Koh Sdach

Koh Sdach, king's island, is the main settlement of a small archipelago off the southern Koh Kong coast, and unlike most Cambodian islands it is a working place first: a fishing village of several thousand people, boats moored in the channel, ice plants, and a school and market, with a couple of small resorts on the quieter side. The reefs around the group are in better condition than most on this coast and diving and snorkelling operate out of the island, with visibility that is decent in the dry months. Neighbouring islands including Koh Totang have very simple off-grid accommodation. Getting there means a boat from the mainland at Poi Yopon, and the archipelago sees a fraction of the traffic that Koh Rong does.

What you actually see

• The fishing village - boats, ice plants and a working island economy.
• Reefs - snorkelling and diving in better condition than most of the coast.
• Neighbouring islands - Koh Totang and others with off-grid huts.
• The channel - the moorings and traffic between island and mainland.

When to go

November to April for calm seas and visibility; the monsoon from May to October brings rough water and most accommodation closes. Visibility for diving is best from December to March.

Honest expectations

This is a fishing village, not a resort island, and rubbish around the settlement is a problem. Accommodation is limited and basic, with generator power. Boats depend on weather. Reaching Poi Yopon on the mainland is itself a long drive.

Nearby

Koh Kong lies north; Sihanoukville is east along the coast.