South Coastpop 2 million / area 27,817 sq km

Why Go?Ever wonder what Southern Thailand was like decades ago, before the crowds arrived? The South Coast (ឆ្នេរ ខាងត្បូង) of Cambodia might provide some clues. The country’s coast-line is tiny compared with its illustrious neighbour, but it remains practically deserted save for a clutch of fabulously diverse coastal towns: Koh Kong (the cowboy border town), Sihanoukville (the brash temptress), Kampot (the suave French colonialist) and Kep (the faded monarch).

Around these cities you won’t find much besides jungle, a few truly idyllic islands and long stretches of powdery sand marred only by your footprints. Developers have long been drooling over the potential of this richly ecodiverse area, but most large-scale projects have been slow to material-ise. Small resort owners have moved in, establishing little colonies of cool on patches of paradise along the coastline. Inland, legitimate ecotourism initiatives tempt adventurous and responsible travellers.

Best Places to Eat¨¨ Café laurent (p163)

¨¨ Chez Claude (p181)

¨¨ rikitikitavi (p197)

¨¨ sailing Club (p205)

¨¨ sandan (p180)

Best Places to Stay¨¨ Four rivers Floating

ecolodge (p166)

¨¨ Done right (p179)

¨¨ ropanha Boutique Hotel (p176)

¨¨ The Columns (p194)

¨¨ Veranda natural resort (p204)

When to Go

Nov–Feb Coolest months, with balmy weather and blue skies. Peak season; book ahead.

Mar–May It starts heating up in March, and builds to a crescendo in April and May.

Jun–Oct Rains are most severe on the south coast, but the scenery is lush and beautiful.

F DNOSAJJMAMJ

Sihanoukville°C/°F Temp Rainfall inches/mm

0/32

10/50

20/68

30/86

40/104

0

4/100

12/300

16/400

8/200

Koh Kong City ............ 161Sihanoukville .............170The Southern Islands ........................187Koh Rong & Koh Rong Samloem ........ 188Kampot ......................192Kep ............................200Takeo .........................206

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