Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) is so named because locals say it
resembles a rabbit, an example of what too much local brew
can do to your imagination. If you like rusticity, come now
before the island is changed forever by development.
The
main beach where the boats anchor is lined with coconut
palms, hammocks and lazy chairs, a few dozen huts ($5 a
night, shared facilities, $7 if you want a private
bathroom).
Many people say Koh Tonsay is a ‘tropical paradise’ but
don’t expect the sanitised resort version.
The main beach
(250 long) faces west towards the setting sun.
From the southern end of the main beach, a 10-minute walk
takes you to a fishers’ hamlet and two more sand
beaches, one on
either side of the island’s narrow southern tip. It’s
possible to walk all the way around Koh Tonsay.
The island’s interior is forested and, except along the
beaches, trees grow right up to the water’s edge. On the
hilltop you can see the remains of a
one-time Khmer Rouge bunker.
There is no electricity, so at night it is just you, your
torch, perhaps a beach bonfire and about a million stars
overhead.
Avoid going down on weekends, too, since when we last
visited, a large group of young Cambodians brought their
karaoke machine and blasted pop tunes until wee hours of the
morning. Most nights it's very quiet.
There are opportunities for walks to other little bays on
the island and the swimming straight off the main beach
is excellent.
If you want to get more active, you're on a fishing village
island remember, so look into trying to rustle up a
fishing trip.
Getting there: Boats leave from Koh Tonsay pier in Kep for $10 return.
Only 20 minutes by boat from Kep,
