Sihanoukville. First notes and impressions. Sihanoukville, Cambodia - complete overview of the city

Sihanoukville is the main and in fact the only beach resort Cambodia on the mainland. Located in the south of the country, on the coast Gulf of Thailand, 210 km from Phnom Penh. Area 868 sq. km. The urban population is 90,000 people, together with the suburbs - 200,000. Very rarely, Sihanoukville is also called Kampong Saom (Kompong Som, Kampong Saom) and Krong Preah Sihanouk.

This resort will appeal to everyone, except for lovers of shopping and sightseeing. There are no opportunities for either, but everything else is in abundance: a large selection of beaches (from party to semi-wild), hotels, restaurants, massage parlors, bars with girls, nightlife (clubs and discos). There are banks, shops (souvenirs, products), motorbike rental, travel agencies that organize excursions to all corners of Cambodia, as well as transport to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) and Thai resorts - Pattaya, Chang Island, and also to Bangkok. Great Opportunities for diving, snorkeling and fishing, there are water activities on the beach (motorcycles, "bananas").

Sihanoukville in general, a quiet and peaceful resort. It is not built up to the eyeballs with hotels or shopping centers. There are no skyscrapers here at all, usually houses with 2-3 floors. There are also no shopping centers, but there is a large Psar Leu market and several small supermarkets (the most popular is Samudera, where, for example, you can buy cheese for $ 9-10 per kilogram).

Story

Sihanoukville was built by the French in 5 years (from 1955 to 1960) as a deep-water port. The Americans laid a highway to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Sihanoukville got its name in honor of King Sihanouk, during whose reign it was built. Translated from Sanskrit (ancient Indian language) means "lion's jaws".

In the 1990s, it became popular with Cambodians as a resort (before that it was considered only a port). Soon foreigners settled here. Currently, it is gaining more and more popularity among Russians who want to relax on clean beaches and without crowds of tourists.

Sihanoukville on the map of Cambodia and the world

How to get to Sihanoukville

Airplane

There is a small airport near Sihanoukville where Cambodia Angkor Air flies from Siem Reap on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. There are no direct flights from Russia to Cambodia yet. With a connection, flights to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are available.

Cheap flights to Sihanoukville

You can buy air tickets as profitably as possible with the help of special search engines that collect data from all airlines.

From Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh airports, you can get to Sihanoukville by bus or taxi. You can also advance, then you will be met at the airport, helped with luggage and delivered the shortest way to the hotel.

Ground transport

By land, Sihanoukville can only be reached by bus, minivan or taxi; there are almost no railways in the country. From all cities in Cambodia, there are many flights here daily. For example, a bus ticket from Phnom Penh costs $6-8, it takes 4-5 hours to travel. They are sold at any travel agency (there are just a lot of them) and in some hotels.

Ho Chi Minh City

You can get to Sihanoukville by bus, tickets are sold at any travel agency for $18. Or take a plane to Phnom Penh, and from there take a bus. Almost all buses arrive at the bus station, located a couple of kilometers west of Down Town and the central market. They are located near Serendipity Beach, about 2 km from the sea.

Thailand

You can get to Sihanoukville by bus. border crossing Had Lek - Koh Kong. The closest is from the island of Koh Chang.

Read in more detail about all the ways and places where you can.

Transport

The resort is not so crowded with tourists, so the traffic on the roads is not busy, except perhaps in the area of ​​​​the main market. All roads are paved and you can get to any beach on them.

In Sihanoukville, they travel by tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis. public transport No. Mototaxi through the whole city will cost $2, between neighboring beaches - $1. Tuk-tuks are about 2 times more expensive. They are a stroller with a motorcycle, 4 people can fit at the same time.

Renting a motorbike is the best solution to transport problems. It costs from $ 5 for the old one with an automatic transmission. There are gas stations where a liter of gasoline is a little more than $ 1. You don't have to worry about rights. Cambodia has the lowest fines of any country in Southeast Asia. For driving without a helmet or without a license, it is easy to get off with an amount of $ 2-3. If you were stopped and asked which rights you do not have, then instead of them silently extend the guard of about $ 3. He will give you an irresistible Cambodian smile and the incident will be completely exhausted.

Why go to Sihanoukville

Usually those who have already been to the neighboring country come here and now want to get acquainted with the features and beaches of another country. Package tourists have little mastered this direction, but independent travelers every year more and more people visit the resort.

The main feature of Sihanoukville (when compared with neighboring) is lower prices for almost everything: housing, alcohol, cigarettes, affordable girls, some goods and food. There is also a lot of freedom here, for example, it is easy to get grass. But do not think that everything costs a penny and you can, for example, rent a house for $ 10 with air conditioning. For this price, there is only one with a fan. In general, in recent years, with an increase in the number of tourists, there has been a tendency to increase prices. Most likely, they will soon be equal to Pattaya and the main advantage of this resort will come to naught. So hurry up!

Another feature of Sihanoukville is a fairly large selection of beaches that are very different from each other. For example, Serendipity is very party place, where there are always a lot of people, a large number of hotels, restaurants, bars and the rest of the infrastructure. But Otres is almost deserted and has only a few hotels nearby and nothing else. Accordingly, there are very few tourists resting on it and you can enjoy peace and tranquility. A very beautiful place!

Traveling to Sihanoukville is worth it for those who want a beach holiday and inexpensive bars to sit in (alcohol is cheap here). Single men will also like it here. A girl costs $20 for an hour, and $30 for the whole night. It can be cheaper too. For some reason, information is often found on the Internet that Khmer women are plump and look like crocodiles. What nonsense! Yes, they will give a hundred points to any secret. Ordinary Cambodian women are much prettier and, unlike Thai women, they are alive and there is no impression that you are communicating with a doll with a fake smile. If you want to rent a girl, then the biggest choice is near Victory Beach (on French Street) and Serendipity.

Attractions

In Sihanoukville, the main thing is the beaches and the islands next to it. The most popular is Monkey Island (Koh Rong). There is nothing particularly interesting in the city itself, except that you can see a few ordinary temples, and a monument with lions next to Serendipity Beach.

Ream National Park is located 18 km east of the city, where you can get acquainted with exotic flora and fauna. In the south, 9 km from the federal highway leading from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh, there is the Kbal Chhai waterfall.

The shops

The most popular place for shopping is the Psar Leu central market in Down Town. There are few shops in Sihanoukville, the best for tourists is the two-story Samudera. Located 5 minutes from the market, exact address: No. 64, 7 Makara Street. Here you can buy alcohol and any products, including exotic ones for the Khmers, but popular with tourists, for example, a dozen types of inexpensive cheeses. There is also a large selection of manufactured goods - rice cookers, pots, spoons, pans, kettles, household chemicals, pet food, cigarettes.

Orange Market is located 5-7 minutes from it, but it is smaller. These stores are located in Down Town. Another good place in Sihanoukville for shopping is located near Serendipity - Lucky Ocean Super Market.

Beaches in Sihanoukville

The coast is not very crowded with tourists. The only exception is the area next to the pier on Serendipity. We strongly advise against settling there - the water is rather dirty, there is a lot of garbage. But if you go 100 meters south from it, then there will be a different picture - more calm and clean. This beach is also sometimes called Ochheuteal Beach and it is the best place for lovers of outdoor activities and entertainment. It is here that most of the nightlife, restaurants and bars (including those with girls) are located.

Sihanoukville's secluded beaches are Otres Beach and Sokha Beach. The first is the most beautiful and secluded in the entire resort and has several housing options nearby (including relatively inexpensive ones). On the second are the most comfortable and expensive hotels resort - Sokha Beach Resort and Moha Mohori by Sokha Hotels & Resorts.

Victory Beach and Independence are also uncrowded beaches. Near the first there are many bars with girls and single men prefer to settle on it. More details about the beaches will be discussed in a separate article.

Climate

Sihanoukville has a tropical humid climate. From December to March it is relatively cool +28…+30. Rain is rare. In April-May there is a real heat - + 32 ... + 35, also without precipitation. The rainy season is from June to November, the temperature during this period is +30 ... +32. Water at any time of the year is warm +27…+29.

High season coincides with the most comfortable weather conditions- December-March.

We thought for a long time which of the countries we should visit during our vacation last spring. We really wanted to go somewhere where at this time the air temperature is high, but not very hot, there are good beaches and attractions that are worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. The trip budget was 200,000 rubles for two adults with two children, including flights and at least a four-star hotel.

From the very beginning, we wanted to go to some resort in Southeast Asia, presumably Cambodia. In order to go there, we had to find the ideal option with air travel, since it makes up the majority of the cost of the trip.

As a result, we chose a vacation in Sihanoukville (Cambodia), below I will write why we made such a choice.

Moscow — Sihanoukville: search for tickets and air flight

As before, my wife and I wanted to contact a travel agency to purchase a ticket. She was greatly influenced by several colleagues from work who book tours and flights on their own, using specialized sites. To purchase tickets, we were advised to use the site, which we did.

Having chosen Moscow as the city of departure, we found out that the nearest airport on the popular tourist destination is in the city of Sihanoukville. Entering it as the point of the final destination, we indicated the dates of departure and arrival, the number of adults and children. The system offered us several options for the Moscow-Sihanoukville flight, Vietnam Airways turned out to be the most ideal in terms of time and price, which offered a price of 130,000 rubles for a flight from Moscow to Suanoukville with a transfer in Ho Chi Minh City. There were other options for Moscow-Sihanoukville flights with Air China and Cambodian Airlines with transfers in Shanghai and Singapore, as well as a similar flight option via Doha in Qatar. These options were not only higher in price, but the travel time was over 20 hours. Travel time Moscow - Sihanoukville was 14 hours (to Ho Chi Minh City 12 hours, 1 hour transfer, and then to Suanoukville about 1 hour).

Selection of Sihanoukville, Cambodia hotels

This four-star hotel in Sihanoukville, Cambodia is located 1 kilometer from the city center and about 300 meters from the beach. The location of the hotel is very good. Despite the fact that it is located right in the village in close proximity to urban infrastructure, it provides perfect peace and quiet.

The grounds of this Sihanoukville Cambodia hotel are spacious and green, and the hotel itself is a collection of stand-alone bungalows with thatched roofs and floor-to-ceiling French windows. It looks very modern and elegant. The rooms in these bungalows are spacious, with TVs, large beds, minibars, safes, air conditioning and hair dryers. The hotel offers concierge service, restaurant, swimming pool, laundry and wi-fi in the lobby.

The cost of living for two adults with two children in this hotel in Sihanoukville (Cambodia) for a period of 14 days is 56,000 rubles, which fully fit into our holiday budget in Sihanoukville.

This Sihanoukville hotel in Cambodia also has a four-star rating and is located on the first coastline. There is a decent distance to the city center, but the fact that there is nothing in the district cannot be said. Nearby is a fairly well-developed infrastructure, and the hotel itself is a multi-storey building. In appearance, it is quite attractive, has access to Victoria Beach and rooms with sea and city views.

The hotel has open pool, but very small in size, about 6 meters wide and 20 meters long. The rooms look tidy. They are equipped with air conditioning, TV, safe, mini-bar. Visitors are offered spa, concierge service, restaurant, wi-fi in the lobby, gym and medical services.

The cost of rest in Sihanoukville in Cambodia in this hotel is 49,000 rubles.

This hotel in Sihanoukville, Cambodia is not far from the first hotel and has all the attributes of the two listed hotels. Its main difference lies in the fact that it is located in a city building and is tightly adjacent to other buildings.

In the end, we settled on the first hotel in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, called the Blue Sea Boutique Hotel. We liked the idea of ​​a bungalow and, despite the fact that it cost more than others, we decided to stay in it and subsequently did not regret it. The food could have been better, but overall we were satisfied. On a scale of 1 to 10, we would give it an 8.

Insurance in Cambodia (Sihanoukville)

Going on such a long journey to rest in Sihanoukville in Cambodia, we could not help but take out travel insurance that would cover the entire basic option, as well as some additional options.

On the site, we found a suitable insurance option for us with VTB insurance. In a compartment with basic option we insured the cancellation of the trip, the loss of documents, and also insured the air flight Moscow - Sihanoukville and the loss of luggage. The cost of this insurance option for the whole family was 11,723 rubles. Having issued an insurance policy, we set off with full confidence on an exciting journey from Moscow to Sihanoukville.

Holidays in Sihanoukville, Cambodia were unforgettable. The Sihanoukville hotel was in close proximity to the beach, and its green area with a swimming pool was also a great place to relax and retreat.

We also visited the Angkor Wat temple complex, where we spent two wonderful days.

We could have spent more time in this place, but we wanted to spend more time on the beach.

In general, the rest in Sihanoukville in Cambodia was a success. The flight Moscow - Sihanoukville was not as scary and exhausting for the children as we thought. We were satisfied and brought with us a lot of unforgettable impressions about the country.

Many who have visited Cambodia do not like Sihanoukville. This town, located on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand, is really difficult to compare with noisy, bustling Pattaya or respectable Hua Hin. This is not sedate Koh Samui and even more so not fashionable Phuket. This is a modest and not particularly touristy Sihanoukville, which in the future will definitely become the main tourist center of Cambodia.

We didn't just like Sihanoukville - we fell in love with it. This city is more in line with the image of Southeast Asia that has developed in our heads than the same Pattaya. However, it is hardly worth comparing these two beach recreation centers - they are very different. Similarities can be found only in the fact that both towns are located by the sea.

Holidays in Sihanoukville are not yet particularly popular with Russian tourists. Although there are quite a lot of our compatriots among local businessmen who own hotels, restaurants and entire islands. A little time will pass, and this tourist destination, as they say, will swing, gain due popularity. And Russian speech will sound here as often as it sounds in Pattaya today. There is no doubt about this - our tourists love luxury, but they usually choose economical vacation options. More economical than Sihanoukville, there is perhaps no place on the southern sea to be found. Perhaps Egypt, but that's a completely different story ...

It is easier to come to Sihanoukville on your own. More often than not, Thai regulars come here, having traveled the “land of smiles” up and down, visited Angkor and Phnom Penh, and finally decided to take a look at the only Cambodian seaside resort. There are three ways to get to Sihanoukville - by land by bus from Phnom Penh, which takes no more than 4 hours (you can take a taxi, which will cost much less than $ 50). The road is more or less, although it cannot be compared with Thai highways. Further - by sea on a boat, which we ourselves did not check. And - like - by plane from Bangkog or Phnom Penh. True, they say that the Sihanoukville airport is inactive, and therefore planes do not fly here. We did not check this either, choosing the easiest way for farangs - we got on a bus in Phnom Penh and rolled to the sea on it.

Since we are no strangers to traveling on our own, relying solely on chance, we did not book a hotel. And they did the right thing - there are plenty of free hotels, even in the high season (from late November to early March). Sihanoukville, I repeat, is not the most promoted tourist destination. Thailand draws the lion's share of vacationers. Another part of the farangs goes to Vietnam. Cambodia for two or three weeks of wallowing on the beach is considered (and completely in vain) a place not particularly interesting.

And the beaches are wonderful. And mass wonderful islands- and in the immediate vicinity of the city, and far away. True, the beaches are mostly deserted. There are few people, and therefore the entire beach service, including drinks and food, is practically absent. The fact is that this service is focused on the main beaches of the city - Serendipity Beach and Ochheuteal Beach ... Here we will make an important reservation - what is stated here is based solely on personal impressions. Having visited Sihanoukville in the height of autumn, we met about a dozen tourists on Victory Beach, and not a single one on Otres Beach. Although, it is quite possible that these are the “main beaches” of Sihanoukville, but we were just unlucky in those days.

But on Serendipity Beach, the people were not overcrowded ... No, of course, not like it happens in the high season in Pattaya, smaller. But still quite a lot. And the same fruit peddlers. And a million coastal restaurants with wonderful Khmer dishes. And local beer by the river (“Angkor”, we liked it, although connoisseurs turn up their noses). And so on, so on, so on...

For a relaxing family holiday, Sihanoukville is almost the perfect place. The sea within the city is not very clean - the Khmers, like the Thais, are not very thrifty towards nature. We have seen many times how Thai macarons threw leftovers into the sea - right on the beach. Probably, here they adhere to the same habits. Although, it should be noted, we are talking about organic matter, and not about plastic bottles, glasses and other nonsense, which is “death to death” for marine ecology. The waves of the surf are full of nimble eaters - like the ubiquitous crabs and a legion of tropical fish that will destroy everything - just treat.

It's good on the islands ... Snow-white sand, few tourists. The sun, the colors of the tropical sea. Here, there is always a local aunt nearby who will sell chopped coconut for a penny (its juice is an amazing natural drink).
Attractions? In this regard, Sihanoukville will not lose its face. There are a couple of chic (from the point of view of a curious tourist) Buddhist temples and a lot of all kinds of attractions, mixed with local exotics. But the main thing, of course, is the sea and the availability of a beach holiday. On a rough rounding, a week's stay in Sihanoukville cost us about half as much as the same week in Pattaya. A hotel room, for example, was rented for $10 - against $20 in Pattaya (a standard three-ruble note with air conditioning and necessary minimum amenities). And much less money was spent on food. So the main problem facing budget traveler in the countries of Southeast Asia, how to get here ...

Sihanoukville left a lasting impression. An active person who does not like to sit in one place will definitely travel around the surrounding islands, visit sea fishing, and visit Khmer villages. Khmers are the same smiling, contact people as the Thais. And they seemed to us very nice and even beautiful (especially women). In any case, when they found out that we were from Russia, no one shied away from us. It already happens in Pattaya. Our people love to have fun abroad - in their own way and taste ... Maybe the fact is that the most inquisitive people go to Sihanoukville, but far from the richest? Who knows...

For those who do not yet know or have forgotten school geography lessons, Sihanoukville is a small resort town, located on one of the peninsulas in the South China Sea near the Gulf of Thailand. It was known to the older generation as Kampongsaom. Renamed in the 70s of the last century during the civil war, the city received its former name Sihanoukville after the overthrow of the bloody Khmer Rouge regime.

Sihanoukville is practically the only resort place, not counting Kep and several islands with gorgeous deserted beaches. The coastline here is expressed by several narrow and long stripes. white sand some of which are almost uninhabited. They come here for the exotic clear sea, white sandy beaches. The resort infrastructure is poorly developed, but the city is being actively rebuilt and in the future promises to become one of the most popular recreation areas in the Asian region.

In the meantime, with its calm provincial character and the beginnings of service, Sihanoukville resembles small resort towns of the Soviet period. But the upside to choosing Sihanoukville is the low number of tourists and relatively inexpensive prices. There is also the possibility of secluded relaxation on some beaches of the mainland and nearby islands.

History of Sihanoukville

Cambodia was a French colony for almost a hundred years. Neighboring and were also under the protectorate of a strong European power. International trade in Cambodia was carried out mainly along the Mekong River, where a deep-water port was built. Later these places went to Vietnam.

In 1953 Cambodia becomes a fully independent state. And since the country had a coastline of 440 km, its own "sea gates" were also required. The first and by far the largest international port was built next to small village Kampong Saom. This place is ideal for such a structure. The port, and with it the rapidly developing city, was named Sihanoukville in 1964 in honor of the monarch Norodom Sihanouk. The Cambodian king personally followed the development of this part of the country.

The construction of sea berths went from 1955 to 1960, the work was sponsored by France. In parallel with the construction of the docks, construction was carried out national road No. 4 to the money allocated by the United States government. The seaside city also required a developed infrastructure. Hotels were built for the guests of the city, the most pretentious and expensive of them was the Independence Hotel. An oil depot, a factory for the production of wines and beer were built.

Another page in the history of Sihanoukville was the participation of the city in the US-Vietnamese conflict. During the war, there was a weapons transshipment base on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Here, in the sea near Sihanoukville, the last battle took place. Vietnam War. In May 1975, the American merchant ship Mayaguez was captured by the Khmer Rouge. US Special Forces attempted to free the ship and were defeated. Then American aircraft began to bomb the coast near Sihanoukville. Entered the battle and landed special forces. Mayaguez was released.

The Khmer Rouge, who came to power, established a dictatorial regime in the country. To erase all memories of the exiled monarch, Sihanoukville was renamed Kampong Saom. The city quickly fell into poverty and turned into a slum. And only after the overthrow of the bloody government, the resort town began to develop again. Since the late 90s of the last century, the Cambodian government has staked on Sihanoukville, cherishing the hope of turning this coast into a semblance of the Thai city of Pattaya. In recent years, overseas investors have also become more active, predicting a great future for the modest resort.

Modernity

In 2007, the French architectural firm Seura submitted a 90-page Sihanoukville Master Plan to the Cambodian government. According to him, the city will become the second largest economic center not only in its own country, but throughout Southeast Asia. The main areas where it was supposed to make large injections were commerce, tourism and industry:

• Commerce. The plan called for the further development of the deep water port of Sihanoukville, the only such facility in Cambodia. Since ships from different countries moor to the sea berths here, the city will continue to develop its role in terms of international economic relations.

• Tourism. Since 2000, the flow of tourists coming to Sihanoukville from Russia and countries of the Asian region has been gradually growing. They are attracted by the opportunity to see a new country and relax on the coast of the former Kampong Saom. To do this, there are beaches stretching for many kilometers. In the industrial port of the city, it is planned to create special berths for tourist ships, and in the settlement itself to build hotels and develop the rest of the infrastructure.

• Industry. The port area is a large economic zone. In the province itself, a Ford assembly line was opened. There are also factories that make clothes. It is expected to increase the number of enterprises.

Now it is hard to imagine that Sihanoukville can turn into one of the most attractive holiday destinations in Cambodia and neighboring countries. So far, neighboring Thailand is in the lead, and Vietnam can offer many interesting places for tourists. But the flow of foreign investment in the future of Cambodia is increasing every year, and GDP growth in the country has remained stable for several years. Already today in Sihanoukville you can relax in a hotel of good European level. But hurry up. Along with the fame in the city, prices for housing and land begin to rise. By the way, the prices for the latter are almost Moscow.

How to get to Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville has its own airport. It is located 18 km from the city and was put into operation in the 50s of the last century. But he did not work for a long time, as there was a civil war in the country. Its consequences affected the development of Cambodia for several more decades. And only in 2007, the air harbor of Sihanoukville underwent modernization and accepted the first passengers. Today local airport connects the city with other regions of the country and abroad. Every week planes land and take off here carrying passengers to China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap.

There are no direct flights from Russia to Cambodia. You can fly with a transfer to one of the neighboring countries, and from there you can get to Phnom Penh. The distance from the capital of Cambodia to Sihanoukville is 230 km. Several people travel this route every day. scheduled buses, you have to spend 4-5 hours on the road. The ticket price for one person will be from 6 dollars. You can get there faster by taxi, but you will have to pay 45-60 dollars. Buses run to Sihanoukville from Ho Chi Minh City and Pattaya. As an option, there is another route: fly to Siem Reap from Thailand, and from there by plane or bus to the former Kampong Saom.

The railway between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville was built in the 60s of the last century. After the civil war, rail service was interrupted throughout the country. Freight traffic resumed in 2010 and passenger traffic resumed in 2016. Trains run on schedule several times a week. Travel time is almost 7 hours. One composition is usually designed for 200 people. Cars equipped with air conditioners have seats. The cost of one trip will cost 5-7 dollars.

There is no bad weather

Therefore, in order not to scold this very weather, as well as Russian frosts and thaws, you can spend the winter months in Sihanoukville. At this time, there is the so-called high or dry season. High - because the flow of tourists is growing. Dry - from December to March there is almost no rain here. For example, the amount of precipitation in January is only 7 mm. The average temperature during the winter months is around 30–31 °C, while at night it is tropically cool, somewhere around 20 °C.

The highest temperature in these places occurs in March and April, when the temperature during the day overcomes the mark of 35 ° C and above, at night it is also hot and stuffy. Spring is followed by the low season, which lasts from June to October. It rains heavily on the coast. At this time, 80% of the total annual precipitation falls. But the tropical climate is so good that you can sunbathe in between rains. True, the latter can go on for several days at once.

The climate of Sihanoukville is tropical, and the unique relief (mountains and islands) is a barrier to winds, various storms, floods and other natural disasters.

Population of Sihanoukville

The population of Sihanoukville is small - about 100 thousand people. But by Cambodian standards, that's enough Big city, which is in the top ten in terms of the number of people living in it. In the high season, due to the influx of tourists, the number of people increases markedly.

The vast majority of local residents are employed in the tourism sector, and several thousand more people work in the international port. In addition, Cambodians traditionally grow crops and fish. The townspeople know English well, so it will not be difficult to communicate with them. As for French, only old-timers remember it. Indeed, in the middle of the last century, the state ceased to be a colony of France and gained independence.

The income level of indigenous people is low, so many rely on the tourist season. These days, the beaches are full of hawkers selling food and all sorts of small things, itinerant masseurs, beautician girls offering depilation with threads.

You can often see children asking white people for an extra dollar. The outskirts of Sihanoukville are not the best place to visit. The poorest segments of the population live here, and their huts resemble real slums. But with all this, Cambodians are quite philosophical about life, constantly smiling and often satisfied with life. Although many girls tend to marry white men in order to provide themselves and their families with an adequate standard of living.

Since the 2000s, Sihanoukville has been appreciated by Russians as well. Today, several hundred families, immigrants from the post-Soviet space, live here. The Russian diaspora has opened its stores, launched the production of products, so you won’t be bored with dumplings and kvass. They also own several cafes, diving centers and the best disco in the city - Airport, located in a decommissioned hangar.

Cuisine of Sihanoukville

The following questions will not remain unanswered: “Where to eat? What to eat? The tourist city offers vacationers a wide variety of cuisine. In addition to national dishes, here you can also taste a curiosity in the form of overseas hamburgers and local insects. But lovers will not remain hungry traditional cuisine the choice of food here is great.

Most of the cafes and restaurants are located on Tola and Mithona streets, and are also crowded along the city's most popular beaches. Prices for the convenience of tourists are usually indicated in dollars and riels, more often in one US currency. On the coast, lunch will be much more expensive than ordering similar dishes somewhere in the city center. Some establishments are open at night during the season. And during the day, many cafes offer a reduced price on drinks in a special Happy Hour.

Cafes and restaurants have huge selection fish dishes, various seafood prepared by all possible ways. For those who wish, they will also serve blue crabs delivered here from Kep.

It is worth trying the treats of Khmer cuisine, the motto of which can be expressed as follows: "Nature gives - you can eat!" You can eat fish, eggs, seafood, meat, herbs, fruits and vegetables. And all this is flavored with specific sauces and seasonings that give the food a special taste. A traditional Cambodian lunch includes rice and three other main dishes. So staying here hungry is unrealistic.

Important aromatic components of many dishes are spicy fish pate "prohok" and shrimp paste "kapi". To the taste of a European, they may be unusual, but in Cambodia they are added to many dishes. In Sihanoukville, you can try Cambodian dishes: soups, salads, grilled meat and poultry, and many rice dishes. There are several varieties of rice and they cook it in different ways.

The locals do not eat bread, but there are baguettes for visitors. They are baked according to special recipes left over from the time of French colonization. Worth a try and variety tropical fruits, fresh juices. There is a huge amount of fruits here and many names sound quite exotic for the unspoiled Russian tourist: tamarind, lychee and others. Cambodia is also a paradise for coffee lovers. In the country, each province grows different types and produces its own varieties, which differ in a range of shades.

In Sihanoukville, cafes and restaurants offering Thai, Indian, Mexican, Japanese, European, Russian cuisine are open for guests. Italian dots Caterers prepare pizza and various Italian dishes, and for fans of everything French, there is an opportunity to try frog legs. There are several supermarkets and markets in the city where you can buy food and cook yourself if you wish.

Purchases

Although Sihanoukville cannot be called a shopping paradise, you can buy everything you need here. There are many large and small shops, markets, pharmacies, ATMs, cafes and restaurants in the city. There are no large shopping centers here, there are several supermarkets, shops with souvenirs, clothes. The main majority of retail outlets are located in the Golden Lions area.

The Psar Leu central market in Down Town is very popular. Tourists will be interested in the Samudera store located nearby. There is a good choice products, alcohol and manufactured goods. Since the Russian diaspora lives in Sihanoukville, you can also buy goods in the city that are familiar to the inhabitants of Russia. Local merchants, immigrants from the post-Soviet space, make dumplings, dumplings, sell sour-milk products, smoked meat, kvass.

Tourists may be interested in traditional shawls made from homespun or factory-made silk. The fabric is often decorated with gold threads and bright designs. Cambodian jewelry, which is usually made by Vietnamese settlers, is also popular. Some of them have natural sapphires, the country has its deposits. Tourists also like silver jewelry. But it is worth remembering that Sihanoukville is not a rich city, and you can often stumble upon a fake.

Urban transport

There is no public transport in Sihanoukville. Citizens and visitors move to the desired address on motorcycles and scooters. Both of them are called motorbikes here. Since childhood, Cambodians have been driving workshops on two-wheeled vehicles, often transporting the whole family up to 5-6 people and heavy loads on them at once.

Taxis in the resort are represented by ordinary motorcycles and cars. There is also Asian know-how or the so-called tuk-tuk. It is a motorbike to which a two-wheeled cart with seats for passengers is attached. There is a roof over the entire structure, so that on a trip you can easily admire the local beauties and listen to the surrounding smells.

The fares are fixed here: a tuk-tuk ride in the center will cost 1-3 dollars, and getting from remote areas to the beach will cost 5-7 dollars. Experienced tourists they advise you to bargain with a cab driver, local residents, wise and cunning in the oriental style, will never refuse to rip an extra dollar from passengers. There are many tuk-tukers in the city, you won't have to look for them for a long time. Their main moorings are along the beaches, close to markets, large hotels and shops.

If you wish, you can rent a motorcycle or bicycle. There are also car rentals here. But under Cambodian law, drivers must have a local license. A license is also required for renting a two-wheeled vehicle, but usually the police turn a blind eye to their absence from foreigners.

Minor road incidents are resolved quickly, it is enough to carefully offer a few dollars to the brave policeman. In priority on the roads, the rule applies: whoever is more right is right, so cars and rare buses here unquestioningly give way. Be prepared for poor quality roads and the special rhythm of traffic that is typical for all developing Asian countries.

Security and Communication

It is worth taking care of personal safety and the safety of your belongings in any country in the world. Even in prosperous Europe, there can be people who need other people's things much more than the owners themselves. Cambodia is no exception. The population here is poor, and any white a priori becomes rich.

• Do not carry large amounts of money with you. But if necessary, hide them more securely.
• Valuables and money should be put in a bag worn on the belt.
• Do not leave things unattended. This applies to the beach, and cafes, and hotel rooms.
• Close windows and doors when leaving your home.
• You should not walk in places remote from the center, and nightly sprees in an unfamiliar country may not end very pleasantly.

Almost all mobile operators in Cambodia work in Sihanoukville. Tariffs for international calls are quite low here. So, a minute of conversation with Russia will cost about $0.1. Mobile Internet the resort has even the smallest catering outlets. Internet cafes are also open, and in large hotels and hotels, wireless wi-fi is often free.

There is also a wired communication system in Sihanoukville, although it is rather outdated. You can call from a hotel, telephone or post office. Street payphones have been preserved, from which payphone cards allow calls. They are sold in stores and at the post office. You can also call other countries from this phone.

Where to stay

Today, the resort of Sihanoukville belongs to the budget holiday destinations. But even here there are expensive hotels, and even more are planned to be commissioned in the near future. Elite hotels are located on the coast and have their own fenced off and well-groomed sections of beaches. Independence Hotel Resort & Spa, Chan Boutique Hotel, Lakeside By Sokha Beach Resort offer cozy stylish rooms, excellent cuisine and plenty of entertainment.

More cheap option accommodations are hostels, guest houses or guesthouses, apartments. But the most exotic type of local housing is bungalows located on the shore in the water. This type of accommodation is justified. Snakes and various insects will not crawl into the house on the water. Bungalows are usually covered with palm leaves, they are not hot, and close proximity to the water eliminates the issue of daily trips to the beach and back.

Beaches

The sea and beaches are what Cambodians and tourists from different countries go to Sihanoukville for. The city is surrounded by many kilometers of sandy shores. Since Sihanoukville is only developing as resort area, the beaches are not as crowded as in the same neighboring Thailand. Perhaps some of them are dirty, but as soon as you move a little further from the crowd, you can find yourself on a deserted coast with almost virgin sea and sand. The water temperature during the holiday season is kept within 26–28 °C.

Otres Beach

This is the furthest beach in Sihanoukville. It is located on the southern outskirts of the city, a few kilometers from another Serendipity beach. On Otres, the straight coastline stretches for 4 km, along which many plants grow.

The infrastructure of the beach is presented unevenly. In the northern part there are many restaurants and bars, rows of sunbeds with the bodies of vacationers, small shops with essential tourist necessities. Here on the shore you can find catering points that cook different dishes including vegetarian ones.

There are ATMs and a pharmacy in this part of Otres. The second half of the beach is mostly deserted. But even this part of the coast has recently been ennobled. Behind the sandy strip there is a tiled path, gazebos are installed. There are also several rare cafes, a new pier. And in the distance, houses and hotels are being built. So the time is not far off when the whole Otres will be filled with a resting public.

Otrez Beach may appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. There is a windsurfing station here. Perhaps the word "station" does not fit the small house where the equipment is stored and the owner is located. But the sailing boards are new here, and the instructors will clearly explain and show how to manage this kind of sailing ship. There is a rental of catamarans and kayaks on the beach. And those who wish can test themselves in kitesurfing and diving with a snorkel and mask.

Ochheuteal Beach and Serendipity Beach

These are the two most popular beaches of the city, located next to each other, so you can’t even see where one ends and the second begins. The beaches are located almost in the central part of the city. There are only two lanes from the main square of Sihanoukville to the coast.

During the high season it gets crowded. And the very expression comes to mind when "the apple has nowhere to fall." But it is worth walking a few hundred meters along the coast to the south, and here it is peace and quiet, rare tourists and the almost complete absence of peddlers, annoyingly trying to sell their goods.

At the junction of two beaches there are many shops, restaurants and cafes. Each catering point marks its territory with sun loungers and tables. So, having bought something from food, here you can settle down for a rest. They also sell alcoholic beverages on the beach, including Angkor branded Cambodian beer.

Serendipiti is a small beach, Ohchutil stretches for 2 km along the coast. But most vacationers are located in the central, busier part of the coast. This is where the locals like to relax. Therefore, the beach is quite dirty, not always cleaned. Bars and cafes on the beach are open in the evenings, and the area is filled with the sounds of multilingual music. On Serendipity Beach, you can stay in bungalow houses built almost by the water. There is also a pier where sightseeing boats leave. The southern outskirts of Okhchutila is deserted, it is a favorite corner of fishermen and aquabikers.

Sokha Beach

In Sihanoukville, all beaches are public, as is Sokha, which belongs to the territory of the most luxurious city hotel Sokha Beach Resort. True, in order to get here, you will have to pass the brave guards who do not miss the chance to swindle white tourists for a few dollars. And according to the rules of the hotel, anyone can relax on this part of the coast.

Swimming and sunbathing are absolutely free, and you will have to pay $ 20 per person for a sunbed. For this amount, you can also use the local pool, sauna, gym, ride a swing, take a towel at the reception and even get one of the drinks for free if you wish. And on the beach you can sunbathe all day.

The beach area is small - only one kilometer, but clean and well-groomed, it is carefully monitored, cleaning debris from the sand and coastal waters. Hotel guests enjoy all the beauties of the hotel area and the beach for free, the rest of the vacationers have to pay. But maybe 20 dollars is not such a high price for convenience and comfort, and, most importantly, the absence of annoying and shameless peddlers.

Independence Beach

The beach got its name from the hotel built on the nearby hill. Over the years, the Independence Hotel has been visited by many celebrities. In 1967, according to some reports, Jacqueline Kennedy stayed here.

Independence Beach is quiet and peaceful. There are few cafes and bars here, and part of the coast belongs to the local casino. Opposite the catering points are rows of sun loungers, the rest of the territory is deserted. On weekends there are a lot of people by the water, and on common days the coast is empty. This is also due to the fact that residential areas are located in the distance. But in front of the beach there is a large construction, and soon a new quarter with hotels and restaurants will grow here.

Hawaii Beach

Hawaii Beach is located in the northern part of the city, near the bridge with speaking name Russian. The length of the sandy coast here is small, partly given over to local catering outlets. Cafes almost approach the water itself and stand on the stone debris left from some buildings. Mostly the inhabitants of Sihanoukville eat here, the cafes are rather shabby, and streams of waste flow down into the sea between the trees.

Further on, a wide strip of beach stretches, surrounded by gazebos and hotel walls. At the opposite end, neat houses for vacationers were built. There is a clean shore area belonging to the Emario Beach Resort.

Victory Beach

This beach is located south of the seaport and close to Sihanoukville City Hall. The coastline here stretches for only one kilometer. Periodically, there are tides that reduce the legal meters of the beach. But the coast is constantly crowded, because the district has inexpensive housing, and local residents prefer to relax close to home. There are several catering outlets serving traditional Cambodian dishes.

A pier was built near the beach, where small boats of the natives are moored. In the evenings, many cafes and night bars are open in the area. The local Russian diaspora is also located here, which owns several cafes, the Airport club, and a private clinic. In the latter they provide medical care and Cambodians.

Prek Treng Beach

This is the city's northernmost beach, located on the coastline behind the international port. Driving here from the center is far enough, so Prek Treng Beach is not so popular with local population. There are no usual shops and catering points here, and from the buildings there are only rare lonely gazebos. But the beach is amazingly beautiful, and its wide strip of white sand is washed by the incredibly blue waves of the sea. Getting to the beach is easy, it leads here new road with good coverage.

Holidays on the islands

For those who are looking for solitude and paradise on earth, it is worth choosing a vacation on one of the islands. There are many of them in the vicinity of Sihanoukville, there are both large and very tiny ones. Local guides offer excursions to uninhabited shores. The beaches here are pristine, and scuba diving in the coastal crystal waters will introduce you to the tropical fauna. It takes several hours to sail to the islands of Koh Tang and Koh Prince, so some of the excursions involve spending the night in local bungalows. Another Koh island Russei is part of the National Park. It is inhabited by several species of rare birds.

Koh Rong and Koh Rogn Samloem are inhabited islands, if you can count a couple of villages, several small hotels and bungalows on the coast for the presence of civilization. And the rest - it's snow-white beaches, turquoise water and straw umbrellas over sun loungers. Getting to the islands is easy: every day several ferries depart from the pier in Sihanoukville in different directions. There are several small restaurants on the beaches where you can try dishes from marine life. Local fishermen deliver fresh catch to the cooks every day.

Holidays on the islands have already been appreciated by Europeans. And in the high season, hotels are overcrowded. It is especially crowded (by local standards) here on weekends and new year holidays. When frosts and snow fall in the northern part of the hemisphere, the water temperature on the Sihanoukville islands does not fall below 25 ° C. Many young people also come here, so in the evenings the atmosphere here is cheerful and romantic.

Attractions

In the 60 years of its existence, Sihanoukville has not acquired big amount attractions. The city is still developing and building. In the meantime, restless tourists who are not enough just lying on the beach and need to definitely explore the entire area are invited to visit several places.

The unofficial symbol of the city is golden lions, which are found literally everywhere: in souvenir stalls, local temples, next to houses. And the most famous pair of cats is located on central square cities. An unknown novice sculptor depicted a formidable lion standing and a lioness lying nearby.

Temples of Wat Leu and Wat Kraom

There are two temples on a hill near the city: Wat Leu (Upper Pagoda) and Wat Kraom (Lower Pagoda). The first is located in high point and you can get there from Golden Lions Square on foot in 30-40 minutes or by tuk-tuk, reducing the time to 20 minutes. Both temples stand on land partially liberated from the jungle. Hiking to the top of the hill can and will be a bit difficult, but beautiful landscapes along the way and a beautiful view from the observation deck will fully pay off the effort.

The territory of the temple is a large park area with shady alleys and a complex of Buddhist buildings with various statues. The pagoda itself is built in the classic style of authentic Cambodian temples, with bright colors and lots of sculptures.

Steps lead to the temple, guarded by many-headed snakes and golden lions. The Wat Leu complex also includes a functioning monastery, where the monks live. The novices of the monastery often become children from poor families. Here, not far from the monastery, there are places of burial of the ashes of eminent monks. Inside the pagoda, in addition to religious things, there is a boat on which local swimmers participate in the annual festive races along the Mekong.

Below on the hill is another temple, Wat Kraom. There are also many different statues, and the most famous of them is the recumbent Buddha. The local temple is dedicated to the goddess Ya-Mao, who in her former life was an ordinary woman, and after her death incarnated into an unearthly creature. They are afraid of her and try to appease her by bringing bananas as a gift. Of course, local temples cannot be compared with the same Angkor, but it is quite possible to feel the spirit of Buddhism and get acquainted with the life of monks. From the observation deck of the Upper Temple, you can admire the surroundings to your heart's content.

In the neighborhood of the temples, a detachment of humanoids peacefully lives. You won’t surprise anyone in Asia now with monkeys, but what kind of tourist refuses to observe the behavior of our smaller brothers. Local macaques are more well-bred than in the same India, and for bananas (which you can immediately buy) they show miracles of agility and dexterity. They will not snatch tidbits from your hands, but they will pull the edge of your clothes with a reminder. And they will also begin to jump and enjoy life and a free treat.

Ream National Park

In total, there are 23 national parks in Cambodia, one of which is located 18 km east of Sihanoukville. The park covers an area of ​​just over 200 square kilometers. This includes the sea coast, mangrove forests, the mouth of one of the rivers, coral reefs and the two nearest islands. Villages are located in the park and people live, this is almost 13 thousand people.

The park was founded after the end of the civil war in the nineties of the last century. The purpose of creating such a territory was to protect the country's forest resources and preserve rare species of animals. About 150 species of birds live in Ream, some of them are on the verge of extinction: Javanese marabou, milk beak and others. Many monkeys, turtles and several other rare species of animals live in the park.

Tourists can get acquainted with the park during various excursions. Both hiking and motorized walks in the protected area have been developed. A boat trip along the Prek Tuk Sap River is also offered. Such a trip will allow you to see the life of Cambodian villages located here on the river banks. There are cafes and two hotels in the park, so those who wish can settle in the heart of Ream National Park near the sea.

Kbal Chhai Waterfall

A few kilometers from Sihanoukville, among the jungle and mountains, is the Kbal Chhai waterfall. To get here, tourists and locals usually walk along the picturesque stream. The waterfall is fed from local mountain streams. In the high season, there is little water here, but during the rainy season, the height of the jets reaches 10 meters, and the width is 8 meters.

For some time after the appearance of Sihanoukville, Kbal Chhai was a source of clean and fresh water for city dwellers. The civil war made its own adjustments, and this place turned out to be occupied by the Khmer Rouge. In the late 90s, a road was built here, and the area around the waterfall was ennobled. In our time, the delivery of water to the coast has also resumed. Not only tourists, but also locals like to come here to the ringing streams of water. Enterprising Cambodians opened several shops with food and souvenirs, cafes, and built many open gazebos with hammocks, benches and tables.

Cambodians come here with their families and have a rest with picnics. Tourists are more active in this regard and try to capture the surrounding beauty for a long time. It is allowed to swim in the waterfall, which is absolutely necessary in the local hot weather. And then water procedures It will be nice to lie down in a hammock and take a nap to the sound of water. Here, on the territory next to the waterfall, you can order drinks and food. Hammocks are paid, but when buying groceries and ready meals, a gazebo will be provided free of charge.

Leisure

The flow of tourists to Sihanoukville is increasing every year. Many appreciated the new direction for the possibility of a calm, as well as a secluded holiday on the coast, unspoiled by civilization. There was a demand for active species recreation. Local travel companies offer boat trips and sailing yachts along the coast, visiting neighboring islands, excursions around the neighborhood on buggies and motorcycles. Walks on the sea, if desired, can be combined with fishing.

On the beaches of the city and nearby islands, there is an opportunity to engage in water sports. The city diving center also has Russian instructors who will teach you how to dive with special equipment. For those who are afraid of the depth, but want to see the beauty of the sea, snorkeling or diving with a breathing tube is offered. Even at a shallow depth off the coast of Sihanoukville, there is a lot of marine life and vibrant vegetation.

Off the coast of Sihanoukville in the high season almost never happens high waves, so surfers have nothing to do here at this time, unless they grab the wind as a driving force. On the beaches, you can rent equipment for kitesurfing or gliding on a board by flying a kite. The wind also helps windsurfers. At first, it is a little difficult to control the sail and move through the water. But after taking a few lessons from the instructor, it will be possible to safely cut through the sea surface.

In the meantime, only independent travelers and adherents come here. economical vacation. The tourist infrastructure in the city is just beginning to develop, so the price level here is much lower than, say, in Thailand. When there are more tourists, prices will rise.

Photo of Otres beach in Sihanoukville.

Suhanoukville does not boast impressive sights, a wide range of entertainment, exciting shopping, large shopping and entertainment centers and gourmet restaurants.

The resort is more suitable for those who do not need anything other than good beach and portions of seafood. There are no problems with this in Sihanoukville: the beaches are covered with fine sand, cafes and restaurants are found on every corner, and the prices in them are probably the lowest among the resorts of Southeast Asia.

About Sihanoukville

This is the country's main beach resort. The city is small and rather ordinary. The only thing of interest is the beaches. Therefore, it is better to choose a hotel not in the central part of the city, but near the coast.

The tourist area of ​​Sihanoukville is a couple of streets in the area of ​​Serendipity and Ochutel beaches, as well as the Victory Hill area. The whole evening life of the city is concentrated here, there are many cafes, clubs, travel agencies, shops and so on. In other areas of the city, the infrastructure is less developed, and after dark, life stops.

To avoid disappointment in Sihanoukville and Cambodia in general, it is important to understand that this is a poor country where many live in poverty. The cities in Cambodia are dusty and unkempt, the roads are in chaos, and along the roads there is a spontaneous trade in consumer goods.

Cambodia lags far behind in economic and cultural development from neighboring or. But this is what a certain category of travelers likes it - here you can see South East Asia the way it was before the influx of tourists, without embellishment and ostentatious gloss.

Fastidious and sensitive people may not like the real Asia, but for those who are ready to sacrifice comfort for the sake of immersing themselves in an exotic culture, Cambodia will give an unforgettable experience.

How to get to Sihanoukville?

This is the city's main problem. The airport accepts flights only from the capital - Phnom Penh, and with a transfer in Ho Chi Minh City, which makes this flight meaningless, because. get there faster by bus. Airplanes do not fly from the CIS countries to Phnom Penh, so you will have to make a transfer in Thailand, Vietnam or other countries. From Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, the bus takes 4-5 hours, a ticket costs about $10, a taxi costs $40-50.

Many come to Sihanoukville by bus from neighboring Thailand. Travel agencies in Bangkok and Pattaya sell tickets for tourist buses. It is better to break the trip into two parts, otherwise it will turn out to be too tiring. For example, on the way from Thailand, you can stop in Siem Reap, visit the famous Angkor temple complex, and then go to the sea.

Beach holidays in Sihanoukville

The best time to travel to Sihanoukville is from November to March, when sunny weather with moderate humidity. The sea in the resort area is clean, clear and warm. beach line quite long - about 12 km. It is divided into several sections:

• Victory Beach. A good beach, which was chosen by the Russians living in Cambodia. The only negative is that the port is located nearby, so the smell of fuel oil can be felt in the air.
• Hawaii. The beach is popular with locals. Coniferous trees grow along the coast, in the shade of which there are many sunbeds. Sometimes the current brings mud or oil stains from the port, but regardless, Hawaii is the best place to watch the sunset.
• Independence. Long beach with good sand and clear sea. Calm and uncrowded place.
• Sokha. The beach is almost entirely owned by the five-star Sokha Beach Resort, but there is an area where everyone can relax. The place is pleasant: quiet, clean, peaceful atmosphere and clear sea.

• Serendipity. Noisy, crowded beach, where the fun does not stop until late. Many shops, massage parlors and bars near the coast. In the evening it is also crowded here - cafes are exposed to the sea comfortable chairs, bars turn on music and have parties.
• Ochutel. Close to Serendipity beach. The same crowded, because. is near tourist center cities. Along the coast there are hundreds of sun loungers, many massage parlors and itinerant traders. The sea and sand are not the best in Sihanoukville, but quite suitable for swimming.
• Otres. The longest and deserted beach. It is located a few kilometers from the city center. There are areas with garbage from vacationers, but since the sandy strip is very long, you can always find clean and comfortable spot. The sea on Otres is clear, shallow, and the sand is fine and soft.

The best hotels in Sihanoukville

Grand Sihanouk Ville

Simple hotel with a large pool. It stands 150 meters from the busiest beach - Serendipity, and a 7-minute walk from the tourist center of the city.

Grand Sihanouk Ville has a restaurant and a tour desk where you can buy tours and bus tickets to neighboring towns. The level of equipment of the rooms in the hotel is average, but the rooms are clean and spacious.

Sokha Beach Resort

Luxury five-star resort located on the territory private beach- Sokha, one of the best in Sihanoukville. On the vast territory of the hotel: an artificial lake, a flowering garden, two huge swimming pools, several bars, a restaurant by the water. In addition, guests are available: a gym, a spa, a children's room, a sauna, a jacuzzi, a tennis court and so on.

The spacious (45-132 m²) rooms of Sokha Beach Resort include parquet floors, wicker furniture, a work desk, a living room with a tea set and a minibar. The windows of the rooms face the garden or the sea.

Golden Sand Hotel

The 3-star hotel is built in the center of the tourist area. The majority of restaurants, cafes, travel agencies, shops and so on are concentrated in this area. Serendipity Beach is 5 minutes walk.

Golden Sand Hotel is a solid hotel, without frills, but quite comfortable: good breakfasts, large rooms, a spacious pool with a sun terrace. At the reception you can rent a bicycle, buy an excursion and bus tickets to the capital.

Sunset Lounge

Guest house with its own territory on Otres beach. Guests are accommodated in bungalows with a hammock and wicker furniture on the terrace. The beach is very beautiful white sand, coniferous trees, turquoise sea.

Sunset Lounge is located away from the city, so there are few restaurants, shops, etc. around. Holidays here will appeal to lovers of solitude in the bosom of nature, where the noise of civilization does not interfere with enjoying the sun and the sea.

The Moonflower Bungalow

The Moonflower Bungalow is a series of detached bungalows surrounded by a green garden. Around - silence, because. the complex of buildings is located 4 km from the city center, a 10-minute walk from Otres beach.

In order not to have to go to the city for everything you need, there is a restaurant, a travel agency and a moped rental point on the territory of the complex. Rest in this place is suitable for those who are looking for peace from the bustle of the city.

Sihanoukville resort hotel map

A selection of popular hotels in Sihanoukville

Where to eat in Sihanoukville?

Many cafes are located on Serendipity Beach Street near the beach of the same name. Choice of food: from Mexican to Japanese or Greek. In the evening it is lively here: most of the foreigners who are in Sihanoukville that day come here for dinner and a walk.

The street leads to Serendipity Beach, where there are also restaurants and bars. You can dine by the water, sitting in wicker chairs. Recommended establishments in this part of the city:

• Delicious. A small family cafe with Khmer (Cambodian) cuisine. An unpretentious place where the food is tasty and inexpensive. The average price of national dishes is $2-3.5, pizza is $4-6.5.
• Maybe Later. A popular place for lovers of Mexican cuisine. In the evening it is crowded and noisy. Prices: 2 tacos $5, burritos $5, quesadillas $3.50.
• Mango cafe. Simple but cozy Italian restaurant with pizza for $5-6 and pasta for $4-65.
• Ernie's Burgers. Simple diner with good fast food. Hamburgers cost $3, hot dogs $2, Coca-Cola $1.

Sights of Sihanoukville

There are none in the city itself. All interesting places are in the vicinity or on the islands. Tourists in Sihanoukville have fun mainly diving, snorkeling and fishing on the high seas.

It is located 20 km from the city. In winter, when the high season begins in Sihanoukville, the waterfall is shallow because it rarely rains at this time. Nevertheless, it looks impressive: brick-like boulders form cascades from which water flows.

Bokor hill

A mesmerizing place with a mysterious atmosphere: overgrown with moss, abandoned buildings on top of a mountain with a fantastic view of the sea. Once there was a settlement of the French colonizers: a church, several villas, a casino, etc.

Then everything fell into disrepair, and now the place looks like a horror movie set. Mount Bokor is located 120 km from Sihanoukville. In the travel agencies of the city you can buy a one-day tour, which also includes a visit to the waterfall in the same area.

Islands of the Gulf of Thailand

There are about 50 islands in the coastal waters of Sihanoukville. Some of them bring excursions from the city. The main thing for which people come to them is gorgeous beaches with amazing sand and crystal clear sea. The most beautiful of the islands: Koh Rusey, Koh Tan, Sun Neil, Koh Rong.

Photo of Koh Rong island.

Pros and cons of living in Sihanoukville

Minuses: difficult to get; there are no attractions in the city; no entertainment for children; lovers of comfortable rest will be uncomfortable.

Pros: low prices for food, seafood, housing and transport; uncrowded beaches; picturesque nature on the nearby islands.