Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s most vibrant coastal city, is always on the list of must-see destinations for tourists exploring the land of temples. It’s famous for its endless stretches of beaches, turquoise waters, and a unique blend of bustling activity and peaceful tranquility. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the golden sunshine, savor delicious fresh seafood, and experience the distinctive Cambodian seaside lifestyle, Sihanoukville is definitely the perfect choice.
Sihanoukville Tourism Overview
Sihanoukville is the capital of Preah Sihanouk Province, located at the high point of the peninsula in the southwest on the Gulf of Thailand. The city boasts a series of beaches along its entire coastline and coastal wetlands bordering Ream National Park. It also features a navigable river, the Ou Trojak Jet, with mangrove forests, running from Otres Pagoda to Otres Sea. Here you can not only experience the stunning beaches, but also the unique culture, cuisine, and recreational activities.
The ideal time to visit Sihanoukville
The dry season lasts from November to April, with warm, sunny weather and little rain. This is the best time to visit Sihanoukville as you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities without worrying about rain. The dry season weather is perfect for snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, and participating in island exploration tours.
Transportation
Getting to Sihanoukville from Vietnam
By Plane
Flying is the fastest way to get to Sihanoukville from many other cities in and outside Cambodia. Frequent domestic and international flights connect this city with Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), and several international destinations. After arriving at the airport, you can use a taxi, tuk-tuk, or bus/shuttle service to get to the city center or your accommodation.
Bus
If you are healthy and have enough time, you can choose to travel by road to save on Sihanoukville travel costs. There are two road routes to Sihanoukville as follows:
- Route 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville, with a travel time of approximately 18 hours.
From Saigon to Phnom Penh, you can choose bus companies such as Sapaco, Mekong, Khai Nam, etc., with a travel time of about 18 hours and a ticket price of around 10 USD/trip (approximately 230,000 VND). From Phnom Penh, you can travel to Sihanoukville by bus companies such as Sorya, Capitol, or Paramount, etc. The average ticket price is from 12 USD to 14 USD/trip.
- Route 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Ha Tien – Sihanoukville, with a travel time of approximately 8 hours.
You can take a bus, Kumho bus, or other service vehicle from Saigon to the Xa Xia border gate (Ha Tien), which takes about 8 hours. After completing immigration procedures, you just need to take a coach bus directly to Sihanoukville, with ticket prices ranging from 3 USD to 15 USD per trip. This is the most popular option.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Ochheuteal Beach
This is one of the most famous beaches in Sihanoukville, boasting a long stretch of fine white sand. Ochheuteal Beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying fresh seafood.
Otres Beach
Located not far from Ochheuteal, Otres Beach is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. It’s an ideal place for relaxation, unwinding, or enjoying kayaking, SUP, and yoga.
Serendipity Beach
Serendipity Beach attracts tourists due to its convenient location near the city center. It is also the starting point for many island tours.
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem Islands
These two islands are must-see destinations when visiting Sihanoukville. They are famous for their white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and various water sports activities.
Wat Leu Temple
Located on a hilltop, Wat Leu offers stunning views of the city and surrounding sea. It’s a great place to learn about the local culture and religion.
Phsar Leu Market
Phsar Leu Market is the busiest shopping center in Sihanoukville. You can find everything from fresh food and clothing to souvenirs here. It’s a chance to experience daily life and local cuisine.
Enjoy the Cuisine
The cuisine in Sihanoukville is a blend of traditional local flavors and diverse cultural influences.
Amok
Amok is typically made with fish or seafood, cooked in coconut milk and kroeung (a characteristic Cambodian spice blend). The dish is then steamed in banana leaves.
Bai Sach Chrouk
This dish consists of rice with grilled pork, served with cucumber, tomatoes, and a type of soup.
Lap Khmer
This is a Khmer beef salad; thinly sliced beef is marinated with lime juice, chili peppers, garlic, and herbs.
Nom Banh Chok
Also known as “Khmer noodles”. Fresh rice noodles served with coconut milk broth, fish, and fresh vegetables, cucumber, banana blossoms, etc.
Kampot Pepper Crab
A must-try dish when visiting this area, especially crab prepared with the famous Kampot pepper. The flavor of the pepper combined with the sweetness of the crab meat creates a truly appealing dish.
Notes for Traveling to Sihanoukville
– When arriving in Cambodia, you can easily buy a SIM card at any phone store. You can also buy Beeline and QB SIM cards at the airport with various data packages.
– Although the Riel is the currency of Cambodia, the US dollar is also widely used.
– When visiting temples, palaces, and museums, you should wear modest and appropriate clothing.
– Regarding communication, you can greet by clasping your hands together and bowing; this is the Sompiah greeting.
– Do not point directly at someone or touch their head or hair, as Cambodians consider the head sacred.
– Women should absolutely not touch male monks, as this is considered extremely taboo.
Sihanoukville offers a harmonious blend of beautiful beaches, rich cuisine, and a relaxing resort atmosphere. Whether you enjoy swimming, exploring islands, or simply looking for a place to recharge, this coastal city is always an ideal choice. Take the time to visit Sihanoukville and fully experience the beauty of Cambodia in your own way.
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