CAMBODIA - BEACHES

BEACHES 

CAMBODIA COAST TOURISM ZONE

(10 DEGREES NORTH LATITUDE, ALONG THE GULF OF THAILAND, CENTURIES OF ISOLATION CAMBODIA COAST TOURISM ZONE, A WITNESS FOR CHINA CAMBODIA COOPERATION)

The Cambodia coast tourism zone takes up an area of 360 square kilometres, locates in the southwest seashore of Cambodia which nears Preah Sihanouk and owns about 90 kilometres of the coastline on Cambodia.

Excellent ecological resources are retained within the land, including the world’s second largest mangrove forest reserve and vast original forest. The translucent water and comfortable beach will ensure a relaxing enjoyment. 

COASTAL AREA OF KEP ( KEP IS A SCENIC IN A RUGGED WAY WIT A NICE STRETCH OF SAND LEADING TO SURROUNDING MANGOVE FORESTS AND ROCKY COASTAL AREAS)

Kep was once the top beach destination in Cambodia. This now quiet beach town is near the border with Vietnam. It is easy to reach Kep from Phnom Penh l a mere 4 hours from the capital and about 45 minutes from KAmpot. Kep is definitely scenic, but in a rugged way , compared to Sihanoukville , which is now Cambodia’s top seaside town. While Sihanoukville boasts endless stretches of sandy beaches, Kep has a relatively shorter stretch of sand leading to surrounding mangrove forests and rocky coastal areas. 

Probably the best reason to visit Kep is its seafood. The road behind the beach is clogged with seafood vendors selling everything you can imagine. Crab is plentiful offshore and is a local specialty. It is the paltry price of the exotic agape. Of course, the freshness of everything adds to the delightful gastronomic experience. 

Tonsay (Rabbit) Island is a few miles from Kep. This is the place to find a quiet setting and a couple of very nice white sand beaches. Many travelers come to Tonsay Island for snorkeling.

Because of the steady resurgence of Cambodia’s economy. Kep is once again becoming a popular tourist destination. Several new buildings have been built, including the luxurious Knai Bang Chatt, the most plush and expensive hotel in Cambodia. There are plenty of cheaper guest houses in and around town as well.

There are also some hiking opportunities near town. Kep Mountain offers some nice views of the sea. It is possible to drive or ride a motorcycle up the mountain where the king’s abandoned palace is. The grounds are now inhabited by a troupe of friendly monkeys.

Kep may not be as crowded a beach town as Sihanoukville, but the lack of a full blown tourist industry is refreshing. There are lots to explore and plenty to eat in this friendly town.

a)      Fresh Crabs – A small section of the beach doubles as a regular crab Market ( Psar Kdam) on the water’s edge has now matured into a popular tourist destination. Fisherman bring in baskets of  crabs by the boatload  and waterfront restaurants cook them fresh , usually boiled with a few fragrant sticks of famed Kampot pepper.

b)      Getting to Kep: To get to Kep, you must first get to the town of Kampot, from there you can get a taxi for the 30 minute trip on to Kep, or a recommended option is to rent a bicycle in Kampot and take a memorable 2 hour ride to Kep.

c)       Boutique Hotel –The Kep lodge Hotel on the coast of Cambodia. With only 10 spacious, comfortable and luxurious bungalows overlooking the gulf of Thailand and a new beautiful swimming pool, it is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday in Cambodia.

d)      Butterfly Farm –Kep Butterfly Farm is one of the newest attractions in Kep situated just down from Jasmine Valley Eco – Resort, on the Jasmine Valley Trail. They have a netted butterfly garden and they will be very happy to show you through the lifecycle of nature’s most delicate, beautiful creatures. You can come and play with different kinds of butterfly.

KOH RONG is a relatively undisturbed tropical island where fine sandy beaches and clear waters set the menu for relaxation. The island is hailed to be among the World’s Most Gorgeous Islands by travel magazines.

PREAH SIHANOUK PROVINCE

(RECENTLY INDUCTED INTO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BAYS IN THE WORLD CLUB, THE BEACHES ARE LINED WITH FINE PEARL WHITE SAND ALONG MOST PARTS OF THE SHORE AROUND THE BAY)

Surrounded by white sand beaches and relatively undeveloped tropical islands, the port city and beach resort of Sihanoukville ( Preah Sihanouk) , also known locally as Kompong Som, is the place to be for sea, sun and  fun. Vacation activities around town are related to beaches, the ocean, and fresh seafood and partying. Around town and along the beaches, there are many themed restaurants and bars owned by various nationalities from around the world. 

Named in honour of the former king ( father of the present king) , this has become a very popular destination in recent years. 

The big attractions around here are the 4 beaches and the offshore islands ringing the headland. Scuba Diving and snorkeling are very popular here in Sihanoukville.