Things To Do
in Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is Cambodia's main coastal city and gateway to the southern islands, known for its sandy beaches, fishing port and a seafront promenade. Once a quiet beach town, it has grown rapidly with hotels, casinos and Chinese investment, creating a mix of backpacker hangouts and new developments. The surrounding waters host popular islands like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, offering clear water, snorkeling and relaxed island life within easy boat distance.
The city blends beach recreation, seafood markets and a starting point for island hopping and national park excursions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a beachside café, savoring fresh tropical fruits and local pastries. After breakfast, take a stroll along Serendipity Beach, feeling the soft sand beneath your feet and enjoying the gentle sound of waves. You can also engage with local vendors selling handmade crafts, giving you a glimpse into Sihanoukville's vibrant culture.
In the afternoon, relax on the beach with a good book or join in on some beach volleyball games with fellow travelers. For lunch, indulge in some delicious Khmer cuisine at a nearby restaurant, trying dishes like Amok or Lok Lak. Post-lunch, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore the calm waters and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
As the sun sets, head to one of the beachfront bars for a refreshing cocktail while watching the vibrant colors of the sunset. Afterward, explore the local night market, where you can try various street foods and shop for souvenirs. Finish your evening with live music at a nearby venue, immersing yourself in the local nightlife.
Begin your day with an early breakfast before joining a boat tour to the nearby islands, such as Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem. The boat ride offers stunning views of the turquoise waters and lush greenery of the islands. Enjoy the thrill of spotting marine life along the way, including colorful fish and maybe even dolphins.
Upon arrival, spend your afternoon lounging on the pristine beaches or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, discovering vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. For lunch, enjoy a beach picnic prepared by your tour operator, surrounded by the natural beauty of the island. If you're feeling adventurous, try out some water sports like jet skiing or banana boat rides.
As the day winds down, take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking sunset over the ocean, capturing the moment with photos. Return to Sihanoukville in the evening, where you can freshen up before heading out for dinner. Visit a local seafood restaurant to feast on freshly caught fish and seafood dishes, experiencing the flavors of the coast.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee or beverage | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short tuk-tuk ride (in town) | $1-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-70 |
| ⛴️Boat transfer to islands (round trip) | $8-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to beautiful islands with clear water and beaches
- Affordable food, accommodation and water activities
- Strong seafood selection and vibrant street food culture
- Gateway for nature trips to Ream National Park and island reefs
- Rapid development and casino construction have altered the town’s character
- Infrastructure and public services can be inconsistent; noise and crowding in tourist zones
- Sea conditions and ferry reliability vary in the wet season
- Limited high-quality healthcare for serious emergencies locally
- "ជំរាបសួរ (chom reap suor)" - Hello (formal)
- "អរគុណ (aw-kohn)" - Thank you
- "តើថ្លៃប៉ុន្មាន? (ta tlai pon man?)" - How much?
- "សូមអភ័យទោស (som a-phey tos)" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "បាទ / ចាស (baat / chaa)" - Yes (male / female speaker)
- "ទេ (te)" - No
Places to Visit in Sihanoukville
Visit one of these nice places.
Popular for sunrise and lively beach scenes; captures colorful boats, beachfront activity and candid traveler shots.
Long stretch of sand and palm trees ideal for sunset panoramas and evening street-life photography.
Early-morning scenes of fishermen, nets and fresh catch make atmospheric documentary-style photos.
From Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, elevated viewpoints offer sweeping sea vistas, turquoise water and dramatic island silhouettes.
Mangrove boardwalks, wildlife and estuary scenes provide nature-focused photo opportunities, especially at golden hour.
Phsar Leu and street stalls offer colorful portraits, produce displays and candid shots of daily commerce.
Food in Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic steamed fish curry mousse flavored with kroeung (Cambodian spice paste) and coconut milk; served across restaurants and often found at mid-range Khmer eateries.
Must-Try!
Fresh local fish, squid and shellfish grilled with lime, pepper and garlic — commonly served at beachfront restaurants and the seafood row near the port.
A popular breakfast noodle soup with pork or beef broth, herbs and lime; available from street vendors and local breakfast stalls.
Cambodian-style baguette sandwiches with various fillings (pork, chicken, pate, pickles) influenced by French colonial cuisine; great for a takeaway beach lunch.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main local market with fresh produce, seafood stalls and cooked-food vendors offering grilled fish, soups and Khmer snacks — a great place to taste authentic street food.
The area near Serendipity Beach where evening stalls and small vendors sell skewers, fried noodles, pancakes and fresh fruit smoothies — popular with tourists and backpackers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show respect for the royal family and Buddhist customs; avoid political criticism. When visiting temples, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and remove shoes before entering buildings.
Greet with a friendly smile; use two hands when offering or receiving items to show respect. Public displays of anger or loud confrontations are frowned upon.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially monks and local villagers; avoid photographing sensitive sites without approval.
Beachwear is fine on the sand, but cover up when leaving beach areas or entering towns, restaurants and religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Sihanoukville
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; round up small bills for tuk-tuk drivers, leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is good and tip porters or hotel staff a small amount for luggage or room service. Casino and high-end restaurant staff may expect tips similar to international norms.
Cash (US dollars widely accepted alongside the Cambodian riel) is king, especially in markets and small vendors; ATMs are common in town but can run out of cash. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants and larger businesses but expect a surcharge sometimes; bring a mix of small USD notes for island and market purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time for beach activities, diving and island hopping — sunny days, lower humidity and calmer seas. Peak tourist months (December–February) can be busier and prices higher; book accommodation and boat transfers in advance.
Temperatures rise sharply with strong sun and high humidity; midday heat can be intense — plan water activities for mornings/late afternoons and stay hydrated.
Frequent afternoon storms, rougher seas and occasional ferry cancellations; fewer tourists and lower prices, lush green landscapes and good deals but limited diving visibility and less predictable island access.
Sihanoukville at Night
Hiking in Sihanoukville
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Mangrove boardwalks, coastal trails and small jungle hikes with opportunities to see birds, crabs and estuarine wildlife; guided tours help locate highlights and provide context.
Trails on Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem leading to viewpoints and secluded beaches; expect simple paths through tropical forest and moderate climbs for panoramic island views.
A longer drive to Botum Sakor National Park offers more extensive hiking options, rainforest scenery and wildlife, suitable for travelers seeking a bigger nature excursion beyond Sihanoukville’s immediate area.
Airports
How to reach Sihanoukville by plane.
Located near Sihanoukville, this is the closest airport with limited regional flights; convenient for direct access to the coast and quick transfers to hotels and piers.
Around 3–4 hours by road from Sihanoukville depending on traffic; serves international and many domestic flights and is commonly used for onward connections when Sihanoukville flights are limited.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ethnic Khmer make up the majority of the population and form the core of local culture, language and customs.
Smaller communities including Vietnamese and Cham people contribute to the cultural and economic diversity of the region.
A visible mix of long-term expats, seasonal foreign workers and tourists — recent years have also seen significant numbers of Chinese investors, workers and visitors tied to development projects and casinos.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationally and widely played in Sihanoukville with local amateur matches and community pitches.
Common on longer beach stretches and popular among tourists and expats for casual games and organized pickup matches.
Activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, diving and stand-up paddleboarding are widely enjoyed in the islands and coastal waters.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sihanoukville.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited compared with meat/seafood choices; look for vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, noodle soups and fried rice. Inform vendors using the Khmer word for vegetarian 'saram' is uncommon, so point to ingredients or use English; bring snacks if you are highly restricted.
Vegan and strict gluten-free diets require care — cross-contamination is common in street food. Larger restaurants and tourist cafes may accommodate requests, but always confirm ingredients, especially fish sauce and soy sauce.
Carry a translated allergy card in Khmer for shellfish, peanuts or other allergens and consider eating at establishments with clearer ingredient control.