What to do in Sihanoukville ?

December 12, 2009

Sihanoukville, or Kampong Som is the only maritime port of Cambodia - lies on the southern coast on the Gulf of Thailand. The city was founded in 1964 and named after King Norodom Sihanouk. Sihanoukville is considered a great base for exploring the nearby Ream National Park, tropical islands and its tranquil beaches have made it popular as a tourist attraction. This port city attracts holidaymakers with its easy going beachside atmosphere when compared to other Thailand's more developed beach destinations. For leisure, tourists can take water taxis to the nearby islands for diving, snorkeling, and game fishing.

Beaches that line the west contour of the Sihanoukville city from North to South are Victory Beach, Koh Pos Beach, Lamherkay Beach, Sokha Beach, Independence Beach, Occheuteal Beach, Serendipity Beach and Otres Beach. The most popular ones are Occheuteal, Sokha, Independence and Victory where luxury resorts are situated with their own private beaches. Hotels, guesthouses, bars and restaurants are concentrated in Downtown area, Occheuteal Beach/Serendipity Beach and Weather Station Hill.

Getting There:
From Phnom Penh, most people travel to Sihanoukville by bus, taxi or motorcycle. There are several daily buses operate between the two cities.

There are flights between Sihanoukville and Siem Reap which will encourage visitors to Angkor temples in Siem Reap to extend their stay in this coastal city.

The international border crossings at Had Lek, Thailand/Koh Kong, Cambodia allow overland access to southern Cambodia. The Had Lek/Koh Kong crossing allows the most convenient access to Sihanoukville as it is a long-established crossing and regular transportation between Sihanoukville and Koh Kong are also well established by ferry or road.