Top places to visit in Sihanoukville

• Otres Beach

  Beach · 4.1 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate

  Stretching over 2 km of powdery white sand, Otres Beach is the quieter, more scenic alternative to central Sihanoukville. Divided into Otres 1 (more developed with beach bars and restaurants) and Otres 2 (wilder and less crowded), it…

• Ream National Park

  Nature · 4.1 rating · about 5 h · check the fee at the gate

  Covering 210 km² of coast, mangroves, and tropical forest, Ream National Park is Cambodia's most accessible marine and terrestrial reserve. The park contains pristine beaches, two islands (Koh Thmei and Koh Sanloem), mangrove channels…

• Koh Rong Island

  Nature · 4.4 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate

  Cambodia's second-largest island, Koh Rong is a paradise of pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise water, and dense jungle — with minimal development beyond a few beach villages. Koh Toch on the west coast has guesthouses and bars; Long…

• Koh Rong Samloem

  Beach · 4.4 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate

  Smaller and quieter than its neighbour Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem is one of Cambodia's most beautiful islands. Saracen Bay offers calm, clear water perfect for snorkelling, while M'Pai Bay is a fishing village with guesthouses and a…

• Independence Beach

  Beach · 4.2 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate

  One of Sihanoukville's most scenic beaches, Independence Beach is named after the Independence Hotel that overlooks it. A long crescent of soft white sand backed by casuarina trees, it is relatively less crowded than Serendipity and…

• Serendipity Beach

  Beach · 3.8 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate

  The most popular and lively beach in Sihanoukville, Serendipity Beach has a fun, social atmosphere with sun loungers, beach bars playing reggae, and vendors selling fresh coconuts and grilled seafood. The calm, warm waters are ideal for…

• Phsar Leu Market

  local-market · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

  The town's big central market for produce, goods and street food.

• Kbal Chhay Waterfall

  waterfall · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  Multi-channel waterfall and local picnic spot north of town.

• Ochheuteal Beach

  beach · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  Long sandy beach south of Serendipity, busy with seafood shacks.

• Independence Square Park

  park · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate

  Seafront park-and-promenade near the Independence Monument.

• Prek Treng Beach

  beach · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  Long, undeveloped beach popular for quiet walks near the airport.

• Sihanoukville Autonomous Port

  landmark · 4.2 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  Cambodia's main deep-sea port, departure point for some island boats.

Things to do

• Snorkelling Day Trip to Koh Rong Samloem Water Sports · 8 h · from KHR 141,000 per person
• Koh Rong Island Beach Hopping Boat · 8 h · from KHR 106,000 per person
• Kampot Day Trip & Pepper Farm Tour Day Trip · 8 h · from KHR 141,000 per person
• Sunset Kayaking Tour Water Sports · 2 h · from KHR 52,800 per person
• PADI Open Water Dive Course Diving · 24 h · from KHR 1,057,000 per person
• Sihanoukville Night Fishing Water Sports · 3 h · from KHR 70,500 per person
• Ream National Park Boat & Jungle Tour Nature · 6 h · from KHR 76,400 per person
• Koh Ta Kiev Island Day Trip Nature · 7 h · from KHR 84,900 per person

Day trips and tours

• Koh Rong Island & Snorkelling Full-Day 9 h · from KHR 246,000
• Ream National Park & Kayak Sunset Combo 8 h · from KHR 204,000

Where to stay in Sihanoukville

• Serendipity & Ochheuteal Beach about KHR 35 per night

  Sihanoukville's most developed beach strip. Serendipity offers the highest density of budget bungalows, bars and restaurants; Ochheuteal is broader and popular with families. Both are the main departure point for island…

• Otres Beach about KHR 30 per night

  Sihanoukville's quietest and most charming beach, a few kilometres south of the main Serendipity strip. Long stretches of sand lined with small bungalow resorts, yoga studios and chilled beach bars. Popular with…

• Downtown & Port Area about KHR 20 per night

  The functional transit hub of Sihanoukville, close to the international ferry terminal and bus station. No-frills budget guesthouses and local eateries make this ideal for travellers catching an early ferry to the…

Hotels

• Alila Villas Koh Russey 5-star · USD 200 to USD 600 per night
• Sokha Beach Resort 5-star · USD 160 to USD 450 per night
• Naia Resort 5-star · USD 120 to USD 350 per night
• Tamu Hotel Otres 4-star · USD 50 to USD 130 per night
• Don Bosco Hotel 3-star · USD 30 to USD 75 per night
• The Small Hotel 3-star · USD 25 to USD 65 per night

Where to eat

• Holy Crab Restaurant Seafood, Cambodian · about USD 22 per person
• Starfish Bakery & Cafe Bakery, Western, Cambodian · about USD 7 per person
• Otres Market Food Stalls Cambodian, BBQ, Street Food · about USD 5 per person
• The Chill Garden Restaurant Cambodian, Thai, International · about USD 9 per person
• Sol Beach Bar and Restaurant Western, Cambodian, Pizza · about USD 9 per person
• Treasure Island Seafood Seafood, Cambodian · about USD 8 per person
• Chez Mari-yan Seafood, Cambodian · about USD 10 per person
• The Fishermen's Den International, Seafood, Bar · about USD 10 per person

Getting to Sihanoukville

Airport: Sihanoukville (KOS)

How visitors arrive in Sihanoukville

• Bus from Phnom Penh By road from Phnom Penh · common

  Buses from Phnom Penh are the most frequent service; others come from Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Flight to Sihanouk International Airport By air from Phnom Penh, Siem Reap · common

  A small airport east of town has flights from Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City and Kuala Lumpur. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Train from Phnom Penh By train from Phnom Penh · possible

  A train runs from Phnom Penh via Takeo, Kep and Kampot. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Minivan from Kampot or bus from Ha Tien By road from Kampot, Ha Tien · possible

  Minivans come from Kampot and buses from Ha Tien in Vietnam. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

From the airport to the centre

• Taxi from Sihanoukville airport unconfirmed

  The airport is small and east of town; the guide says a taxi is effectively the only way to reach town. Hotels can arrange one. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

From the bus terminal to the centre

• Intercity bus from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap unconfirmed

  Most visitors arrive by bus. Tuk-tuks wait at the bus station for the final leg into town. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

Getting around

• Scooter Rental

  Scooters can be rented in Sihanoukville, where the distances between the beaches are too far to walk comfortably.

• Speedboat

  Speed ferries run from Sihanoukville's tourist pier to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem, operated by several companies.

• Tuktuk

  Tuk-tuks are plentiful near the new bus station and the main accommodation areas of Sihanoukville, and a pickup can be booked in advance.

• Walking

Safety and scams to avoid

• Drug sting & planted contraband

  Sihanoukville guesthouses, beaches, bars

  A "local friend" or bar staff sells or gifts drugs then alerts police for a bribe split. Police may also plant small amounts on tourists during a "random" stop and demand large cash settlements.

  How to avoid it: Decline any unsolicited substances. If stopped, ask for a written receipt for any "fine" and request embassy contact immediately.

• Jet-ski damage shakedown

  Sihanoukville beaches, especially Serendipity

  Jet-ski rental operator shows you pre-existing scratches hidden underwater after your ride, demands hundreds of dollars in "damage fees." Helpers block departure until paid.

  How to avoid it: Photograph the jet-ski thoroughly (including hull below waterline) before and immediately after use. Rent only from operators with written contracts.

• Island boat trip "cancellation" extortion

  Sihanoukville pier, Koh Rong ferry dock

  Unlicensed boat operators offer cheap island day trips, collect full payment, then cancel at the last minute citing "weather" and refuse refunds. Or switch to an inferior boat mid-trip.

  How to avoid it: Book island ferries through licensed operators (Speed Ferry Cambodia, GTVC). Pay by card where possible for chargeback protection.

• Casino loan-shark debt trap

  Sihanoukville casino strip (Chinese-operated venues)

  Touts offer small "free chips" to draw tourists into Chinese-run casinos. Predatory lenders inside offer quick cash loans at extreme rates; debt-collection can turn threatening for foreigners.

  How to avoid it: Avoid all unsolicited casino invitations. Cambodian law restricts Cambodian nationals but not all foreigners. If you gamble, use only cash you can afford to lose.

Best time to visit Sihanoukville

• Jan 29°C
• Feb 30°C
• Mar 31°C
• Apr 31°C
• May 33°C · moderate
• Jun 31°C · moderate
• Jul 31°C · moderate
• Aug 31°C · moderate
• Sep 30°C · moderate
• Oct 31°C
• Nov 29°C
• Dec 28°C

More in Cambodia

• Siem Reap
• Phnom Penh
• Battambang
• Sen Monorom
• Kep
• Kratie

Frequently asked questions about Sihanoukville

How many days do you need in Sihanoukville?

A typical trip to Sihanoukville is 2-3 days.

What are the top-rated places to visit in Sihanoukville?

The highest-rated places in our Sihanoukville guide are Koh Rong Island, Koh Rong Samloem, Prek Treng Beach, Ochheuteal Beach, Independence Square Park.

Where should I stay in Sihanoukville?

Our guide covers these areas to stay in Sihanoukville: Serendipity & Ochheuteal Beach, Otres Beach, Downtown & Port Area.

How do I get around Sihanoukville?

Ways to get around Sihanoukville covered in our guide: Scooter rental, Speedboat, Tuk-tuk, Walking.

What scams should I watch out for in Sihanoukville?

Scams reported to us for Sihanoukville include Drug sting & planted contraband; Jet-ski damage shakedown; Island boat trip "cancellation" extortion. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.

What is the weather like in Sihanoukville?

Average daytime highs in Sihanoukville run from 28°C in Dec to 33°C in May.

Which airport is nearest to Sihanoukville?

The nearest airport to Sihanoukville has the code KOS.