Best Kitesurfing Spots in Cambodia

Cambodia may not top the list of kitesurfing destinations—but it should. The Best Kitesurfing Spots in Cambodia offer warm, shallow waters, steady winds, minimal crowds, and a true value-for-money experience. From the peaceful flat-water bays of Kampot to the seasonal waves off Sihanoukville, and the emerging gems around Kep and nearby islands, Cambodia serves beginners and seasoned kiters alike.

In this guide, you’ll discover the key spots worth visiting, the two main wind seasons, local kite schools like Cambodia Kiteboarding, and gear tips for the region. I’ll also share hidden tips—like timing your sessions around the river flow, avoiding muddy launch zones, and combining your kitesurf run with temple tours and countryside exploration.

Whether you’re just starting or chasing freeride bliss in Southeast Asia, this guide arms you with local insights and planning tools to build a trip worth remembering. Let’s explore Cambodia’s kiteboarding routes—calm, clear, and unspoiled.

Why Kite in Cambodia?

Kitesurfing in Cambodia flies under the radar. This is good news for kiters who like to avoid crowds. You’ll find empty beaches, warm waters, and steady winds—without the high costs of other Southeast Asian kite hubs.

The country offers a mix of flat-water lagoons, river mouths, and wave spots. Kampot Bay gives butter-flat water for freestyle tricks. Kep Thmey adds a mix of flat and chop with good side-on winds. Sihanoukville offers beach breaks and a livelier scene. The nearby islands hide untouched bays where you’ll ride alone.

Another reason to choose Cambodia? Easy travel. Flights into Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville are short hops from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, or Kuala Lumpur. Overland, the roads to Kampot and Kep are smooth. Once there, you can rent a scooter or use a tuk-tuk to reach launches.

Add low prices, local food, and friendly kite schools—and Cambodia becomes a serious choice for kiters who want something new. It’s still early days here, which means you’ll have space to ride and time to enjoy the vibe.

Cambodia’s Kite Season

Cambodia has two distinct monsoon seasons, and only one of them delivers ideal wind for kitesurfing.

Peak Kite Season

• Northeast Monsoon (November–March):
  • Steady side-onshore winds between 15–25 knots.
  • Dry, sunny weather with warm water.
  • Ideal for all levels, from beginners to advanced riders.

Off-Season

• Southwest Monsoon (May–September):
  • Brings rain, storms, and unpredictable wind.
  • Most kite schools close during this time.
  • Advanced riders may still score sessions, but conditions are inconsistent.

Transition Months

April and October see light or shifting winds. You might catch a ride, but don’t plan a kite trip around these months.

Unique Insight

Morning sessions often have cleaner wind, while afternoons may pick up and get gustier, especially near mountains.

🏄 Kampot Bay Beach

Kampot Bay is the heart of kitesurfing in Cambodia. Set along the southern coast, this wide bay delivers steady side-onshore winds during the dry season. The bay is shallow, with flat water stretching out hundreds of meters. This makes it ideal for both beginners and freestyle riders.

Spot Highlights:

• Flat Water: Perfect for learning new tricks.
• Wide Launch Area: Easy and safe for all levels.
• Consistent Wind: 15–25 knots most days from November to March.

For lessons and rental gear you can go to Cambodia Kiteboarding. The gear is well maintained and instructors are IKO-certified. Many riders praise the friendly vibe and low prices compared to more famous Asian spots.

For downtime, Kampot town is just 10 minutes away. You’ll find cafes, night markets, and riverside bars. The relaxed vibe adds to the experience.

🏄 Kep

Kep lies just east of Kampot, near the border with Vietnam. This beach is less known, which means fewer riders and more open space. The wind here comes side-onshore during the dry season, blowing 14–20 knots on average.

Spot Highlights:

• Mix of Flat and Chop: Great for freeride and small jumps.
• Empty Beach: Even in peak season, you’ll have space.
• Scenic Setting: Lush hills rise behind the coast, adding to the charm.

At this location you get lessons at Kitesurf & Wingfoil School Kep West Cambodia. This school is praised for its welcoming atmosphere and expert instructors. See contact details in the kitesurf school section.

Nearby, the small town of Kep offers seafood restaurants and a quiet vibe. Many riders pair sessions here with a visit to Kep National Park or a boat trip to Rabbit Island.

🏄 Sihanoukville and Nearby Islands

Sihanoukville is better known for tourism than kiting, yet it offers several beaches with fun riding. The main draws here are the beach breaks and access to nearby islands.

Spot Highlights:

• Serendipity Beach: Busy but rideable during strong winds.
• Otres Beach: Less crowded, with cleaner water and space to launch.
• Waves: Small to medium beach breaks make it good for wave riders.

Winds in Sihanoukville can be slightly weaker than Kampot but still reliable in the dry season. Wave kiters enjoy the open fetch, which gives playful swells on windy days.

Island Kiting Adventures

From Sihanoukville, ferries run to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. These islands have stunning beaches and occasional kiting opportunities. Winds can be lighter, so bring a bigger kite (12–14m) if you plan to ride here. The water is crystal clear, and some bays offer flat sections shielded by reefs.

Unique insight

Many riders combine a few days of kiting here with diving or snorkeling trips since marine life is incredible around the islands.

🏄 Ream National Park

Ream National Park sits east of Sihanoukville, protecting mangroves, rivers, and long stretches of empty coast. Few kiters venture here, which makes it a playground for those who like to explore.

Spot Highlights:

• Remote Beaches: Empty, with no crowds or infrastructure.
• Natural Beauty: Mangroves and wildlife create a stunning backdrop.
• Adventurous Launches: Some beaches require a boat or long hike to reach.

Winds here mirror those of Sihanoukville, but conditions are often cleaner with fewer obstacles. Flat-water spots appear near river mouths, while open beaches give small wave sections.

Unique Insight

Ream is great for riders who enjoy exploring untouched places. You may ride all day without seeing another kiter. It’s also a fantastic place to mix sessions with nature hikes or birdwatching.

🏄 Koh Sdach and the Remote Islands

Koh Sdach, also known as King Island, lies off Cambodia’s southwestern coast. It’s part of an archipelago with dozens of small islands, many uninhabited. This area offers a mix of flat lagoons and wave spots, depending on where you launch.

Spot Highlights:

• Flat Lagoons: Protected by reefs, perfect for freestyle.
• Outer Reefs: Small to medium waves for surf-style riding.
• Crystal Clear Water: Amazing visibility and marine life.

The wind is steady during the dry season, averaging 15–22 knots. Because the islands block swell, some bays stay glassy even on windy days.

Unique Insight

Koh Sdach feels like a private kiteboarding paradise. You can explore different beaches each day, with no crowds and untouched scenery.

🏄 Kampot River Mouth

Just outside Kampot town, the river mouth meets the bay, creating an ideal flat-water area. This spot has started attracting local riders who want smooth conditions close to the city.

Spot Highlights:

• Butter-Flat Water: Great for freestyle tricks and practicing transitions.
• Easy Access: Only a few minutes from Kampot town.
• Low Crowds: Still under the radar for most visitors.

Winds here are slightly more sheltered than in the open bay, but they remain steady enough to ride most days in season. The flat surface lets you focus on technique without battling chop.

Local Tips:

• Best at mid to high tide to avoid shallow areas.
• Watch for boat traffic near the river mouth.
• Launch from sandy sections to avoid debris.
  
  

🏄 Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island)

Koh Tonsay, also called Rabbit Island, sits a short boat ride from Kep. Known for its slow pace and rustic charm, it’s a great escape where you can mix chill beach time with occasional kite sessions.

Spot Highlights

• Small Island Feel: Palm-fringed beaches and no cars.
• Open Beach Sections: Enough space to launch and land safely.
• Seasonal Winds: Works best during the northeast monsoon (Nov–Mar).

Wind here is not as strong or consistent as in Kampot, so it’s more of a bonus spot than a main destination. Bring a larger kite and keep expectations flexible.

Local Tips

• Take the morning boat from Kep to maximize wind time.
• Facilities are basic—pack gear, snacks, and water.
• Stay overnight in beach bungalows for a true island vibe.

Unique Insight

Koh Tonsay is perfect for those who love combining relaxed island life with a casual kite session when the breeze cooperates. After riding, enjoy fresh seafood at one of the small beachfront restaurants.

Kitesurf schools

Cambodia offers a small but quality selection of kitesurf schools centered around Kampot and Kep, each providing excellent instruction, equipment, and beautiful locations to learn and ride.

Kitesurf & Wingfoil School Kep West Cambodia

Located in Krong Kaeb (Kep), this school is praised for its welcoming atmosphere and expert instructors, offering beginner-friendly lessons in a scenic, quiet corner of southern Cambodia. The direct beach access makes it highly convenient, though details on extra amenities or gear rental options are less extensive than Kampot competitors.

Address: 287685, 10.491861, 104, Kep (Krong Kaeb) 220101
Phone: +855 96 295 3326
Email: info@kepwest.com

Cambodia Kiteboarding

Based at Villa Vedici near Kampot, this is Cambodia’s most established kitesurf school, affiliated with IKO and run by experienced instructor Frank van Zoggel. With excellent reviews and a reputation for quality gear, shallow learner-friendly water, and a range of additional services (gear rental, downwind tours, SUP, accommodation), it’s ideal for both beginners and advanced kiters.

Address: Villa Vedici hotel, Kampot
Email: cambodiakiteboarding@gmail.com
Phone: +855 89 392 068 or +855 (0)89 392 068
Website: https://cambodiakiteboarding.com/

Travel Tips

Kiteboarding in Cambodia is not just about the wind—it’s about traveling smart. Here’s what you need to know.

Getting There

• Main Gateways: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) and Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS).
• Transport to Spots:
  • Kampot: 3-hour drive from Phnom Penh by bus or private taxi.
  • Sihanoukville: Direct flights from major hubs, then tuk-tuk or taxi to the beach.
  • Kep & Koh Tonsay: Accessible by taxi or bus from Kampot in under 40 minutes.

Getting Around

• Scooter Rentals: Cheap and perfect for exploring beaches.
• Tuk-Tuks: Great for short rides with gear, but confirm price first.
• Private Drivers: Handy if you’re moving with a lot of equipment.

Where to Stay

• Kampot:
  • Villa Vedici – popular with kiters, riverside location.
  • Rikitikitavi – boutique stay near the river.
• Sihanoukville (Otres Beach):
  • Naia Resort – beachfront with good access to kite zones.
  • Sandy Clay Bungalows – budget-friendly, close to the beach.
• Islands (Koh Rong, Koh Tonsay):
  • Simple bungalows right on the sand.

On-the-Ground Advice

• Money: Bring some cash (USD widely accepted), ATMs are not always near remote spots.
• Health: Drink bottled water, use reef-safe sunscreen.
• Safety: Avoid kiting alone at remote locations, check wind forecasts before heading out.
• Culture: Cambodia is friendly—learn a few Khmer phrases, and respect local customs.

Unique Insight:
In Kampot, wind is best early. Many riders start at sunrise, then chill at riverside cafes in the afternoon. Combine sessions with sightseeing like Bokor Hill or the pepper plantations.

Beyond the Kite

When the wind takes a break, Cambodia offers a mix of rich culture, great food, and scenic adventures.

Local Food to Try

• Amok Trey: A creamy fish curry steamed in banana leaves.
• Lok Lak: Stir-fried beef served with lime and pepper sauce.
• Fresh Seafood: Kampot crab with green pepper is a must.
• Street Snacks: Try grilled skewers and tropical fruit from local markets.

Tip: Eat at small family-run restaurants for the most authentic flavors.

Culture and Sights

• Kampot: Colonial riverside town with a laid-back vibe. Visit the pepper plantations and the salt fields.
• Kep: Known for its crab market and quiet beaches.
• Sihanoukville: Busy port city, gateway to island adventures.
• Temples and History: Consider a side trip to Phnom Penh or even Angkor Wat if time allows.

Non-Kite Adventures

• Bokor National Park: Scenic drives, waterfalls, and old French hill station ruins.
• Kayaking & SUP: Explore rivers and mangroves around Kampot.
• Island Hopping: Take a boat to Koh Tonsay or Koh Rong for snorkeling and chilled beach days.
• Yoga & Wellness: Several resorts offer yoga classes—great for stretching sore kite muscles.

Unique Insight

Many kiters plan “no-wind” days to explore inland Cambodia. Renting a scooter and driving through villages offers a real glimpse of local life.