Sihanoukville Travel Guide
Named after the former king Norodom Sihanouk, the city of Sihanoukville is usually a must on everyone’s travels to Cambodia.
The city’s golden beaches originally caught the attention of Cambodia’s jet-setting elite, however, Sihanoukville fell off the map during the tragic and violent reign of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. Years later, it was “rediscovered” and revitalized by the backpacking crowd, evolving into a lazy beach town.
These days, Sihanoukville is now the premier backpacker party city in Cambodia. It’s also popular with, Russian and Chinese tourists who are rapidly changing the face of the city.
While I think the city is a fun place to party, traveling here isn’t going to “wow” you. In fact, the city has become a bit of a mess due to construction, pollution, and casinos in recent years. It’s not very appealing except for a small strip of land by the dock.
That said, the islands off the coast are still a backpacker and budget traveler paradise, so Sihanoukville is still good for a night as you transit to/from the islands.
This Sihanoukville travel can help you make the most of your visit, save money, and show you how to enjoy the islands surrounding this once-sleepy backpacker town.
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Sihanoukville
1. Lounge on Otres Beach
There are several good beaches in the area, with Otres Beach being the best for swimming. It also has much clearer water and a more relaxed setting than any beach in Sihanoukville, which is why it’s my favorite. The beach seems to stretch on forever, so finding your own quiet spot is easy.
2. Go on a motorbike tour
Taking a motorbike into the jungle is a fun opportunity for anyone who loves adventure and wants to get off the beaten path. Prices vary for each tour, as they offer budget, standard, and luxury options for every route. They’re not cheap (make sure you use a reputable company), but it’s a great experience.
3. Visit a pepper farm
Pepper is the biggest commodity here and there are several pepper plantations that offer tours. Guides explain the production process of this spice, which was once the world’s most expensive commodity. They are pretty interesting and the ride there is super scenic. Most tours are 4-5 hours or you can opt for a full-day tour that visits other sites in the area.
4. Relax on Monkey Island
Koh Rong is a 45-minute boat ride from Sihanoukville. Legend has it that this island was once inhabited by a giant King Kong-like ape. If you don’t find this mythical creature, give up your search and spend some time on the beautiful beaches instead. Day trips typically include lunch and snorkeling equipment.
5. Take a booze cruise
A boat jam-packed with drunken tourists in a gorgeous paradise — what could be better ingredients for a wild party? These cruises leave in the morning and visit 3-4 islands during the day while drinking non-stop. You can find a tour once you arrive, just ask around.
Other Things to See and Do in Sihanoukville
1. Go scuba diving
The islands around Sihanoukville have great visibility, vibrant colorful coral, and exotic fish. There are a lot of PADI-certified schools on the islands, offering courses, liveaboards, and fun dives — including night dives. An Open Water certification requires a multi-day course and isn’t cheap. You can also do a single-tank dive instead.
2. Shop at the market
The Phsar Leu Market, also known as Upper Market, is in the center of Sihanoukville and a good place to shop around and try some of the local foods. Come here for incredibly fresh seafood and marvel at the variety of items on offer. You can also buy clothing and souvenirs here as well. It’s open daily from 7am to 5pm.
3. Rent a jet ski
Jet skis and banana boats are very popular around this area. Prices vary based on how long you rent one. If you want to rent one, be aware of your surroundings, stay clear of the swimming section, and adhere to safety regulations. There have been numerous accidents in the last few years due to negligence so have fun but drive carefully!
4. Visit Wat Leu
This temple is located on top of the big hill in town. There is a small museum here, and it’s a great place to catch the sunset, as well as take in wonderful views of the area. It’s much less busy than many of the other temples in Cambodia.
5. Day trip to Kampot
Kampot is a small town that is a nice break from the bustling backpacker atmosphere in Sihanoukville. A minibus to Kambot takes around two hours and is inexpensive. You can visit pepper farms, beaches, temples, and just relax in a quieter setting. Be sure to eat at The Rusty Keyhole (for the best rib BBQ outside of Texas). If you want to make it an overnight trip, stay at the Bohemiaz Guesthouse. Even if you don’t stay there, you can use their facilities (swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, garden) for free when you eat at or have a drink at their bar/restaurant. You can also go with a guided tour to learn more about the region and the sights.
6. Go snorkeling
Almost all the islands around Sihanoukville offer snorkeling opportunities, and the further from Sihanoukville you get the better the visibility and sea life gets. Snorkeling tours include breakfast, lunch, and equipment. The Dive Shop Cambodia is the only dive shop in Sihanoukville itself, though there are plenty of shops on the surrounding islands.
7. Jam with the expats at Otres Market
Every Saturday from midday until midnight the local expats gather to eat, drink, sell handicrafts, and jam to live music. The market is fantastic. The night is lit up with multi-colored lights and funky stands offering everything from passion fruit cheesecake and shots to handmade jewelry, hair dreading, and hippie clothing. Do not miss out on this incredible musical experience!
8. Hang out on Ochheuteal/Serendipity Beach
This is one of the most popular beaches in Sihanoukville. Ochheuteal refers to the entire 4-kilometer (2.5 miles) length of the beach, whereas Serendipity refers to the northern section with bars, restaurants, bungalows, and guesthouses on the sand. However, don’t go in the water here, because the sewage pipes empty right out into the harbor in front of the beaches (if you want to swim, do so in Otres.) It’s the liveliest beach area in Sihanoukville though, and Serendipity Beach Road is packed with bars and cheap guesthouses.
9. Chill on Independence Beach
At 1 kilometer (.6 miles) long, this is a smaller beach area, but it hasn’t been overly developed (yet). There are a handful of beach restaurants in the middle and a large casino and hotel complex at one end of Independence. It’s still mostly a quiet place to relax.
10. Relax on Koh Rong Sanloem
Koh Rong Sanloem Island is a smaller version of Koh Rong, with some really beautiful beaches on the eastern side. The sea life around here is very diverse and makes for great diving and snorkeling. You can easily find a day trip.
11. Hike in Bokor National Park
Spanning 1,423.17 square kilometers (550 square miles), there’s a lot to do at Bokor National Park. You can hike through a rainforest and see Bokor Hill Station, the atmospheric ruins of the French aristocracy for whom Bokor was a big draw in the 1920s. There are amazing views, ruins, waterfalls, and temples all around. Admission is free too. You can take a group day tour or hire a private guide for the day. However, it’s 3 hours each way so it’s best to do it as an overnight trip.
12. Take a day trip to Kep
Like Kampot, Kep is a small, chill town. This quaint beach town and fishing village is the quiet version of Sihanoukville: a nice place to relax near the ocean but without a party atmosphere. It’s famous for its pepper crab and empty beaches. Getting here by minibus takes around two hours and is pretty inexpensive. If you want to spend a few days here, you can also visit the secluded nearby Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay).
How to Stay Safe in Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is a safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. Violent attacks are super rare.
Petty theft is the most common type of crime here. Unfortunately, it’s rather frequent on the beaches. Ochheuteal Beach is particularly a hotspot for thieves. Never leave any valuables unattended while you’re here and avoid walking on the beaches alone after dark just to be safe.
Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and follow standard safety precautions like never leaving your drink unattended at the bar, walking in unlit places alone at night, etc. If you want specific information about Cambodia, there are a number of incredible solo female travel blogs that can provide tips that I can’t.
A common scam here involves being distracted by a child (or sometimes an adult) while another person takes your valuables from your towel. Leave your most important valuables in your safety deposit box or locker and always stay vigilant if people randomly approach you.
If you’re worried about getting ripped off, read about common travel scams to avoid here.
Hold onto your bag tightly when you’re riding on a motorbike taxi. Keep your bag in front of you so other drivers can’t snatch it. Bag snatching can occur so always keep your bag secure when out and about.
The people who do tend to get into trouble here are usually involved with drugs or sex tourism. Avoid those and you should be fine.
Avoid dehydration in the heat by making sure you bring lots of water to keep hydrated. Remember that tap water isn’t safe to drink, so bring a water bottle with a built-in filter.
If you experience an emergency, dial 119 for assistance.
Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.
Where to Stay in Sihanoukville
There aren’t a lot of great places to stay in Sihanoukville; most are on Koh Rong or other nearby islands. Here are some of my recommended places to stay in the area:
- Onederz Koh Rong Samloem (Koh Rong Samloem)
- Onederz Sihanoukville
- Next Beach Club (Koh Rong)
- Sok Mean Bungalows (Koh Rong Samloem)
- Ginger Sihanoukville
- Soksan Natura Beach (Koh Rong)
Sihanoukville Travel Costs
Note: Cambodia uses USD. There’s no real need to carry the local currency, Cambodian Riels (KHR), unless you’re paying for really small things on the street. In a growing number of places, especially in the countryside, you might start getting riels back when paying in USD but you can essentially get by using mostly USD here.
Accommodation
- Hostel dorms – $6-9 USD per night
- Hostel private rooms – $15-20 USD per night
- Budget hotels – $15-35 USD per night
- Luxury hotels – $150+ USD per night
- Airbnb rooms – $10-20 USD per night
- Airbnb apartments – $20-35 USD per night
Expect prices to be at least 20% higher during the busy tourist season (November – April).
Food
- Street food – $1-3 USD
- Casual restaurants – $3-5 USD
- Western restaurants – $5-10 USD
- Sushi – $30 USD
- Beer – $1-3 USD
- Glass of wine – $3-5 USD
- Cocktails – $3-5 USD
- Cappuccino/latte – $2-4 USD
- Groceries for a week – $20-25 USD
Sihanoukville Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – $50 USD Per Day
This budget covers a hostel dorm, cooking all your meals or eating street food, public transportation, and doing mostly free activities like relaxing at the beach and visiting the markets. If you plan on partying, add another $5-$10 USD to your daily budget.
Midrange – $100 USD Per Day
On a mid-range budget, you can stay in a budget hotel/hostel private room, splurge on the occasional taxi, eat out often rather than cook, and do more paid activities like visiting the islands or going on a booze cruise.
Upscale – $300+ USD Per Day
This is just the ground floor for luxury. If you want fancy hotels, high-end restaurants, private tours, or craft cocktails, you can get it here. The sky is the limit if you have the money to spend!
Sihanoukville Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
Despite being a popular tourist destination, Sihanoukville remains affordable. But if you want to save some cash, here are some money-saving tips for Sihanoukville:
Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Sihanoukville since you can’t drink the tap water here. Save money and thousands of plastic bottles and get a bottle that can purify the tap water for you. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw, as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
Eat on the street – You can pick up tasty local fare for cheap in Cambodia. Eat cheap at the stalls and avoid Western food.
Minimize your drinking – Drinks, though cheap, really add up. Every drink is a dollar and before you know it, you’ve spent more money on beer than on food and accommodation. If you drink a lot, you’ll need a slightly higher budget.
Drink during happy hour – The trend on Serendipity Beach is to advertise a permanent ‘happy hour’ (cocktails for $2-3 USD and draft beer for as little as $0.75 USD). If you’re going to drink, stick to places with cheap happy hour drinks because they add up fast!
Negotiate with tuk-tuk drivers – Make sure you negotiate the price of your ride before taking off. Moreover, don’t take the first number they give you — it’s inflated. Keep in mind that prices rise around sunset and negotiating becomes more difficult.
Bargain hard – Nothing is ever at face value here. Bargain with sellers, because most of the time, the price they’ve quoted is way higher. There’s a haggling culture in the region so play the game and save some money. You’ll never get the local price, but you might come close!
Work for your room – It’s pretty common to get a job in a hostel in order to stay longer in Sihanoukville so if you stay at a hostel and like the vibe, ask if they’ll let you work there. You usually just need to work a few hours each day in exchange for accommodation.
Reedeem hotel points – Make sure you sign up for hotel credit cards and use those points to cover accommodations when you travel. Most cards come with at least 1-2 nights free, which can help lower your costs. This post will help you get started with the basics so you can start earning points today and have plenty for your trip.
Book tours and day trips as a group – You have more negotiation power when you’re with a group of people buying multiple tickets. Traveling alone? Meet a friend at a hostel and see if they want to join the same tour as you. You can likely get a better price this way.
Don’t book in advance – Don’t book any tours or activities before you get to your destination. They’ll be much cheaper when you arrive as you can negotiate a lower price. Anything you see online is going to be more expensive than you need to pay!
How to Get Around in Sihanoukville
Motorbike Taxis – Motorbike taxis are the most common way to get around Sihanoukville. The standard price for a ride is around $1.25 USD per trip, although expect to haggle at night or if the distance is long. The ride from the new bus station to Serendipity Beach should cost around $3.50 USD during the day.
Tuk-Tuk – If you’re uncomfortable with taking a motorbike taxi in Sihanoukville, tuk-tuks are also plentiful. They’re more expensive than the motorbikes, however, and haggling often doesn’t work as drivers work together to fix their rates. A trip from the city to Serendipity Beach or Otres shouldn’t cost more than $4 USD. Hiring one for a full day costs about $20 USD.
Taxis – Regular car taxis are also available here, but they’re rarely metered and they’re the most expensive option of these three. If you need to get to the airport, you’ll have to get your hotel or hostel to arrange the ride. The entire journey costs about $20 USD. Otherwise, I’d avoid them.
Due to construction, the ride to the airport takes a couple of hours. Leave hours before your flight as there are constant delays!
Motorbike/car rental Motorbikes are around $5 USD per day and $30 USD per week. However, with hazardous roads and driving conditions, there’s really no need to rent a motorbike here (especially since you’re likely heading off to the islands).
Car rentals are virtually non-existent here, and I wouldn’t recommend driving here anyway as accidents are very common.
When to Go to Sihanoukville
The high season in Cambodia is from November to April when temperatures are mild. This is the best time to visit Sihanoukville (and the coast in general) — the sunshine is constant and so are the blue skies. Daily highs are just under 30°C (90°F), and you’ll be able to enjoy a nice sea breeze on the beach. This is when most people visit, however, so be prepared for large crowds.
If you’d rather avoid peak tourist season, visit from May to the beginning of October. Although this overlaps with the rainy season, generally that just means getting hit with brief heavy rainfall in the afternoons.
April is the hottest month, and the humidity can be unbearable for some. Daily highs are usually 33°C (91°F) or higher. But if you want to avoid hordes of tourists, this is the time to come!
Sihanoukville Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
- Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
Sihanoukville Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Cambodia travel and continue planning your trip:
