If you are planning on visiting the southern regions of Cambodia, it is worthwhile taking a trip to the island of Koh S’Dach. Koh S’Dach translates as “King’s Island” and is certainly fit for a king! The island is located approximately halfway between Koh Kong and Sihanoukville in the Gulf of Siam. The island is small in size but is deemed to be the fishing capital of Cambodia.
The island, like many places in Cambodia, takes its name from a legend. The story goes that in ancient times there was a travelling monarch who rested
Photo by Andrew Hall
on the island with his troops. During their exploration of the island, they came across a bubbling spring coming up through the rocks. This spring can still be seen and is called the Royal Spring (it is located near to the boat passenger port).
If you are looking for a place to relax, then Koh S’Dach is the place for you. It is very basic compared to other destinations that you can visit in Cambodia; but for many hardened travellers, it is the island’s peace and serenity that is most appealing after days of bustling cities such as Phnom Penh.
Many people visit the island to experience the marine life and watery activities that are available in the surrounding area. Koh S’Dach is one of the best places to use as a base and get into a boat and explore! Located just off of the north shore of Koh S’Dach there is an excellent spot where you can see brightly coloured coral. It is also possible to hire a boat (or hitch a lift with one of the local fisherman) to visit the nearby cluster of islands – Koh Samot, Koh Samai, Koh Chan and Koh Totang. You can hire a fishing boat for the day at a cost of approximately US$20.
Photo by Andrew Hall
Koh S’Dach has a small market in the centre of the island. Here you can purchase fresh food and watch the local fisherman taking a well earned rest, playing dice or cards. It is worth noting that you will not be able to buy any fish at the market as all of the catches go straight off to market. You can of course, indulge in a spot of fishing if you hire a boat for the day. A well-stocked small village store is situated on the island and it is possible to by a range of beers, sundries and snacks here. It is also worth noting that the island does not use Riel or US Dollars. All transactions on Koh S’Dach use Baht.
When staying on the island it is possible to stay in one of the few guesthouses that are dotted about, although they are very basic and there is no phone connection at all. Many visitors prefer to sleep on the beach, a unique experience to indulge in. All you need is food, water, a hammock and a mosquito net, then you are ready for a wonderful evening under the stars.
The island of Koh S’Dach is not accessible by road. The only way to reach the island is to take an express boat that travels from Sihanoukville and Koh Kong, stopping briefly at Koh S’Dach. The trip on the express boat costs approximately B300 (Baht) and takes roughly two hours.
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I’ve been on Ko Sdach which is a little island with a big fish industry, lovely people, a main road with tiny shops, a small market, lovely authentic place. The Guesthouse is conventional but is surrounded by 3 karaoke which play all at the same time and until 5am. The noise didn’t bother me so I was happy but it’s good to be aware. The main beach is beautiful.
I found out that on a close island called Ko Totang, there is a new guesthouse that just opened by a swiss couple. They have a tent, 4 rooms and 4 bungalows, they made it very very pretty, with good taste, it is not pricy, you can sleep from 2 to 15 dollars. The food is excellent, with homemade bread and yoghurt and cakes, if you go there be sure not to miss the fish burger and the night buffet with around the world cuisine … They made an ecological place, with only solar panels, no generator, dry toilets they are growing a vegetable garden. I had an amazing time and the snorkelling is absolutely great. I planned to stay only 2 nights but ended 7 days later with almost a tear as these guys really made me feel like home. I’ll come back for sure and wish them loads of luck for their little paradise called NOMADS LAND CAMBODIA.
Great info, thanks for the contribution!
Thanks for the great information, we just got back from Nomad’s land, it was so great. The people, the four-leg, the huts, everything is so neat and nice.
I will miss the food there, the buffet, the special fish burger, and the sunrise and sunset.
BTW, the fish burger is excellent.
I will go back again.
one more detail, the express is not going to ko kong anymore, it goes to ko sdach every single day at 13:oo, and goes back to sihahoukvill every double day at 9:00.
Hey there Cleo, thanks for the updated info!