Sihanoukville calls out to the weary traveler, not with the same colonial architecture and ancient cultural sites as some other Cambodian towns, but as a stop to rest and relax at the beach. Most of the town's activities are situated near the many beaches, but there are also several cultural sites to see.
Ochheuteal Beach, also known as Serendipity Beach, is the most popular and thus, often crowded beach. With plenty of food stalls lining the waterfront, many visitors like to stroll down the sidewalks and purchase fresh barbecued squid, scallops and shrimp. Beware of persistent beggars and soliciting vendors. Independence Beach, just north of Ochheuteal Beach is a popular tourist destination for the busy Independence Hotel, though, like many parts of Sihanoukville, construction is ongoing and beachfront restaurants are not of the best quality. It is advised to travel in groups and be wary of drug dealers. Otres Beach, on the other hand, is a ways south from Ochheuteal, but can easily be reached by a short tuk tuk ride. The beach itself has white sands and clear waters and is much more relaxing and quieter, frequented by fewer tourists. Nearby in Otres Village, the Otres Market every Saturday night stays open less for the actual market, but attracts both expats and locals for the wonderful food, live music and drinks.
The Golden Lions monument, located in the center of a roundabout, are one of the main landmarks of Sihanoukville which are a popular photo op spot.
Take a tuk tuk up to see the pagoda at Wat Leu Temple, not to mention a panorama of Sihanoukville and sea. Beware of monkeys and bring small change to donate to the monks in this quiet cultural space. Wat Krom Temple is beautifully designed and better kept, featuring a reclining Buddha, zodiac signs, and paintings on every ceiling. However, beware of beggars if you would like to donate, put your money in a box rather than the hands of a solicitor.
Cool off at the Kbal Chhay Waterfall, where locals cook out, sunbathe and splash around with their families. Be sure to wrap a kroma or scarf around your nose and mouth if you take an open air vehicle up the 5 mile trail to the falls to keep the red dirt road out of your face.
Phsar Leu Market is grand central market of Sihanoukville, selling everything from housewares, produce, clothes, jewelry, souvenirs, and even services like haircuts. Wear sturdy shoes for walking as the aisles are not clean and be sure to bargain.
Try an absinthe mojito or one of the 5 different strains of absinthe, made from real wormwood at the Syn Absinthe Distillery. While the distillery itself is not known to be impressive, the owner, Yohan is a friendly and will share his has a wealth of knowledge of absinthe with visitors.
Nature lovers will enjoy the flora and fauna of Ream National Park. Observe the fishing villages near the river, hike through mangroves and the jungle. Local tour agencies can arrange a guided trek for around $25 including lunch.
Those craving an adrenaline rush can visit Woody's All-Terrain Ventures or Fun Buggy's to rent bikes, boats, and off-road tours on ATVs and quads. Scuba and snorkeling rental is also available at Scuba Nation and the Dive Shop Cambodia.
Victory Hill, originally the backpacker's hub in Sihanoukville, is now notorious as the red light district. Thought quiet in the daytime, this neighborhood is lined with bars and restaurants, hotels and cheap backpacker hostels and a casino, mostly geared toward the many foreign men who come searching for prostitutes, also known as "taxi girls." Visit if you wish, but be aware of your surroundings, solicitation and drug peddling.
For those interested in island hopping, Koh Ru is close enough to Sihanoukville that it can be visited in a day trip but there are also accommodations for those who wish to stay overnight. Divers and snorkelers will love Koh Tang, Koh Prins or Koh Rong Saloem. Koh Sdach is ideal for those who want a culturally-rich experience in a busy fishing village; snorkeling is also beautiful right off the shoreline.
Visitors who want a truly rough experience on a deserted island will find paradise two and a half hours away from Sihanoukville, in Koh Rong. There are no bungalows or hotels on this island, so be prepared with your own camping gear. Snorkeling tours and charter boats to all islands can be booked at agencies in Sihanoukville, such as Ana's Travel Agency or Dive Cambodia.
Another good place to visit nearby is Kampot, where you can visit Bokor Mountain along with a number of other interesting places in a less touristed area. See details about visiting Kampot with tour options here.
A nice way to explore destinations in Sihanoukville is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Full day Tour, Countryside, Pepper farm & Kep, crab market... For $25 details
- Day trip from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh for Cruise Ship for $189 details
- Sihanoukville Full Day City Tour with Transportation & English-Speaking Guide for $75 details