| This island, located 4.5
kilometres southeast of Kep city, draws tourists
for its two beautiful white sand beaches, which are outstanding for
swimming because the sea is shallow and makes a long slope. A boat trip
from Kep to the island plus return fare will cost $15.
Koh Tonsay, about 2 square kilometres in size, was used during prince
Sihanouk's Sangkum Reastr Niyum period as a place
for rehabilitation of criminals, who were also used to defend the island.
The horse cart paths and wooden tatch-roofed guesthouses were constructed
in that period.
'Tonsay' is Khmer for rabbit so some people translate the name
of this island as 'Rabbit Island' in English, but the origin of the name of the
island is different.
|
The name Koh Tonsay is derived from the Khmer word Rumsay, which
means 'to spread out the troops', referring to the
legend
of prince Sakor Reach, who grew hopeless because his troops began to
get tired. He led his troops to this island where he spread them out.
The island was called Koh Rumsay, which later changed to Koh Ormsay or
Koh Ornsay and still later to Koh Tonsay, as it is known today.
Staying overnight in a guesthouse on the island
costs $7 per night. With the sea winds, you won't need
air-conditioning nor fan. A mosquito net is however important! |
