Located off the southern coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, this former rehabilitation centre for convicted criminals is now one of the most accessible island escapes in Cambodia. With a complete lack of motor vehicles, electric mains, and zero Wi-Fi access, Koh Tunsay is not built for lovers of luxury, but for those who appreciate nature, beauty, and a banging sunset.
Population: Just 25 families – as few as 100 residents!
Vibe: Koh Tunsay epitomises relaxation. It is tranquil and peaceful and has the power to wash away all your worries. A true paradise escape, with everything you need to forget about the world within arm’s length.
Known for: Being ‘Rabbit Island.’ Rabbit Island is the literal Khmer/Cambodian translation of ‘Koh Tunsay’ because the locals believe it resembles a rabbit – visitors may have a hard time seeing the resemblance!
How to get here: You can organise a transfer from Kampot for a day trip, or there is basic accommodation if you would like to stay overnight.
Must Do: Walk along the shoreline and soak in the laid-back vibes.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Chill out!
Koh Tunsay is the perfect opportunity for road weary travellers to put the phone away, switch off from the world, and just chill out! You can sunbathe, read a book in a hammock, or just majestically float around in the beautiful sea.
Hike around the island
For the more active traveller, you can hike around the whole island in about three hours, taking in the peacefulness and the impeccable views of crystal-clear water and white sand beaches everywhere you go. Take some sunscreen and bug spray and explore Koh Tunsay’s hidden beaches and mangrove forests.
Go Fishing or Snorkelling
It is a fishing village island after all! You can ask around on the island to arrange a fishing trip, or even make arrangements with the boatmen who brings you to the island from the mainland. Snorkelling equipment is available for hire on the island and on the western side there are some great snorkelling spots.
Light a Bonfire
When the electricity goes off at 10pm and the shacks close shop, it’s the perfect time to light a bonfire on the beach. If it gets a bit hot and you decide to take a dip watch for the sparkling phosphorescence around you. It's like swimming in stars!
Tube
Not the same as the river tubing in Vang Vieng or Don Det. However, you can have just as much fun simply floating around in the sea. Tubes are very cheap to rent.
Massage
There are several massage shacks set up along the beach with a wide variety of styles available, all at low costs - the perfect way to relax and unwind!
EATING AND DRINKING
With eight ‘resorts’ set up along the 600metres of main beach, each with their own little restaurant, there are a number of menus to explore. You’ll find them all pretty similar, but its definitely worth exploring! There are a few Western food choices, but mainly local authentic dishes will be on offer, such as rice and soup-based items. You can also try one of the fresh seafood joints along the beach – emphasis on the word ‘fresh’
The beach-front restaurants double as bars and many offer very generous happy hours - that’s plural because they go on from around 2pm until 10pm! You can choose from local or imported beers, and a broad variety of cocktails, some of which are more potent than others. Watch out for the AK47 cocktail, it may very well blow your head off!