During a trip to Cambodia, Sihanoukville is an ideal destination for relaxation, swimming, diving and tasting seafood

Sihanoukville (also called Kompong Som by Khmer) is both a coastal city in Cambodia and the only port in the Kingdom. Although real estate projects are at full bloom, seaside huts still have a bright future. Another advantage of Sihanoukville: Life is very cheap, cheaper than that in Phnom Penh and Siem Riep, making it a favorite destination for backpackers.

Getting to Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville is located 220km from Phnom Penh, many companies offer air-conditioned bus connections for $5 to $15 from 7a.m to 14:30.

Getting around Sihanoukville

Arrival in Sihanoukville, you will be spoiled for choice: a motodop (motorbike taxi) or a tuk-tuk at every street corner will be waiting to take you to right destination. It is recommended to negotiate the fare before getting into the tuk-tuk especially those from the bus station.

If you love freedom, rent a bike for $5 per day and Sihanoukville and its surroundings are yours! Warning: You must have an international driving licence, wear helmet and be prepared for being stopped by local polices.

What to do in Sihanoukville

Relaxing on Otres beach ranked top 30 beaches in Asia. A little remote, this beach of Sihanoukville is a paradise dotted with huts where it is a real pleasure to take a nap, bath, drink a coconut and enjoy grilled squid.

At night, nothing is more attractive than a barbecue on the beach or in many restaurants of Orcheutal Beach, the tourist mecca of Sihanoukville. Among crabs, shrimp, barracuda, squid and prawns, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

A trip to Psah Leu is necessary because of a super market. Asian markets are always a concentration of culture. You will find small souvenirs, try many fruits from small vendors, drink your fresh sugarcane juice and noodle soup.

The most famous monument is in Sihanoukville is the Golden Lions Circle. A pair of golden lions dominate the traffic circle.

The sea is calling you: go snorkeling on spots through diving agency, let a stroll in a boat off the nearby islands and play the Robinsons spending a night on an island off the coast.

An original restaurant “Snake House” held by Russian who settled in Sihanoukville on Victory beach will let you eat in the middle of snakes and crocodiles! This place is really original, it’s a mini zoo that is worth trying.

You can also visit Wat to better understand Khmer Buddhist culture. If you make some offerings to a Buddhist monk at Wat Otres, he will sprinkle you with water, recite Buddhist prayers and give you a small red strap (worn by many Khmer) which, according to their custom, will bring you luck.