While Thailand's iconic islands are more famous and well-known, Cambodian islands occupy the same sea, the Gulf of Thailand, but are much less populated and seem to be more cost-effective. And, while many of these 60-plus islands were hardly even visited for a long time due to the discord caused by the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s, Cambodia has recovered enough to lure travellers ranging from trekkers to privileged sun-seekers.

ISLANDS TO VISIT IN CAMBODIA

• KOH RONG

It is presumably the most famous and established of the islands. However, there are still quiet and peaceful patches of white sand beaches to be discovered, such as the pristine Long Beach. If you're searching for some activity, however, Koh Touch Beach has a bit of a party reputation. There are also numerous businesses selling water sports such as diving, snorkelling, and kayaking, as well as bicycle rentals.

There are several bars and restaurants that serve both classical Khmer dishes (try Chai Family Restaurant, the Moon, or Elephant Guesthouse) and Western food—for Italian, try Enocafe, Da Matti, or Treehouse Bungalow, burgers at Koh Lanta, and vegan and vegetarian food at the Rising Sun. Sea and Lake and Sigi's both serve good Thai food.

• KOH RONG SAMLOEM

The sister island to Koh Rong is relatively small, calmer, and less evolved. Because of its dazzling white sand beaches, the majority of the architecture is focused on sunny Saracen Bay. The best part is that snorkelling is fantastic here, and the waters twinkle at night when billions of bioluminescent plankton highlight the water. On the northern end of the island, there are waterfalls and mangrove forests, and on the southern end, there is an old lighthouse.

Seapony Bungalow Café serves breakfast, and Sara Restaurant has a great prestige for Western and Khmer cuisine with a view.

• KOH TA KIEV

The northern portion of this island has been rented by a French corporation that also leases part of Koh Russey (and has already established a resort there) and renovation is currently ongoing. A Chinese Malaysian company has also procured a large tract of land and constructed a road that sadly cuts through the dense jungle. For the time being, however, three yellow sand beaches are mostly undisturbed, with only a few low-cost accommodation options. Bring everything you could need because there are no ATMs on the island and you won't be able to purchase much once you arrive (think sunscreen, beach towels, bug repellent, and shampoo). And don't expect much in the manner of electricity or WiFi—this is a place to disconnect.

Bird watchers will appreciate encountering the island's more than 150 species of birds, as well as rare orchids and carnivorous pitcher plants. There are a few trails marked in the jungle, one of which leads to a small coastal village where you can purchase freshly caught fish or crab lunch, and the other to Naked Beach on the island's south side. There are a few places to rent kayaks, and most lodgings have snorkelling equipment. Alternatively, rent a boat to Elephant Rock and jump off a 26-foot-high cliff at sunset.

• KOH THMEI

This unexplored island of 15 square miles, part of Ream National Park, is the only habitat of a small fishing village of about 200 individuals and a few small bungalows. However, the government permitted international businesses to buy long leaseholds on many areas of the park in 2010, so assume resorts and potentially a bridge to the main island to turn up soon.

When you dock at the pier, there is a beach with colourful seashells and a beach with golden sand. There are many mangrove forests, numerous bird species, and a few endangered animal species such as the brahminy kite, fishing cat, and wetland feline. There are many highlighted paths through the jungle, and the island's centre has two peaks. There are a few local guides who offer inexpensive tours of the island, and bikes can be rented. You won't be able to purchase anything here, and there is no WiFi or much electricity, as on Koh Ta Kiev.

• PRIVATE ISLAND RESORTS: KOH RUSSEY, KOH KRABEY, AND KOH OUEN

Each of these islands has only one luxury hotel and can only be reached if you are a guest at that resort.

Koh Russey, which translates as Bamboo Island, was once a colony for the Cambodian navy. On the island nowadays, there is only one lodging: the architecturally stunning Alila Villas Koh Russey. The luxury resort, which merges effortlessly into the natural landscape, provides private pool villas and suites, some of which face the forest and some of which face the ocean. The beach is peaceful and comfortable, and the resort's restaurants serve high-quality Khmer, Thai, and Western cuisine—order a fresh-squeezed juice or cocktail by the Angkor Wat-inspired pool.

Six Senses Krabey Island was established on Koh Krabey. The health-conscious posh resort has 40 pool villas, a massive spa, a sunset bar, two restaurants, an ice cream parlour, a lap pool, an outdoor fitness circuit, an oceanside boardwalk, a beachside sundeck, an open-air cinema, and a sky observation tower. Water activities, boat rides, and individually tailored wellness programmes are all available.

Song Saa, the nation's first lavish private island resort, is located on Koh Ouen. The high-end environmental resort is stretched across two neighbouring islands and features 27 ocean-view villas, each with its pool, as well as an open-air spa, fitness centre, infinity-edge pool, yoga pavilion, over-water restaurant, and beachfront bar. Snorkelling, kayaking, and picnics are among the activities available to guests.

CONCLUSION

After reading this article, one has all the information they require to explore Cambodia and its islands that are worth visiting. 

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