Sihanoukville Destination Guide
Given the number and the quality of the beaches in Sihanoukville (as well as the relative lack of them anywhere else in Cambodia), it is no surprise that this is the main reason for people to travel to Sihanoukville to spend part of their holiday. However, there are a number of other things of interest to see in Sihanoukville; including monuments, mountains, waterfalls and a national park.
Enjoy the beaches, and then enjoy all the other sights of Sihanoukville and its surrounding areas!
Use this Sihanoukville destination guide for ideas of things to see and do in Sihanoukville, as well as in the surrounding areas outside town. If you are interested, you could take a tour and see what Sihanoukville has to offer, such as getting under water in the form of snorkelling or scuba-diving. For more general country information make sure you check out our Cambodia country guide, or some of the highlights of Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. You can also see what's on offer in Cambodia's South East Asia neighbours, Vietnam, Thailand and Laos.
Things to See & Do in Sihanoukville
Most tourists come to enjoy the white sandy beaches and the warm waters from the Gulf of Thailand which caress them. The atmosphere is totally laidback in this tropical getaway. However, there are lots of other things to see and do and a number of tours and activities to enjoy. There are opportunities to indulge in adventure sports like snorkelling and scuba diving, and most visitors hire water taxis to nearby islands for diving, snorkelling and fishing. You can also tuck into some fresh seafood from the thatched roof eateries on the beaches. If you venture out to some of the more remote islands and beaches, foreign faces are met with curious glances and gentle smiles by the amiable local people.
Lately, Sihanoukville has been witnessing a rocking nightlife and a lot of bars are kept open till the wee hours of the morning. These are located on Weather Station Hill, around Serendipity beach and the Golden Lion and in the city centre. There is always some sort of merry-making on the Ochheuteal, Serendipity and Victory Beaches. Parties, sports events and happy hour specials – Sihanoukville is indeed raring to go!
Sihanoukville Beaches
Sokha Beach
Occupied by Sihanoukville's first resort complex, Sokha Beach Resort , this beach offers upscale accommodation, restaurants and a variety of water sports. Open to the guests of the resort as well as the general public.
Ocheuteal Beach
Ocheuteal Beach is the most popular strech of beach in Sihanoukville, and offers a wide range of budget accommodation and mid range hotels, restaurants, bars and, for the more adventurous travellers, different kinds of water activities.
From a long strech of almost empty beach, Ochheuteal has grown to a pulsating place inhabiting not only tourists and locals but also loads of beach sellers. This can be an annoyance for some, but most of the children and women working on the beach are friendly and are persistent - trying to bargain can easily be turned into an amusing conversation. Teach them some useful English vocabulary and they will most likely teach you some useful Khmer vocabulary in return.
Serendipity Beach
Serendipity Beach is located on the far northern end of Ochheuteal Beach. It is the only beach offering bungalows and guesthouses right on the sand only footsteps from the water. If you're looking for a good night out this is the place to visit with a wide range of beach bars and chill out places. Here you will also find the same crowd of beach sellers.
Independence Beach
Independence Beach, or '7-stories beach', as the locals prefer to call it, is named after the Independence Hotel located at the north end of the beach. 7-Chann Beach is the name you will find on the town street signs showing you the directions towards this narrow but less crowded and beach.
Victory Beach
Victory Beach is a more than 2 km long, quiet and peaceful beach just down from Victory Hill. The beach is divided in two by a small hill and a rocky point. It offers a variety of bars and restaurants.
Otres Beach
A beautiful beach located south from Ochheuteal beach, about 1km from Otres village and the village Pagoda. The beach is a quiet and close to deserted part of the coast. For travellers wanting to take a break from the busy Ochheuteal beach, this is the beach to place your towels. A small amount of sellers offer refreshments for the thirsty.
Ream Beach
Ream Beach is located in the Ream National Park with few visitors and a small amount of vendors selling beverages. If you decide to spend the night by Ream Beach the National Park offers accommodation through their guesthouse. Behind the beach you will find a mangrove swamp that inhabits a variety of tropical birds.
Depot Beaches
Small beaches located north of town. The beaches are narrow and the water shallow, which leaves them un-crowded.
Community Projects
There are many community projects set up in Sihanoukville, by comitted NGO's, directly impacting those in great need. We have highlighted a few on this site whereby you can help individual projects by purchasing handmade crafts or eating at restaurants that have supported the employment and training.
Here are some active projects worth supporting:
The Starfish Project
Rajana Association for Cambodian Art and Crafts
M'lop Tapang
Child Safe
