Sihanouk Ville

Sihanoukville is widely known as the jumping off point for serene islands such as Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samleom, and Koh Dek Koul. But not so fast- “Snooky” has a lot to offer on its own. Located on the southern coast of Cambodia, about a 5-hour drive from the capitol city of Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville is becoming a must-visit tourist hub in this South East Asian country.

What used to be a quiet beach town is slowly developing into party central with all the amenities! Backpackers love Sihanoukville for the amazing selection of international food, low priced accommodation, sandy beaches, and consistently wild nightlife

1. Serendipity Beach

Serendipity Beach is the main beach in Sihanoukville- you can’t miss it. Nestled right next to the pier, you’ll find a boardwalk lined with beachfront restaurants and shady umbrella stands to match. Each restaurant has seating inside with views of the ocean and beach chairs where you can sip a fruity cocktail while you work on your tan.

At night, the boardwalk comes alive with loud music, flashing lights, and a younger crowd of both travelers and Cambodians who love to party.

2. Independence Beach

Independence Beach is right in front of your face, yet somehow, tourists never notice the opportunity to explore. This charming little inlet is situated to the right of the main pier with clear water and rocky shores that is completely unique to the area.

Follow the dirt path under the massive shady trees to explore this quiet little hideaway. While not very big, this quaint cove is home to some adorable restaurants, small fishing piers, and boulders that are just begging to be climbed on.

Take your lunch to go from a nearby restaurant or grab a beer from the local shop and have a seaside picnic.

3. Otres Beach

From the center of town, hire a tuk tuk to drive you down to Otres Beach. Just on the other side of Serendipity Beach, you’ll find that Otres Beach is much cleaner, quieter, and has a touch more ‘upscale’ options for accommodation. The beach is perfect for making sand castles, the water is cool and refreshing, and the locals are super friendly.

Otres Beach is lined with small restaurants, both local and expat owned, that offer selections of Cambodian and Western food. Hanging swings, beach umbrellas, and over-hanging palm trees- Otres Beach is a great place to spend a couple of days living the good life.

4. Kbal Chhay Waterfall

After a few days in the sand, it’s nice to switch things up! Head out to Kbal Chhay Waterfall and let the fresh water streams cool you down. Rest under the falls for a vigorous back massage and lay down in the revitalizing pools of water as crystal streams rush over your body.

When you’re ready to dry off, there are traditional Khmer bamboo huts to provide some shade. Swing in a sturdy hammock and picnic on the straw mats below you. There will be hawkers selling snacks and beverages as you cross the bamboo bridge to help you stock up.

5. ATV Tours

AsiaTourAdvisor’s Tours will take you on a wild ride over muddy red dirt plains and across rocky streams, leaving you absolutely covered in red dirt splatter. Wear your play clothes, as this is not an adventure for the prim and proper.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the ATV location via tuk tuk. The tour guides are super friendly, providing clear instructions, helmets, and beer.

When you’re not mucking it up in the dirt, you’ll follow the lovely tour guides through villages, jungle, and Sihanoukville roads. This excursion is memorable, exhilarating, and totally time well spent!

6. Go Sailing

Sailsihanoukville has mini catamarans for hire. These small white boats with bright green sails line the beach on Otres and are hard to miss. You don’t have to be a sailing expert or be experienced in sailing at all to have a catamaran adventure in Sihanoukville. You can go out on a relaxing ride where you’ll take in gorgeous views of the shore or sign up for sailing lessons where you’ll learn how to navigate the boat. If you are comfortable on the “Cat”, however, you can take it out on your own for a day or even two.

No matter your preference, you’ll be guided by a seasoned sailing professional, Mickey, who explains the sailing how-to in extremely simple terms with utmost safety in mind! Rest assured, you’re in good hands.

7. Eat Everything

The diverse community of international expats has made Sihanoukville the perfect place to stuff your face. Arguably, the best place in all of Cambodia to find Western food, you’ve got plenty of options as you walk around town.

For authentic pizza with hand-tossed crust, head over to Olive and Olive – a Mediterranean restaurant where they do not skimp on fresh toppings; you sushi lovers will be ecstatic to find fat sushi rolls and fresh Nigiri at Shin Sushi Bar; and if it’s Indian that you’re in the mood for, Slum Dog Curry has the best Indian curries in town.

8. Live Entertainment at The Led Zephyr

For years, The Led Zephyr has been the go-to spot for live music and good food. Traveling musicians and comedians breeze through Sihanoukville, stopping to grace the stage with their presence multiple times per week. With a great sound system and pro light set-up, this is the real deal.

As if the live entertainment wasn’t enough, you’ll also find local draft beer on tap, amazing pork ribs, comfy seating, and a billiards table. The Led Zephyr is a great way to spend a low-key night with your crew. Better yet, prices are cheap and portions are huge.

To cure your hangover after a night of great tunes and flowing beer, crawl over on Sundays for a $5 roast and more good times.

9. Queenco Fitness Club and Spa

Often referred to as “the best gym in town”, Queenco Fitness Club and Spa is where you can find all of the cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights that you’ve been missing on your trip.

For fitness junkies, $6 per entry is certainly worth it. You get full use of the gym, showers, sauna, and you’ll also receive 15% off all food on site. But that’s not all, folks. You’ll also get full use of the club’s beachfront pool that makes for the perfect reward after a dedicated session in the gym. And because you’re on vacation, you might as well take advantage of the 30% off spa treatments and massages you get with your $6 entry.

10. Gamble at the Casino

If gambling is your thing, you’ll be delighted to find Kampongsom City Hotel & Casino in Sihanoukville. Right in the center of town, you can’t miss this giant casino with colorful lights and décor that truly stands out. Just head towards the Golden Lion and you’ll certainly see it.

Doubling as a hotel and spa, many true casino lovers opt to stay in one of the modestly priced rooms where the ultimate poker playground is at their fingertips. You’ll find all the usual suspects here: blackjack, Texas hold em’, slot machines, and more.

There is a fantastic restaurant in this casino and plenty of accommodating staff to keep your drinks filled all day.

11. Top Cat Cinema

Got some time to kill before a bus ride or before you can check into your guesthouse? Or maybe you just want to escape the Cambodian heat for a few hours. Top Cat Cinema is a comfortable place to kick your feet up and kill a few hours while having a unique experience.

This small cinema at the top of the hill near Serendipity Beach is more like a movie room than an actual theater with scheduled movie times. Go on in at your leisure and pick a move that you’d like to watch. You and your small group will then be set up in a private room with cozy couches and air con while you watch films by the hour.

Oh, and don’t forget that you can order pizza right to the cinema.

12. Island Hopping

The most popular island destinations off the coast of Sihanoukville are Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samleom: two very different islands but in close proximity to one another.

Via speed ferry, it takes about 45 minutes to get to both. There are a several boat companies running scheduled routes a few times per day. Spend one night on Samleom for a peaceful, low-key evening with amazing sunset views or head to Koh Rong for a night of partying and some of the best beaches in Cambodia.

Of course, if you have time, plan to spend a week or so island hopping between the two. There is snorkeling, scuba diving, and jungle trekking to be had.

13. Phsar Leu Market

Step into the shoes of local Cambodians at this massive flea market in Sihanoukville. Tucked in the center of town is a large plaza filled with nearly 100 vendors selling a variety of goods. You’ll find stalls selling children’s clothing, stalls with bathing suits, stalls for gold watches and jewelry, and of course, stalls with lots of food.

The outside perimeter of the market is bustling with locals who have come to pick up fruit, veg, and bread to feed their whole family- it’s quite a hectic scene to watch. Sample local delicacies like jackfruit or the infamous stinky Durian. Just watch your toes as spikey produce is strewn about.

14. Take a Cooking Class

When in Cambodia, make Amok.

Sign up for the Tastes of Cambodia cooking class in Sihanoukville where you’ll learn to make authentic Khmer dishes such as banana leaf salad, fresh spring rolls, fish amok, chicken red curry, and ginger dumplings. Vegetarians are also welcome. Just request a special menu in advance and Tastes of Cambodia will be happy to oblige.

The class is held in a traditional Cambodian home where you’re taught by smiley and knowledgeable Cambodian chefs who speak clear English and are always cracking jokes. Whatever you can’t finish, you can take home for seconds later.

15. Yoga Retreat and Classes

After you fed your soul with long nights of partying and your body with crazy adventures on the water, considering slowing down for a few days at Vagabond Temple.

This yoga center in Sihanoukville offers different retreats aimed towards different spiritual purposes. Some retreats focus on self-discovery and self-empowerment through ceremonies and life-coaching, while others work on detoxing your body and centering your energy with Reiki sessions and meditation.

Take note that from May 27, 2017 – October 16, 2017, Vagabond Temple is closed for rainy season.

Day 1: Arrive in Phnom Penh

Upon arrival, you will be met outside the baggage claim area by your guide who will escort you to a waiting vehicle for your transfer to downtown with a brief introduction en route. Your guide will be holding a welcome signboard with theAsiaTourAdvisor Logo & your name. During the drive your guide will provide an introduction to Phnom Penh.

The riverside capital of Phnom Penh, once known as “The Pearl of Asia” and long considered the most beautiful French-built city of the Orient, is a charming and captivating city. The old French ochre-coloured colonial buildings are now being filled with trendy cafes, boutiques and art galleries and many traditional ornate temples still remain. The bustling squares and frangipani-lined boulevards create an atmosphere that is unlike any other city in South East Asia. Rich in history, Phnom Penh has a number of cultural and historical sites including the National Museum, Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, and offers an insight into its darker past with the haunting Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum.

Day 2: Phnom Penh tour

The capital city of Phnom Penh was once considered the loveliest city of Indochina. Despite its recent turbulent history, it still maintains considerable charm. A city tour acquaints us with some major sights of Phnom Penh. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are now home to the royal family and are therefore very close to the public.

At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country. And visit the National Museum, which is dedicated exclusively to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period from 9th to 15th century, but some date from as early as the 4th century.

Day 3: Phnom Penh – Sihanouk Ville – Lazy Beach

Breakfasta at your hotel, free time until the guide pick you up and transfer to Sihanouk Ville. Arrive in Sihanouk Ville, to see the beaches of Sihanouk until 12:00 we departure by public boat to Koh Rong, it will take for 3 hours cruising.

Located on the south west peninsula facing the Gulf of Thailand, Sihanoukville was founded as a port town half a century ago, and today is Cambodia’s premier beach destination. Sihanoukville is surrounded by palm fringed white sand beaches, picturesque islands and warm tropical waters. Nearby islands and coral reefs teem with colourful fish and offer excellent snorkelling opportunities. Close by is Ream National Park with secluded beaches, mangrove forests, rivers, tropical jungles and varied wildlife ranging from sun bears to the endangered elongated tortoise. For seafood lovers the local specialities are crab and shrimp.

Day 4: Sihanoukville at leisure

Breakfast at your hotel, free time for relaxing on beach all day or by the swimming pool.

Day 5: Sihanoukville Departure

The final day of your Cambodia Holiday is free time spent at your hotel until your Cambodia tour guide arrives to transport you to the airport for your flight to next destination. Asia Tour Advisor can arrange additional customized trips for you should you require it.

Finish unforgettable Cambodia Tour with Asia Tour Advisor Co.,. Good bye & see you in the next time! AsiaTourAdvisor can arrange additional customized trips for you if the above itinerary does not match your expectations.

1. Khin’s Shack

Located at the Sihanoukville seafront of serendipity beach, Khin’s Shack is a restaurant which is easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention. The speciality of this place is Khmer seafood and fresh scallop cooked in a BBQ grill which you will not find in any other places. And all foods and cocktails are affordable too.

Enjoying the sunset while having a cocktail and a scallop is a beautiful experience to have.

2. Sandan

Sandan Restaurant is operated by one of the largest NGOs in Sihanoukville, where disadvantaged youths are trained for the hospitality sector so that they can provide for themselves. The training includes learning about trade, floor work, and service to cheffing.

The restaurant features a variety of local Cambodian cuisines. And if you don’t know what to eat, Sandan offers an excellent “taster menu” where you can teste many of the local dishes.

At Sandan, the happy hours start from 5 pm till 7 pm, and they also organize dance performances every Friday from 7 to 9 pm. They also have a kids zone for children.

3. Ryoma

Ryoma is a small Japanese restaurant in Sihanoukville. Decorated with Japanese architecture, RYOMA features a full-fledged tummy-tantalizing Japanese menu.

Whether you want a small snack to fill your belly or a full meal, Ryoma will fulfil all your requirements, that too with affordable prices. The signature dish here is Okonomiyaki, an impressive Japanese fusion of PIzza and Pancake.

There are two Ryoma Restaurants in Sihanoukville; one is in Serendipity Beach Road and another one in Golden Lions Roundabout.

4. Starfish Bakery & Cafe

Starfish is a little bakery located at the heart of downtown Sihanoukville. It was started as a revenue generated project for the local NGO Starfish Project. A complete escape from daily life, Starfish is a place to relax, have a good time and taste the freshly made cakes and brownies. Starfish Bakery & Cafe are known for their brownies all over Sihanoukville. A wide variety of freshly baked bread and fruit juices are sold as well.

5. Mike’s Burger House

There is nothing more beautiful than meat squished between two buns. Mike’s Burger House is one of the renowned Burger joints in Phnom Penh. And after the huge success in Phnom Penh, it has established another Burger Banger in Sihanoukville.

The owner Mike spent 30 years in California to learn and perfect the art of making Burgers, and after the collapse of the Khmer Rouge regime, they opened this awesome Burger joint in Cambodia.

6. Queenco Hotel

Located at the Independence beach, Queenco Hotel is a little gem. What is particularly special about Queenco hotel is the view of the sunset. The bar of the hotel is located directly at the beach. And the happy hours of the bar go perfectly hand in hand with the sunset. So you can enjoy the stunning sunset, relaxing in a deck-chair, with a drink in hand.

Queenco Hotel is also a leading hotel in Sihanoukville with great hospitality and luxury facilities. Despite being a luxury hotel located at a great spot, it’s usually pretty quiet, especially away from the swimming pool.

7. The Pizza Company

Initially founded in Bangkok in 1980, The Pizza Company in Sihanoukville is now part of an acclaimed food chain. They mainly focus on serving pizzas, pasta, fries, and desserts. The variety of pizzas here will fill you with joy. Thick crust pan pizza, Stuffed crust with cheese and sausage filled pizza are some of the specialities here. They even have free home delivery and 30-minutes money-back guarantee.

8. Sana’s Garden

Sana’s Garden is a family-run restaurant in Sihanoukville. The place is equipped with a beautiful swimming pool surrounded by plants and trees, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy.

The food here is mainly influenced by Thai and Asian dishes, but also they have western foods like sandwiches, pork ribs, etc.

Apart from foods, Sana’s Garden is famous for its Coffee, with freshly ground Khmer Coffee beans.

Sihanoukville enjoys a tropical monsoon climate in accordance with the Köppen-Geiger classification. The yearly average maximum temperature in Sihanoukville is 30°C (ranging from 29°C in january to 31°C in may). Annual rainfall is 5215mm, with a minimum of 61mm in february and a maximum of 868mm in august.

Between the months of january and february the climate is good. It is for example 29°C as maximum temperature in february and it rains about 11% of the time in february.

Between march and april the climate is not good, but still OK. The record temperature this month is 32°C and it rains in april about 222mm.

In the month of may the climate is not good. By early evening, the temperature averages 30°C and it rains in may about 410mm.

Between the months of june and september the climate is the worst possible. the thermometer goes up to 29°C°C and you can expect to have 843mm of rainfall/month during this period.

In the month of october the climate is bad. The record temperature this month is 32°C and you can expect to have 582mm of rainfall/month during this period.

From november to december the climate is just OK. the thermometer goes up to 30°C°C and it rains in december about 138mm.

Throughout this article, we wish you to have an idea of how to travel to Sihanouk ville for your best experience. In case you are looking for your own travel agent, who can offer a wonderful and hassle-free trip to Sihanouk ville, please feel free to let us know. We always commit our best to make it your once-in-a-lifetime journey