Koh Ta Kiev

Koh Ta Kiev is a tranquil island located in the Gulf of Thailand, just off the southern coast of Cambodia. It lies about 4 kilometers from the Ream National Park and is accessible by boat from the coastal town of Sihanoukville or nearby Otres Beach. Unlike more developed Southeast Asian islands, Koh Ta Kiev remains largely untouched by mass tourism, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path tropical escape.

Koh Ta Kiev spans approximately 6.7 square kilometers and boasts pristine beaches, dense jungle, and rocky headlands. The island is covered in tropical forest and fringed by golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Its unspoiled environment is home to a variety of wildlife, including exotic birds, lizards, and a healthy marine ecosystem ideal for snorkeling.

Some of the most notable beaches on the island include:

Long Beach – the largest and most scenic, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Navy Beach – named after the Cambodian navy base nearby; known for its clear waters.
Coral Beach – smaller, quieter, and good for snorkeling.

What To Bring

What to prepare

Cash: There are no ATMs or card facilities on the island. Bring enough cash to cover your entire stay, including accommodation, meals, and activities. Move to Cambodia
Flashlight or Headlamp: Electricity can be limited or unavailable at night. A reliable light source is crucial.
Reusable Water Bottle: Help reduce plastic waste. Some accommodations offer water refills for a small fee.

- Snacks: There are no shops on the island. Bring sealed snacks to avoid attracting wildlife.
- Sunscreen: The tropical sun can be intense. High-SPF sunscreen is a must.
- Insect Repellent & Coconut Oil: Protect against mosquitoes and sandflies. Coconut oil can deter sandflies effectively.
- First Aid Kit: Include painkillers, antihistamines, antiseptic ointment, bandages, and any personal medications.

- Wet Wipes & Hand Sanitizer: Useful for maintaining hygiene in remote settings.
- Lightweight, Breathable Clothing: Opt for cotton or linen to stay cool.
- Swimwear & Sarong: Essential for beach activities and can double as a towel or cover-up.
- Rain Jacket: Weather can be unpredictable; a light raincoat is advisable.
- Comfortable Footwear: Flip-flops for the beach and sturdy sandals or shoes for jungle hikes.

Travel Sheet or Lightweight Blanket: Some accommodations may not provide linens.

Accommodation and Amenities

Koh Ta Kiev offers a unique blend of rustic, eco-friendly accommodations. Most lodges and guesthouses are solar-powered and built with local materials, embracing sustainability and low-impact tourism. Options include:

Beachside bungalows
Treehouses
Hammock camps

There’s no electricity grid or ATMs on the island, and mobile reception can be spotty. Most places rely on solar power or generators, and Wi-Fi is rare. Visitors are encouraged to “disconnect” and enjoy nature.

Food, Shops & Provisions

Most of Koh Ta Kiev’s quiet charm comes from the isand’s lack of development. That seems like a blessing rather than a curse until you run out of suppliers. Although the lack of shops means that your peaceful stay will not be interrupted by beach vendors asking if you want to buy a bracelet or subject yourself to a leg threading, the downside is that you can not just stop by the store for a bag of chips or a pair of flip flops. The island’s resorts do a great job of catering to the tourist trade, with some providing family style meals served at set times and others offering a variety of local and western dishes whenever and a la carte. But snacks can be harder to come by. Bars on the island usually sell noodle cups, potato crips, chocolate bars and similar snacks when they are open, but those who suffer from middle of the night munchies or plan to trek through the jungle are well advised to stock up before leaving the mainland. Just make sure all packages are fully sealed to prevent island critters from sniffing out the goodies and getting to them before you do.

Activities

Despite its small size and minimal infrastructure, Koh Ta Kiev offers plenty of things to do:

Snorkeling & swimming: The reefs around the island are vibrant and teeming with marine life.
Jungle trekking: Trails weave through the island’s interior, providing chances to explore its flora and fauna.
Kayaking: Calm waters are ideal for exploring the coastline by kayak.
Fishing & diving: Some tours offer spearfishing and diving excursions.
Camping & beach bonfires: Nights on the island often feature beach barbecues and gatherings under the stars.

Local Life and Culture

Koh Ta Kiev has a small local population and a few expat-run guesthouses. The atmosphere is relaxed and community-oriented. Unlike more developed islands, there are no major commercial developments, chain hotels, or party scenes, though some beach bars do host casual social nights.

Getting There

The easiest way to reach Koh Ta Kiev is by boat:

From Sihanoukville or Otres Beach: Several tour operators and guesthouses run daily boats to the island, taking around 1–2 hours depending on weather and departure point.
Private charter boats: Available for those seeking a more flexible schedule or direct transfer.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (November to April): Ideal for beach activities, clear skies, and calm seas.
Wet Season (May to October): The island is quieter, with lush green landscapes, but heavy rains and rough seas may limit access and activities.

Koh Ta Kiev

What To Bring

Accommodation and Amenities

Food, Shops & Provisions

Activities

Best Time to Visit

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