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From historical spots to cultural heritage, there’s a variety of experiences waiting for you in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Among them, exploring the beaches near Phnom Penh surely offers an enchanting experience. Surrounded by nature, with views of the stunning golden sand beaches and deep blue waters, you get to immerse yourself in the slow life that presents in the area. With so many beaches to explore in the area, you are assured of a serene getaway in this tropical paradise.
10 Beaches Near Phnom Penh
Cambodia boasts stunning beaches near Phnom Penh so you can include them in your itinerary.
1. Kep Beach
Photo: Vivienne Teh / Unsplash
Kep Beach is often referred to as ‘Crab Town,’ due to its proximity to the iconic Crab Market. This charming coastal escape is around a 3-hour drive from Phnom Penh. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and fresh seafood, Kep offers a delightful blend of relaxation and culinary indulgence. With its gentle slope and calm waters, Kep Beach is the perfect escape from the daily chaos of city life. You can indulge in swimming and sunbathing on the beach. However, the true beauty that makes it one of the best beaches near Phnom Penh is after the sun sets.
Distance From Phnom Penh: 172.3 Kilometres
2. Otres Beach
Photo: Lrns / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If you are looking for one of the best-secluded beaches near Phnom Penh, Otres Beach is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This tourist attraction near Phnom Penh is located in Sihanoukville, about a 3.5-hour drive from Phnom Penh, offering visitors a tranquil escape from the chaos of daily life. The beach is divided into Otres 1 and Otres 2, with Otres 2 being the quieter of the two. Some of the popular activities that you can enjoy on the beach are swimming, sunbathing, and beach combing. The laid-back atmosphere and stunning sunsets make Otres a perfect destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Distance From Phnom Penh: 220 Kilometres
3. Saracen Bay
Photo: Wikirictor / Wikimedia Commons
A less explored beach that you can add to your itinerary when exploring Cambodia is Saracen Bay. It is located on the island of Koh Rong Sanloem and is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand. You have to charter a boat ride from Sihanoukville to reach this beach. The highlight of this tropical paradise is its vibrant marine life. You can also indulge in a variety of other water activities, including snorkelling and diving with the help of local operators. Getting to witness the underwater with the vibrant marine life and coral reefs is a unique experience.
Distance From Phnom Penh: 206 Kilometres
4. Long Set Beach
Photo: Nathan Tran / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
While you are exploring Saracen Bay, consider clubbing Long Set Beach into the itinerary as they are 2-3 km apart. It is located on the island of Koh Rong Sanloem but is a much quieter beach. The surrounding greenery and the views of the mountains from a distance make it one of the most beautiful beaches near Phnom Penh. Pair that with the pristine white sand beach and calm waters and you are bound to have a relaxing time on the beach. You can indulge in swimming, sunbathing or even exploring the nearby jungle trails with a local guide.
Distance From Phnom Penh: 204 Kilometres
5. Independence Beach
Photo: Bernd Nottelmann / Wikimedia Commons
As unique as the name of the beach is, Independence Beach is one of the most popular beaches near Phnom Penh. It is located in Sihanoukville and is a great option for families or if you are travelling in a group. The beach offers a wide range of water sports activities, including jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. It is a bustling beach with a lot of tourists and locals. There are also numerous beachfront restaurants and bars, ensuring that visitors have ample options for dining and entertainment. Despite everything, nothing compromises the serenity of the coast around.
Distance From Phnom Penh: 207 Kilometres
6. Sok San Beach
Photo: Asad Photo Maldives / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Sok San Beach, also known as Victory Beach, is another popular beach in Sihanoukville. It has beach resorts, so consider this more of a private beach experience with a variety of amenities available around. The beach is lined with hotels, restaurants, and shops, offering a convenient location for tourists. While not as secluded as some of the other beaches, Sok San still provides a pleasant atmosphere for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the coastal vibe. If you don’t mind being surrounded by tourists, crowds and people, this is probably one of the best spots to add to your itinerary.
Distance From Phnom Penh: 206 Kilometres
7. Sokha Beach
Photo: Dmitry Makeev / Wikimedia Commons
Among the top 5 beaches near Phnom Penh, Sokha Beach deserves a mention. This particular Cambodian beach is ideal for tourists who are looking for peace, luxury and comfort – all at the same time. This upscale beachfront resort offers pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and world-class amenities. Despite being a favourably expensive affair, visiting Sokha Beach is probably one of the best options with your family, especially if you are travelling with children. You can book spa and massage treatments at the resort for some added self-pampering and comfort.
Distance From Phnom Penh: 215 Kilometres
Best Time To Visit: Mornings for water sports
8. Coconut Beach
Photo: Asad Photo Maldives / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located just a few minutes walk from Daem Thkov village, Coconut Beach is yet another one of the famous beaches near Phnom Penh that you must add to your itinerary. The beach is located on the southwestern side of Koh Rong Island in Cambodia. Beyond the views of the crystal-clear waters and the clear skies, the beach itself is surrounded by lush vegetation and has a secluded ambience, making it perfect for tourists looking for some peace. There are a variety of water sports that you can explore on this beach, including swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.
Distance From Phnom Penh: 200 Kilometres
Best Time To Visit: Mornings for water sports
9. Kampot Beach
Photo: Didzis Šēnbergs / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located in the quaint village of Kampot, Kampot Beach is another of the best beaches near Phnom Penh. It is a lesser-known gem that offers tourists access to beautiful riverfront views rather than traditional seaside experiences. It provides a relaxing environment with opportunities for boating and riverside dining. The nearby Kep Beach and Rabbit Island are often visited in conjunction with Kampot Beach for a fuller coastal experience. Beyond the main beach of Kampot, there are a variety of other beaches in the nearby area, which you can add to your itinerary as well.
Distance From Phnom Penh: 150 Kilometres
10. Rabbit Island
Rabbit Island in Koh Tonsay is a small, unspoiled island located off the coast of Kep. This small and unspoiled beach is renowned for its blend of white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lush greenery, one that enables you to relax, unwind and truly immerse in the laid-back vibe of the place. The rustic charm of this island, paired with the wide range of activities like swimming, snorkelling, and hiking makes it a great spot for you to explore the experiences around.
Distance From Phnom Penh: 150 Kilometres
With turquoise-blue waters and stunning views of nature around, there’s a lot you can immerse yourself in this tropical heaven. From the pristine beaches near the city to luxury beach resorts around the outskirts, the options are quite diverse. For a well-planned travel experience, ensure that you pre-book all your trip experiences with TripXL for the absolute best deals and discounts.
Cover Photo: allPhoto Bangkok / Unsplash
