Koh Sdach is a small but charming island located off the coast of Cambodia, nestled in the Gulf of Thailand. It is part of the Koh Sdach archipelago in Koh Kong Province, known for its serene beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant marine life. Unlike more commercialized island destinations, Koh Sdach retains its authentic charm, making it a perfect spot for travelers seeking tranquility and adventure.
Last weekend, my friends and I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Koh Sdach, a hidden gem off the coast of Cambodia. With four of my friends, we set off from the spacious Vireak Buntham Bus Station in Phnom Penh at 9:00 AM, eager for the adventure ahead. You can check out their schedule here now!
The Journey to Koh Sdach
Our trip began with a smooth ride along the expressway, with a brief 15-minute restroom break at a rest area. Around noon, we stopped for lunch at a small roadside store about two hours away from the port. The food was decent, and we were pleasantly surprised to find a large mart next to the stall, perfect for grabbing some last-minute snacks.
-
Bus ticket from Phnom Penh to Koh Sdach Port: $15 per person
-
Lunch stop expenses: ~$5-7 per person
-
Snacks and drinks from the mart: ~$2-5 per person
After approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes, we arrived at the Koh Sdach Port at 2:40 PM. The bus conveniently dropped us off at the Vireak Buntham Station, which was just a short five-minute walk from the port. Before setting off for the resort, we contacted Koh Sdach Resort to arrange a boat pickup. As we waited at the pier, we noticed that the cellular service remained strong, which was reassuring for those of us who needed to stay connected. The boat ride to Koh Apikjuk Pier took only 10 minutes, and as we passed by the local village, the air became refreshingly crisp.
Boat ride from Koh Sdach Port to Koh Apikjuk Pier: Free (included with resort booking). However, you could still ask for the pick up for 5$ per person.
Arrival at Koh Sdach Resort
Upon arriving at Koh Apikjuk Pier, a small electric buggy (akin to a mini golf cart) was waiting to transport us to the resort. Though compact, it comfortably accommodated all five of us along with our luggage. As we drove through the resort area, we were mesmerized by the pristine, crystal-clear waters and the breathtaking surroundings.
The resort staff welcomed us warmly with refreshing drinks as our luggage was transported to our rooms. The hospitality was top-notch, making us feel at home from the moment we arrived.
-
Koh Sdach Resort room rate: $50 per night (includes 2 free buffet breakfasts)
-
Electric buggy pickup: Free
Sunset Dining by the Beach
After settling in, we headed to the resort’s restaurant to discuss our dinner plans. The staff provided helpful recommendations, and we decided on a mokatak (Thai-style grill beef with a hot pot on the side) set along with a variety of fresh seafood dishes. The team even set up our dining table on the beach for an unforgettable dining experience.
-
Mokatak (hot pot) set: $20
-
Additional seafood dishes: ~$10-15 per dish
-
Beach dining setup: Free
By 5:30 PM, everything was in place. The setting was spectacular—soft white sand, the soothing sound of waves crashing, and the sun dipping below the horizon. We grilled our food while soaking in the view, and the seafood was as fresh as it could be. Adding to the charm, the resort’s friendly dog lay peacefully by our side, blending seamlessly into our evening. It was a perfect way to wrap up our first day on the island.
A Morning of Exploration & Electric Bike Adventure
We called it a night around 9:30 PM, retreating to our rooms for some snacks and Netflix. Surprisingly, both the cellular service and resort WiFi were fast, making it easy to wind down before bed.
The next morning, we woke up early to take in the scenery and snap some photos before heading to breakfast. Each room came with two free buffet tickets and for those without, the buffet cost just $5 per person. After fueling up, we set out to explore the village via electric bikes, which were available for rent at just $2.50 per hour.
-
Buffet breakfast (if not included): $5 per person
-
Electric bike rental: $2.50 per hour
Since it was a weekday, the village was bustling with activity—locals tending their stalls and children making their way to school. We spent about three hours riding around, capturing snapshots of the charming island life and enjoying every moment.
Ocean Lunch & Fishing Boat Excursion
By lunchtime, we were ready for another island experience. We placed an order at the resort’s restaurant and arranged for a fishing boat through the receptionist. The cost for a small boat accommodating 5-10 people was $70, while a larger one for 10-20 people was $90.
-
Fishing boat rental (4-6 hours):
-
Small boat (5-10 people): $70
-
Large boat (10-20 people): $90
-
-
Lunch at the resort restaurant: ~$7-12 per person
As our food was being prepared, the boat arrived, and we set off on a 4 to 6-hour ocean trip. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a delicious meal while floating on the water, surrounded by fresh sea air. Time seemed to slip away as we fished, relaxed, and let go of all our worries. As the sun began to set, we knew it was time to head back, but the day had left us feeling completely refreshed.
A Night at Mad Monkey Resort
For our second night, we moved to Mad Monkey Resort, which had a very different atmosphere from Koh Sdach Resort. While Koh Sdach Resort had a tranquil and intimate vibe, Mad Monkey leaned more toward a Western-style social hostel, with most guests being foreigners staying in dorms.
-
Mad Monkey Resort dorm rate: $10-15 per night per person
-
Private room (if available): $30 per night
-
Kayaking: Free for guests
After checking in, some of us took a break to rest and shower, while others seized the opportunity to kayak and explore the beach. As evening rolled around, we met for dinner at the resort’s restaurant, where the ambiance was lively, reminiscent of a classic pub. The natural stone wood oven caught our attention, so we ordered some pizzas, along with fries and burgers. Thanks to happy hour, we also enjoyed some cocktails and beers.
-
Pizza: $8-12
-
Burgers and fries: $5-8
-
Cocktails (happy hour): $3-4
-
Beers (happy hour): $1-3
The food and drinks were excellent, making it a great way to end our adventure.
Reflections on Our Koh Sdach Trip
This trip was nothing short of incredible. From the scenic journey and warm hospitality at Koh Sdach Resort to the vibrant, social atmosphere of Mad Monkey, every moment was memorable. Whether it was grilling fresh seafood on the beach, riding electric bikes through the village, or enjoying a boat trip on the open sea, Koh Sdach provided the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
For anyone looking for a short getaway filled with stunning views, delicious food, and unique experiences, Koh Sdach is an absolute must-visit. Until next time, Koh Sdach!