Getting to know Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville is the best known of Cambodia’s coastal towns and certainly home to some of its finest beaches – four, to be precise. The beaches of Independence, Serendipity, Otres and Ocheateal are each located in separate bays, with most visitors enjoying at least two or three during their stay.

In years gone by, travellers have passed through Cambodia, stopping to visiting the famous Angkor Temples, navigate the Tonlé Sap Great Lake and explore the vibrant city of Phnom Penh, without giving much of a thought to the rich bounty that lies on the country’s south coast. These days things have changed, and the entire coastline is experiencing something of a renaissance.

Sihanoukville, now also known as Sihanouk City, is a 3.5 hour drive from Phnom Penh and is known for its beaches. They’re the most developed of Cambodia’s beaches (Nick prefers the laid back lo-fi Kep, along the coast) but the town is within easy reach of several National Parks, and offers a good range of restaurants and hotels to suit all budgets.

Near to Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville is close to the Ream National Park, where rangers can guide you through mangrove forests and take you by boat along the park’s river in search of wildlife or just to enjoy nature that is pristine and untamed.

We like to visit Kbal Chhay Waterfall, perfect for an afternoon picnic and a cool swim.