CAMBODIAN COASTLINES
Discover lesser-known beaches that rival neighbouring Thailand. Enjoy white sand beaches, pristine rainforest and sleepy fishing villages on the Cambodian coastline.
The northern coastline brings you to Koh Kong province and inland where you will find the Cardamom mountain range, the largest area of unbroken rainforest in Southeast Asia. It is one of the few remaining habitats for wild elephants although spotting the magnificent beasts is rare. This is a fabulous destination for nature lovers with the imposing mountains covered in verdant forest. Enjoy trekking in the mountains, kayaking through mangrove swamps and swimming in waterfalls in this spectacular wilderness.
The seaside town of Kep was an affluent resort in the 1950s and the relics from this time remain today. Enjoy some delicious seafood and wander the streets, admiring the colonial villas which were once home to the French elite. Today the town is charming and a delightfully tranquil spot to spend a few days.
The south of Cambodia benefits from over 500km of coastline along with national parks and stunning mountain ranges. This is the place to come for complete relaxation. For stunning beauty and one of our favourite luxury hotels, head to the Koh Rong Archipelago and the pristine islands of Song Saa. This is truly one of the most beautiful resorts in all of Asia, two private islands connected by a footbridge full of white sand beaches and surrounded by crystal clear waters. We particularly love this resort because they are passionate about the environment and local communities and work hard to protect the archipelago and its inhabitants.
This is without doubt a perfect place to spend a few relaxing days on a luxury holiday to Cambodia.
WHERE TO STAY
Our favourite luxury hotels
Six Senses Krabey Island
Krabey Island is nestled on a 30-acre tropical island off the coast of Cambodia, an idyllic retreat surrounded by the glittering waters of the Gulf of Thailand. This resort takes great pride in ensuring its sustainability practices, making use of organic produce grown on the grounds. There’re 40 private pool villas, which blend seamlessly into the surroundings without compromising on luxury. Each villa opens out onto a decking area with a private plunge pool. The food at Krabey Island is a real highlight and when you want to simply unwind, indulge in a treatment at the spa.
Bensley Collection Shinta Mani Wild
A stunning luxury camp situated within a 350-hectare protected area on the southern border of the beautiful Cardamom Mountains. Created by renowned designer Bill Bensley, he purchased the land with the aim of protecting the area. The lodge is made up of 15 individually designed, luxury tents located along the Tmor Rung River, each situated to offer a little enclave of forest and privacy for the guests. Dishes are created using local produce, some of it foraged from the forest. This is a gorgeous lodge with an incredible ethos.
Canvas and Orchids Retreat
Tucked away in the Cardamom Rainforest, Canvas and Orchids is a gorgeous eco-lodge which works hard to protect and preserve the local environment. A collection of luxury tented villas sit either on land or on floating pontoons overlooking the Tatai River. The villas are bright and airy with furniture crafted from local, sustainable water hyacinth plant. Each features a large balcony from which to enjoy the view and the sounds of the river and the forest. The lodge has created several community projects, uses solar panels to provide energy and several other sustainable practices.
Song Saa Private Island
A stunning luxury eco-resort sitting across the islands of Koh Bong and Koy Ouen. Sustainability is at the forefront of the design for Song Saa which was built using reclaimed materials. The 24 luxury villas feature private pols and are dotted across the island, some within the rainforest and some overlooking the sea. The open plan design of the villas makes use of the natural light and space. Guests can dine on locally caught seafood and fresh, seasonal produce becoming. The surroundings are sublime. White, sandy beaches, tropical rainforest and a self-made marine reserve – the hotel has its own team of marine biologists and funds local projects.