.

Koh Thmey Beach lies on a small island inside Ream National Park. The park itself is located eighteen kilometers from Sihanoukville and protects wetlands, beaches, coral reefs, and islands (As of 09/2026, international park review). The islands within it offer a rare chance to swim where there are almost no people.

A strip of golden sand is edged by coniferous trees, the water is calm, and the atmosphere is unhurried. Every year more people want to vacation in an ecologically clean place, but this shore will never become crowded because there are no hotels.

There are two ways to get there. By land, it's about twenty-five kilometers from Sihanoukville airport to the pier (according to the map), then by taxi or boat. From the bay side, from Serendipity, it's easier to take a boat and reach the island by water.

Several bungalows have been built along the coast; a night costs from 15 to 60 $ with transfer, and the hotel confirms the exact price. In the morning, instead of traffic noise, you'll hear birdsong and the quiet whisper of waves. Swimming, walks, fishing, and snorkeling fill the secluded downtime.

• Who it's for: for a quiet nature getaway without crowds.
• The catch: it takes a long time to get there, and there is almost no infrastructure.

15. Koh Rong Samloem island

💡 In short:

• Jungle, quiet coves, and two main shores.
• Lodging architecture: from shacks to hotels in "pipes."
• Ferries run from Sihanoukville.

© Wikirictor · CC BY-SAPhoto: Wikirictor, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Koh Rong Samloem is the island next to Koh Rong, covered in dense, sometimes impenetrable jungle. The shores impress with a combination of turquoise water and white sand, so the island has long been a base for snorkeling and relaxed vacations. Ferries from Sihanoukville depart from the main piers several times a day (As of 09/2026, ferry schedule from Sihanoukville).

The lodging here is unusual. In one part of the island there are houses built like fishermen's huts, while in another the Moonlight Resort operates with architecture resembling little towers. There are also very simple shacks with straw walls, and for thrill-seekers, wooden treehouses are available. Some buildings are assembled from giant "pipes" laid horizontally on supports.

The two main shores are nothing alike. The eastern shore has the pier, cafes, and evening life by the water, while the western shore, home to the already familiar Lazy Beach, remains quiet. Between them you walk across the island on foot, and the route takes less than an hour.

• Who it's for: for those who want jungle and sea in one place.
• The catch: some beaches are reachable only on foot.

Cambodia's beaches on the map

All fifteen shores from the list are marked on a single map. Open it before your trip to estimate the distances between Sihanoukville, Kep, and the islands. Getting between city beaches is easy by tuk-tuk, while the islands are reachable only by ferry.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Cambodia's beaches?

The dry season on the coast lasts from December to March, with December and January considered the sweet spot. During the day the air warms above thirty degrees, humidity is low, and there is almost no rain. From April it gets hotter, and from May the monsoons arrive. For a trip to the islands, choose the first half of the dry season: the sea is calmer and ferries run on schedule.

Do I need a visa to travel to the coast?

Citizens of the European Union need a visa. A tourist e-visa is issued online, costs about 30 $, and with the fee the total comes to around 36 $ (As of 09/2026, visa portal). Applications are processed in about three business days; print the approval in two copies. The visa allows a stay of up to thirty days and is valid for ninety days from the date of issue.

How to get to the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem?

From Sihanoukville, speed ferries to the islands are operated by several companies: GTVC, Speed Ferry Cambodia, and Island Speed Ferry (As of 09/2026, current island departures). A round-trip ticket costs from 17 $, and the journey takes under an hour. Ferries leave from the city's main piers. In high season, book seats in advance and confirm your return trip the day before.

Which beaches are good for families with children?

For families, Otres 2 with its gentle entry, the free northern section of Sokha Beach, and the central part of Independence Beach, where the bottom is even, are convenient. In Sihanoukville, watch the depth during high tide; it changes quickly near the shore. On the islands with children, choose Sok San Beach: it has loungers, shades, and calm water near the hotel.

How has Sihanoukville changed and what does that mean for visitors?

In recent years the city has been built up with casinos and high-rise complexes, and part of the shore has become noisy (As of 09/2026, what's new in the city). The city beaches Ochheuteal and Serendipity win on proximity to cafes but lose on quiet. For peace and quiet, head to Otres, Independence Beach, or the islands, where development has barely changed.

In short: what to book

If you have a short trip without moving around, go for Ochheuteal or Serendipity: the hotel, cafes and beach will all be a step away from each other. With kids, choose Otres 2, the northern section of Sokha Beach or Independence Beach, where the water entry is gentle. For nightlife, head to the north end of Ochheuteal; for sunsets, to Independence Beach.

For a quiet island, Long Set Beach and Lazy Beach work well; for services, head to Sok San Beach. Add Kep and Kampot to your itinerary if you want to combine swimming with the crab market and pepper plantations.

Before high season, compare hotel conditions in advance: in December and January, available bungalows on the islands run out first. Book the ferry and accommodation before you fly, and once you're there all you'll have left to do is pick a lounger.