Visit Sihanoukville: Top 9 things to do & see

Sihanoukville is a port city in southern Cambodia and is considered “Cambodia’s own Maldives”. It has the only deep-water port in Cambodia and possesses beautiful beaches surrounding the city such as Victory Beach, Lamherkay Beach, Koh Pos Beach, Independence Beach, Sokha Beach, Serendipity Beach, Ochheuteal Beach, and Otres Beach.

Below we will provide you with the most basic and necessary information you need to know before coming to Sihanoukville such as the best weather, things to do, accommodation addresses, and the most famous dishes in Sihanoukville. This. Sihanoukville has many things waiting for you to experience and explore, let’s find out together!

The best time to visit Sihanoukville in terms of weather is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April.

November to February: This is considered the peak tourist season in Sihanoukville. The weather is generally cool and dry, with comfortable temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Rainfall is minimal during these months, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities, beach visits, and water sports.

March to April: These months are still part of the dry season, but temperatures start to rise. Daytime temperatures can climb above 30°C (86°F), and the humidity increases. However, it’s still a popular time to visit due to the continued lack of rainfall and warm beach weather.

While the dry season is the most popular time to visit Sihanoukville, it’s also the busiest and most crowded. Accommodation prices can be higher, and popular beaches can get crowded. However, If you prefer fewer crowds and are willing to deal with some occasional rainfall, you can consider visiting during the shoulder seasons.

May to October: This is the wet season in Sihanoukville. Rainfall is heaviest from June to September. While it can rain quite a bit during these months, it’s not raining all day, every day. There are still plenty of sunny days mixed in. The lush green landscapes and fewer tourists can make this an appealing time for some travelers. Just be prepared for occasional downpours.

Otres Beach is a beach that still retains its original wild beauty and seems unaffected by commercialization. The semicircular shape of fine white sand is up to 3 km long, the clear blue water blends with the deep blue sky. On the beach, there are also rental services for sailboats, kayaks, and windsurfing for you to freely experience. There are many small fishing villages located close to the sea. If you are interested, you can visit to learn about fisherman’s life. This beach is known for its relaxed atmosphere and is a great place to unwind, sunbathe, and swim. It’s less crowded compared to some of the other beaches in Sihanoukville.

Sokha beach is one of the most famous beaches in Sihanoukville. The beach stretches for nearly 2 km. Located near some of the city’s high-end resorts, Sokha Beach offers a more upscale and tranquil beach experience. You can also visit the Sokha Beach Resort Casino if you’re into gaming.

This is one of the most popular beaches in Sihanoukville, known for its lively atmosphere, water sports, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Serendipity Beach is a popular tourist destination on the city’s East Side. It is around 200 meters long and is located between Ochheuteal Beach and Sokha Beach. There are no beach stands here, only Western-style bars, restaurants, and hotels, with only a few having rooms with a view of the beach or the hillside.

Serendipity is calm during the day but incredibly boisterous at night since everyone goes to the beach, enjoys the BBQ, and sings and dances until midnight. Serendipity has evolved into the town’s shopping district, gaining popularity not just among Cambodians but also among foreign visitors.

Koh Rong Island in Cambodia is often called by the most favorable name “island paradise” and has more than 23 extremely beautiful beaches. It’s a short ferry ride away from Sihanoukville and offers various water activities and hiking opportunities. This place is famous for the pristine beauty of fine white sand clear, warm seawater pressure, and pleasant tropical climate. You can take a boat trip to Koh Rong, a beautiful island known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.

Koh Rong Samloem Island possesses an extremely beautiful wild natural beauty. As soon as you set foot on the island, you can feel the crystal clear water and spotless white sand. You can take a walk to admire the scenery, snorkel to see the coral, or go trekking if you don’t go during the Full Moon party. If it’s the Full Moon party, you can have fun with the bustling and vibrant atmosphere of the indigenous people here. You can explore the island’s beaches, hike through the jungle, and enjoy bioluminescent plankton at night. It’s perfect for those seeking a more peaceful and natural escape. 

Located about 18 kilometers from Sihanoukville, this national park offers hiking trails, mangrove forests, and boat tours to explore the local wildlife. Those who are a bit more adventurous can also rent a motorbike to ride around to explore according to their personal preferences. If you have more time, it’s worth heading to kayaking and relaxing on the river, or driving up to Monkey Maya to enjoy the picturesque beaches that the National Park supplies. You can also stop along the way at Ream Beach to enjoy some delicious food or take a nap in a hammock, and swing past Wat Ream to see the pagodas and waterfalls.

Wat Leu, located on Sihanoukville Mountain, is one of the five main temples in the city. Surrounded by a large stone wall, it offers stunning views of the city and nearby islands. The temple features a three-headed white elephant with Buddha statues on each head, and a large black stone statue of Lord Buddha. Wat Leu is known for its religious and historic attractions, as well as its architecture, which features gold-colored pagodas and traditional design pagodas. The top hill offers stunning views of the surrounding forest and nearby islands. This Buddhist temple on a hilltop offers panoramic views of Sihanoukville and the coastline. It’s a peaceful place to visit and learn about Cambodian culture.

Kbal Chhay waterfall is located in Khan Prey Nup, about 16 kilometers north of downtown Sihanoukville. The Kbal Chhay Waterfalls of Sihanoukville, Cambodia is a collection of 3-meter to 5-meter-high waterfalls that originate from different sources along the mountain ranges. However, only three out of the collection can be sighted. 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 your day amongst the greenery and serene natural ambiance of Kbal Chhay Waterfalls in Sihanoukville. You can swim in the pools beneath the falls and enjoy a picnic in the surrounding forest. The area also offers an abundance of food and drink stands that drink stands for refreshments if you need any.

Sihanoukville and its surrounding islands offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving. You can explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Many tour operators offer trips for both beginners and experienced divers.

Sarasea Koh Rong Samloem is a great choice for those looking for an exciting, luxurious experience during their vacation. Staying here is also a way for you to pamper yourself with the best services and make your vacation truly memorable. This hotel is best for those who want a peaceful, relaxing place to hide away from the hustle and bustle of crowds. Splendid service, excellent facilities, and amenities provided will make you complain for nothing during your stay at Sarasea Koh Rong Samloem.

Premium service along with a wide range of amenities will bring you the experience of the most fulfilling vacation. The hotel’s fitness center is one of the amenities not to be missed when staying here. The 24-hour reception desk is always ready to serve you from check-in to check-out or any requests. If you need help, you can contact the reception team who are always ready to assist. You can enjoy your favorite dishes with special cuisine from Xihu Resort Hotel exclusively for guests staying here. Xihu Resort Hotel is considered a hotel with full amenities and excellent service in Sihanoukville.

If you are looking for a cheap place to stay but still ensure quality, you can consider Don Bosco Guesthouse. Although the price is cheap, amenities such as fitness center, wifi, restaurant,… are still available. Most tourists who have stayed here commented that the hotel has good service. Thus, you don’t need to worry that the price is cheap so the quality will be poor. 

It will not be difficult for you to enjoy the fresh seafood of the port city of Sihanoukville. Along the beaches, there are street vendors or small seafood restaurants with affordable prices but impeccable quality. Grilled lobster, steamed crab, steamed crab, grilled snails, steamed squid… all kinds. In the evening, you can enjoy a seafood BBQ party right on the beach.

Amok steamed fish is a traditional Cambodian dish. The main ingredients to make this dish are snakehead fish, catfish, or fruit fish. The fish is marinated and steamed with ginger, coconut milk, eggs, palm sugar, prahok fish sauce, and some gooseberry leaves. It is Cambodia’s unique spices that create the appeal of this dish.

The pork rice dish here looks quite similar to Vietnamese broken rice. The pork is special in that it is marinated in coconut milk and spices and grilled over charcoal. Then people cut the meat into thin pieces and put them on a plate of hot sticky rice. Pork rice dish served with sweet and sour pickles made from cucumbers, radishes, ginger, and a bowl of broth with fresh and fried onions.

When traveling to Sihanoukville, try curry noodle soup – a specialty that contains the national spirit of Cambodia! This dish is sold by street vendors. The telltale sign of a curry noodle stall is a cart with one end being a jar of white fish curry sauce, rich in fat, sweet, and rich in smoke, emitting a very attractive aroma. One place is a basket full of fresh vegetables such as banana flowers, papaya, lotus roots, cowpeas, celery, some herbs, mint leaves, lemon, and chili.

Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville

• By Bus: You can take a bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. Several bus companies operate this route, and it’s a comfortable and affordable option. The journey takes around 4-6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
• By Domestic Flight: Some airlines offer domestic flights from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. The flight takes around 45 minutes, making it the fastest option, but it may be more expensive than taking a bus.
• By Private Taxi: You can also hire a private taxi or car to drive you from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. This option provides flexibility and comfort but can be more costly.
  Siem Reap to Sihanoukville:
• By Bus: Although there isn’t a direct bus route between Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, you can take a bus to Phnom Penh and then transfer to a Sihanoukville-bound bus or taxi.
• By Domestic Flight: Some airlines offer flights from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville with a stopover in Phnom Penh. This option can be quicker but may involve waiting at the airport during the layover.

Kampot to Sihanoukville

• By Bus: You can take a bus from Kampot to Sihanoukville, which takes around 2-3 hours.
• By Private Taxi: Hiring a private taxi is another option for traveling between Kampot and Sihanoukville. It offers more flexibility but can be more expensive.

Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem to Sihanoukville

• By Boat: If you’re already on the islands of Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem, you can take a boat back to the Sihanoukville mainland. There are regular ferry services between these islands and the city.

Border Crossings from Thailand

If you are traveling from Thailand, you can cross the border at Poipet (near Siem Reap) or Koh Kong (near the southern coast) and then continue by bus or taxi to Sihanoukville.