Cool Things to Do and See in Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is known as the international, significant deep-sea port of Cambodia while the both fascinating Koh Rong & Koh Rong Samloem Islands have extracted hundreds of tourists around the world to see her beauty and the unspoiled surroundings. Sihanoukville is “A Small Country with a Big Heart” which reminds the event of 2,257 passengers and crews aboard The Westerdam Cruise Ship was approved to dock at the seaport of Sihanoukville on 13th February 2020 when Japan, Taiwan, Guam, Thailand and Philippines rejected the vessel dock due to the deadly Corona Virus. Today Sihanoukville is rapidly booming the growth of development by Chinese Investment, the modern skyscrapers, luxurious condominiums, high-end restaurants, colorful bars, cozy hotels, gambling casinos, entertainment resorts and vast changes have made Sihanoukville become the second largest modern city or may be called “China Town” in the coast of south Cambodia. However, Sihanoukville is still one of interesting tourist destinations in Cambodia for those who seek for beach break, snorkeling, island hopping, scuba-diving, fresh seafood, gambles, casinos and nightlife entertainment.
What you can do and see?
1. Koh Rong Island
About 40km off the coast of Sihanoukville, the untouched Koh Rong or Island of Paradise is the warmest friendly, popular island in Cambodia, along with the pristine white sands and crystal ocean water of popular Sok San and Long Set beaches, and a great place for underwater discovery, kayaking, fishing, jungle trekking, wind-surfing and capture amazing photos of the bioluminescent plankton. Most of tourists purposely go to Koh Rong for a pleasant seaside, beach relaxation, unwinding yourselves with the stunning views and a family-friendly escape from a hassle city.
2. Koh Rong Samloem
20km away from her sister Koh Rong Island, Koh Rong Samloem features the lovely sleepy seaside and the white sand beaches overlooking the jungle and mountains. Smaller than Koh Rong Island, the serene beauty is an ideal for those who likely prefer a quiet beach escape to isolate yourselves and your families. While on Koh Rong Samloem, you can do it yourselves a jungle trail trekking to the light tower atop Koh Rong Samloem mountain where you can take photo selfie, breathtaking and enjoy the panoramic views of the ocean and Thailand’s islands. The trekking takes approx. 1 hour per way through easy jungle trail with sounds of birds and wildlife.
3. The Fishing Port Sihanoukville
The bustling dock gathers local shops, houses and colorful fishing boats, an interesting place to observe daily life of fishermen and fishing preparation activities. It’s just 2km from central city of Sihanoukville, this fishing port is one of attractive places you should list in your travel bucket when you plan for a beach hopping in Sihanoukviile.
4. Wat Leu Pagoda
One of the main active Buddhist pagoda was built on the hilltop which provides panoramic views of Sihanoukville City and beautiful Cambodia’s Islands and you will probably come across monkeys. Wat Leu still remains attractive architectures, a respectful place to enthrone Buddha image and an important place to celebrate national festivals including Pchum Ben, Khmer New Year “Songkran” and more.
5. Phsar Leu Market
Situates on the upper town, Phsar Leu is the largest local market in Sihanoukville where buyers and vendors meet for daily trade, from fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood, clothes to various goods and local authentic food can be found here. It’s a worth visit and best place for shopping along with bargain in Sihanoukville City.
6. Golden Lions Roundabout
In gold painted, a female and a male lions standing on the huge concrete roundabout is one of notable major tourist attractions as well as the prominent landmark which presents the power of the provincial city. Locates in the heart of Sihanoukville, it’s hard to miss out taking photos when you’re wandering around for the city highlight or heading to popular Ochheuteal beach.
7. Independence Monument
Away 2.5km from the international seaport, surrounded by a small park and just opposite the meeting hall, the Independence Monument was built in 1985, to remind the proclaiming the independence from French rule in 1953 and it is the most significant place to celebrate the special national holiday of 7th January Day which is the victory day over Khmer Rouge Regime and some of other national holidays are held in the area as well.
8. Ochheuteal, Otres & Independence Beaches
If you look for fun and beach parties, Ochheuteal and Otres beaches are the most popular places, many colorful restaurants, bars, food stalls and hotel resorts stretches from ferry piers toward the other part of Otres beach, which you can find from fresh seafood, fine dining restaurants, all kinds of drinks and beach hopping, water activities and sunset party boats are available on sites but if you don’t like to see the crowds, Independence beach is absolutely alternative.
9. Serendipity Beach
The entire beach is dominated by Sokha Resort – one of luxury hotel resorts locates between Ochheuteal and Independence beaches at the coastline of Sihanoukville. It is considered as the most beautiful white sandy beach which stretches 1.5km along the coastline and it is where all in one hiend resort facility service you can find including fine dining experience while spending your leisure time at its private beach.
10. Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Windsurfing, Kayaking, Fishing
Sihanoukville is not just a place for breach leisure but there’re also a lot of things to explore at both mainland and islands. From scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking to fishing, all is set at any places nearby, travel agencies or at a hotel you stay, you just hop in and check it out. For a better sport exercise, underwater experience and to avoid the crowds, Koh Rong, Koh Samleom, Koh Russei and Koh Ta Kiev are highly recommended.
11. Ream Beach
With 30 minute drive passing busy city Sihanoukville and enjoy the views of Cambodia coastline before reaching Ream Beach, Ream beach is a quiet untouched getaway surrounded by mangroves, natural beauty and high mountain range. However, at the other side of Ream Beach, there is a huge undergoing development “Crystal Ville Project” hast which will totally change Ream beach to become a luxury beach resort fulfilling of exclusive hotels, villas, shopping malls and artificial large swimming pool in Cambodia.
12. Ream National Park
One of the most primary national parks in Cambodia, Ream National Park is the untouched, potential protection area which houses tropical flora and fauna, threatened and endangered species, animals, wildlife, lush mangroves, birds, coral reefs and beaches. A local boat trip through the evergreen forest is one of nice experiences on earth to connect with beautiful environment while keeping eyes on spotting wildlife, monkeys, hornbills and hearing birds singing, with a gentle trekking to observe fishing village animated by daily life before exploring beaches and its stunning view. Due to large Chinese development, Ream National Park may disappoint your trip and sadly not a worth visit anymore but you should check out for the latest update regarding to the developing area.
13. Kbal Chhay Waterfalls
Kbal Chhay is the natural waterfalls, popularly occupied by local people and it’s the pleasant weekend getaway for breathtaking and family-friendly picnic by the waterfalls. Locates approx. 21km from central city of Sihanoukville, Kbal Chhay attractively features beautiful waterfalls from mountain and rocky forests, where you can have fun, swim and take nice photos of the stunning views and surroundings, and enjoy authentic local foods in a thatched stilt hut. The best period to visit Kbal Chhay Waterfalls is from July to November when the area is green and full of water.
14. Gambling & Casinos
Sihanoukville is not just a place for breach leisure but there’re also a lot of things to explore at both mainland and islands. From scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking to fishing, all is set at any places nearby, travel agencies or at a hotel you stay, you just hop in and check it out. For a better sport exercise, underwater experience and to avoid the crowds, Koh Rong, Koh Samleom, Koh Russei and Koh Ta Kiev are highly recommended.
