Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville Travel Guide

A southern Cambodian coastal resort known for beautiful beaches and popular island tours. The tranquility of Otres Beach, the emerald waters and bioluminescent plankton of Koh Rong, and the mangrove ecotours at Ream National Park are the three draws. Recent large-scale development is changing the city, but the beaches and islands remain beautiful. Recommended for travelers seeking quiet beach relaxation and island adventure.

Essential Sihanoukville Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Sihanoukville

★ 4.4

Otres Beach

Otres Beach is Sihanoukville's quietest, cleanest shoreline, with about 4km of white sand. Unlike busy spots such as Patong or Kuta, it has a calm, easygoing feel, with small guesthouses and beachfront restaurants. Snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are all on offer. Free admission (beach). About 15 minutes by tuk-tuk from Sihanoukville town.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationOtres, Sihanoukville

TipsOtres 1 is more developed; Otres 2 is even quieter. We recommend reading in a beachside hammock.

View Details→

★ 4.5

Koh Rong

About 40 minutes by speedboat from Sihanoukville, Koh Rong is Cambodia's second-largest island. Its undeveloped natural beauty - emerald waters meeting dense tropical jungle - is the main draw, and at night you can witness bioluminescent plankton lighting up the sea. The 7km Long Beach and various snorkeling and dive sites are particularly popular. Speedboat about USD 22-25 (one way). Departs from Serendipity Beach pier.

HoursSpeedboats depart 08:00-16:00 (varies by operator)

LocationKoh Rong, Sihanoukville

TipsFor bioluminescence, visit on a moonless night. Electricity is limited in some areas, so bring a power bank.

View Details→

★ 4.2

Ream National Park

East of Sihanoukville, the 210 sq km Ream National Park blends mangroves, tropical rainforest, and coral reef beaches into a richly varied ecosystem. Boat tours wind through the mangroves where you may spot monkeys and eagles, and quiet beaches inside the park are great for swimming. A solid choice for travelers interested in ecotourism. Boat tour about USD 20-35. About 20 minutes by taxi from Sihanoukville.

HoursDaily 07:00-17:00

LocationReam, Sihanoukville

TipsA boat tour is the most efficient way to see the mangroves and hidden beaches. Bring mosquito repellent.

View Details→

★ 4.7

Koh Rong Samloem

South of Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem is a smaller island with even quieter, more pristine nature. The crescent-shaped white-sand Saracen Bay is widely considered Cambodia's best beach, while the Lazy Jungle hides giant mango trees and secret beaches. At night, an unspoiled starry sky and bioluminescent plankton appear, making it a favorite honeymoon destination. Speedboat about USD 25-30 (one way). About 45 minutes from Sihanoukville.

HoursSpeedboats depart 08:00-15:00 (varies by operator)

LocationKoh Rong Samloem, Sihanoukville

TipsFor a digital detox, stay at a Saracen Bay boutique resort. Wi-Fi is limited — don't bring work.

View Details→

★ 4.1

Independence Beach

One of the closest beaches to Sihanoukville town, Independence Beach stretches in front of the 1960s-era Independence Hotel. Its 1.5 km of soft sand, calm waves, and palm-shaded hammocks make it inviting. Less glamorous than Otres or Koh Rong but very accessible — great for short trips — with cheap fresh seafood at beach stalls. Free admission. About 10 minutes by tuk-tuk from town.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationSihanoukville

TipsThe Independence Hotel is itself a Cambodian modernist masterpiece — walk by while you're here. Sunset is especially lovely.

View Details→

★ 4.3

Wat Leu (Upper Pagoda)

Wat Leu (Upper Pagoda) sits on a hill north of Sihanoukville, offering panoramic views of the city and harbor. Gilded roofs and intricate carvings stand out, and the temple grounds are peaceful with morning chanting drifting through. Resident monkeys add a fun element for animal lovers. Free admission (donations welcome). About 15 minutes by tuk-tuk from town.

HoursDaily 06:00-18:00

LocationSihanoukville

TipsVisit at sunset to catch both dusk views and the city lights coming on. Cover your knees inside the temple.

View Details→

★ 4

Serendipity Beach

Serendipity Beach is Sihanoukville's main beach and the departure pier for speedboats to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. It functions more as the island-trip launch point than as a destination itself, with hostels, backpacker bars, and guesthouses packed nearby, making it the budget travelers' base camp. It connects directly to Ochheuteal Beach next door — easy to stroll between. Free admission. A 10-minute walk from downtown.

HoursOpen 24 hours (ferries 07:00-16:00)

LocationSihanoukville

TipsBuying boat tickets directly at the pier offices is cheapest. The beach itself is busy — head to Otres or the islands for actual swimming.

View Details→

★ 4.5

Koh Tas Diving Site

Koh Tas is a small uninhabited islet close to Sihanoukville, popular for diving and snorkeling thanks to its preserved coral and reef fish communities. Depths of 5-15 m suit beginners, and PADI Open Water courses run here frequently. Day tours typically combine Koh Tas and Koh Rong with a BBQ lunch, and visibility is best in the afternoon. Diving USD 50-80; snorkeling tours USD 20-30. About 30 minutes by boat from Sihanoukville.

HoursDive centers 08:00-17:00 (by reservation)

LocationKoh Tas, Sihanoukville

TipsVisibility is best in the dry season (Nov-Apr). Don't wear fins on the coral — protect the reef.

View Details→

★ 4.2

Kbal Chhay Waterfall

About 16km from downtown Sihanoukville, Kbal Chhay is a tiered waterfall at its most beautiful during the wet season (June-November) when water volume peaks. Shaded huts, hammocks, and food stalls around the multi-level falls make it a favorite picnic spot for Cambodian families. Shallow pools are great for cooling off. Admission about USD 2. About 25 minutes by tuk-tuk from Sihanoukville.

HoursDaily 07:00-18:00

LocationKbal Chhay, Sihanoukville

TipsVisit in the wet season for the fullest flow. Weekends get busy with local families - weekdays are quieter.

View Details→

★ 4.4

Bokor National Park

Located in neighboring Kampot Province, the roughly 1,545 sq km Bokor National Park crowns a mountain over 1,000m high with eerie, fog-shrouded ruins of a 1920s French colonial casino, hotel, and church. A well-paved road leads to the summit, and the park also offers rainforest trekking and waterfall visits. Easily done as a half-day trip from Sihanoukville. Free admission (guided tours recommended). About 1.5 hours by car from Sihanoukville.

HoursDaily 07:00-18:00

LocationKampot Province (day trip from Sihanoukville)

TipsThe summit is cool and windy with fog - bring a jacket. Visit on a clear day to enjoy the views properly.

View Details→

★ 4.5

Bamboo Island (Koh Russey)

About 4.5km off the coast of Sihanoukville, Koh Russey (Bamboo Island) is a small island that's much quicker to reach than Koh Rong, making it popular for day trips. Compact enough to walk around in 30 minutes, it offers clear water for snorkeling and swimming, plus small bungalows for an overnight stay. Speedboat about USD 15-20 (round trip). About 30 minutes from Serendipity Beach pier.

HoursBoats depart 08:00-16:00 (varies by operator)

LocationKoh Russey, Sihanoukville

TipsA convenient close island for a day trip. Bring snorkel gear or rent it locally.

View Details→

★ 4.3

Kep

Kep is Cambodia's smallest province, a historic seaside town developed as a beach retreat for the wealthy during the early-20th-century French colonial era. Abandoned colonial villa ruins scattered around town give it a distinctive atmosphere, and the Kep Crab Market is famous for serving fresh crab with Kampot pepper. Its quiet, laid-back mood makes it a great alternative for travelers seeking more tranquility than Sihanoukville. About 2 hours by car from Sihanoukville.

HoursAlways open

LocationKep Province (day trip from Sihanoukville)

TipsDon't miss pepper crab at the Kep Crab Market. Touring the abandoned colonial villas is a unique experience too.

View Details→

★ 4.2

Kep National Park

Covering about 11.5 sq km of small hills behind Kep town, Kep National Park offers an 8km loop trail through jungle where you can spot wild monkeys and various birds. The viewpoint offers a panorama stretching along the Cambodian coast all the way to Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island. A great way to work up an appetite before fresh seafood at the Kep Crab Market. Free admission. About 10 minutes on foot or by tuk-tuk from Kep town.

HoursDaily 06:00-18:00

LocationKep Province (day trip from Sihanoukville)

TipsThe trek takes about 3-4 hours - bring water and snacks. Start early morning to avoid the heat.

View Details→

★ 4.3

Koh Tang

About 52km off Sihanoukville, Koh Tang is the largest of Cambodia's southernmost islands and the historic site of the 1975 SS Mayaguez incident and subsequent battle. With almost no tourist infrastructure, its raw, untouched nature is the draw, and word has spread among divers about its clear water and dive sites. Its remoteness means few visitors, offering a true sense of isolation. Accessible via dive tours. About 3-4 hours by boat from Sihanoukville.

HoursBy dive-tour reservation

LocationKoh Tang, Sihanoukville

TipsUsually only accessible via dive tour operators - book ahead. Almost no accommodation exists, so day trips are typical.

View Details→

★ 4.5

Kampot

Kampot is a laid-back riverside town on the Praek Tuek Chhu River, renowned as the source of Kampot pepper, prized by chefs worldwide as among the finest in the world. French colonial buildings line the riverfront, glowing golden at sunset, and nearby pepper farm tours and sunset river cruises are popular activities. It's also the gateway to Bokor Mountain, making it easy to pair with a Sihanoukville trip. About 1.5 hours by car from Sihanoukville.

HoursAlways open

LocationKampot Province (day trip from Sihanoukville)

TipsPepper farm tours let you sample and buy. Book sunset cruises in advance.

View Details→

★ 4.2

Kirirom National Park

Sitting at 675m elevation in the eastern Cardamom Mountains, Kirirom is Cambodia's first national park, and despite its tropical setting is covered in pine forest offering cool, fresh air. With waterfalls, a reservoir, and campgrounds, it's a great escape from the heat, conveniently located between Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh. Admission about USD 5. About 2 hours by car from Sihanoukville.

HoursDaily 07:00-18:00

LocationKampong Speu Province (day trip from Sihanoukville)

TipsEvenings are cool at altitude - bring a jacket. Renting camping gear for an overnight stay is a great experience too.

View Details→

★ 3.9

Golden Lions Roundabout

The Golden Lions Roundabout marks the entrance to downtown Sihanoukville (formerly Kampong Som), with a striking golden lion statue at its center serving as the city's landmark. Sitting on the main junction linking the airport and beach areas, it's a spot every traveler passing through Sihanoukville naturally encounters, and it looks even more dazzling lit up at night. Free to view (exterior). At the entrance to downtown Sihanoukville.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationSihanoukville

TipsYou'll naturally pass it en route from the airport to downtown. Night photos of the lit-up statue are especially striking.

View Details→

Things to Do in Sihanoukville

Adventure

Koh Rong Day Boat Tour

Day boat tour from Serendipity Pier hopping between Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. Includes 3-4 snorkeling stops, an island lunch, and beach time.

Price USD 25-40 (lunch included)Duration About 8 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Nature

Bioluminescent Plankton Tour

Night tour on moonless evenings to see bioluminescent plankton light up the sea like stars at Koh Rong. A magical experience as the light traces your hand through the water.

Price USD 10-20Duration About 2 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Nature

Ream National Park Mangrove Boat

Eco tour by small boat through Ream National Park's mangroves, spotting monkeys, eagles, and local fishermen at work. Includes lunch and swimming at a quiet beach.

Price USD 20-35Duration About 5-6 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Adventure

PADI Open Water Course

Earn an international PADI Open Water Diver certification over 3-4 days at Sihanoukville dive centers, including 4 open-water dives at Koh Tas and nearby sites.

Price USD 350-450Duration About 3-4 days

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Adventure

Otres Beach Kayaking

Rent a kayak on calm Otres Beach waters and paddle along the shoreline. Stop at hidden beaches for a quick sunbathe along the way.

Price USD 5-10/hourDuration About 1-3 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Nature

Otres Beach Yoga

Outdoor yoga at sunrise or sunset on Otres Beach. Breathe to the sound of waves on the sand — a peaceful healing experience.

Price USD 5-12/sessionDuration About 1-1.5 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Affiliate link — RoadMento may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Must-Try Food in Sihanoukville

Seafood BBQ

🍱 Traditional

Seafood BBQ: fresh shrimp, crab, and squid grilled over charcoal, enjoyed right on the beach. About USD 5-15 per person. Beach restaurants at Otres and Ochheuteal Beach are recommended.

Prahok dishes

🍱 Traditional

Dishes served with prahok, Cambodia's traditional fermented-fish sauce. About USD 3-6 per serving. Available at local markets and traditional Khmer restaurants.

Fresh Coconut

🍵 Drink

Fresh coconut water enjoyed on the beach - the best tropical drink for beating the heat. About USD 1-2 each. Easily found at beach stalls on Otres Beach and Koh Rong.

Kampot Pepper Shrimp

🍱 Traditional

Fresh shrimp stir-fried with world-renowned Kampot pepper. About USD 6-12 per serving. Otres Beach seafood restaurants serve it with the best shellfish.

Kuy Teav (Noodle Soup)

🍢 Street Food

Kuy Teav: Cambodian breakfast rice-noodle soup in pork-bone broth. About USD 1.5-3 per bowl. Try morning stalls near Sihanoukville market.

Grilled Squid

🍢 Street Food

Whole squid grilled over charcoal and served with a lime-pepper dipping sauce — a beachside classic. About USD 2-4 each. Popular at Otres and Serendipity Beach stalls.

Mango Smoothie Bowl

🍰 Dessert

Cambodian mango blended into a bowl topped with granola and coconut chips — a beach cafe favorite. About USD 3-5 per bowl. Otres Beach vegan cafes have the freshest versions.

Sihanoukville Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Sihanoukville?

The dry season (November-April) is best, with clear seas and calm waves. Island tours still run in the wet season (May-October).

How much does it cost to travel in Sihanoukville?

Daily budget around $20-55 (lodging $10-30; food $7-15; transport and activities $7-20).

How do I get around in Sihanoukville?

From Phnom Penh, about 5 hours by bus or 40 minutes by domestic flight. Tuk-tuks are convenient for moving around town and to the beaches. SIM cards available at the airport (about USD 3-5/week). Both US dollars and riel are accepted; cash is dominant. Tipping is optional.

Do I need a visa to visit Sihanoukville?

Korean passport holders can get an e-visa or visa on arrival (30 days).

Is Sihanoukville safe for tourists?

Tourist beaches are safe, but downtown can be less secure - avoid going out late at night.

Explore other cities