Is Cambodia’s Koh Tonsay Your Perfect Weekend Beach Escape?

1. Catching Your First Glimpse of Koh Tonsay

Just 4 km from Kep, a coastal town once loved by French elites in the colonial era, Koh Tonsay, or "Rabbit Island", is a quiet gem in the Gulf of Thailand. This small island blends a laid-back vibe with soft, white sandy beaches, green hills, and a few historic villa ruins. It’s a perfect add-on to a Kep trip for those exploring Cambodia’s islands and beaches.

The atmosphere is chill, with a handful of beachside restaurants and bars serving fresh seafood and welcoming visitors with warm Khmer smiles. Arriving on this coconut palm-lined beach feels like a true escape from busy mainland life.

2. How to Get There?

🏖️ From Phnom Penh to Koh Tonsay via Kep

Getting to Koh Tonsay from Phnom Penh is easy via Kep:

• By bus or minivan: Daily trips from Phnom Penh to Kep take 3-4 hours (try companies like Giant Ibis or Sorya, ~$10-15).
• By private taxi: A faster, comfier option takes about 2.5 hours (~$40-50).

Once in Kep, just head to the pier near Crab Market. A quick 30-minute boat ride to Koh Tonsay costs about $27 round-trip. Some hotels can arrange the boat for you, making it a breeze to reach the island’s sandy shores.

3. Relax and Explore: What to Do in Koh Tonsay

Koh Tonsay is perfect for a day of chilling out. Here’s what you can do:

• Swim: Dive into calm, clear waters with few crowds for a super chill experience.
• Walk: Stroll three-quarters of the island in about 2 hours, passing wild beaches and lush jungle.
• Get a Massage: Beachside massages cost around $11-16. Local masseurs may not be pros, but it’s soothing with waves in the background.
• Eat Seafood: Savor fresh crabs, shrimp, or fish grilled at small beachside spots like Rabbit Island R estaurant, with a sea breeze to top it off.

4. The Best Time to Visit

The best time to hit Koh Tonsay is November to April, during the dry season. Sunny days are perfect, with pleasant temperatures (75-85°F) and calm seas great for swimming and boat trips. Off-season, rains can be frequent, making boat trips trickier.

5. Sleep at the rhythm of the island

Koh Tonsay has no fancy hotels, just pure nature. Travelers can choose small wooden bungalows by the beach, costing around $10-20 per night, or camp under the stars for a truly immersive stay. The bungalows, made of bamboo with thatched roofs, offer simple but cozy comfort.

For the adventurous, some places rent tents to set up on the sand. Electricity runs only a few hours in the evening, and hot water isn’t available, but this simplicity is what makes the island so special. Slow down, embrace the vibe, and enjoy the unspoiled setting.

6. Koh Tonsay Traveller Reviews

📌 Strengths:

• Quiet, uncrowded beach
• Chill, no-frills vibe, far from big resorts
• Immersive nature experience
• Quick, scenic 30-minute boat ride from Kep
• Fresh seafood at small beachside spots like Rabbit Island Restaurant

📌 Weaknesses:

• Some pollution, like plastic on beaches
• Basic lodging and few activities beyond the beach and hiking

👉 If you’re short on time, you might skip Koh Tonsay. It’s a great stopover if you’re in Kep and want a quick nature getaway. But for a full-on beach holiday, islands like Koh Ta Kiev or Koh Rong Samloem might be better picks.

7. Suggested Itinerary to Enjoy Kep and Koh Tonsay

📍 Day 1: Discovery of Kep

Morning:

• Stroll through the crab market to see fishermen and try crab with Kampot pepper at Kimly Restaurant.
• Walk along Kep’s beach for a first taste of its laid-back vibe.

Afternoon:

• Hike in Kep National Park on easy 1-2 hour trails with awesome sea views.
• Check out the abandoned colonial villas, echoes of Kep’s stylish past.

Finding island escape? 🌴 Discover Cambodia’s top islands 🌊

Evening:

• Enjoy a laid-back seafood dinner at a local spot. Learn more about Kep’s charm.

📍 Day 2: Excursion to Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island)

• Head out in the morning by boat (30 minutes from Kep, ~$27 round-trip).
• Spend a relaxing day chilling on the beach and swimming in calm waters.
• Grab lunch at a small island restaurant, like Rabbit Island Restaurant, for fresh seafood.

Option 1: Return to Kep in the late afternoon for a final evening by the sea.
Option 2: Stay overnight on Koh Tonsay for a simple, authentic vibe. Catch the sunset, soak up the calm, and head back the next morning.

If you’ve got extra time, consider a quick trip to Kampot, about 30 minutes from Kep, to see its famous pepper plantations and chill landscapes.

Our last words

Koh Tonsay is not an island for lovers of luxury or lively activities, but it is a perfect getaway for those looking for tranquility and authenticity. If you're planning a trip to Kep, spending a day on this island is a simple and rejuvenating experience, ideal for taking a break from the hustle and bustle of travel.

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