Kampong Som Group of Islands

 

 

The island closest to Sihanoukville is Koh Pos (Snake Island), 800 m off Victory beach, but the closest offering recreational opportunities is Koh Koang Kang (K. Tas), located about 1 hour away. It has two nice beaches and surrounding rocks that offer some good snorkeling. 
Koh Rong Samloem is the nicest island within daytrip distance, taking 2-2½ hours one way. It has 8 or 9 beaches including some very nice, sheltered beaches on the north side near Koh Kon. Rocky reefs around both islands harbor a variety of sea life in both shallow and deep water. Good for divers and snorkelers alike. 

When the wind is from the north (Nov-Feb), it is often better to go to the islands to the south. They are sheltered by the mainland which makes for calmer but siltier waters. For snorkeling, Koh Khteah, Koh Chraloh and Koh Ta Kiev are best. Koh Chraloh is just a rock but it has some nice coral and there are often a lot of fish. There is good snorkeling on the north side of K.Ta Kiev where giant mussels live. 

The finest scuba waters lie 4-8 hours to the southwest, around Koh Tang, Koh Prins and Poulo Wai. The distance requires at least a night’s stay. The area has rocky reefs, depths of 15-40m and better visibility than reefs closer to shore. Koh Prins has two shipwrecks to the northwest at 30-40m. Koh Tang was the site of a 1975 battle and still shows scarring.