Sihanoukville is the fastest-changing city in Cambodia. The waterfront downtown is full of casinos and construction, but the outer islands are still beautiful and quiet in a way that's hard to find in this region. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem have white-sand beaches and clear water that travelers rate among the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia. Ream National Park still holds its original mangrove forest and coral. You come to Sihanoukville for the islands, not the city.
#1 Koh Rong
Cambodia's second-largest island and the single biggest reason to come to Sihanoukville. The 7-kilometre stretch of Long Beach (Sok San Beach) is still calm and clear, the water a deep ocean blue. At night, bioluminescent plankton glow blue in the shallows near shore — a natural display that's genuinely rare to see. The Koh Tuch side has more resorts and bars and suits anyone who wants a lively scene, while Long Beach is quieter and more beautiful, better for switching off completely.
- Book the ferry from Sihanoukville pier ahead of time; it takes about 45 minutes and costs 25-35 USD round trip.
- The bioluminescent plankton are best seen May to October, in the shallows near the Koh Tuch shore on a properly dark night.
- Long Beach has no ATM and limited internet — bring cash in USD and download offline maps before you go.
#2 Koh Rong Sanloem
A smaller island that many people say beats Koh Rong on atmosphere, simply because there are fewer travelers and it's far quieter. Saracen Bay is a curved bay of still, emerald water, good for swimming and kayaking, while M'Pai Bay on the opposite side is a traditional fishing village that's still very much alive. The island also has shallow coral you can snorkel without heading out to deep water, and forest inland for short treks.
- The eastern Saracen Bay side is good for relaxing, while M'Pai Bay to the north suits anyone who likes a local feel and the fishermen.
- Rent a kayak from a resort (5-8 USD/hour) and paddle around the island in the morning before the afternoon wind picks up.
- Stay at least one night on the island — coming in the morning and leaving in the evening isn't worth it, as the island is at its most beautiful at dawn and dusk.
#3 Ream National Park
The largest national park in southern Cambodia, covering mangrove forest, coral reefs and undeveloped original beaches. Take a boat through the Prek Toek Sap mangroves to watch birds and long-tailed macaques along the channel, snorkel the reef without heading far out to sea, and walk the jungle for birdwatching. It's an option for travelers who want to see Cambodia's nature in its original form without going out to an island. Note: parts of the area are being re-managed, so check with a local guide first.
- Hire a local guide through the park office at the entrance; it costs 15-25 USD including the boat — going on your own isn't recommended, as the routes are confusing.
- The mangrove boat tour is best in the early morning, 7-9 a.m., when birds and wildlife are most active.
- Bring strong mosquito repellent and long sleeves — mosquitoes in the mangroves are fierce, especially in the evening.
#4 Koh Ta Kiev
The closest island to Sihanoukville and still undeveloped, ideal for travelers who want to get away and have a beach to themselves. The forest on the island is still thick, with small trails linking the beaches around it. There are a handful of small eco-resorts, no cars on the island, and shallow water that's good for swimming with kids. At night the sky goes fully dark and the stars come out clearly. It's a good place to spend 1-2 nights on the way to Koh Rong.
- Resorts on the island run on solar power, so electricity may be limited at times and some rooms have no air-con — check before you book.
- Bring your own drinking water and snacks, as shops on the island are few and far more expensive than usual.
- The island is very quiet and good for a phone detox, but if you want mid-range comfort or better, choose Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem instead.
#5 Ochheuteal Beach
The longest beach in downtown Sihanoukville and once the most popular with travelers before the casino boom. The golden sand runs more than 3 kilometres, the pale blue water is calm enough to swim safely, and although both sides of the beach have changed a lot with development, the sunset here is still beautiful every time. It's good for an evening stroll or for your first day before heading out to the islands. It isn't the best beach in the region, but it's easy to reach from the city.
- Come at dawn or in the evening to avoid the harsh sun and to catch a beautiful sunset without leaving the mainland.
- Watch out for hawkers selling on the beach and the massages along the shore — always agree the price first.
- If you've come for genuinely beautiful sea, head out to the islands instead — none of the beaches in downtown Sihanoukville can match those on the outer islands.
#6 Fishing Village and Morning Fish Market
A taste of local life that's a world apart from the tourist islands. The morning fish market by the pier starts buzzing from 5 a.m. as the fishing boats land their fresh catch — blue crab, lobster, all kinds of sea fish, at prices many times lower than the restaurants. You can pick out what you want and have a restaurant beside the market cook it for you for a small charge on top. It's the everyday life of Khmer fishermen, still much as it was, without tourism changing it much.
- Come before 6 a.m. to see the boats unloading and the market at its busiest; after 8 a.m. some of the fresh fish has already sold out.
- Fresh seafood at the market is far cheaper than at ordinary restaurants — prices are negotiable, and buying a lot gets you a discount.
- Bring a camera and an open mind — the morning market is a genuine piece of Sihanoukville's culture that not every traveler gets to see.
Where to stay in Sihanoukville for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Sihanoukville — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Tara Lodge
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Independence Hotel Resort & Spa
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Otres Villas
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Sokha Beach Resort
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Tours, tickets & activities in Sihanoukville
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Before You Pack
The best time for Sihanoukville is November to April — the dry season, when the sea is calm and the skies are clear, ideal for snorkelling and boat trips. Avoid June to September, when it rains heavily and the sea gets choppy. Plan to stay on the islands at least 2-3 nights to feel the quiet properly, and book island accommodation ahead in peak season, as rooms are limited.