This place is one of the most important tourist attractions in Kep. It has long been considered Cambodia's crown jewel. To unwind, you can escape the hustle of major cities and enjoy a tranquil, slower pace of life. It is a small Cambodian island that stands apart from any form of modernity. To fill your vacation time, several relaxing activities are available so you can truly rest. You'll be spoilt for choice between beach time, the sea, natural landscapes, and local culture.

Discovering Koh Tonsay

Rabbit Island lies approximately 4.5 km from Kep, very close to Cambodia's border with Vietnam. It sits in the Gulf of Thailand. Spanning 2 km², the island boasts a long beach lined with coconut palms. Inland, it is covered by dense jungle.

During your stay on Koh Tonsay, it is very practical to book a bungalow for one or two nights. This allows you to fully enjoy all possible tourist activities. The island offers approximately 7 bungalows that are all equipped with basic facilities including shared bathrooms and outdoor showers. Prices vary from 5 to 10 dollars depending on the comfort level of each bungalow. For more comfort and your own shower, bungalows cost 8 dollars and most come equipped with a hammock on the veranda.

What to Do?

Koh Tonsay is well known for its beaches. It boasts about half a dozen beaches, with the main beach stretching over 1 km. Spanning a few meters in width, this spot features golden sand, sun loungers shaded by coconut palms, and numerous hammocks beneath wooden beach huts. A stroll along this beach remains one of the island's most pleasant activities.

At the water's edge, you can also swim or paddle. Thanks to a gentle slope leading into the sea, the water is warm and shallow, perfect conditions for children and less confident swimmers to fully enjoy their time in the water.

With direct views of the beach, several hammocks are set up beneath huts. Reading a book, watching the sea and beach, or listening to music while swaying in hammocks is one of Koh Tonsay's must-do experiences.

For those seeking other water activities, you can also try shore fishing or join fishing boats. Though sometimes basic, fishing equipment is available from your accommodation managers. However, with rocks near the beach, you have good chances of catching something.

Rabbit Island is known for its seafood. Delicious and locally sourced, these products are freshly caught from the sea and expertly prepared. You'll find fish, shrimp, crab, and squid. With the welcoming local population and restaurant owners, you can request your favorite local dishes such as the famous Kep crab accompanied with Kampot pepper.

Harbouring lush forest, Rabbit Island is perfect for hiking. The island's small size allows you to complete a circuit in just 2–3 hours. During the trek, you can follow other hikers and venture through thick forest. You may encounter the remains of what was once a Khmer Rouge bunker. With very calm and clean water, snorkeling is possible. Like fishing, equipment can also be obtained from your accommodation managers. For this activity, it's advisable to take a boat or ask locals to guide you to the best spots, such as the rocks at each end of the main beach. From these locations, it's easier to observe underwater life.

To reach Koh Tonsay, you must take a boat, the only means of transportation to get there. Boats transport passengers and supplies from the mainland. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.