Cambodia
Sihanoukville
November to April (dry season, calm seas)
$25-80 USD
Khmer (English spoken in tourist areas)
UTC+7
About
Discover Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is Cambodia's primary coastal city, situated on the Gulf of Thailand in the southwest of the country. Known locally as Kampong Som, it serves as a hub for beach tourism and island access, with several offshore islands making it one of Southeast Asia's most accessible tropical island destinations.
The city itself has undergone dramatic and controversial changes since around 2017, when significant Chinese investment transformed much of the urban core with casinos and high-rise construction. This development altered the character of the city centre and of previously laid-back beaches such as Ochheuteal and Serendipity. Following the Cambodian government's ban on online gambling in 2019, much of this construction halted and the city is in a transitional phase, with the beach areas recovering their earlier character.
Otres Beach, located around 7 kilometres south of the city centre, remains the most appealing beach for independent travellers, with lower-key development and a more relaxed atmosphere. Independence Beach to the north retains a relatively peaceful setting and is accessed via the Independence Hotel grounds.
The offshore islands are the principal draw for many visitors. Koh Rong is the largest, approximately 45 kilometres from Sihanoukville by fast ferry, offering white-sand beaches and bioluminescent plankton in the surrounding waters after dark. Koh Rong Samloem to the south is smaller and quieter, popular with travellers seeking less developed conditions. Several smaller islands are accessible on day trips. The fast ferry to Koh Rong takes approximately 45 minutes.
Ream National Park, located about 18 kilometres east of the city, encompasses mainland forest, mangroves, estuaries, and 21 offshore islands. Boat tours through the park's waterways provide access to dolphin habitats and coastal bird populations. The park's condition varies with seasonal water levels.
The best time to visit Sihanoukville and its islands is November through April, when the Gulf of Thailand experiences calmer conditions and less rainfall. The monsoon season from May through October brings rough seas that limit access to some islands.
Where to Stay
Best Hotels in Sihanoukville
Luxury Hotels
Six Senses Krabey Island
An ultra-luxury private island resort on 12-hectare Koh Krabey, accessible by private boat from Sihanoukville port in approximately 15 minutes. The 40 pool villas are spread across dense jungle hillside with sea views, and the property includes an extensive spa, lap pool, and multiple dining options focused on sustainability.
Sokha Beach Resort
A large 5-star beachfront resort on Sokha Beach with an extensive private beach, multiple pools, and comprehensive resort facilities including a full-service spa and several dining outlets. The property is one of the longest-established and best-maintained luxury hotels in Sihanoukville.
Arjuna Solitaire Hotel
A contemporary luxury hotel rated among the highest-scoring properties in Sihanoukville, offering 5-star amenities including a spa, casino, and multiple restaurants. The property provides a modern alternative to the older beach resort options in the city.
Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort
An internationally branded 5-star beachfront resort on Independence Beach with 215 rooms, a large pool, and direct beach access. The property combines reliable international hotel standards with a well-maintained beach location at the northern end of the city.
Independence Hotel Resort & Spa
A heritage property on a headland between Independence Beach and Sokha Beach, originally built in the 1960s as a state guesthouse. The hotel's hillside setting offers sea views, a pool, and a spa, with direct beach access below.
Sahaa Beach Resort
A mid-range beach resort on Otres Beach with a casual atmosphere and garden-style bungalow accommodation. The property is a good value option for travellers wanting a beachside base with pool access without the premium pricing of the larger resort properties.
Boutique Hotels
Le Otres Beach Boutique
A boutique property on Otres Beach offering well-designed rooms at competitive rates with a relaxed beach atmosphere. The property is known for attentive service and a quieter position on Otres Beach suitable for travellers seeking a lower-key coastal experience.
Le Otres Beach Boutique
A boutique hotel on Otres Beach combining character-driven design with competitive mid-range pricing. The property is good for couples and travellers who want a more designed aesthetic without paying luxury rates.
Mid-Range Hotels
Otres Beach Hotel
A 4-star beachfront hotel on Otres Beach with 145 air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor pool, and a beach restaurant. The property's direct Otres Beach frontage and reliable amenities make it the most established mid-range option on Sihanoukville's most pleasant beach.
Sea Breeze Hotel & Villa
A small beachside hotel and villa property in Sihanoukville offering clean contemporary rooms at mid-range prices. The property is suited to couples and small groups seeking a comfortable base without full resort pricing.
Otres Beach Hotel
A well-established beachfront property on Otres Beach recommended for travellers wanting reliable international standards with direct beach access. The property offers room categories ranging from standard to superior beachfront rooms.
Sea Breeze Hotel & Villa
A small hotel and villa property offering clean contemporary rooms at competitive prices. The property provides a straightforward mid-range base for travellers exploring the Sihanoukville coastline.
Budget Options
Sandy Clay Bungalows
A budget-friendly bungalow property on Otres Beach offering simple, clean accommodation steps from the sand at low prices. The informal beach setting and casual atmosphere suit independent travellers on a tight budget.
Sandy Clay Bungalows
An Otres Beach budget option offering direct beach access and basic but clean bungalow rooms. The property suits backpackers and low-budget travellers who want the Otres Beach experience at the lowest possible cost.
Experiences
Things to Do in Sihanoukville
Koh Rong Island Full-Day Trip from Sihanoukville
A full-day excursion by fast ferry to Koh Rong, Cambodia's largest offshore island, visiting the main beaches at Koh Touch and Long Set Beach. The day trip includes snorkeling stops and free time on the island's white-sand beaches before returning in the afternoon.
Koh Rong Samloem Island Day Trip
A boat excursion to Koh Rong Samloem, the smaller and quieter neighbour of Koh Rong, known for the calm turquoise waters of Saracen Bay and its relative lack of development. Day trips allow several hours on the island before the return journey.
Ream National Park Boat Tour
A guided boat tour through the waterways and mangrove channels of Ream National Park, located 18 kilometres east of Sihanoukville. The tour covers estuaries and offshore islands with opportunities to see Irrawaddy dolphins, bird species, and coastal ecosystems.
Snorkeling Day Trip to Bamboo Island
A snorkeling excursion to Koh Pos (Bamboo Island) off the Sihanoukville coast, featuring coral reef exploration and clear shallow waters suited to beginner and intermediate snorkelers. Equipment is typically provided with the tour.
Bioluminescent Night Swimming at Koh Rong
An evening trip to the waters around Koh Rong to experience bioluminescent plankton, which creates a natural blue-green glow when disturbed by movement. Guided tours typically depart after dark on moonless nights for the best visibility.
Kbal Chhay Waterfall Visit
A day trip to the Kbal Chhay cascades, a series of tiered waterfalls located approximately 16 kilometres northeast of Sihanoukville in a forested valley. The site is popular for swimming in the natural pools and picnicking, particularly during the wetter months when water flow is strongest.
Island Hopping Multi-Stop Boat Tour
A boat tour visiting multiple smaller islands around Sihanoukville including Koh Pos, Koh Ta Kiev, and other uninhabited or lightly developed islands. The day includes snorkeling stops, a beach picnic lunch, and time for swimming at different island locations.
Wat Leu Temple Visit
A visit to Wat Leu, a Buddhist temple situated on a forested hill above Sihanoukville offering panoramic views over the city, port, and surrounding islands. The site is accessible by motorbike or tuk-tuk and is quietest in the early morning.
Scuba Diving at the Sihanoukville Dive Sites
Scuba diving tours from Sihanoukville to dive sites around the offshore islands, including reefs at depths of 5–25 metres with visibility varying by season. Dive operators offer both introductory dives for beginners and guided dives for certified divers.
Koh Ta Kiev Jungle Camping Trip
An overnight camping trip to Koh Ta Kiev, a largely undeveloped island 45 minutes by boat from Sihanoukville, featuring jungle hiking trails, empty beaches, and minimal infrastructure. Tours typically include a simple camp setup and meals.
Otres Beach Sunset Walk and Seafood Dinner
An informal evening activity combining a sunset walk along Otres Beach with dinner at one of the seafood restaurants along the beachfront. The beach restaurants offer fresh fish, crab, and prawn at competitive prices.
Kayaking Around Ream National Park
A sea kayaking tour through the mangrove waterways and coastal channels of Ream National Park, accessible by guided kayak from the park's ranger station. The tour covers shallow estuaries where wildlife including kingfishers, monitor lizards, and occasional dolphins can be observed.
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