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Sihanoukville, ព្រះរាជាណាចក្រ​កម្ពុជា - Things to Do in Sihanoukville

Things to Do in Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville, ព្រះរាជាណាចក្រ​កម្ពុជា - Complete Travel Guide

Sihanoukville, Cambodia's premier coastal destination, offers a unique blend of pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and emerging casino culture along the Gulf of Thailand. Once a sleepy fishing town, this port city has transformed dramatically in recent years, becoming a major hub for both international tourism and Chinese investment, creating a fascinating cultural melting pot of traditional Khmer life and modern development. The city serves as the gateway to some of Southeast Asia's most beautiful islands, including the renowned Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, while its mainland beaches like Otres and Serendipity offer everything from backpacker havens to luxury resorts. Despite rapid changes and construction, Sihanoukville retains pockets of authentic Cambodian charm, fresh seafood markets, and stunning sunset views that continue to draw visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure along Cambodia's southern coast.

Top Things to Do in Sihanoukville

Island Hopping to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem

Escape to pristine tropical islands featuring white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life perfect for snorkeling and diving. These islands offer a range of experiences from party atmospheres on Koh Rong to tranquil relaxation on Koh Rong Samloem. The bioluminescent plankton tours at night provide a magical experience unique to this region.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $15-25 including boat transfers, while overnight stays range from $20-150 per night. Book during dry season (November-April) for best weather, and choose reputable operators with life jackets and insurance coverage.

Otres Beach Relaxation and Water Sports

Enjoy the most popular and developed beach in Sihanoukville with golden sand, beachfront restaurants, and various water activities. The beach offers jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing trips alongside comfortable beach bars and restaurants. The southern end provides a more peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.

Booking Tip: Beach chair rentals cost $2-5 per day, water sports range from $10-50 per activity. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun and crowds, and negotiate prices with multiple vendors before committing.

Ream National Park Nature Exploration

Discover Cambodia's diverse ecosystems through mangrove forests, pristine beaches, and wildlife spotting opportunities in this coastal national park. The park offers boat tours through mangrove channels, hiking trails, and visits to fishing villages where traditional Khmer life continues unchanged. Bird watching and dolphin spotting are popular activities during certain seasons.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are $5 per person with guided tours costing $20-40 for half-day trips. Best visited during dry season with early morning starts for wildlife viewing, and bring insect repellent and sun protection.

Fresh Seafood Market and Cooking Experiences

Immerse yourself in local culture by exploring bustling seafood markets filled with the day's catch and exotic tropical fruits. Many operators offer cooking classes where you can learn to prepare traditional Khmer dishes using fresh ingredients. The experience includes market tours, hands-on cooking instruction, and enjoying your prepared meal.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes range from $25-45 per person including market tour and meal. Book morning classes for freshest ingredients and cooler temperatures, and inform operators of any dietary restrictions in advance.

Sunset Cruise and Fishing Trips

Experience the stunning Gulf of Thailand sunsets aboard traditional fishing boats or modern vessels while trying your hand at local fishing techniques. These trips often include stops at secluded beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and fresh seafood barbecues on board. The golden hour lighting provides perfect photography opportunities of the coastline.

Booking Tip: Half-day trips cost $30-60 per person including equipment and meals. Book during dry season for calmer seas, choose operators with safety equipment, and bring motion sickness medication if prone to seasickness.

Getting There

Sihanoukville is accessible by road, air, and sea from various points in Cambodia and internationally. The most common route is the 3-4 hour bus journey from Phnom Penh, with companies like Giant Ibis and Mekong Express offering comfortable services for $6-12. Sihanoukville International Airport serves domestic flights from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, plus some international routes from China and Vietnam. The city also serves as Cambodia's main seaport, with ferry connections to nearby islands and occasional cruise ship arrivals.

Getting Around

Local transportation in Sihanoukville primarily consists of tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis (motos), and rental scooters for independent exploration. Tuk-tuk rides within the city center cost $2-5, while motos charge $1-3 for short distances. Scooter rentals are available for $5-8 per day, though traffic can be chaotic and road conditions vary. Many hotels and guesthouses offer bicycle rentals for $2-3 daily, perfect for exploring beach areas. For island trips and airport transfers, pre-arranged private cars or hotel shuttles provide the most reliable service.

Where to Stay

Otres Beach
Serendipity Beach
Independence Beach
City Center
Sokha Beach
Victory Hill

Food & Dining

Sihanoukville's dining scene revolves around incredibly fresh seafood, traditional Khmer cuisine, and international options catering to diverse visitors. Beachfront restaurants offer grilled fish, prawns, and crab at reasonable prices ($3-15 per dish), while local markets provide authentic street food experiences with noodle soups, tropical fruits, and grilled meats for under $3. The city features numerous Western restaurants, Chinese establishments reflecting recent investment, and upscale resort dining. Night markets along the beaches offer barbecued seafood and cold beer, creating a perfect atmosphere for sunset dining with your feet in the sand.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Cambodia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Trattoria Bello

4.7 /5
(897 reviews) 2

Fellini Siem Reap

4.8 /5
(798 reviews)
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Pasta La Vista Siem Reap

4.6 /5
(622 reviews)

CUCINA - Pizza & Pasta - Italian Restaurant Siem Reap

4.8 /5
(453 reviews)
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Polo Food

4.9 /5
(338 reviews)
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Trattoria da Rasy

4.9 /5
(201 reviews) 1

Looking for specific cuisines?

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When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Sihanoukville is during the dry season from November through April, when rainfall is minimal, humidity is lower, and seas are calmer for island trips and water activities. December through February offers the most comfortable temperatures (24-28°C) and is peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowded beaches. March and April become quite hot but offer good weather with fewer crowds. The rainy season (May-October) brings heavy afternoon downpours, rough seas, and some businesses closing, though accommodation prices drop significantly and the landscape becomes lush and green.

Insider Tips

Negotiate all prices including tuk-tuk rides, accommodation, and activities as initial quotes are often inflated for tourists, and always agree on prices before services begin
Bring cash (US dollars preferred) as ATMs can be unreliable and many businesses don't accept cards, especially on the islands where ATMs are scarce
Book island accommodation in advance during peak season (December-March) as popular spots fill up quickly, and consider staying overnight on islands to experience the peaceful evening atmosphere after day-trippers leave

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