Sihanoukville (Krong Preah Seihanu; ក្រុងព្រះសីហនុ), formerly Kompong Som, is a seaside port city in Cambodia. This formerly laid-back beach destination has been transformed by Chinese investment and is now basically a giant construction site for Chinese resorts and casinos. It remains the launching point for beautiful islands nearby. In 2019, the city had about 67,000 residents.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
In a land with thousands of years of history, Sihanoukville is a colourful but tragic upstart. A joint French-Cambodian project carved a camp out of the jungle and started building the first deep-sea port in a newly independent Cambodia. Named Sihanoukville in 1964 after the ruling prince of Cambodia, the booming port and its golden beaches soon drew Cambodia's jet-setting elite, spawned the first Angkor brewery, and the modernist seven-story Independence Hotel which, claim locals, played host to Jacqueline Kennedy on her whirlwind tour of Cambodia in 1967. Alas, the party came to an abrupt end in 1970 when Sihanouk was deposed in a coup and Cambodia descended into civil war.
Distances between the beaches are too long to walk comfortably, but getting around is easy, as the roads are wide and bike taxis (motodop) are everywhere. The standard price is US$1 per trip, although expect to haggle at night or if the distance is long. They'll gladly pile on two people and their luggage too. For larger groups, car taxis can be called by phone (fixed US$5 to most places around town). There are dozens of the ubiquitous tuk-tuks around the new bus station and the accommodation areas.
The town doesn't offer much to see. The main areas of Sihanoukville of interest to tourists are Serendipity Beach, Otres Beach, Victory Beach, and the various islands off the coast. The main reason to visit Sihanoukville is the beaches. They are not as crowded as many of those in Thailand, but can be cramped on weekends and holidays. Like many beaches in Southeast Asia, they are often covered in a lot of rubbish. Independence Beach (also known as 7-chan beach after the seven-storey Independence Hotel). Ochheuteal Beach (ឆ្នេរអូឈើទៀល - Chnay Occheuteal). A long narrow strip of white sand beach in Sangkat No 3.
The Cambodian Children's Painting Project (CCPP) (On Serendipity Beach Rd). An NGO which works with impoverished Cambodian children. Together with volunteers, the children create art which is then sold to help support the children's families and the project itself. As part of the project children are provided with access to education, painting materials, sport activities, two meals a day, medical and dental assistance. Social workers are employed to work with the children's families. You can help by becoming a volunteer, donating painting materials, buying a painting, donating money or by holding an exhibition of the children's art.
Along the beaches, especially at Ochheuteal Beach, there are many food stalls and some restaurants serving grilled, meat, chicken, and seafood with chips/fries and a beer for US$3–4. There are a good many restaurants in town as well. Sihanoukville has a surprisingly diverse set of cuisines. Sandan, Street 10311, one block south of 7 Makara Street (look for their brightly lit mango tree), ☏ +855 98 454 400. A restaurant serving local flavors and Cambodian traditions with an 8- or 12-course dinner option if you prefer.
Seapony Cafe, #4 Seapony Lane M'Pai Bai Village, Koh Rong Samloem (will need a launch to Koh Rong Samloem island offshore), ☏ +855 96 264 5541. W-M 08:30-15:00. Serving up breakfast and lunch. Starfish Bakery & Cafe, Street 208 (100 m from junction with 7 Makara Street) (small street along side Samudera Supermarket) (will need a launch to Koh Rong Samloem island offshore), ☏ +855 12 952 011. Daily 07:00-17:30. Makes contribution to local charitable causes.
Cambodia National Police: ☏ +855 31 201 2345, ☏ +855 31 601 2345 Cambodia National Police, Sihanoukville Branch: ☏ +855 11 506 677, ☏ +855 11 516 677, ☏ +855 11 526 677 While violent crime is extremely rare, purse snatching, pick-pocketing, and petty theft are extremely common occurrences on and near Serendipity beach during both the day and night. Women should not carry purses containing anything valuable, and if possible should not carry any purse at all. Groups of young children often surround women leaving the beach bars at night, cut off their purses and run away.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Sihanoukville typically sees ~29°C daytime highs and 28 rainy days.
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