The 10 best beaches in Cambodia to escape to after Angkor Wat

10.01.2025 - 16:17 / lonelyplanet.com

Jan 10, 2025 • 8 min read

For the longest time, travelers to Cambodia only had eyes for the temples of Angkor, but in recent years, the beaches and islands dotting the south coast have become a major attraction in their own right.

Sunseekers are spoiled for choice in Southeast Asia, with legendary beaches tracing the shores of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, but Cambodia can compete with the best of them when it comes to powdery sands, swaying palms and turquoise waters.

If you're in the mood for a bit of Cambodian island-hopping, the idyllic isles off the coast near Sihanoukville have something for everyone, from die-hard party people to folks seeking sun-smooched solitude. And getting to Cambodia's islands is easy, with regular ferries and longtail boats setting out from the mainland coast.

All you need to do to find beach perfection in Cambodia is pick your island, choose your beach, and sprawl on the sand surrounded by warm, clear waters. There's a reason many visitors to Cambodia check in and decide to never check out!

Whether you crave a crowd or a calm escape, here's our guide to the best beaches in Cambodia.

It pays to consider the climate when planning a beach trip to Cambodia. From November to March, the beaches and temples bask under mostly dry skies, and temperatures are warm but not overpowering. This is also the best time to dive on the reefs around Koh Rong, but rates peak at Cambodia's beach resorts.

Rainfall is moderate in April and early May, but temperatures can climb to uncomfortable levels, often reaching 35°C (95°F). The soggy monsoon months from June to September are not ideal for a beach trip, but it doesn't rain all day every day, and this coincides with the summer vacation season in Europe, North America and Oceania, so there are still plenty of visitors to the south coast.

Best for serene sands

Hugging the western shore of the idyllic island of Koh Rong, Long Beach – also known as Sok San Beach – is the island's finest escape, an almost empty stretch of beyond-beautiful sands running for 7km (4.3 miles). The powder-like sand is so squeaky soft that you might be forgiven for thinking there had been an explosion in a baby powder factory!

Confusingly, the beach is sometimes known as 7km Beach thanks to its length, or Royal Sands Beach in honor of the resorts that lie at the northern and southern ends of this castaway fantasy. In case the beachfront looks familiar, the strip was used as a key filming location for the popular US television series Survivor.

Planning Tip: Motos (motorcycle taxis) can zip you around the island to other beaches, or you can charter a longtail boat for beach-to-beach transfers. 

Best for an easy escape from Sihanoukville

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