The Appeal of Koh Sdach
Koh Sdach (also known as King Island) is a small island located off the coast of Koh Kong Province in southwestern Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand and forms part of an archipelago of 12 islands.
The bean-shaped island runs a length of approximately 2.8 km from North to South on flat terrain. King Island has seen recent development due to its attraction as a stunning getaway island surrounded by clear waters and rich marine life. The best time to travel to Koh Sdach is from November to July, while the hottest period is from March to May. Like the rest of Cambodia, the rainy season is generally from July to October
Located only a 10-minute boat ride from the Koh Kong mainland, the island is approximately halfway between Koh Kong and Sihanoukville, and the increasingly popular tourism destination is most well-known for its stunning white beaches, clear waters, and marine life.
.png.png)
Even though the island is seeing increased development, it is still remote, and the infrastructure is advancing. Most visitors enjoy the atypical island benefits of snorkelling, diving along coral reefs, and even inland hiking.
Under the current national Cambodian plans, there is a roadmap to better connect all of the key tourism and logistics hubs as part of the infrastructure investments.
About Koh Kong Province
Koh Kong is located on the Cambodian border with Thailand and is a gateway to both ecotourism and coastal development.
The area is one of Cambodia’s most naturally diverse provinces, known for its tropical rainforests, mangroves, waterfalls, and beautiful beaches and attracts attention for its natural beauty and potential for sustainable tourism and investment.
Koh Kong Province has seen increased investment and development of its road infrastructure, transforming it from a remote coastal region into a better-connected, accessible destination. The upgrade of National Road No. 48, which connects Koh Kong to Phnom Penh via National Road No. 4, will dramatically improve travel times and open the province to both domestic and international visitors and is due for completion by the end of 2025.
The operational Dara Sakor Airport, which was officially opened to domestic charter flights in December 2024 and started handling domestic commercial flights in the first half of 2025, plans to expand commercial operations as demand grows.
(Source: "Koh Kong, Cambodia" Koh Kong, Cambodia)
In recent years, Koh Kong Province has seen significant investment in road infrastructure, transforming it from a remote coastal region into a well-connected, accessible destination. The upgrade of National Road No. 48, which connects Koh Kong to Phnom Penh via National Road No. 4, has dramatically improved travel times and opened the province to both domestic and international visitors. The currently operating Dara Sakor Airport, which was officially opened to domestic charter flights in December 2024, currently serves flights primarily involving company staff and government officials, with plans to expand commercial operations as demand grows as well.
How to Get to Koh Sdach
Getting to Koh Sdach is relatively easy, and there are now options by road before connecting to a ferry, or by air to the airport at Dara Sakor before finishing the journey by sea.
There are also plans afoot to better connect all of the islands off the southern Cambodian coast, and new ports such as those in Kampot will help support this ambition. This means Kampot, Sihanoukville, the variety of islands, as well as international destinations in Vietnam and Thailand, will be interconnected.
There are also plans to launch the transportation options via seaplane.
By Road and Sea
- From Phnom Penh, you can reach the nearest coastal access point at Kiri Sakor District by bus or private car. Travellers can head directly to Koh Kong or go along the Sihanoukville Expressway and onto Koh Kong via Sre Ambel road.
- Once at Kiri Sakor port, a local boat or private ferry to Koh Sdach is available, and depending on conditions, the boat ride takes about 10-15 minutes.
By Air and Sea
- Cambodia Airways offers flights between Dara Sakor in Cambodia’s Koh Kong province and Phnom Penh via an A320 with 180 seats, with flights arriving on Fridays. The frequency of flights will increase to three weekly flights once there is more demand.
- You will then need to head to Kiri Sakor port and take the boat options as above.
Some eco-resorts or guesthouses on the island can also arrange transfers directly for guests.
Top 3 Ways Tourism And Investment Boost the Cambodian Property Sector
(Buva Sea boat to Koh Sdach by Vireak Buntham)
Activities On Koh Sdach
An increasing number of accommodations catering for the diverse range of visitors to the island have opened, and they offer a range of activities. Compared to the mainland area, the island is intended to be a more relaxing and peaceful destination and offers a range of accommodation, including some high-end options.
Koh Sdach offers a blissful and laid-back island experience, but there is plenty to keep residents and tourists busy as it's a marine paradise.
- Visit the local Koh Sdach Fishing Village: The vibrant local Fishing Village
offers a variety of fresh seafood, and you can learn traditional fishing techniques. - Snorkel & Dive the Koh Sdach Archipelago: The waters around the island offer a variety of coral reefs, marine life, and tropical fish in a rich biodiverse area.
- Island Hopping and Beaches: Visit nearby tropical islands like Koh Totang and Koh Ach Seh, and relax on the uncrowded, beautiful beaches.
- Fishing & Kayaking: Local tours offer authentic experiences with local fishermen or serene paddling on calm waters off Koh Sdach
- Visit the Mangroves: Enjoy a visit to the mangroves and head through the peaceful waterways surrounded by wildlife, and soak up the island life.
Although there has been no update for more than a year, the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) was looking at a proposal for the construction of an amusement park in Koh Sdach commune, worth US$ 14 million.
Pushing To Be a Recognised Green Destination
Koh Sdach is striving to be seen as a sustainable and green destination in Cambodia, and already on the island, there are good examples of this.
Organic vegetables are grown, and there are efforts to be self-sufficient. Approximately 90 per cent of the transportation on Koh Sdach is via electric scooters, and there is already a large desalination plant producing clean water.
Development Around Koh Sdach
Koh Sdach is seen as a focal point for eco-resorts, sustainable tourism, and boutique investment opportunities, while the mainland directly opposite Koh Sdach is rapidly gaining traction among developers and investors.
One of the more recent coastal property developments is the Royal Beach Resort & Residence, a villa project developed by Vireak Buntham Group, and located on the Koh Kong mainland but close to Koh Sdach.
This fully completed beachfront villa development is in the Kiri Sakor district, offering pristine, quiet beaches and enhanced infrastructure. These include better access roads and nearby support services.
The mainland area near Koh Sdach is well-positioned for eco-conscious development, residential expansion, and tourism-based investment. Its combination of accessibility, natural beauty, and regulatory-friendly investment conditions makes it one of the most promising coastal regions in Cambodia.
(The Royal Beach Resort & Residence)
Thinking of Investing Near Koh Sdach?
Whether you're looking for beachfront property, eco-resort opportunities, or long-term land investment, Realestate.com.kh is Cambodia’s #1 property platform. Explore listings, connect with trusted agents, and stay ahead of upcoming coastal developments. Contact us now!
📞+855 92 92 1000
Or come and visit us at The Connect Center- Opening hours
- 9:00 - 5:00 Monday-Friday
- 10:00 - 5:00 Saturday-Sunday
Location: #306BCD, Monivong Blvd (93) Sangkat Chakto Mukh, Khan Doun Penh, Phnom Penh
Comments