Cambodia

Sihanoukville is a small seaside town. Capital of Sihanoukville Province, it is one of Cambodia’s largest cities. Known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and surrounding islands, it has developed a major tourism industry that now attracts thousands of visitors from around the world each year.

History

Sihanoukville was developed by the French. In early June 1955, they built a port facing the entrance to the Gulf of Thailand. It was the first port in Cambodia and remains the country’s only seaport to this day. 

Following this, the city was called Kampong Saom, which literally means “pleasant port.” In 1958, to honor a former king of Cambodia, known as Norodom Sihanouk, the city was renamed to its current name.

Geography

The city of Sihanoukville is located on Cambodia’s southeastern coast, about 230 km south of Phnom Penh. Covering an area of 80 km², the city is divided into four main areas. The central district, or city center, is home to nearly all administrative and commercial activities. The other areas, surrounded by the Gulf of Thailand, include Victory Hill, Occheuteal Beach, and Otres Beach.

Sihanoukville today

Sihanoukville is a very modern city. It has banks, supermarkets, and a main market called Psar Leu. At nightfall, it becomes lively and trendy. Under the lights, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, beach events, casinos, and large screen projections enhance the city’s nighttime atmosphere.

It has around 89,846 inhabitants. The population is generally made up of backpackers and Khmers from Phnom Penh. 

During your stay in the area, this city will be your gastronomic destination to try Cambodian cuisine. You can enjoy the beach buffet and Cambodian fish soup. The city also offers the best seafood in the country. Fresh seafood is available and specially prepared for your meal.

Sihanoukville features a rich natural landscape. You can explore a wide variety of preserved islands, from Koh Rong to Koh Ta Kiev. Around a dozen islands can be found near the city. There are also waterfalls, such as Kbal Chhay. Sihanoukville is considered the main tourist hub in the region for excursions and forest hikes.

This city is also Cambodia’s premier beach destination. Along the coast, it features stunning white sandy beaches such as Occheuteal, Serendipity, and Otres Beach. In addition to the nightlife at Occheuteal Beach, these beaches are perfect for scuba diving, swimming, or excursions. Located 10 km from the city center, Otres Beach is considered one of the 25 best beaches in Asia.

Climate

Sihanoukville has a tropical climate with a significant rainy season and a very short dry season. The average annual rainfall is 3,498 mm. According to the Köppen-Geiger classification system, it has an Am-type tropical monsoon climate. 

Between April and May, Sihanoukville experiences the hottest period of the year. The average temperature is around 29°C. The city’s overall average annual temperature is approximately 27.6°C.

Getting around

Motorcycles and tuk-tuks are the most common forms of transportation in the city. Whether on the street, at the beach, or in residential areas, these are the most convenient and affordable ways to get around.

How to get there

By air

Sihanoukville has an international airport located just 12 km east of the city center. Since December 2011, the city has been served by regular flights to and from Siem Reap.

By bus

From Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, there are many bus connections linking Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. The trip between these cities by air takes about 3 to 4 hours. 

By taxi

Taxis travel from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville in about 4 hours. You can also take a taxi from Koh Kong.

What to do

• Visit the Kbal Chhay waterfalls on weekends for a picnic day 
• Discover Ream National Park to admire the mangroves and beaches 
• Explore the preserved islands around the city