You need time to travel to Koh Sdach, a small island in the Gulf of Thailand in Cambodia’s Koh Kong Province. An appetite for adventure also helps, as simply getting to the island is a bit more challenging than reaching better-known destinations such as Siem Reap or Kampot. But if you are after something a little different, crave immersion into local life, and fancy some fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving, then the trip is worth both the time and the energy.

Koh Sdach is only a short boat ride from the mainland.

First, catch a mini-van or shared taxi from Koh Kong, Sihanoukville, or Phnom Penh to Kiri Sakor commune, which consists of a small collection of shacks at the end of a rutted track. The drive takes about six hours from Phnom Penh, but the roads are fairly smooth throughout. When you arrive, you can jump in a boat that can take you out to Koh Sdach, visible across the narrow strait. A seat on a small speedboat is a modest 5,000 riel ($1.25) for a cruise that takes all of five minutes to reach the island, home to some 3,000 residents who are mostly engaged in fishing. At the harbor, boats of all sizes and waterfront homes on stilts line the docks, while mountains of polystyrene boxes keep the catches destined for Phnom Penh and Vietnam on ice.

You’ll notice right away just how far off the main foreign-tourist trail the island is. The small market, barbers, salons, and shops that line much of Koh Sdach’s main strip, all of two motorbikes wide, are clearly aimed at local families and fishers on shore leave. This is precisely what makes Koh Sdach such an appealing destination, especially for Phnom Penh residents looking to enjoy the coast without the noise and frenzy of tourist crowds. Continue reading →