Koh Ta Kiev (Khmer: កោះតាកែវ) is a small island located in the Gulf of Thailand, off the coast of Sihanoukville in southern Cambodia. The island forms part of Sihanouk Province and falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Kompong Saom District.
Geography
- The island lies to the south‑west of the mainland town of Sihanoukville and is one of several offshore islands in the area.
- It is characterized by a low‑lying topography with a mix of sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and a fringe of mangrove forest along its coastline.
Population and Economy
- Koh Ta Kiev is sparsely inhabited, with a small community predominantly engaged in subsistence fishing.
- The island has increasingly attracted tourism, particularly for day‑trips, snorkeling, and diving, owing to its relatively undeveloped character and surrounding coral reefs.
Ecology
- The surrounding marine environment includes coral reefs, seagrass beds, and a variety of fish species typical of the Gulf of Thailand.
- The mangrove fringes provide habitat for birdlife and act as a natural buffer against coastal erosion.
Access
- Access to Koh Ta Kiev is generally via small motorized boats departing from Sihanoukville’s harbor. Travel times vary but are typically under an hour under favourable sea conditions.
References to the island appear in Cambodian tourism literature and regional geographic surveys; however, detailed statistical data on its area, population size, and biodiversity assessments are limited.
