Koh Ta Kiev: A Hidden Beach Paradise
Hidden away amongst the more high-profile islands off Cambodia’s coast is Koh Ta Kiev, a tiny island paradise with plenty of unspoiled white-sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. Unlike neighbouring island Koh Rong where backpackers go to party, Koh Ta Kiev is for those looking for quiet relaxation; a spot where you can spend time with a good book or leisurely snorkel amongst coral and tropical fishes.
Best time of year to visit:
The best time to visit Koh Ta Kiev is from November to April, during the dry season when the weather is sunny and the sea is calm. The monsoon season starts from May to October, with heavy rain and strong winds that may make it quite miserable being outdoors. Additionally some accommodations close for the rainy season.
How to get there:
The island can be reached by boat from the coastal town of Sihanoukville, located about 30 minutes away. You can arrange transportation with local operators offering boat services to the island or direct with the hotel or lodging. The boat ride, depending on where you depart, takes anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes.
Private boats that will ferry you to the island. We departed from Ream Beach, Sihanoukville.
Where to stay:
There are several budget accommodations on Koh Ta Kiev, ranging from tents and basic bungalows to more upscale lodges. Some popular places to stay on the island include Crusoe, Kactus, and Naks Shack.
Crusoe bungalow “The View” at Crusoe Koh Ta Kiev
We stayed at the idyllic Crusoe Koh Ta Kiev in a private bungalow just steps away from the beach. Run by a lovely Cambodian and French family, the accommodations are rustic but all you need to decompress in a laid-back environment. Drinks and meals are available for order at the beach bar and the food was fantastic and made with love!
Things to do:
Koh Ta Kiev has all the island activities you can think of: swimming, snorkeling right off the beach, kayaking, or take a boat tour / fishing trip to explore the surrounding islands. The island also has several hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints overlooking the sea. One trail led to Elephant Rock that is popular for cliff-jumping. For those who simply want to relax and unwind, the many pristine beaches are a great place to sunbathe or read a book.
Elephant rock cliff jumping
Important Tips:
Bring cash: there are no ATMs (or stores) on the island.
Bring toiletries and first-aid: some accommodations do not provide soap/shampoo and other essentials like sunscreen or bug-spray. So come prepared! Likewise, there are no medical facilities on the island, so ensure you have a first aid kit and any essential drugs you may need.
Be prepared to disconnect: many lodgings do not have WiFi and even cellular reception can be patchy. Lean in to the island vibe and get comfortable with not being connected to the web 24/7.
Bring your own snorkel mask: If you have room in your bag, consider bringing your own snorkel mask. Some of the ones we rented had leaks in them and weren’t in the best shape.
