Koh Tonsay, nicknamed Rabbit Island, is a small island of around 2 km² located in the Gulf of Thailand, 4.5 km off the coast of Kep, near the Vietnamese border. Bordered by a long coconut-fringed beach and covered with dense jungle in its interior, it stands as one of the most accessible beach stops in southern Cambodia.

Why visit Koh Tonsay

The appeal of Koh Tonsay lies in its small scale and minimal infrastructure: a handful of beachfront cabins, seafood restaurants run by local families, and a trail circling the island in a few hours. It makes an ideal short stopover from Kep, for a night or two away from the constant hum of electricity, in water that is warm and shallow—perfect for family swimming.

The island also speaks to travelers interested in Cambodia's recent history: the jungle still harbors remnants of a bunker dating from the Khmer Rouge period.

A bit of history

Koh Tonsay long remained on the fringes of tourist circuits, partly because the Kep region suffered greatly during the Khmer Rouge period (1975-1979). The beachfront villas of Kep, once frequented by Cambodian elites under French protectorate rule and then in the 1960s, were looted and abandoned. The sparsely populated island served as an observation point and still shelters, within its vegetation, the remains of an old Khmer Rouge bunker, which you may encounter during the island walk.

Kep's gradual opening to tourism from the 2000s onward restored a function to Koh Tonsay: a handful of families now operate cabins and restaurants there, in a very artisanal manner.

What to see and do

The main beach

The main beach stretches for over a kilometer. The sand is golden, shade is plentiful beneath coconut palms, and hammocks are strung under wooden chalets facing the sea. The gentle slope and shallow water make swimming accessible to children and less confident swimmers alike.

Snorkeling and water activities

Snorkeling is practiced at both ends of the main beach, where rocky outcrops shelter modest yet visible marine life. Equipment (mask, snorkel, basic fishing gear) can be rented directly from the families running the cabins. It's also possible to take a boat to better spots or join local fishermen for an impromptu outing.

The island walk

A trail allows you to make a complete circuit of Koh Tonsay in 2 to 3 hours. It crosses the dense jungle of the interior, skirts other quieter little coves and passes near the Khmer Rouge bunker, now reclaimed by vegetation. Good shoes recommended: the terrain is uneven and humidity is present.

Kep's cuisine

Beachfront restaurants serve seafood caught that same day: fish, shrimp, squid, and above all the crab of Kep prepared with green Kampot pepper, the region's signature dish. Menus are simple, prices reasonable.

Accommodation and dining

Lodging options remain very limited: a handful of wooden stilt cabins lined along the beach, with shared bathrooms and outdoor showers. A few more comfortable bungalows have private bathrooms and a hammock on the veranda. Rates are moderate but vary by season; advance booking is rarely possible, and electricity often runs by generator in the evenings only.

For dining, the families managing the cabins also run the beachside restaurants. Expect simple fare: rice, grilled seafood, soups.

When to go

The dry season, from November to April, offers the best conditions: calm seas, clear skies, smooth crossings from Kep. December to February remains the most pleasant period temperature-wise. From May to October, monsoon rains make the sea rougher and showers frequent; some cabins close and boats may be cancelled in bad weather. For a night on the island, it's best to aim for peak dry season.

How to get there

A boat is the only way to reach Koh Tonsay. Departures are from Kep's pier, near the crab market. The crossing takes around twenty minutes depending on sea conditions. Tickets are bought on the spot, for round-trip or day passes. Outside high season, check return times before boarding: the last boat is often mid-afternoon.

To combine in the region

• Kep: former colonial beach resort, crab market and national park.
• Kampot: riverside town renowned for its pepper, about an hour's drive from Kep.
• Koh Por: small neighboring island accessible by boat from Kep, even more low-key than Koh Tonsay.

Frequently asked questions

Include Koh Tonsay in your trip

Koh Tonsay fits naturally into a circuit through southern Cambodia, between Kep, Kampot and the coast. To build an itinerary suited to your pace, explore our tailor-made Cambodia journeys.