Coconuts: ✔ Clear Ocean: ✔ Treehouses: ✔ If you’re looking for a quiet island paradise, then look no further than Koh Ta Kiev in Cambodia! Switch off from the rest of the world and enjoy the beautifully rustic and natural surroundings.
We had planned to stay in Cambodia for about a week (NOT ENOUGH TIME!!!) and wanted to escape on a boat to somewhere for a few days. After a lot of research, we decided on booking two nights on Koh Ta Kiev, a tiny island off the coast of Sihanoukville.
- When To Visit For The Best Koh Ta Kiev Weather
- How Long To Spend On The Island
- What To Bring To Koh Ta Kiev
- Packing List
- What To Do On Koh Ta Kiev
- Koh Ta Kiev Accommodation Options
- Getting Around Koh Ta Kiev
- Safety On The Island
- Food and Drink On Koh Ta Kiev
- Power And Internet On The Island
- Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking for a relaxing and peaceful couple of days then I can’t stress enough how you should book a trip here. If you’re looking for something else, come here anyway and you’ll fall in love with the place.
Most people haven’t actually heard of Koh Ta Kiev. It’s less than 7km squared, and it’s 25km off the coast of Cambodia, so you won’t find it unless you’re searching! The island isn’t your typical Southeast Asian destination, as there’s no WiFi, limited power and no shops.
Doesn’t sound appealing? How about eating freshly caught crab, snorkelling in pristine warm waters or trekking through the lush jungle?
Sounding more interesting?? Koh Ta Kiev is probably one of the last places on the southeast Asia backpacking route that is delightfully undisturbed. There are a few but you won’t find any crazy Full Moon Parties or beach sellers here. You can stay in a basic treehouse, or go even further back to basics and sleep in a hammock underneath the stars.
Our Top Pick
When To Visit For The Best Koh Ta Kiev Weather
The island is located off the south coast of Cambodia, so consider booking your trip in line with the best weather in Sihanoukville. The heavy rain tends to fall from June until September. The best months to go are definitely January or February. The rest of the year can be temperamental with rainfall. It can get cold in the evenings, but the daily temperatures average is about 31 degrees Celsius.
How Long To Spend On The Island
It’s not actually uncommon for people to plan to stay 2 or 3 nights and end up spending a week or two. There are also sometimes Workaway options on the island, which means that you can spend a long time there helping out one of the guesthouses learning new skills and getting to know the local staff.
If you’re just there for a holiday, I’d recommend spending between 2 and 4 nights on Koh Ta Kiev. The main reason for the short stay is that there is very limited power and no internet signal. Some people enjoy this, but I think after a week you could become bored, and that’s not the lasting memory you want of this place!
There are a couple of boat trips that drop you off on the island for the day and pick you up to take you back to Sihanoukville. If you want to experience Koh Ta Kiev but you’re not ready to commit to living off the grid then this is the perfect option for you.
Pro Tip
If you visit for the day, bring an overnight bag anyway! You might end up wanting to stay in one of the beach resorts, and they often have last-minute spaces.
What To Bring To Koh Ta Kiev
As Koh Ta Kiev is so remote, there are a couple of things that you should think about packing before jumping on a boat. You won’t be able to nip to the local McDonald’s for a midnight snack, or buy another pair of flip-flops once you’re there so pack carefully! If you can, we recommend leaving most of your stuff in a guesthouse locker on the mainland whilst you’re away. That way, you won’t have to lug all of your luggage on the boat!
There aren’t any ATMs on the island, so whilst we don’t recommend bringing your life savings, take out a chunk of money that you can use to pay for your meals, accommodation and anything extra like drinks, boat tours and kayaks!
Packing List
Our Top Pick
Carrying around a big backpack can be tiring, so you’ll need something extra comfortable like this Osprey Renn. It has an adjustable shoulder harness so it’s suitable whatever your height and the back panel is ventilated which helps on those hot sweaty days! The bag has plenty of compartments for all of your belongings – there’s a space for your sleeping bag, water reservoir sleeve and rain cover too! Click here to buy yours.
Our Top Pick
If you’re looking for a snorkel kit then check out this Greatever mask and snorkel. We have been on so many snorkel and boat tours where the snorkel hire was dreadful and it ruins the experience. If you have room then definitely take your own set. Take a look at our recommended kit here.
Our Top Pick
Don’t even think about stepping out in the sun without protection! This factor 50 sun cream from Sunbum is vegan, reef-safe and smells like summer, as well as being dermatologist approved! It’s non-greasy, easy to apply and doesn’t leave a white cast so you can quickly rub it in and get on with your adventures! Take a look on Amazon here.
Our Top Pick
If you don’t have a camera then I HIGHLY recommend the Panasonic Lumix ZS70K. It is an affordable point-and-shoot camera that can be picked up and used by anyone of any ability. The camera captures gorgeous images and surprisingly excellent video whilst fitting in your pocket. The main difference between this and your phone’s camera is that it also has an incredible optical zoom so you won’t miss any of the shots you need to take. Check it out here.
Our Top Pick
If you’re currently in the market for a drone then take a look at the Mavic Mini 2. The Mavic Mini 3 recently came out which has made the Mini 2 even more affordable. I don’t personally think the upgrade is worth it currently (considering the incredible price of the Mini 2). I have flown all over the world and my Mavic drone has never let me down. The small size and weight of the Mini series is also perfect for travellers so it really is a no-brainer. Take a look at the current price here.
Bring some dry snacks like crisps, nuts or popcorn (don’t forget to put them in a sealed bag/box though otherwise, you WILL get night-time visitors! As you’ll be leaving most of your stuff in a cheap guesthouse locker, you can take out anything from a sturdy packing cube or electronics organiser and use that) for those random cravings. The guesthouse on the island serves amazing food but only at set times, so if you miss breakfast, it’s good to have some things to keep you going until past 1 pm.
An essential item on Koh Ta Kiev is a bright torch and spare batteries. Remember that there’s limited power on the island that is saved for the bars and restaurants in the evenings, so you’ll need to have your own light to make your way back to wherever you’re sleeping. It’s also handy to have a light to guide you to the toilets in the middle of the night!
Consider bringing a mosquito net too. You’ll most likely be provided with one, but they don’t tend to be the best quality! At least if you have your own, you can be sure of a bite-free sleep.
Sleep beneath the stars in your own hammock!. Some guesthouses let you rent the space between two trees for a couple of nights. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but spending $2 on accommodation isn’t a bad way to backpack Cambodia if you’re on a budget!
When you’re booking your accommodation on the island, the resort will ask you how you’re getting to the island. They each offer a pick-up service and will usually organise a tuk-tuk to get you from your mainland hotel. Make your way to Otres Beach and you’ll be able to jump on a boat for around $13 return. These tickets are open so if you do decide to stay longer you’ll still be able to return to the mainland on the same ticket.
Another option is to take a day tour and get dropped off with the whole group and picked up later. We actually did this and paid $24 for a return ticket for the both of us. Our mainland hotel organised it and a tuk-tuk picked us up in the morning. It took us to the beach to board the boat, along with around 12 others. We didn’t actually realise that we weren’t on a direct boat to the island! The snorkelling and cliff jumping on the way were an added bonus.
It takes around an hour to get there, and the waters weren’t too choppy (speaking as someone who gets bad seasickness, this trip was fine!). The main reason for me recommending to only take a small weekend bag to the island is because there isn’t a great deal of space. If there are a couple of people bringing their whole 60l bags onto the boat then space is taken up quite quickly!
What To Do On Koh Ta Kiev
Koh Ta Kiev is a gorgeous, unspoilt island with limited power and no internet service. That can mean that you don’t have any fun at all whilst you’re here. Or you can embrace it and it can mean that you truly get to enjoy the beautiful nature and rustic atmosphere that you can rarely find anywhere else! You can definitely spend 3 or 4 relaxing nights here and have plenty to do.
Snorkelling
You can’t visit a remote island and not get in the sea! Most guesthouses have their own snorkelling equipment that they lend out for free. It won’t be the best quality, and you might have to wait your turn if other people are using it and you’ll have to be considerate with how long you use it, but free is free! However, you could bring your own snorkelling gear and you’d be entertained for hours.
Pro Tip
Be careful of the spiky black sea urchins in the water. They can be poisonous and cause infection. If you are stung, get the spines out straight away, and remember that your travel insurance is there to help!
Exploring the Jungle
The island is small, but you can spend a few hours trekking around through the trees here. Make sure you take plenty of water and cover yourself with sunscreen – here the heat and UV rays are relentless. A sunhat isn’t a bad idea either. There are specific treks around the island that have been marked onto the trees. Ask your guesthouse for a rough outline of the trek and keep an eye out for the relevant coloured markings so you won’t get lost in the middle of the jungle!
Visiting the Fishing Village
The blue trail leads to the fishing village on the opposite side of the island to all of the accommodation. It took us about an hour to get there but we did actually miss a few of the tree markings so had to go back on ourselves once or twice!
Once we arrived, we found shade next to a kitchen and a lady came out and gave everyone a can of Coke. She also tried to ask us if we wanted food by repeating ‘yum yum’ over and over at us, so we repeated it back and hoped for some lunch.
We watched her walk over to the small pier, lift out a net full of live crabs and stroll back into the kitchen. Ten minutes later, those crabs were on our plate covered in the best sauce (like a sweet chilli glaze), along with a large fish we didn’t expect but were very grateful for, and two large bowls of rice.
There were roughly 4 or 5 crabs between TWO OF US and there was plenty of meat to be shared. It was such an amazing lunch, and we gladly paid the lady $4 each. The food is good and it’s not every day that you get your dinner from ocean to plate in less time than it takes to usually order in a restaurant!
Kayaking
Some of the guesthouses offer cheap kayaks to rent, even if you’re not staying there. Expect to pay around $10 or less for equipment, and spend the day paddling around the island and exploring the untouched paradise from the sea!
Boat Trips
When the morning pickups are complete, the boats often will take you around the island to explore. You can cliff jump from Elephant Rock or just snorkel further out into the ocean. Some boats take you out in the evening to spot the incredible glowing plankton that illuminates the water. Don’t swim with them because it can disturb the nighttime hunting of the sea creatures, but take a good camera and snap away!
Fishing/Spearfishing
Some of the resorts will have fishing equipment that they will let you use. A local can teach you some spearfishing skills and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch dinner and help cook it later!
Book Exchange and Board Games
If you want a relaxing afternoon, pick a good book from your guesthouse and spend the day sunbathing. There are always decent reads that other travellers have left behind, but make sure you finish it before you leave! There are also usually board games and cards that you are free to use throughout the day too. Just don’t hog them! Invite other guests to play and make new friends at the same time.
Koh Ta Kiev Accommodation Options
There are limited cheap Koh Ta Kiev island hotels so it’s probably best to book ahead if you don’t want to be turned away. The guesthouses are Coral Beach, Ten103 Treehouse Bay, Kactus, Koh Ta Kiev Bungalow Resort and The Last Point.
We stayed at Coral Beach, a less than ten-minute walk from Long Beach which is where we were dropped off. Some people were staying in hammocks but that’s a bit too rustic for me, plus there’s no privacy. Anyway, our tree bungalow was super basic but we spent a limited amount of time inside.
The bed was comfortable and had a mosquito net. If you’re really fussy then maybe bring your own because ours did have a fair amount of holes in it. A huge tarpaulin sheet covered the entrance but you could roll it back up during the day.
The bar was fun – there were board games and darts, as well as a cute little treehouse area that gave you INCREDIBLE sunset views. The staff were friendly and helpful (but also read the note below) and the food was delicious and fresh.
The two ‘bathrooms’ offered a bucket flush toilet (not too bad) and a bucket shower (weird and awkward = mental hair for the entire stay. If anyone successfully washes their hair in a bucket shower then please share your tips!).
They were very clean although one thing I did note was that there was no hand soap. I understand that they’re not going to offer free toiletries but hand soap is a different matter altogether. We used our own hand sanitiser each time but I just questioned what the chefs were using??
Overall, Coral Beach was a great place to stay on Koh Ta Kiev. We would definitely stay here again – for £10 a night on this amazing island, who wouldn’t!?
Getting Around Koh Ta Kiev
To put it simply, to get around Koh Ta Kiev you have to walk. There are no scooters, no tuk-tuks and not even any bikes on the island. There aren’t any real roads. You can take a boat around the island to get to the fishing village or the mango farm on the west side of the island, but if you want to stick to land then get your walking shoes on!
Safety On The Island
As there are limited people on Koh Ta Kiev, and no way to escape the island, the level of crime is probably quite low. There aren’t any safety boxes like you’d find in hotels on the mainland, but most people aren’t here to steal.
Don’t walk into the jungle in the middle of the night, obviously. That probably goes without saying for anywhere in the world!
There are some critters that might not be too friendly too, so keep food stored well and be careful of where you walk. The sea has some nasties too. Just be aware of your surroundings and whatever you do, don’t step on a sea urchin!
Remember to bring your first aid kit and any medications that you might specifically need. It’s an hour’s boat ride to the mainland and even then the hospitals aren’t nearly as good as those in Phnom Penh.
Food and Drink On Koh Ta Kiev
Food in Cambodia was great, but on Koh Ta Kiev we didn’t get many traditional local meals. Instead, we ate homemade French dishes, which were absolutely incredible.
The portions were usually massive and at $6-7 for lunch or dinner each, were very expensive but we expected that whilst on a remote island. You also could only eat at the set times they provided, so if you get peckish in between meals then bring some snacks!
There are bars at the guesthouses, so don’t worry!. Beer actually tends to be quite cheap – you can get a bottle for $1 and some places do Happy Hours. Wine and spirits are a little more expensive but that’s to be expected in Cambodia! If you want some sunset drinks but you’re on a budget, bring your own. I’m not entirely sure that it’s allowed but if you sit on the beach with a water bottle and buy juice every now and again, I’m sure you can have a few!
Unfortunately, the absinthe distillery relocated to the mainland recently. We were extremely upset about this as we didn’t have time to visit it when we got back. I did manage to sample some of the last of the island’s supply though and my God it’s strong!
I chose the pink one and watched as the girl behind the bar set it on fire and dripped sugar into it. We would suggest visiting the distillery in Sihanoukville to try the different types!
Power And Internet On The Island
Power is scarce on the island, and the internet is pretty much non-existent. There aren’t any power lines to Koh Ta Kiev so it’s either solar or from a generator. The power usually comes on from around 6 pm until 10 pm when the bar needs light. You might be able to ask the staff to charge your Kindle or your phone, but don’t count on it! If you have bought a local sim card, you might get spotty internet but don’t rely on it.
Pro Tip
One last thing….
Everybody was high during our trip – both the staff and a lot of the guests! This meant slightly annoying but also slightly funny slow customer service and a stronggggg smell of weed drifting throughout the bar.
We’re not into it but we’re not about to complain. We had already read a couple of reviews that mentioned it so just accepted that people liked to escape reality and live on an island for a few months whilst they ‘found themselves’.
We also made friends with a honeymooning couple, who told us a hilarious story about how they had bought some cookies and got so high they couldn’t feel their legs and slept for 48 hours. Not my idea of fun but it’s one to tell the grandchildren, right?!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much spending money will I need on Koh Ta Kiev?
Usually, the answer to this question is ‘how long is a piece of string’!? However, there really isn’t much to spend your money on here, so cover your accommodation and bring a few days extra just in case you decide to stay. Meals range from around $5 – $7 each, and a beer will set you back around a dollar. You could spend around $50 per night if you’re a couple, less if you’re on your own.
Can I buy toiletries on the island?
There aren’t any shops on the island, so make sure you bring any toiletries you need with you!
Is there a doctor on Koh Ta Kiev?
No. There will probably be some first aid trained staff on the island but that’s it. If you need a doctor, you’ll have to go back to the mainland.
Can I sleep on the beach on Koh Ta Kiev?
There are tents to hire from some of the guesthouses. They’re cheap but you’ll be exposed to more bugs and critters!
Have you ever been to Koh Ta Kiev? Share your experiences below!
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Comments
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I would love to stay in one of those tree houses, not the safest option though. The food looks quite tempting by the way.
It’s all part of the experience though right 😉 we felt safe leaving our things about – there is quite a community feel about the place. Plus, yes, the food was amazing!
I got hungry reading this 😀 looks like such a relaxing and wonderful place…plus no wifi- awesome!
Was incredible! Perfect to disconnect and unwind!
“people ready to forget time exists” . . . I like this concept! Thanks for this suggestion it is always cool to have an island like this one in mind after some days of mainland Cambodia exploration. There were different ranges of accommodation (budget to luxury) on the island?
Same! Actually no, it’s such a small island that there are only a few resorts there and they’re all geared towards to budget backpackers who want to experience something different! A lot of people also just end up camping on the beach somewhere!
Looks very “authentic”. Your story of the boat being heavy didn’t surprise me as safety and boats don’t necessarily go together in Asian countries. Looks like similar safety issues with that tree house, but doesn’t it look fantastic and I would still love to put my head down here to sleep.
true! it was a great place to stay, would highly recommend to anyone wanting to get off the grid for a few days!
Looks like an amazing place to stay! Sadly we never got down to Sihanoukville as our visas for vietnam were starting. Bit of a screw up by us. We had a similar experience in Kep, but it wasn’t an island. Great post
I’ve heard Kev is amazing too – Cambodia is just gorgeous all over!
Forget all your creature comforts when you get here, then 🙂 Roughing it out with basic amenities comes with its own kind of rewards!
Haha exactly! We had great time anyway and couldn’t believe how fun it was to go back to basics!
Wow this just looks like paradise! What an amazing place to experience! And the accommodation is so affordable! They look so cosy too and if they come with incredible views of the sunset then I’m in haha!
I know, we were surprised at how cheap it was but then again I suppose there aren’t that many amenities so you get what you pay for (plus those amazing sunsets)!
I really, really want/need to go. You would think I would be happy with cool, dreary Germany…but no, ready for some sun!
Haha shocking!!
I love the tree house ~ most my kids would think this was the coolest thing ever! I would love the food it looks amazing – and the area looks just gorgeous. I am not sure about that washing my hair in the bucket LOL and lack of hand soap! But I guess all part of an incredible experience !
Yeah it was great – we were as excited as kids haha. The food was amazing but yeah bucket showers were an interesting way to start the day!
Good stuff guys. It is fun to get off the beaten path sometimes. We visited Sihanoukville in 2012 but never got out to the island. Probably impossible anyway since a huge typhoon slammed into the area all week, the remnants of a monster storm that destroyed the Philippines a few days earlier. We got 6 days of thunderstorms and 1 day of pure sun and bliss. Love that area.
Ryan
Yeah agreed! Wow that must have been a nightmare, you’ll definitely have to go back!
This sounds perfect. Wish we could escape and do this now!
This particular island is being renovated to be a tourist hub, in the next decade it will lose it’s wilderness charm. get there while you can!
We’re yet to visit Cambodia but we had a very similar experience in the Philippines. There is something totally amazing about spending some time on a beautiful remote island. Also the food looks incredible!
The food WAS incredible 🙂 I really hope to do it again some time. I’m glad you experienced this too though, we want to go to the Philippines and try it out.
Sounds so relaxing, tummy-filling, and eye-catching. Some sort of affordable paradise!
It won’t be affordable soon. There were many rumors of big businesses bulldozing large areas of the forest on the island even when we were there.
I never got past Koh Rong. Ha ha, lame I know! I wish I’d done the other islands!
Haha it’s not lame! It’s a long way further than most 🙂 Hope you had a great time.
My kids would love to stay in the house! I guess I could forgo washing my hair for a couple of days in exchange for peace and snorkelling! Sounds idyllic – I hope it doesn’t change too much.
It is certainly suitable for children. However i would worry they would get bored after a couple of days or so. Not much to do but relax and listen to the waves.
Loved reading about Koh Ta Kieve Island. Such a lovely place. The beautiful coastline and islands of Cambodia get overshadowed by Siem Ream and the Angkor Wat temples, hence not many head this way. So loved this fresh perspective of Cambodia, beyond Angkor Wat.
I couldn’t agree more! Also lets hope people don’t realise too soon, leave the secrets to us guys!
This place is gorgeous! I’ve been to Cambodia several times and I’ve never heard of it. Now I have a reason to go back!
Definitely go back, I couldn’t recommend it more.
I wish I had heard of Koh Ta Kiev when I was in Sihanoukville, it sounds like a great place to relax and enjoy! So jealous about that crab, it it have been so fresh, yum!
I have to be honest and say the crab was incredible, maybe you could go back!
I’m so jealous!
I’ve been planning to go to Cambodia from Ho Chi Minh where I stay right now.
Hope I can still have the time before I head back to the Philippines next week.
Glad you had a great time!
I hope you managed to get across to this spot of paradise, Ho Chi Minh is so close!
The tree house look pretty damn good! I would love to try that cliff jump too, but I think I would back at the last minute like I normally do. Haha
Yer I did it twice and the second time i entered the water at the slightest of angles and my manhood was slightly crushed…. Didn’t go back for a third.
Great to see that you went that extra mile so to speak and headed for this little island. Many travellers head to Sihanoukville but there really are some amazing destinations from here and Koh Ta Kiev definitely seems to be one of them! Here’s to coconuts, beaches and a good old bit of cliff jumping!
I couldn’t agree with you more, hopefully we can find some more gems like this in the future.
I spent three weeks in Cambodia, but Koh Ta Kiev Island never even flickered across my radar! Fascinated to learn about it here. It seems like a delightful, rustic getaway. Sorry the absinthe distillery was relocated before you could catch it, though!
Haha luckily they still had a few bottles of absinth left from the original distillery. So we could experience it in spirit at least, pardon the pun…
Look like an amazing place to visit, by the way awesome post
Thanks very much, it really is a fantastic spot.
Koh Ta Kiev definitely sounds like an experience! I’m going to a really remote island this summer and your tips about what to bring had me jotting down a few notes of things I need to get organized for my trip.
As for the bucket shower, I managed to wash my hair with the bucket showers when I trekked in Nepal last spring. When you’re desperate for clean hair after a sweaty day, you figure it out.
Trekking in Nepal sounds like a completely different scenario altogether! We had the sea to splash around in as well haha. I hope you have a great time.
LOVE the look of this place. I’ve never been a fancy luxury traveler and those charming bungalows and hammocks call to me. I also appreciate the no wifi part, so you can disconnect, detox and get out and explore. What a fantastic find, I hope to visit soon!
It was very strange suddenly being completely cut off. after a couple of hours though you just embrace it and totally relax. Hope you manage to get out there.
You had me at NO WIFI! Koh Ta Kiev sounds perfect to me from the snorkelling to the fresh Crab lunch! What an amazing rustic beach resort to explore and just detox. This is definitely getting added to my Cambodia Bucket List and we are going to look into Coral Beach.
Good tips too cause Darcee would hate me if I forgot the bug spray…she is like a little white meat buffet for them.
Haha Hopefully they haven’t installed a massive antenna on the island and you have to deal with wifi the whole time. Jade is exactly the same, she gets basically eaten alive. I hope you manage to get out there!
Those tree houses look awesome! I’m okay with roughing it as long as I’m well feed and the food on Koh Ta Kiev looks wonderful. I hope that I can visit some day!
You hit the nail on the head! The food is amazing and even in a hammock you’ll get a good nights sleep.
I love the look of Koh Ta Kiev, sounds like a great place to unplug and unwind. I’m sad I just found out about it by reading your post. Guess that means I’ll have to book another trip to Cambodia!
Haha there’s worse problems in life, hope you manage to get back there
This sounds amazing for 10 a night! And the boat tour out would be amazing as well. What a great way to get to a destination.
Yeah you’re so right! One of the boats broke down on the way back and we had to go save them and then the two boats got stuck together and started leaning over…. Amazing maybe not but an experience nonetheless.