Sihanoukville Guide

Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville on the central Southern Cambodian Coast was named after King Sihanouk when Cambodia’s 1st deep sea port was finished in 1960 and the town’s name was officially changed from Kompong Som. Arguably Cambodia’s best stretch of coastal beaches, Sihanoukville offers the palm fringed, white sand variety that attract backpackers and travelers from around the globe.

1/5

Recommend

1 Relax on the beach of course.

2 Take an excursion to a nearby island or spend a few nights as a cast away.

3 Spend a day visiting the Ream National Park.

4 Cool off while catching a flick at the air con Top Cat Cinema.

5 For a truly exotic dining experience, try the Snake House and you’re main course will be a slithery aside as you watch live snakes and other reptiles.

About Sihanoukville

Not surprisingly, these lovely beaches have been built up and to some, far too much. The downside to Sihanoukville are the often rowdy ex pat bars and the seedy sex pat scene that is in full swing in town, mostly away from the more laid back beachside. Water sports, boat tours and scuba diving are readily available at all beaches.

There are many beaches in Sihanoukville to choose from, however these are our favorites: Serendipity Beach is a very popular beach with guesthouses and restaurants right on the beach making it a very convenient place to absolutely chill; connected to Serendipity Beach is Ochheuteal Beach which has similar features and a long white sand strip but with more services and beach rentals available; Otres Beach is a wonderful and quieter 4 km of delightful beach.

For activities that don’t involve beach going, try a relaxing massage or spa visit. To duck out of the heat, see a movie in the refreshingly air conditioned Top Cat Cinema.

Be sure to check out the old fishing port Kampong Pier Nup Lok, once the reason for Sihanoukville’s existance.

And any true beer connoisseur should definitely go for the Angkor brewery tour.

Out of town a bit you will find a few more notable attractions such as the temples of Wat Leu and Wat Kraom, the Kbal Chhay waterfalls and the must visit Ream National Park 18km outside of Sihanoukville.

The park is a mangrove and aquatic reserve that covers 15,000 hectares of land and 6,000 hectares of marine habitat. Be sure to take a boat trip through the mangroves and see some of the over 150 species of birds to be found at Ream.

There are some pristine, incredible islands off the Southern Cambodian Coast in the Gulf of Thailand that are accessible by boat from Sihanoukville.

Well worth a mention are Koh Rong, Koh Rong Saloem and Koh Ta Kiev. So far, at least Kohs Rong and Ta Kiev (along with other Cambodian beauties) have been bought up by large development companies and their mark will be left soon enough.

We recommend that you get to these islands before it’s too late. Koh Rong has the most in accommodation options and is surrounded by the absolutely perfect white sand beaches we so love. Enjoy these pristine beaches and the truly cast away feel, snorkel in their turquoise waters and just marvel at being in such a beautiful place before they are turned into exclusive resorts.

Koh Poah, Koh Koang Kang and Koh Russei are all close to Sihanoukville and are perfect for a day trip from town for excellent snorkeling, swimming and lazing on the beaches.

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