SIHANOUKVILLE
8 DESTINATIONS YOU MUST CHECK IN SIHANOUKVILLE
Sihanoukville, normally recommended in Cambodia tour package, is all about the ocean, located on the Gulf of Thailand. The pristine beaches, the sparkling clear water, the cooling sea breeze, the fresh crab, the swaying hammocks make it easily the best place in Cambodia to chill, especially if you have just visited the bustle of the capital Phnom Penh or the heat of the temples at Angkor Wat near Siem Reap. It is also about eating, drinking, a varied nightlife and great hotels, casinos, and restaurants, all of which cater for all budgets from backpacker hostels to luxury.
1.BEACHES
- Distance: in Sihanoukville
The main attraction is the beaches. Known specifically for its tropical islands, palm fringed sands and late-night atmosphere, each one of Sihanoukville’s beaches has its own charm and offerings. Some are easier on the eye, but less comfortable to relax on. Some are more crowded, but perfect for a party. Some are quiet and family friendly, but depending on what tickles your fancy you might get a little bored. Then again, with the views Sihanoukville has to offer, that is very unlikely.
It is easy to find serenity in overlooking the deep-water port. There are a plethora of bars and restaurants on the beach front, selling both Western and local foods and amazingly cheap beer. During the evenings there are seats along the sand where you can relax and watch the sky change beautiful shades of pinks before the sun sets on the other side of town.
Some famous beaches in Sihanoukville are Koh Rong Island, Koh Rong Saloem Island, Otres Beach, Serendipity Beach
2.WATER SPORTS
There are plenty of water sports for tourists visiting Sihanoukville, which is home to many beaches. The famous beaches for watersports are Otres, Independence, Ochheuteal and Serendipity. Kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming and Standup paddle boarding are the popular water sport activities.
During the high season when the currents are warm, and the winds are light, surfing and sailing are popular activities. Boat trips are available as well that takes tours around neighbouring islands like Koh Rong, Koh Kong, Koh Rong Samloem.
3.WAT LEU TEMPLE
- Distance: Wat Leu, Sihanoukville located on the Sihanoukville Mountain is only 6 kilometers from the provincial town
Wat Leu is a hill temple located in the city of Sihanoukville in Cambodia. It is one of the five main temples in the town, known its location amidst a forest, elegant architecture and for the beautiful bird views of the faraway coast. It is a popular tourist attraction among the tourists visiting Sihanoukville to enjoy the views.
There is a small museum here, and it’s a great place to catch the sunset, as well as take in wonderful views. The Wat Leu is surrounded by a high stone wall. There is a three headed white elephant beautifully carved out of the stone wall with three statues of Buddha on the three heads of the elephant. “
The “Wat Leu” is one of the five main wats in the beautiful port city of Sihanoukville in Cambodia. These wats are Buddhist temples and are scattered around the city of Sihanoukville. Although Sihanoukville is an important port city and is known for its beautiful beaches and islands along the coast, the beautiful wats are a tourist attractions in Sihanoukville. The “Wat Leu” is situated on the Sihanoukville mountain and is only 6 kilometres away from the provincial town.
Wat Leu is surrounded by a beautiful landscaped forest. The top of the hill at the Wat Leu offers a wonderful views of the town Sihanoukville and the islands.
4.KBAL CHHAY WATERFALL
- Distance: Kbal Chhay waterfall is located in Khan Prey Nup, about 16 kilometers north of the downtown Sihanoukville.
One of the must visit tourist attractions in Sihanoukville is Kbal Chhay Waterfalls in Sihanoukville which is known for its fascinating natural beauty. The water at Kbal Chhay comes from many sources along the mountain range, although only three of these sources are visible. The waterfall, which is 14 meters high, is at the point where those three sources joint.
Kbal Chhay was discovered in 1960. Three years later, it was developed into a reservoir to supply clean water to the city of Sihanoukville. The reservoir construction, however, was interrupted due to civil war, and the site became a hide-out for the Khmer Rouge. In 1997, Kbal Chhay was marked for development, and a year later Kok An Company was awarded a contract to construct a road and develop the site for tourism.
The Kbal Chhay Waterfalls at Sihanoukville is situated on the Prek Tuk Sap River located about 30 minutes away from Sihanoukville. These falls can be best viewed during the wet season in Sihanoukville. The wet season in Sihanoukville occurs between July to October. It is during this time that the Kbal Chhay Waterfalls in Sihanoukville is the most attractive with white froth of water cascading down. During the dry season however the Kbal Chhay Waterfalls in Sihanoukville remains almost non existent with water just managing to trickle down.
Besides being just a picturesque sight, the location of the Kbal Chhay Waterfalls in Sihanoukville is also a popular picnic spot where you can spend you day amongst the greenery and serene natural ambience of Kbal Chhay Waterfalls in Sihanoukville. The area also offers abundance of food and drink stand that drink stands for refreshments if you need any.
The Kbal Chhay Waterfalls in Sihanoukville can be easily reached from the main city center of Sihanoukville by taking the Route 4 north and then taking a turn at mile marker 217. This journey barely takes about 30 minutes. Boating of amazing natural beauty this is tourist attraction in Sihanoukville which is not to be missed.
5.KHMER COOKING CLASS
There’s no better route into any culture than cuisine. Discover Khmer food with a local in their home on this intimate, small-group cooking class. After pickup by tuk-tuk, shop for ingredients at the local market, then prepare and enjoy a 4-course meal including delights such as hot and sour “tom yam” soup and fish in banana leaf. Choose between three different class times, all capped at just six travelers. Learn the fine art of Khmer cuisine from a local in their home Enjoy hands-on support and advice in a group no larger than six Choose between three convenient class times, both lunch and dinner Relax with door-to-door round-trip transfers by traditional tuk-tuk
6.KOH RONG ISLANDS
Koh Rong is a group of islands just off the Cambodian coast, near Sihanoukville, which offers 23 amazing white-sand beaches bordering azure seas. It is still very much an unspoilt paradise, with 5 tiny islands in the area, 3 of which are uninhabited. Of the other 2, the main island of Koh Rong is a bit of a party island that’s popular with backpackers, while Koh Rong Sanloem has a quieter and more easygoing atmosphere.
Many people visit Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem for the fantastic beach experience alone. With only a few exceptions, staying on Koh Rong is very budget-friendly. There is already a pretty good range of accommodation available, from high-end private resorts to low-cost guesthouses and beach bungalows.
7.KOH RONG SAMLOEM ISLAND
If you are looking for a beach or island to “escape”, and do not want to flinch at such familiar locations as Phuket or Bali, Koh Rong Samloem Island in Cambodia will be a great suggestion.
Koh Rong Samloem is a 2.5-hour boat ride from the coastal Sihanoukville city and 40 minutes by speedboat. Sihanoukville is located in southern Cambodia, quite close to Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam. Koh Rong Samloem is the second largest island in Sihanoukville with white sand like ice cream, the beach is extremely safe for people who can not swim. You can lie on the beach to read, soak in the clear water, or see the blue sky here. Currently, Koh Rong Samloem is becoming a phenomenon on social networks and is considered one of the most attractive tourist attractions in the world in the next 10 years.
There are many spectacular places to visit on Koh Rong Samloem. One of them is the main tourist beach – Saracen Bay, creating a quiet atmosphere with the resort in front. Enjoying a Khmer culture at M’Pai Bay, or staying away from a busy life with a Robinson Crusoe trip at Lazy Beach and Sunset Beach is also interesting. Most people visit Koh Rong Samloem between November and early May, as during these months there are wonderful hot days with little cloud and low humidity.
8.GOLDEN LIONS ROUND ABOUT
Hard to miss yet not to be missed, the Golden Lion Roundabout is an iconic landmark in Sihanoukville. Comprised of a lion and lioness coated in yellowy gold paint sporting scary facial expressions and unrealistic proportions, the lions in the roundabout are prominent. A great pointer as to where you are located in Sihanoukville, the roundabout is surrounded by a number of restaurants and bars worthy of a visit.
ALL THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO SHIHANOUKVILLE
SHIHANOUKVILLE HISTORY
This was till 1954. The Mekong came under the control of Vietnam with the end of Indochina resulting in the decision to construct a new port for successful sea trade in Cambodia. Kampong Som was chosen for its depth of water and accessibility. The town was later named Sihanoukville. What followed here next is referred to as the History of Sihanoukville.
According to the History of Sihanoukville, the construction of the port was brought about by a French-Cambodian construction team from1955 to 1960 with funds from France. Another major construction leading to the development of the town was the road to Phnom Penh, Route 4, which was funded by the USA. The town first emerged as a settlement for the workers.
In the honor of the king, the new port town was named Sihanoukville. The historical development of Sihanoukville states that the town reached its zenith in the 1960s due to the success of the port. Due to the booming Sihanoukville Tourism, the town witnessed the construction of the Independence Hotel on the Independence Beach in Sihanoukville, the Angkor Brewery, villas on the Ochheuteal Beach in Sihanoukville, and the St Michael’s Catholic Church. The History of Sihanoukville, Cambodia says that the port went through construction work again from 1965 to 1970. It was stopped due to the Lon Nol coup d’etat.
One of the major phases of the History of Sihanoukville was its role in the American Vietnam conflict. It helped the anti- American forces in Vietnam in acquiring weapons. In 1975 the S.S. Mayaguez, a U.S. container ship was captured by the Khmer Rouge. The USA attacked an island close to Sihanoukville. The ship was released after a fierce bombing.
Another major turn in the History of Sihanoukville was hosting the Australian, Belgian and French military units of United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) in 1992 and 1993 UN-sponsored elections. Later the town saw an influx of foreign tourists which was disrupted by the murders of the 3 backpackers and 3 expatriates. The location has attained stability post 1997-1998 with the end of the Khmer Rouge making. Today it is a popular tourist destination emerging out of its past of war and murder. The numerous restaurants, bars, and hotels with a large number of tourists have changed the face of the city.
HOW TO GET SIHANOUKVILLE
By plane You can fly into Sihanoukville (from Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, or Vietnam), or take the Sihanoukville Express Train (which comes from Phnom Penh and Kampot.)
From Phnom Penh, buses, vans, and cars leave several times a day. Buses leave from 7 until 9 pm. Prices are $5 – $12. The ride is 4 – 6 hours.
By Boat From any beach or hill in town, you can see islands. Most of the beach places, restaurants, and guesthouses can arrange day trips, overnight trips, scuba diving, snorkeling, and island trips. The day trips to the islands with snorkeling and breakfast and lunch generally cost about $15 and up. Get your own boat with captain for $80 or more for the day.
By Car Cars leave from the Central Market in Phnom Penh near Monivong street and are about $50 for a whole car, or $10 per passenger. (note: if you want a comfortable ride, buy the whole front seat for $20, they usually pack 2 people in the passenger seat.). About 4 hours to Sihanoukville. There are now comfortable Vans to and from Phnom Penh for about $10.
By Train Train service is now on most weekends, between Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh, (with a stop in Kampot). Prices are $4 to $7. You can buy tickets at the train stations (sometimes). Travel time: Sihanoukville / Phnom Penh – 6++ hours. Sihanoukville / Kampot – 2 hours. Tickets $4 for short trips, $7 for Sihanoukville.
GETTING AROUND SIHANOUKVILLE
It is important to note that no public transport in Sihanoukville has meters, so you need to agree on a fee. Be sure to do this before you set off, and feel free to haggle a little. While prices may be a little higher than the average for long distances or getting around at night, they’re generally very low and drivers usually don’t try to cheat tourists.
Motorbike taxis are the mainstay of getting around Sihanoukville – they’re everywhere! The drivers are quite ambitious about the fares they take and will quite happily get 2 people and all of their luggage on a small scooter.
Cambodian tuk-tuks (also known as remorks) are very common in Sihanoukville. Unlike the Thai version, these are basically a glorified trailer bolted to a motorbike, but they are comfortable and probably a bit safer than the famous three-wheeled buggies of Bangkok.
While they’re good for getting to Sihanoukville’s more remote destinations, the drivers operate in a close association to fix their prices, so they are much more expensive than motorbike taxis, and haggling is virtually impossible.
Car taxis are available to help families and large groups in getting around Sihanoukville, as well as taking you to more remote destinations like Kampot, Kep and Koh Kong. They’re not usually found on the street, are not clearly marked and can’t be flagged down but, if you talk to the concierge at your hotel, they should be able to contact a local driver to take you wherever you need to go.
Prices are naturally much higher than they would be for the same journey on a motorbike taxi, with a trip from the city to Sihanoukville Airport costing about US$20-25.
10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SIHANOUKVILLE
With its beaches and casinos, Sihanoukville is primarily a tourist attraction, though one with an industrial deepwater port. Because of the tourist industry, the town has a more lighthearted flavour to it than Phnom Penh. With its 5 beaches and 3 islands to relax on, Sihanoukville provides a peaceful counterpoint to Thailand’s sometimes crowded beaches.
Here’s a list of 10 best experiences that you ought to have in this gorgeous city of Cambodia.
- Leu Pagoda: Enjoy a visit to the serene temple
- Kbal Chhay Waterfalls: Get mesmerized by nature’s beauty
- Bamboo Island: Spend blissful moments by the beach
- Beaches: Explore the many gorgeous white-sand sites
- Diving & snorkeling: Indulge in some thrill
- Otres Market: Enjoy the buzz and live music
- Casinos: Get set for a game of Baccarat
- Splash Party Water Park: Spend some fun hours cooling off
- Ream National Park: Experience nature at its very best
- Koh Rong: Sunbathe, swim, and unwind
SIHANOUKVILLE TRAVEL TIPS
Like other destinations in Cambodia tour package, there is all manner of hawkers sell about everything such as seafood, fruit, drinks, herbal remedies and traditional massage. Some of them have been known to pilfer unattended possessions. So, keep a close watch on your valuables, or leave them at a trusted beachside shack when going for a swim. Also, take a note that Cambodia is a conservative society, which reflects clearly on the local people’s choice of beachwear. And you can show your respect for the local culture by choosing modest beachwear.
With transportation in Sihanoukville, should always agree on a price beforehand. Ask your hotel to make arrangements.
SHOPPING IN SIHANOUKVILLE
With a bounty of handcrafted goods and local food to purchase, Sihanoukville provides many a ‘shopportunity’. As a beach resort, it offers lots of places selling beachwear, sarongs, and shoes. Visitors can also expect a wide variety of jewelry and souvenir shops. There are also slightly more expensive branded shops around in which to buy clothing. Starfish Bakery and Café has its own little gift shop where they sell sustainable bags made from recycled sacks. The gems, however, are to be found in the markets. Sihanoukville’s night market and Otres village’s weekend market are ones to take note of. Join the local culture of buying bags of fresh produce and enjoy a picnic of dragon fruit and lychees down on the shoreline.
BUGGY TOUR
A fantastic way to see Sihanoukville and the surrounding areas, once lounging on the beach gets a bit dreary, buggy tours offer an exciting way to explore many parts of Cambodia. Some of the tracks are muddy so the tours make for a dirty but adventurous ride. You can go through local villages, try your hand at driving the buggy and venture to the nearby countryside.
MINI GOLF
Perfect for a laid-back competition, mini golf is a great activity to partake in during a lazy day on the beach. You can find mini golf facilities at Queenco Palm Beach, Ream National Park, and Mollie Golf Mini Golf. Mollie Golf Mini Golf, located near the Ochheuteal beach, offers very good value for money. It costs between $1.50 and $3.50 to play 18 holes.
Visitors can have some drinks at the golf course, and they also offer free entry to their gardens.
SIHANOUKVILLE CLIMATE AND BEST TIME TO VISIT
The climate in Sihanoukville is a tropical one that is warm and humid with three specific seasons. The cool and pleasant season, which is the best time to travel on the Cambodia travel packages takes place from November to February with an average temperature of 20°C to 28°C, with the hot and dry season lasting from March to May (April is the hottest month), when the temperature has the potential to reach 36°C. And the wet season runs from May to November.
Overall Sihanoukville Travel Experience by Season
Spring (March through May)
Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Highs range from 90.6°F (32.6°C) and 89°F (31.7°C) with similar temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 7 to 12 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.
Summer (June through August)
The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months see the most precipitation with 14 to 17 days of precipitation per month. June – August is fairly slow season for tourism in Sihanoukville, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly less.
Fall (September through November)
Fall daily highs range from 88.5°F (31.4°C) and 85.3°F (29.6°C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a great amount: 10 to 19 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced.
Winter (December through February)
Weather is perfect this time of year in Sihanoukville to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 89°F (31.7°C) and 86.5°F (30.3°C). On average, it rains or snows a smalll amount: 1 to 4 times per month. These times of year are the busiest with tourists.
SIHANOUKVILLE RESTAURANTS AND DINING
In Sihanoukville you’ll find some of Cambodia’s best local food, with the focus firmly on fresh from the ocean seafood. Seafood shacks line Ochheuteal, Otres and Independence Beaches, where you’ll also find excellent value for money at the popular evening seafood BBQs as well as the BBQ restaurants along 23 Tola Street.
Note… Some of the beach restaurants are having to relocate a few tens of meters back from the beach. If you find your favorite beach place seems to be missing or closed, it’s probably just moved 30 or 40 meters away. Ask around to find the new location.
Sihanoukville is home to tons of bars, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and food stalls offering a wide range of cuisines, snacks, delights, soups, drinks and fresh juices of your choice. Whether you are in a mode to refresh yourself with fresh seafood BBQ or you want to entertain your tummy with fancy Italian cuisine, Sihanoukville restaurants can cater to your needs anytime of the day or night.
Instead of going to a restaurant in Sihanoukville that serves only international cuisines that you have been eating back home, you are better off trying the local Khmer cuisine, which is all about contrasts. You will definitely fall in love with these fresh and cooked, sweet and bitter, salty and sour dishes offered at various traditional Sihanoukville restaurants scattered all over the city and around the sandy beaches.
Here is a list of some of the traditional Khmer cuisines that you need to try while you are in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
Fish Amok
Fish Amok is the most popular and most eaten dish in Sihanoukville and rest of Cambodia. Although you may be able to find similar versions of this dish in the neighboring countries, it is the addition of slok ngor – a local herb that gives Fish Amok a distinct bitter flavor and separates it from the rest of the versions. What goes in the making of this flavorsome dish is fish mousse, coconut milk and curry paste called the kroeung. It is this curry paste that holds all the secret ingredients of this traditional cuisine. It is made from shallots, lemongrass, finger root, Chinese ginger, garlic, and turmeric root.
In most of the upscale Sihanoukville restaurants, this dish is steamed in a banana leaf and served hot, which gives it an organic look and brings water to the mouth. Like any other traditional Khmer dish, Fish Amok is best served with a plate of hot rice.
Nom Banh Chok
The locals do not start their day without eating Nom Banh Chok – the most beloved dish in Cambodia. Many foreign tourists refer to it as Khmer Noodle and it is usually served in the breakfast. Although there are no special ingredients that go into the making of this dish, it sure can ignite your taste buds within seconds. The main ingredients are rice noodles, green fish gravy, and plenty of vegetables like mint leave, cucumbers, bean sprouts, banana flower, and green beans. The green fish gravy is made from turmeric roots, lemongrass, and kaffir lime. You do not have to go to those expensive Sihanoukville restaurants to have a taste of this popular Khmer cuisine as there are plenty of women found walking on the beaches selling this local cuisine for a much less price but not any lesser taste.
Ang Dtray-Meuk
Finding seafood sellers who carry a small charcoal-burning oven on their shoulder, cooking and selling those grilled squids called Ang Dtray-Meuk is a common sight in Sihanoukville and other seaside towns in Cambodia. If you love seafood, you must try this local Khmer dish.
