Koh Tonsay Island, Cambodia - VietnamAndCambodiaTours

Koh Tonsay Island, also known as Rabbit Island, is a small island located in Kep Province in southern Cambodia, about 4.6 kilometers from Kep city center.

Koh Tonsay remains a pristine island with underdeveloped tourism services, as most visitors to Cambodia primarily head to Koh Rong Island. Consequently, Koh Tonsay still holds great potential for tourism development due to its beautiful scenery and tranquility, making it ideal for travelers seeking relaxation and an escape from the bustling life.

Here, there is no Wi-Fi for internet access, no all-day electricity, and no luxurious resorts with swimming pools or seafood restaurants. Instead, visitors to Koh Tonsay can enjoy swimming freely in the sea and experiencing snorkeling to view the coral reefs. After swimming, you can relax on the sandy shore and admire the romantic sunset. Additionally, you can go trekking through the forest to explore the island’s rich ecosystem and wild nature.

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How to Get to Koh Tonsay Island, Cambodia

From the pier in Kep, you can purchase a boat ticket to the island. If you miss the main boat, you can opt for a wooden boat. The journey from Kep pier to Rabbit Island takes about 20 minutes and costs $15. Alternatively, you can hire a private boat with around 7 seats for $30.

For those who do not wish to stay overnight on Rabbit Island, you can negotiate the price with the boat owner. If you are starting from Phnom Penh, you will need to take a bus or taxi to Kep city. Here are the details:

Taxi: Suitable for groups of 4-5 people. You can catch a taxi at Phsar Deum Kor. The fare ranges from $26 to $32 per trip.
Bus: You can also take a bus from the Sorya Bus Company from the central bus station, either route 168 or from Highway 2. The fare is $40 per person, one way. The journey takes about 5 hours to reach Kep city.

Activities on Koh Tonsay Island

Beach Swimming: The beach on Koh Tonsay Island is famous for its gentle slope and clear blue waters, making it perfect for swimming and relaxation. When you visit, you can organize fun beach games with your friends, such as volleyball, fishing, and sunbathing. Lying on the sandy shore and gazing at the endless sky is truly a wonderful experience. Watching the sunrise and sunset on the beach is also a highly favored activity among tourists.

Snorkeling and Coral Viewing: One special activity you cannot miss is exploring the diverse marine ecosystem of Koh Tonsay. The underwater world boasts beautiful coral reefs and a variety of marine life. Snorkeling to view these corals is a popular activity among visitors. For a better experience, it is recommended to join a tour. Most tours exploring Koh Tonsay include snorkeling with guides, ensuring a delightful experience for ocean enthusiasts.

Wooden Boat Tours: Taking a wooden boat tour around the island allows you to admire the beautiful scenery surrounding Koh Tonsay.

Relaxing Massages: A particularly enjoyable activity on Koh Tonsay is relaxing with a massage. You can opt for a massage in beachside huts, each equipped with soft mats and serviced by local residents. This activity is reasonably priced, and the subtle scent of coconut oil will help you unwind easily.

Trekking: Besides swimming and beach activities, visitors to Rabbit Island can also embark on a forest trek to explore the island’s diverse ecosystem and wild nature.

Where to Stay When Traveling to Koh Tonsay Island in Cambodia

Most visitors to Koh Tonsay Island usually make it a day trip, but if you wish to stay overnight, you can choose a bungalow. Generally, the island’s services are underdeveloped, with only about 50-60 bungalows along the beach. Room rates range from $10 to $15 per bungalow. The bungalows are typically quite old and do not always have electricity. However, they offer beautiful sea views, ideal for sightseeing.

Cuisine on Koh Tonsay Island

There are a few restaurants on Koh Tonsay to meet dining needs. These restaurants are quite simple and rustic, offering fresh seafood and local specialties. Here, you can enjoy delicious, high-quality seafood at reasonable prices.

Things to Note When Visiting Koh Tonsay Island

If you happen to visit on a rainy day, you can stroll around the beach, relax at a bungalow, and learn about the local lifestyle, which can be an interesting experience.
Bring swimwear, phone chargers, and all necessary personal items as services on the island are not well-developed.
Other essential items include sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, hats, and sandals.
While the prices for dining and accommodation on the island are quite reasonable, it’s a good idea to ask about the prices before ordering food.

Conclusion

With the information we’ve just shared, we hope you will enjoy Koh Tonsay Island in Cambodia. The island is still quite pristine, making it suitable for those who want to explore and discover new, untouched, and natural beauty. This is also the most intriguing aspect of the island.