(This is a map of the island. Everything I refer to in the article can be found there!)

Koh Ta Kiev is one of the islands along Cambodia’s southern coast. It’s less famous compared to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, which makes it much quieter and more peaceful.

If your ideal beach vacation is on a secluded island without tourists or wifi, this place ticks all the right boxes. Move fast though—parts of the island are leased to Chinese companies and construction has begun. But it’s still a very chilled piece of heaven on earth right now!

General Information

Location

About 10 km away from the beach town of Sihanoukville. It takes around 20 minutes by boat from Otres Beach, but timing depends on the weather.

Currency

US Dollars and Cambodian Riel are both accepted. The exchange rate is around 1 USD = 4000 Riel (check current rates).

Language

The island has two main areas. One is the floating village where local fishermen live and mostly speak Khmer. The other is the beach area for tourists, where you can communicate in English.

ATM & Credit Card

None! Make sure you visit an ATM before getting on the boat. I spent about $60 USD for my 2-night stay, which included food, drink, accommodation, and transportation.

Weather

It’s warm and sunny most of the time but always windy. Rainy season is from July to September.

Before You Go

Remember that Koh Ta Kiev isn’t developed. There’s no wifi or reliable internet. My dorm didn’t even have a door, curtain, or light. The water for showers was brown.

But that’s exactly what makes this island so amazing. It’s clean and quiet. No kids screaming, no vendors pushing souvenirs. I had whole stretches of beach to myself!

Must Bring

Flashlight (or just use your phone)

Mosquito spray

Sunscreen

Snacks

In & Out Transportation

Boat

There are both speedboats and fishing boats. A speedboat ride takes about 20 minutes to reach Koh Ta Kiev. Typically there are two boats per day at 10 am and 2 pm.

Boats depart from Sea Garden (a bungalow on Otres Beach) and stop at Ten103, The Last Point, before returning to Otres. It costs around $15 for a round trip.

Some properties on the island have their own boats with different schedules—often cheaper, so check with them before you go!

Tips for the Boat

The scheduled time is approximate. Boats can be 1–2 hours late, especially if it’s raining or the sea is rough. Sometimes, you might be driven to a different beach to catch the boat instead. They’ll usually arrange this at no extra charge.

Wear something short and light. There’s no dock—you’ll need to wade into the ocean and climb onto the boat with your luggage. If you have a waterproof bag, use it for valuables and electronics.

Local Transportation
Walking only! Wear good shoes if you plan to hike in the woods. Check the sunset time and get back before dark—it turns pitch black quickly and can be dangerous. Bring a map.

Accommodation

Kactus

Dorm from $3 | Private from $30

This is where I stayed. It’s a bit pricier than other options, but I loved it.

The owner is French and fell in love with the island, building these bungalows himself. He’s done a wonderful job keeping them maintained. One big bonus of a French owner: the food is fantastic! Fresh seafood from the nearby floating village, local ingredients, fresh vegetables—so good.

It’s also right next to Plankton Beach, the quietest part of Koh Ta Kiev. You can borrow goggles and swim at night to see glowing plankton in the water.

The Last Point

It was closed in 2016 but seems to have reopened. I really love the name!

Ten103 Treehouse

The most popular option among backpackers. I walked there after lunch and people were already very relaxed (let’s just say high as clouds). The owner even said I could sleep in a hammock for free! Super chill vibe.

Coral Beach KTK Bungalow

Another option on the island. I didn’t hear much about it so can’t really say what it’s like.

Food & Drink

There are no standalone restaurants or shops. Each bungalow provides its own meals and drinks.

I ate all my meals at Kactus. But if you want variety, you can always walk to another guesthouse and try their menu. Just remember, ingredients are all brought in from the mainland, so most places only have 2–3 dishes available at any given time.

That’s why you should bring snacks in case you get hungry!

Where to Go & What to Do
Be sure to bring a map and check sunset times.

There are three main beaches on the island:

Long Beach

White Beach

Plankton Beach

All are beautiful and clean.

Beyond the beaches, you can visit:

Elephant Rock

Mango Plantation

Floating Fishing Village

Or simply chill: read a book in a hammock or bean bag, play volleyball, sunbathe, and completely unwind!