Sihanoukville, Cambodia: Top 7 Things To Do
Sihanoukville is a port city situated between Kampot and Phnom Penh in southern Cambodia, near Thailand and Phu Quoc Island (Vietnam). Named after the former King of Cambodia, Norodom Sihanouk, the city is often regarded as the most beautiful beach destination in Cambodia, boasting a coastline of approximately 20 kilometers with numerous stunning beaches.
Sihanoukville is also home to Cambodia’s only deep-water port and is surrounded by many beautiful beaches, including Victory Beach, Lamherkay Beach, Koh Pos Beach, Independence Beach, Sokha Beach, Serendipity Beach, Ochheuteal Beach, and Otres Beach.
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The Best Time to Visit Sihanoukville
The dry season, which lasts from November to April, features warm and sunny weather with little rainfall. This period is ideal for visiting Sihanoukville as it allows you to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities without the concern of rain. Additionally, this is a perfect time for scuba diving, relaxing on the beach, and taking island exploration tours.
While the remaining months are still great for a trip to Sihanoukville, the rainy season from May to October may not be as suitable. Being a port city with most of its attractions tied to the sea and islands, visiting during the rainy season might mean spending much of your time in a hotel room due to the high likelihood of rain.
How to Get to Sihanoukville
By Plane
Flying is the fastest way to reach Sihanoukville from various cities within and outside Cambodia. Regular domestic and international flights connect the city with Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), and several other international destinations. Upon arrival at the airport, you can use taxis, tuk-tuks, or bus/shuttle services to reach the city center or your accommodation.
By Car
If you have the time and stamina, traveling by road is an option to get to Sihanoukville. There are numerous daily bus services from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, or even directly from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, with the fastest journey taking approximately 8 hours.
Hotels in Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is a popular tourist destination in Cambodia, well-developed in terms of tourism services, offering a range of hotels from budget-friendly options to luxurious accommodations. For those with a generous budget, there are upscale hotels such as Serendipity Beach Resort, Sokha Beach Resort, OC Hotel, and Hotel Cambodia Resort, with prices around $40 per night.
Budget hotels costing around $15 per night are also good options, often featuring sea views, attractive rooms, and proximity to piers and restaurants. For even cheaper stays, you can consider hostels, dormitories, and guesthouses such as Utopia Hotel, with prices starting from just a few dollars per person.
Top Destinations in Sihanoukville
Ochheuteal Beach
Ochheuteal Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Sihanoukville, known for its long coastline, clear blue waters, and fine white sand. It is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, watching sunsets, and enjoying fresh seafood.
Serendipity Beach
Serendipity Beach attracts tourists due to its convenient location near the city center. It is also the starting point for many island tours in Sihanoukville. At Serendipity Beach, you can enjoy beer and lively music parties.
Otres Beach
Compared to Ochheuteal and Serendipity beaches, Otres Beach is more pristine and peaceful, with less developed services. It features many small fishing villages along the shore, where you can rent accommodations, dine, relax, and learn about the local lifestyle. Additionally, this beach offers sailboat, kayak, and surfing rentals.
Sokha Beach
Sokha Beach is surrounded by a large resort and is not a public beach. It is often compared to the Maldives for its pristine beauty. Visitors can admire the unspoiled scenery, purchase drinks from the resort’s outdoor bar, and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere.
Independence Beach
Located next to Sokha Beach, Independence Beach is quite famous in Sihanoukville and is named after an old hotel to the north of the beach. It features romantic bungalows overlooking the sea. This is one of the quietest and cleanest beaches, perfect for tourists to relax and soak up the sun.
Koh Rong Samloem
Koh Rong Samloem is the most beautiful island in Sihanoukville, about a two-hour boat ride away. The warm waters are ideal for diving, and the island boasts stunning sea views. It has a small fishing village with breathtaking white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. The most striking feature of Koh Rong Samloem is its unspoiled scenery, allowing visitors to stroll along the beach, play in the water, or dive to explore the coral reefs.
Koh Rong
Koh Rong is a large and famous island in Cambodia, located in the Gulf of Thailand, just over 20 kilometers from Sihanoukville. With an impressive 43-kilometer coastline, Koh Rong is different from Koh Rong Samloem, catering to visitors who enjoy exploring and engaging in lively activities while immersing themselves in local life.
What to Eat in Sihanoukville
In Sihanoukville, you can savor some of Cambodia’s finest local dishes such as Amok, Lap Khmer, and Nom Banh Chok. The fresh seafood at Ochheuteal, Otres, and Independence beaches is particularly noteworthy, making a seafood BBQ dinner a must-try experience.
Recommended Restaurants in Sihanoukville:
- L’osteria di Gino Garden: Delicious and affordable Italian cuisine, paired with excellent wine.
- La Rhumerie: One of the most famous upscale bars in Sihanoukville.
- Chenda’s International Food Centre: Offers a selection of Cambodian and Chinese dishes.
- Nyam: Traditional Khmer dishes priced from $2.50 to $4.25.
- Nice Foods: Western menu items like burgers, fries, pizza, and Khmer dishes such as curry, noodles, and fried rice. Prices start from $1.25 per dish.
- Samnang Restaurant: Specializes in BBQ dishes and suki soup.
Travel Tips for Sihanoukville
- The Cambodian people are generally cheerful and easygoing, but few speak English. Typically, only one person in a store might know English.
- Services in Sihanoukville are quite slow, from food service to waiting times for boats. It is common for a boat to arrive an hour late.
- Currency: Although the Cambodian Riel is the official currency, US dollars are widely used. It is advisable to exchange for US dollars, but specifically avoid $2 bills. Instead, opt for plenty of $1, $5, and $10 bills, as many items cost around $1.
- Sihanoukville was once a beautiful and worthy paradise for relaxation. However, after becoming a special economic zone, it has transformed into a construction site with many Chinese-owned casinos, causing prices to rise and the environment to become noisier.
Conclusion
Despite the rapid tourism development which has led to a loss of its previous tranquility, Sihanoukville remains one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Cambodia. It is an excellent place to spend a family vacation. We hope the information we’ve shared will help you have a perfect trip to Sihanoukville. If you need further advice, don’t hesitate to contact the SVietnam team.
