Sihanoukville reviews. What has changed in Sihanoukville over the past two years. Beach holidays in Sihanoukville

In the meantime, only independent travelers and adherents of economical holidays come here. Tourist infrastructure 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 Southeast Asia as 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 the weather is sunny 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 expose comfortable chairs to the sea, bars turn on music and have parties.
• Ochutel. Close to Serendipity beach. The same crowded, because. located near the tourist center of the city. 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 most 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

The luxurious five-star resort is located on the territory of its own 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

3-star hotel built in the center 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. Average price of meals national cuisine- $ 2-3.5, pizza - $ 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 it comes to Sihanoukville high season, the waterfall is small 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 day trip, which also includes a visit to a 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 comfortable rest it will be uncomfortable.

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

Sihanoukville, Cambodia - the main and in fact the only first-class resort of Cambodia, located on the coast of Kampong Saom Bay Gulf of Thailand.

Founded in the middle of the 20th century as a deep sea export port, Sihanoukville over the past 30 years has gained fame as the best beach holiday destination in Cambodia and a rival to Thai resorts.

Upon arrival in Sihanoukville, it is not at all necessary to change money for the local currency. The American dollar has a wide circulation, it is freely accepted in hotels, shops and cafes of the resort, so the local currency riel can only come in handy in the markets of Sihanoukville.

How to get to Sihanoukville

According to tourists, the beaches of Sihanoukville are not as crowded with vacationers as seaside resorts Thailand, however, the coasts of numerous islands in the vicinity of the city are more suitable for diving. For an ordinary beach holiday in Sihanoukville, tourists are offered a dozen beaches, so choosing the most suitable one is not difficult:

Victory Beach (Victory Beach) located in close proximity to the port, so the water here is somewhat dirtier than on other beaches. The advantage of Victory Beach is that palm trees grow on it, and the sunsets here are considered the most picturesque in Sihanoukville.

Pine-covered beach in Hawaii located south of Victory Beach. It is very popular among the local population, so the prices here are slightly lower than in other places. The downside is the abundance of vacationers and the littering of the coast and water.

Independence Beach, or Independence Beach. One of the quietest places on the coast of Sihanoukville, and also quite clean.

Sokha beach. The neighbor of Independence Beach boasts cleanliness and excellent amenities, as it is monitored by employees of local hotels. Only part of the beach is free to visit, and for accommodation on most of the coast you will have to pay extra at the Sokha Beach Resort.

Serendipeti and Ochutel beaches almost merged into one. These are the most popular beaches in Sihanoukville, so it is always noisy and crowded here. But here the lowest prices and an excellent choice of entertainment.

Wild beach Otres 5 km from the city. Here tourists will find the most secluded vacation on the longest coastline Sihanoukville (the length of the beach is several kilometers).

Sihanoukville is primarily a winter resort, as the rainy season begins here in summer. From November to April, there is practically no precipitation here, but it is not recommended to go here in April, as the heat becomes almost unbearable. The best time to travel to this resort is from December to February, when the average air temperature is between 30 and 32 °C. The water temperature in the waters of the Gulf of Thailand is almost the same throughout the year - 26-27 °C.

The rainy season does not mean at all that at this time tourists cannot leave the hotel due to constant rainfall. As a rule, in the summer there are short but heavy showers, but otherwise the rest in Sihanoukville during the rainy season does not differ from the "high season". But prices for accommodation in the summer are much lower.

Where to stay

Organized tourists prefer to stay in the best hotels cities:

Sokha Beach Resort category 5 stars - the largest hotel in the city. A superior room will cost 110 USD, however, if you wish, you can order a luxury apartment or even a separate villa with a separate access to the sea. The advantage of the hotel is the best beach in the city, owned by the hotel.

Hotel Moha Minori is the most expensive hotel in Sihanoukville and the second one with a 5 star category. The most inexpensive room in this hotel will cost about 200 USD per day. Moha Minori is also located on Soha Beach.

The 4-star Tamu Hotel is located in the Otres Beach area, so that its guests can enjoy a quiet holiday on the deserted beach Sihanoukville away from the bustle of the city and other vacationers. The most inexpensive room in this hotel will cost 70 USD - 80 USD per night.

For tourists who prefer more economical rental options, numerous bungalows or guesthouses will be of interest. The guesthouse is the same hotel, only with fewer services. For example, there are no pools in a guesthouse and breakfast is not served here, but the price for a room in such a hotel can be 10 USD or less. When choosing a guest house, you should specify the location and the services provided, since the cheapest rooms often have neither air conditioning nor hot water. According to tourists, the best guesthouses in Sihanoukville are:

Zana Beach, located a 10-minute walk from Ochutel Beach. Room rate - from 15 USD per night. When renting a room for a month, the price is reduced to 10 USD per day.

Pat Pat Guesthouse, located on the beachfront of Otres. Room rate - from 10 USD per day.

Guesthouse Sunset Lounge, located on Ochutel Beach. The most economical accommodation option in this guest house will cost about 25 USD per night. Sunset Lounge has its own fenced area on the beach, available only to tourists accommodated in the guesthouse.

How to get to Sihanoukville

The distance to the resort from Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is more than 200 km, so you will have to spend at least several hours on the road. The easiest way to get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is by intercity bus. The ticket price will be approximately 6 USD - 10 USD. The second option is to use a taxi, such a trip will cost 50 USD - 80 USD, depending on the time of day and the comfort of the car.

You can fly from Phnom Penh Airport to Sihanoukville by plane, the flight duration is 2.5 hours, the price of an economy class ticket is 100 USD - 110 USD.

Sights of Sihanoukville

Due to the modest age of Sihanoukville, which is not yet 100 years old, the city does not have an abundance of attractions, especially historical ones. In addition, Sihanoukville suffered during the civil war and the Khmer Rouge regime, and its revival as a resort began only 20-30 years ago. From interesting places in the city are:

• several Buddhist temples (Wat Leu, Wat Kraom);
• new symbol of the city - sculptural composition"Golden Lions" in the center of Sihanoukville;
• Independence Square with sculptural copies of the famous sights of Cambodia.

Therefore, tourists who prefer active cognitive rest, you will have to travel outside the city in search of attractions. The best option is to go on an excursion as part of an organized group.

Tired of a beach holiday, any tourist can join the rich history of Cambodia or get acquainted with the picturesque local nature. For this, special excursions are organized in Sihanoukville, designed to distract vacationers from sea ​​beaches. All organized trips from Sihanoukville are accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide.

A sightseeing tour of Sihanoukville includes a visit to the Buddhist temples of the city, a crocodile farm, the Classic complex with an exhibition of rare cars and an observation platform on the roof. The cost of a sightseeing tour is from 20 USD to 50 USD per person, depending on the content of the group. Duration - up to 6 hours.

Boat trip around the islands of the Gulf of Thailand on a three-deck boat. The main highlight is a visit to the "paradise" island of Koh Rong, where tourists are given the opportunity to swim in wild lagoons. There is also a stop on the high seas for snorkeling (snorkeling and snorkelling). The total duration of the tour is 7 hours. Cost - from 25 USD.

Excursion to national park Reem. Acquaintance with the flora and fauna of Cambodia, swimming in waterfalls and visiting mangroves, as well as the Tree of Destiny - a place of energy power. Duration - 6 hours, cost - from 25 USD.

Sightseeing tour along the coast of the Gulf of Thailand Bokor - Kep - Kampot. Includes a visit to Mount Bokor, Popokvil waterfall, abandoned catholic church and the ancient Buddhist temple Wat Sampov Pram. At the top of Mount Bokor is an abandoned French city with casinos, hotels and villas left by the colonialists after Cambodia gained independence and destroyed during the civil war.

Next, tourists will have a trip to the Kampong Trach caves, which are inhabited by monkeys and several Buddhist novices. After visiting the caves, the path of tourists lies on the plantation of the famous Kampot pepper, and then to the city of Kep, where you can walk around the local bazaar and ask the price of the sea delicacies sold. The total duration of the tour is 12-13 hours. The cost is from 50 USD to 270 USD, depending on the content of the group.

For tourists from Sihanoukville, excursions are organized to the main treasure of Cambodia - ancient city Angkor with its famous temple complex Angkor Wat. In addition to Angkor Wat, during the tour you can visit the so-called "Small Circle of Angkor" and see 7-8 impressive temples of this city. The duration of the tour is 2 days. Cost: from 100 USD when traveling by bus, from 300 USD when transferring by plane. You will also have to pay an additional entrance ticket to the territory of the complex - 37 USD.

Fresh reviews of Sihanoukville. I must say right away that we did not have high hopes that we would come to Sihanoukville and find it in a new form, that in 2 years since our last visit, the village of Sihanoukville will turn into a well-groomed town, where modern infrastructure will appear, new supermarkets will open and become cleaner. And you know what? They thought right Since 2014, Sihanoukville has practically not tolerated any innovations.

Sometimes, this is how we start our mornings. Cup of Cambodian coffee, scrambled eggs and sea view

All the same old cafes, tuk-tukers everywhere, who will not miss the opportunity to shout “tuk-tuk, sir, cut off the scourge” to you. And even the merchants on the beach, the same girls and boys, remained the same. Just grew up.

But the aunts who offer their services for body hair removal and pedicure have become more sticky. But we found them in control and say that we are not tourists, but live in Sihanouk. They leave immediately without further questions.

Building Sihanoukville

Now the city is being actively developed. Roads are being repaired, old guesthouses and sheds are being demolished, and new hotels are being built in their place. Already in a couple of years, or maybe even earlier, tall buildings, 10-15 floors, will appear in Sihanoukville on Serendipity. And even one condominium on Independence Beach. Construction here is now common.

What you were, and remained so ... These are clearly lines from a song dedicated to this village. Although we believe that Sihanouk is the most developed city in all of Cambodia


The streets of Sihanoukville 2016: the roads are finally being repaired

Bricks, workers, the sound of hammers and new buildings still under construction in the scaffolding. Sokha beach is also under construction new hotel. On the right side of the beach you can see the construction site:

Construction site on Sokha beach

Of course, a few buildings will not change the overall background, but this is already something. In 20 years, probably, Sihanoukville will not be recognized, the city will be completely equipped and redesigned. The changes are clearly for the better. True, in the meantime we will no longer be so young, but in our old age there will be where to come to relax in civilization.

Every other day we go to see off the sunset. In November, the sun sets over the mountain

Contingent of vacationers

There are a lot of young people in Sihanoukville. Mostly European. So unusual after Pattaya to see so many teenagers. Backpackers with huge backpacks roam the streets, groups of euro-girls sunbathe on the beaches, fashionable bearded euro-boys in square baseball caps get acquainted with them.

In our guesthouse, the audience is multinational. We have German and French neighbors. A few rooms later, the Americans settled, who a couple of days ago vigorously celebrated Trump's victory in the elections. Also in Sihanoukville there are many Asians, Chinese and Khmers.

There are much fewer Russian tourists. Apparently, the exchange rate of the ruble affects. Although, there are often signs in Russian and on the border with us, many Khmers tried to speak Russian. This was not the case 2 years ago.

We've been here for a week now and we haven't seen Russians very often, only a couple of times during the whole day. But we have already met a Russian couple of travelers who moved to Sihanouk from Vietnam, disappointed in a beach holiday in (we found where to go to the sea). They did the right thing, in Phan Thiet the sea is already dirty, and now there is also the rainy season.

Our reviews. Why we choose Sihanoukville and why we love it

We most often immediately feel in the first minutes whether we like it here or not. First time in Sihanoukville. And now, having arrived for the second time, we are not at all disappointed.

The city of Sihanoukville frankly does not shine with beauty, there is little infrastructure, such as supermarkets with a large selection of products, beautiful and illuminated streets, the presence of hospitals, public transport, there is no shopping centers, cinemas and other delights of civilization.

There is something genuine that captivates us and makes us stay here for more than 2-3 days. It's not only delicious food that you can eat endlessly, and not only the fact that Cambodia has a duty-free zone for liquor. We have already written about these features in more detail:

Drink set: tequila from Mexico, chips from Malaysia, juice from Cyprus

And in Cambodia they smile at you more frankly than in Thailand. And if a person is not in the mood, then he simply does not smile.

The beaches of Sihanoukville during the season can be safely called first-class. Even in the low season, the beaches are beautiful and suitable for swimming.

And in general, the atmosphere of Sihanoukville relaxes and does not load anything at all. For our taste, if we stay and live in a small town-village, then Sihanoukville is perfect for us.

It's like you live every day in a small microclimate of freedom

Advantages and disadvantages of Sihanoukville

• Good beaches and clean sea
• Opportunity to visit the islands
• Delicious food in cafes
• Low prices in restaurants. You can eat together with drinks for $ 7-8
• Duty free shops
• Friendly locals
• Khmer speak good English
• In the evening, tables with candles are set up on Serendipity beach, as in Goa. Cozy atmosphere.
• Nature and animals. Cows sometimes roam the streets, there are funny short dogs in the city, frogs crawl through the trees, and in our guest house there lives a Toki gecko. Also in the Independence Beach area there is a hill with monkeys.

• Dirty streets, bad smells
• Bad roads and general neglect in many parts of the city
• Intrusive traders, tuk-tukers and beggars on the beach
• Poverty in Cambodia. Often we see dirty children digging in the garbage. Many people beg on the beach or even go to cafes.
• Housing by the sea is expensive (from $ 300 for a room in a guest house)
• The beach can be dirty if the current brings debris.

If you have been to Sihanoukville, write your feedback in the comments. It is interesting to know whether your opinion about this city converges with ours? We read a lot of bad reviews of tourists about Sihanoukville, but our reviews, as you can see, are positive. And if you haven’t been yet, then how did you imagine this “exotic” resort in Cambodia?

Where to stay in Sihanoukville

For a holiday in Sihanoukville, we recommend considering 2 main beaches - and. If you are planning to travel to Sihanoukville on your own, book a hotel using the following links. These well-reviewed hotels are close to the beach and are ranked in ascending order of price.

How do we prepare for the trip

• First, buy tickets for Aviasales
• Next, we rent hotels through Booking, and apartments on Airbnb
• We then insure Cherehapa
• Airport transfer via website Kiwi Taxi
• Bank card - Tinkoff(withdrawal abroad without commission, you can make an account in dollars and receive cashback in foreign currency)

Geography

The province of Sihanoukville occupies a small area of ​​only 868 square kilometers. It is located in the very south of the country. In the north, the province of Sihanoukville borders on the province of Koh Kong, in the east - with the province of Kampot, in the west and south - is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

Most of The province is located on a peninsula. The terrain of the peninsula is hilly, with occasionally falling territories occupied by the jungle. Most of the province is represented by plains typical of Cambodia, occupied by rice fields and other agricultural crops. In the northeast of the province lies the Bokor National Park. A relatively large mountain range, which is the southern end of the Cardamom Mountains. The average height of the province above sea level does not exceed 40 meters.

Climate

Cambodia has a tropical climate - hot and humid. The monsoon season brings with it a large number of rainfall, allowing the cultivation of a variety of crops. The tropical climate of Cambodia makes it perfect place for the development of tourism. Travelers should not be afraid of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes or tropical storms.

You can travel around Cambodia at any time of the year. However, one should refrain from traveling here in the last two months of the rainy season, because some roads become impassable at this time. The average temperature is about 27°C, the minimum temperature is about 16°C. The coolest months are December and January, while the hottest month is April.

Cool season: November - March (20-28°С)

Dry season: March-May (26-35°С)

Rainy season: May - October (24-34°C, air humidity up to 90%).

The most favorable weather begins in with the end heavy rains In November. Dry, warm weather sets in with a soft, pleasant breeze that lasts until February. Night temperatures can drop to 20°C, and daytime temperatures can rise to 28-30°C. Many believe that it is in December and January that the optimal weather is set here with comfortable temperatures and cloudless skies.

At the end of November, temperatures rise in Sihanoukville and continue to rise until August (maximum - 35 ° C). After February, the so-called "mango rains" occasionally fall in the province, coming from the north. The best time for snorkeling is from December to June, when the water is colder than usual, but much clearer.

Economy

Due to the importance of exports to the economy in Cambodia, the development of Sihanoukville and its port is strongly supported by the local government and receives international financial support.

The development of Sihanoukville is mainly aimed at the needs of the tourism industry, but the financial and industrial sectors are also given attention here. The government's goal is to turn Sihanoukville into a bustling tourist city as well as an international offshore Finance center. Foreign and local investors are offered to invest in joint ventures and financial projects. The agricultural sector does not play a significant role in the region's economy as the province's hilly landscape discourages crop production.

How to get there

As Sihanoukville gradually strengthens its position in trade, tourism and other areas, the road leading to Phnom Penh has been thoroughly reconstructed. Now the National Highway No. 4, connecting the capital with the coastal resort (distance - 230 km), is in almost perfect condition.

You can enter the province from neighboring Thailand, through the province of Koh Kong. This route is chosen by more and more tourists today. You can also do it on the bumpy road number 48, which runs along the Cardamom Mountains, or by boat through Koh Kong, located near the border with Thailand.

Trains by air-conditioned bus will be relatively comfortable. Buses depart from Phnom Penh several times a day (from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.). The cost of the trip is about 12.000-16.000 riel and the duration is about 4 hours. Buses depart from the southwest corner of the Central Market (Phsar Thmei). In Sihanoukville, the arrival and departure point for buses is the Central Bus Station on 108th Street.

From the famous Capitol Guesthouse in Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, minivans depart regularly at 7.00. The cost of a one-way trip is 14,000 riels. When you purchase a round trip ticket, you will receive a discount. In Sihanoukville, information about bus departures can be obtained from the Capitol Tours agency in the city center. The bus from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh leaves at 12.30.

Most shuttles leave Phnom Penh before 10:00 am, although you can also find an afternoon bus. Prices vary between $3-5 per person. A taxi ride takes 2.5-3.5 hours. This compact vehicle usually carries 8 or more people. Ride on individual taxi will cost you $20-25. In Phnom Penh, taxis stand in the southwest corner of the Central Market (Phsar Thmei), and in Sihanoukville - on 108th Street.

Boats leave from Sihanoukville to Krong Soh Kong daily around noon (500 baht, 4 hours). Often foreigners are asked for a trip of 600 baht, or $15. However, such a trip is definitely worth the money: you can admire the picturesque beaches and heavenly coastal landscapes. To Koh Rong three times a day: 8:00; 10:00; 15:00 speed boat runs. The cost of the trip is $20 for a round trip ticket. Travel time is about an hour.

You will have to overcome a distance of 230 km along the National Highway No. 4. The trip will take you about 4-5 hours, and for such a purpose you will need a motorcycle with at least 200 hp. Motorcycles can be rented at Monivong Boulevard, near 184th Street (Phnom Penh) or at Angkor Motocycles on 51st Street (near the famous Walkabout Bar). Although the road is in good condition and travel is quick and easy, it is still considered dangerous. On it you can often meet taxis and trucks that exceed the speed limits. When passing through villages, slow down and watch the road carefully because there may be animals and children on the road. Be sure to wear a helmet. Remember that in the event of an accident in the countryside, no one will be able to help you medical care.

In Sihanoukville by plane you can fly to Phnom me, Siem Reap, Singapore, Seoul. Sihanoukville International Airport (IATA: KOS, ICAO: VDSV)

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 bloody regime"Khmer Rouge".

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 strips of white sand, some of which are almost uninhabited. People come here for exotic, clear sea, snow-white 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 small 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, they also needed their own “ sea ​​gate". 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, the construction of National Road No. 4 was underway, to which the United States government allocated money. 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 book to the Cambodian government. General plan development of Sihanoukville. 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 a 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 Harbour Air Sihanoukville underwent modernization and received 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, this is a fairly large city, one of 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.

Indigenous income levels are low, so many rely on 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 live here, people from post-Soviet space. 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. Except national dishes, here you can also taste a curiosity, in the form of overseas hamburgers and local insects. But lovers of traditional cuisine will not remain hungry either, the choice of food here is large.

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 a huge selection of fish dishes, various seafood cooked by everyone 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 the 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 selection of food, 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. Seasoned tourists advise you to bargain with a cab driver; the locals, wise and cunning in the oriental style, will never refuse to take 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.

Works in Sihanoukville and the system wired connection, although quite 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 sandy shores. Since Sihanoukville is just developing as a 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 prepare various 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 sand 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 lovers active rest. 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 beach cities 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. From main square Sihanoukville is only two lanes from 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 isn't that much 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 near the water, and on ordinary 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, not far from the bridge with the 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 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. The latter also provides medical assistance to Cambodians.

Prek Treng Beach

This is the most northern beach city ​​located on the coastline behind the international port. It is far enough to drive here from the center, so Prek Treng Beach is not so popular with the 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, a new road with good coverage leads here.

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 island, Koh Russei, is part of the National Park. It is inhabited by several species of rare birds.

Koh Rong and Koh Rogn Samloem - inhabited islands, if a couple of villages, several small hotels and bungalows on the coast can be counted as 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 the central square of the city. 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 coast of the sea, mangrove forests, the mouth of one of the rivers, Coral reefs and 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 not far from 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 after water procedures it will be nice to lie down in a hammock and take a nap under 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 area 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. To those who are afraid of the depth, but look sea ​​beauty wishes, snorkeling or snorkeling is offered. Even at a shallow depth off the coast of Sihanoukville, there is a lot of marine life and vibrant vegetation.

There are almost no high waves off the coast of Sihanoukville during the high season, so surfers have nothing to do here at this time, unless they take 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.