Sihanoukville is a charming coastal town and capital of Sihanoukville Province, one of Cambodia's largest cities. Renowned for its pristine sandy beaches and surrounding islands, it has developed into a major tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors annually from around the globe.

History

Sihanoukville was developed by the French. In early June 1955, they established a port at the entrance to the Gulf of Thailand—Cambodia's first and, to this day, only operational port.

Following this development, the city was named Kampong Saom, which literally means "pleasant port." In 1958, it was renamed in honour of the former Cambodian king, Norodom Sihanouk.

Geography

Sihanoukville sits on Cambodia's south-eastern coast, 230 km south of Phnom Penh. Covering 80 km², the city is divided into four distinct districts. The central quarter serves as the civic hub, hosting most of the city's administrative and commercial activities. Surrounded by the Gulf of Thailand, the remaining quarters encompass Victory Hill, Occheutal Beach, and Otres Beach.

Sihanoukville Today

Sihanoukville is a thoroughly modern city. It boasts banks, supermarkets, and a main market called Psar Leu. As night falls, the city comes alive with energy and style. Under glittering lights, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, beach entertainment, casinos, and outdoor cinema screenings create a vibrant nocturnal atmosphere.

With a population of roughly 89,846 residents, the city is predominantly inhabited by backpackers and Khmer people, many from Phnom Penh.

During your stay, Sihanoukville is the ideal destination to savour authentic Cambodian cuisine. You can enjoy beachside buffets and traditional Cambodian fish soup, while the city boasts some of the country's finest seafood. Fresh seafood is sourced directly from local waters and expertly prepared to order.

Sihanoukville is home to a remarkably rich natural landscape. The area features a wealth of pristine islands, from Koh Rong to Koh Ta Kiev, with nearly a dozen islands within easy reach of the city. Waterfalls, including the spectacular Kbal Chhay, add to the appeal. The region is renowned as a premier destination for excursions and forest trekking.

The city is Cambodia's premier beach destination. Along its coastline lie magnificent stretches of fine sand, including Occheutal, Serendipity, and Otres beaches. Beyond the lively evening atmosphere at Occheutal, these beaches offer excellent conditions for scuba diving, swimming, and water excursions. Located 10 km from the city centre, Otres Beach is ranked among Asia's 25 finest beaches.

Climate

Sihanoukville enjoys a tropical climate with a pronounced rainy season and a brief dry season. Average annual precipitation is 3,498 mm. According to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification, it is classified as a tropical monsoon climate (Am).

Between April and May, Sihanoukville experiences its warmest months, with temperatures reaching around 29°C. The average annual temperature hovers at approximately 27.6°C.

Getting around the city is easiest by motorcycle and tuk-tuk—the most common and affordable transport options. Whether navigating streets, beaches, or residential areas, these vehicles are your most practical choice for exploring the city.

Plane

Sihanoukville's international airport is situated just 12 km east of the city centre. Since December 2011, regular flights connect the city to and from Siem Reap.

Bus

Numerous bus connections link Sihanoukville with Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, as well as Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. The journey between these cities typically takes 3 to 4 hours.

Taxi

Taxis operate routes from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, taking approximately 4 hours. You can also hire a taxi from Koh Kong.

What to Do

• Visit the Kbal Chhay waterfalls—perfect for a weekend picnic getaway.
• Explore Ream National Park to admire mangrove forests and pristine beaches.
• Island-hop to nearby preserved islands and discover their natural beauty.