Koh Ta Kiev, Cambodia: Escape the Hustle, Find Your Peace

It's Koh Ta Kiev, a little sparrow island holding its place in the Gulf of Thailand just off the Sihanoukville coast, which you would visit if you want to distance yourself from the throngs and reconnect with edulcorated nature. Unlike its increasingly visited neighbor-giant, Koh Rong, this one remains completely untouched and unattended. So here is my experience on that wild island, hoping to help you understand what to expect on your trip.

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 20-03-2025

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Table of contents

How to Get to Koh Ta Kiev from Phnom Penh?
Arrival on the Island and First Impressions
Life on Koh Ta Kiev: What You Need to Know?
What to Do and See?
Where to Stay on Koh Ta Kiev?
Eating on the Island
Practical Tips for a Successful Trip

How to Get to Koh Ta Kiev from Phnom Penh?

Bus Ride to Sihanoukville

Numerous bus companies run from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. The trip takes about five hours, and the level of comfort can vary depending on which company you choose.

Transfer to Otres or Ream Beach

Once you are in Sihanoukville, you either get to Otres beaches or the port of Ream. You can expect to take a tuk-tuk or taxi for about thirty minutes until you reach your destination.

Take a Boat to Koh Ta Kiev

Koh Ta Kiev does not have a public ferry. Most departures are through bungalows and resorts. Movement is over water and takes about 30 minutes at around $10-$15 round trip.

Arrival on the Island and First Impressions

We get onto the boat, leaving Sihanoukville for the start of our adventure. After 30 minutes on the water, a wild island appears ahead of us... Feet in the water, backpacks on, and welcome to paradise!

As soon as you dock and step ashore, Koh Ta Kiev reveals a postcard-perfect scene of crystal-clear water, ivory-sanded beaches, and sheer serenity. This untouched island, far away from the ranks of tourists, offers a truly timeless interlude. Perfect for anyone who wants to escape from humdrum existence into nature's embrace, Koh Ta Kiev does not have too much to offer, and it lacks extravagant infrastructure and simply radiates mellow vibes against a scenic background.

Life on Koh Ta Kiev: What You Need to Know?

Connecting with electricity: Generally, electricity is facilitated through solar panels. The almost non-existent connection promotes complete disconnection with the environment.
Health: The infrastructure is rudimentary; it uses hand-flush toilets and cold showers.

What to Do and See?

Snorkeling

Most of the accommodations rent gear for just a few dollars a day. The rocky headlands at the extreme ends of the beaches are the best areas for spotting fish and marine life. For others with more experience, a boat ride allows for the exploration of deeper diving spots where colorful coral abounds.

Hike to Elephant Rock

The walk took us 15 minutes to Elephant Rock, a stunning sea-viewing rock formation. Some brave souls try to jump into the waters from this headland, but access to the top is sometimes difficult due to the dense vegetation in the way. Due to the dismal nature of the path, we were hoping for a boat return the next day for some rope climbing, which, sadly, was canceled because of high winds.

Hiking and Jungle Exploration

Not quite a large island (5 km²), but within hours, one could actually walk across it. The trails lead to stunning viewpoints and range from corner to corner, hidden within this tiny island.

Observing Bioluminescent Plankton and the Starry Sky

As the sun goes down, the waters of Koh Ta Kiev glow with bioluminescent plankton. Each ripple in the water evokes a multitude of bluish glows, forming an almost one-of-a-kind natural spectacle. If you look up, the absence of light pollution allows for a clear view of the star-studded sky. And on lucky days, it also reveals the faint outline of the Milky Way.

Relax with Your Feet in the Sand
Sipping a cocktail facing the sea, lulled by the sound of the waves.
Basking in a hammock under the trees, lulled by the sea breeze.
Taking a nap in a hammock facing the ocean.
Reading a book comfortably seated between two palm trees.
Watching the sunset from a hammock suspended at the water's edge.
Enjoying a candlelit dinner on the beach.
Meditating at sunrise with your feet in the warm sand.

🦈🌊 The island is sorely lacking in so-called 'modern comforts.' For example, electricity only shines between noon and about five in the evening, after which it's all oil lamps and flashlights. There is absolutely no internet and barely any stable telephone network. But this is exactly what brings people together.

In the evenings, I sit at this small bar and talk to travelers from all over the globe. They tell me stories that I then imagine I travel with them as they relate everything about their journey, the lands they explored, and for a moment, their tales have become a little bit mine. Koh Ta Kiev is not for you if comfort is what you're looking for. This is for those who just want to step out from the fast pace of everyday living.

I've learned to enjoy some of life's simpler pleasures: a lazy afternoon stretched out in a hammock, a plate of freshly caught shellfish for dinner, and that sensation of warm sand spreading itself beneath my bare feet.

Where to Stay on Koh Ta Kiev?

Koh Ta Kiev is a tiny island with limited accommodation options for full-fledged vacationing. Therefore, it is well-advised to choose your place carefully before heading to the island itself. Here are a few recommendations from other travelers in reviews on Booking, Google Reviews, and similar platforms:

Crusoe Koh Ta Kiev

On the beach, the Cruso Resort is simple to the max, and it just gets better. Traveling does not require much; luxurious bungalows or even tents with a superb view of the ocean are available here.

Solar energy powers most of the electricity and makes it available during certain times, adding to the great feeling of total disconnection. It is communal and friendly, making it easy to meet other people and have a true island experience.

Additionally, the Cruso Resort is very well located for people who enjoy snorkeling. Just outside the camp, there is a shallow reef that allows one to see many tropical fish through crystal-clear water.

Kactus Koh Ta Kiev

Kactus is more than an accommodation hub; it is a well-thought-out hive for people craving both rest and exploration. The accommodation includes cozy bungalows tucked into the heart of nature or a more all-inclusive retreat where activities such as yoga, meditation, and art workshops take place.

Visitors can learn about another form of healing called sound healing, a practice that uses sound vibrations to align the body and mind. On the adventurous side, tours are organized for those who want to rush through the foliage, paddle, or swim with bioluminescent plankton. It's the perfect place to recharge for those who thrive in nature!

*A few days at Kactus offered a real interlude of disconnection and rest*

The Last Point, Koh Ta Kiev

The Last Point is located on a secluded beach, offering an excellent spot for those seeking a friendly and cheerful atmosphere. Days here are filled with sports activities, local campfires, and shared experiences.

Aside from snorkeling and jungle hikes, paddleboarding, kayaking, or throwing a slackline between coconut trees are some of the activities adventurous travelers can enjoy. Beach volleyball and frisbee tournaments are regularly organized, great for meeting fellow adventurers. Accommodation ranges from simple dorms to bamboo bungalows in harmony with nature: a place for socializing, exchanging experiences, and fully indulging in island life.

*Beach volleyball on the sand at The Last Point Koh Takiev*

Eating on the Island

The meals are simple yet delicious, with ingredients sourced from the area. One can expect rice, fresh vegetables, and grilled fish as the main preparations. Some establishments may even offer vegetarian dishes. Must-try dishes include:

Freshly caught grilled fish (barracuda, squid)
Shrimp salad with grilled cashew nuts
Kampot pepper noodle soup, a Cambodian specialty not to be missed

Practical Tips for a Successful Trip

You need cash: All transactions are in cash, and there is no ATM on the island. Make sure to take enough cash before you board.
Headlamp: Limited electricity makes a headlamp or flashlight a must for nighttime activities.
Use a reusable water bottle: Instead of buying plastic bottles, fill yours with water at the hotel to help decrease waste.
Bring basic medicines: Some tablets for stomach cramps or a cold would be useful since pharmacies do not exist on the island.
Flip-flops might help: They are comfortable for walking on sand or roaming the island easily.
Mosquito protection: Tropical evenings attract mosquitoes. Bring some mosquito repellent.
Respect nature: Conserve water and electricity, as they are scarce.

Some resorts give you a drink for collecting a bag of trash on the beach: A great way to help protect a delicate ecosystem.

Last Hours on the Island

After three days of being cut off, the next morning at 9 a.m., we left Koh Ta Kiev for Sihanoukville, our hearts still filled with the serenity of the place. Here it is, far away from the regular road—this place is an experience for nature lovers and those willing to rough it a little. You have to come with the desire to let go: the range of amenities is very limited; you cannot really work or rely on your computer. It's about traveling, resting, and simply enjoying the moment. Koh Ta Kiev thus favors the adventurous spirit rather than those seeking comfort and convenience.