SIHANOUKVILLE & THE ISLANDS
Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s premier mainland coastal hub, a rapidly transforming city that acts as the gateway to the Gulf of Thailand’s most spectacular islands. It’s a dynamic mix of modern development and beautiful natural beaches.
This region is defined by its sun-drenched beaches and the pristine, low-key paradise of its nearby islands. It offers everything from buzzing mainland activity to the quiet, crystal-clear waters of a tropical escape.
Most Popular Attractions
Sihanoukville Mainland & Beaches
Otres Beach: A beautiful, long stretch of white sand, historically known for its laid-back, bohemian atmosphere, now split into Otres 1 and Otres 2.
Serendipity Beach & Pier: The city’s main travel hub, featuring many restaurants and bars, and the central pier for island boat transfers.
Ochheuteal Beach: A long, popular strip adjacent to Serendipity, known for its seafood shacks and lively beachfront activity.
Independence Beach (Sokha Beach): A quieter, picturesque beach named after the historic Independence Hotel, offering a more tranquil setting.
Ream National Park: A coastal park protecting mangroves, forests, and beaches, excellent for boat trips and bird watching.
Golden Lions Roundabout: A prominent, recognizable landmark and meeting point in the city center.
Kbal Chhay Waterfalls: A series of waterfalls located outside the city, a popular spot for locals during the rainy season.
Phsar Leu Market: The city’s main bustling local market, offering an authentic glimpse into daily Cambodian life, produce, and goods.
Victory Beach: A crescent-shaped beach near the main port, offering sunset views and a more local feel.
Wat Leu Temple: A beautiful hillside temple offering panoramic views over Sihanoukville and the surrounding coastline.
Preah Sihanouk Provincial Museum: A small museum dedicated to the local history, culture, and nature of the province.
Snake Island Bridge (Koh Puos): A long, privately developed bridge connecting the mainland to a small nearby island.
Teuk Thla Pagoda: A peaceful, colorful pagoda located near the airport, featuring traditional Cambodian Buddhist architecture.
Sihanoukville Port: The main deep-water port, a busy area for trade and commercial activity.
The Islands (Koh Rong Archipelago)
Koh Rong: The largest and most popular island, known for its stunning white-sand beaches, vibrant party scene in Koh Touch, and quiet resorts on its other side.
Long Beach (Sok San Beach, Koh Rong): A magnificent, 7km stretch of pristine white sand on the western side of Koh Rong, famous for its sunsets.
Koh Rong Samloem: A smaller, quieter, and more relaxed island, famous for its crescent-shaped Saracen Bay.
Saracen Bay (Koh Rong Samloem): The island’s main bay, featuring clear, turquoise water and a series of resorts facing the mainland.
Lazy Beach (Koh Rong Samloem): A beautiful, secluded beach on the western side of Samloem, known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning sunsets.
M’Pai Bay (Koh Rong Samloem): A small, charming fishing village turned backpacking and diving hub on the northern tip of Samloem.
Plankton Watching Tours: Boat trips available near both Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem to witness the mesmerizing bioluminescent plankton at night.
Koh Ta Kiev: A smaller, less-developed island known for its quiet beaches and authentic, rustic accommodation options.
Koh Totang: A tiny, very quiet island offering true seclusion and a handful of eco-friendly guesthouses.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: The waters around the islands are excellent for exploring coral reefs and marine life, with numerous dive shops available.
The Lighthouse (Koh Rong Samloem): A scenic spot offering great views, accessible via a trek through the island’s jungle interior.
Activities & Experiences
Go Island Hopping: Rent a longtail boat or join a tour to explore the stunning islands. Focus on Koh Rong (for nightlife and activity) and Koh Rong Sanloem (for pristine beaches and relaxation).
Hike to the Viewpoints: On Koh Rong, trek through the jungle to discover viewpoints like the one near Koh Rong Sanloem’s lighthouse for panoramic ocean vistas.
Try Scuba Diving or Snorkeling: The waters around the islands, particularly near Koh Rong and Koh Tang, offer vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Numerous dive shops offer certification and day trips.
Experience Bioluminescent Plankton: Go on a night boat trip to swim with or witness the magical glow of bioluminescent plankton, especially visible on the darker side of Koh Rong Sanloem.
Relax on the Main Beaches: Spend a day lounging on Otres Beach (Sihanoukville) or Saracen Bay (Koh Rong Sanloem), known for their white sands and shallow, clear water.
Take a Cooking Class: Learn to prepare classic Khmer dishes like Amok (fish curry steamed in a banana leaf) or Khmer Red Curry from a local chef in Sihanoukville.
Go Ziplining on an Island: Experience an adrenaline rush with a zipline canopy tour, which can be found at some resorts on Koh Rong, offering unique aerial views of the jungle and sea.
Explore Ream National Park: Take a day trip from Sihanoukville to explore this coastal park, which features mangrove forests, estuaries, and beautiful secluded beaches, often done via a boat tour.
Visit Kbal Chhay Waterfalls: During the rainy season, take a short drive from Sihanoukville to see the tiered Kbal Chhay waterfalls, a popular spot for local picnics.
Party on Koh Rong’s Koh Touch: Experience the island’s famous backpacker nightlife with beach parties, fire shows, and lively bars directly on the sand.
Hunt for Sunsets at Otres: Otres Beach in Sihanoukville and Lazy Beach on Koh Rong Sanloem are highly recommended for spectacular sunset views over the Gulf of Thailand.
Try Khmer Massage: Indulge in a traditional Khmer massage, often available on the beach or in local spas, for deep relaxation after a day of activities.
Local Tips & Transport
Getting to the Islands (Boats):
Speed Ferries: This is the quickest and most common way to get to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem. Several companies (e.g., GTVC, Speed Ferry Cambodia) operate routes from Sihanoukville’s Serendipity Pier. Book in advance during peak season.
Longtail/Slow Boats: While slower, these can be a cheaper alternative and are often used for inter-island transfers or private tours.
Sihanoukville City Transport (Tuk-Tuks & Taxis):
Tuk-Tuks: These are the primary form of local transport. Always agree on the price before starting the journey or use a ride-hailing app (like PassApp or Grab) for a fixed, fair price.
Motorbike Taxis (Moto-dops): A quicker option for solo travelers, but be sure to wear a helmet.
Intercity: Buses and minivans connect Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh, Kampot, and other major cities.
Island Transport (Walking & Water Taxis):
Walking: The islands are best explored on foot. Most main areas are walkable, but trails between beaches can be rugged.
Water Taxis: Small boats serve as the primary mode of transport between the different beaches on the larger islands (e.g., from Koh Touch to Long Beach on Koh Rong).
Currency and Payments:
US Dollars (USD) and Riel (KHR): Cambodia is a dual-currency country. USD is widely accepted and often preferred for large purchases. Riel is used for small change, especially amounts less than $1. Always try to carry small denominations of USD.
ATMs: Available in Sihanoukville, but scarce or non-existent on the smaller islands. Get cash before heading to the islands.
Island vs. Mainland:
Sihanoukville (Mainland): The city has undergone rapid, large-scale development. The atmosphere is more focused on construction, casinos, and commerce than on beachfront relaxation. Use it primarily as a transport hub to the islands.
The Islands (Koh Rong/Sanloem): These offer the quintessential tropical beach experience, but with simpler infrastructure. Power outages and limited WiFi are common, so embrace the ‘digital detox’.
Health & Safety:
Mosquitoes: Be vigilant, especially during sunset and on jungle trails. Use a strong repellent and consider anti-malarial prophylaxis if venturing deep into the jungle for extended periods.
Sun Protection: The sun is incredibly strong. Reapply high-SPF sunscreen frequently.
Water Safety: Be aware of strong currents and riptides, especially on unpatrolled beaches.
Hidden Gems & Local Flair:
Koh Rong Sanloem’s Clear Water: While Saracen Bay is famous, explore beaches on the west side like Lazy Beach or Sunset Beach for more tranquility and stunning views.
Khmer Coffee: Try a strong, sweet local coffee, often served over ice with condensed milk.
Kep Crab Market (Day Trip): While technically in Kep Province, Sihanoukville’s proximity makes it possible for a day trip to the famous seaside market to eat fresh, pepper-spiced crab.
Plastic/Environment: The islands are beautiful, but unfortunately, pollution can be an issue. Always carry your trash with you and support businesses committed to environmental cleanliness.
Top Restaurants
Nyam [$3-$5] – A favorite with expats for authentic Khmer cuisine on 23 Tola Street, with an extensive menu of traditional dishes and tapas-style small plates, perfect for sharing.
Kravann Khmer Food Restaurant [$5-$10] – A culinary gem in Sihanoukville offering authentic Cambodian flavors and a warm, hospitable atmosphere.
Apsara Restaurant [$3-$7] – A Sihanoukville classic, operating for over two decades, known for local Cambodian favorites like kuy-teo (noodle soup) and rice dishes.
Koh Por Food Shop [$4-$8] – Extremely popular with affluent local Khmer, known for its huge variety of dishes and outstanding food quality, a short walk from the Golden Lions roundabout.
Chai Family Restaurant [$3-$7] – Located on the pier on Koh Rong, this spot serves classic Khmer favorites like noodle soup, fried noodles, and strong, sweet iced coffee.
Elephant Guesthouse Restaurant [$4-$8] – Found on the beach in Koh Rong, offering very nice local soups and curries, excellent for traditional Khmer food.
Romdoul’s Place [$5-$10] – A budget-friendly spot in Sihanoukville offering authentic Cambodian cuisine where flavor meets tradition.
Sweet Times [$5-$10] – A simple, affordable restaurant right on the beach in Saracen Bay (Koh Rong Samloem) serving classic Khmer cuisine, highly recommended for its amok curry.
Reachhiny White Porridge Sihanoukville [$3-$6] – A local spot for authentic Cambodian flavors, specializing in a comforting white porridge, a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Sinchan Resto Indo/Khmer Food [$4-$8] – Savor authentic Indo-Khmer fusion flavors, showcasing culinary tradition with delightful hospitality in Sihanoukville.
The Food Restaurant [$5-$12] – Located on Pier 1 in Sihanoukville, offering delicious local flavors as well as international cuisine.
Chapei Yeak Restaurant [$5-$10] – Experience authentic Cambodian flavors in Sihanoukville at this must-visit spot for food enthusiasts.
Titanic Restaurant [$5-$10] – A budget-friendly option in Sihanoukville for authentic Cambodian and Western/Asian foods.
White Horse Restaurant [$5-$12] – Offering delightful local and international cuisine in Sihanoukville, perfect for a wide range of tastes.
Khin’s Shack [$7-$15] – A hidden gem on the Sihanoukville beachfront specializing in Khmer seafood, particularly their fresh scallops cooked on the barbecue, perfect for watching the sunset.
New Beach Restaurant [$8-$18] – Savor fresh seafood delights in Sihanoukville with breathtaking coastal views.
Angkor Beach Bar [$8-$18] – A beachside restaurant on Ochheuteal Beach in Sihanoukville, known for its popular evening seafood BBQ.
Lagenda [$8-$18] – A popular beach bar and restaurant on Otres Beach, specializing in fresh seafood and BBQs alongside a menu of Khmer and Western dishes.
Saracen Bay Resort Restaurant [$10-$25] – Located on its own pier on Koh Rong Samloem, this spot is recommended for its delicious Crab & Papaya salad, which you can enjoy overlooking the ocean.
Sandan [$8-$15] – A well-regarded training restaurant in Sihanoukville managed by the TREE Alliance, offering traditional and inventive Cambodian cuisine with a modern twist, supporting disadvantaged youth.
Starfish Bakery & Cafe [$5-$12] – An NGO-run cafe in downtown Sihanoukville that offers delicious sandwiches, baked goods, and light local dishes while providing training and employment for individuals with disabilities.
Eat Pray Love [$8-$18] – A charming Italian restaurant in Sok San Village (Koh Rong) known for authentic European flavors like bruschetta and house-made gnocchi, with stunning sunset views from its upstairs seating.
L’Osteria di Gino [$10-$20] – A homely Italian restaurant in Sihanoukville, run by an Italian chef, known for its authentic pasta, pizza, and tiramisu.
Moonlight Resort Pizzeria [$8-$15] – Found on Saracen Bay (Koh Rong Samloem), offering what is considered by some to be the best pizza on the island with a thin, crispy base and rich toppings.
Da Matti? [$8-$15] – An Italian restaurant on Koh Rong near Koh Toch Village, offering homemade gnocchi, ravioli, and other traditional Italian pastas.
Bamboo Pizza Restaurant [$6-$12] – Renowned on Koh Rong, this charming eatery focuses primarily on wood-fired pizzas with a delightful array of options, including vegetarian and vegan choices.
Nest [$10-$20] – Located on Long Set Beach (Koh Rong), this restaurant has elevated its menu to bring gourmet fare to the island, with an accomplished chef transforming the offerings.
Greenblue Resort Restaurant [$8-$18] – A restaurant on Saracen Bay (Koh Rong Samloem) run by a Turkish couple, offering a blend of local Khmer cooking, Western options, and commendable Turkish home-cooking adapted with local ingredients.
Bong’s [$8-$15] – A popular spot on Koh Rong with a friendly beach-pub vibe, known for its excellent Tex-Mex fare, including homemade tortilla chips and delicious, meat-heavy nachos.
Paradise Bungalows Restaurant [$10-$20] – Located on Koh Rong, this restaurant has a lovely atmosphere with a decidedly European feel to its menu, alongside local Khmer favorites, and a good selection of wines.
Olive Olive [$8-$15] – Located near the Golden Lions roundabout in Sihanoukville, offering superb, simple but refined Italian/Mediterranean food, including excellent wood-fired pizzas and steaks.
Mike’s Burger House [$7-$15] – A popular Sihanoukville branch of a Phnom Penh restaurant, serving thick, juicy, California-style burgers inspired by In-N-Out.
Friends Forever Restaurant [$10-$20] – A clean and modern lounge-style restaurant on Otres Beach 1 (Sihanoukville), run by a lovely Russian couple, offering a great menu with reasonable prices.
Cafe Mango [$5-$10] – Found in the Serendipity Beach Road area, offering good value with a “menu of the day” deal that includes a starter, main, and a drink, often featuring Italian dishes.
Pepe Artisan Food [$15-$25] – A spot in Sihanoukville for fine dining, where quality ingredients meet exquisite flavors in a European-inspired setting.
Invito Steakhouse [$15-$30] – Located near Occheteul Beach in Sihanoukville, offering a premium steak dining experience.
Toto Pizza [$5-$10] – A budget-friendly option in Sihanoukville for delicious Italian cuisine, known for its pizza and pasta.
Nice Foods [$3-$7] – An unpretentious, locally owned Sihanoukville restaurant offering a varied menu of Western staples like burgers and pizzas, alongside authentic Khmer dishes, with famously cheap draft beer.
The Corner Bar [$7-$15] – Found on Victory Hill in Sihanoukville, offering an extensive menu of Western, French, and Asian cuisine with good beef steak.
Indian Royal Halal Food Restaurant [$8-$15] – Experience authentic Indian Halal cuisine in Sihanoukville, known for rich flavors and warm hospitality.
Kamasutra [$7-$15] – A good Indian restaurant near the Golden Lions Roundabout in Sihanoukville, with a usual selection of curries, masalas, kormas, and a particularly good Vindaloo.
Mammamia Pasta & Pizza [$7-$15] – An Italian restaurant near Ochhiteaux street in Sihanoukville, run by original Italian owners, praised for its excellent pasta, pizza, and tiramisu.
Bananas Restaurant and Bar [$8-$15] – Located on Serendipity Beach Road, this spot is known for its small-scale decoration and excellent beef curry.
White Pearl Beach Restaurant and Bar [$8-$15] – A stand-alone restaurant on Long Set Beach (Koh Rong) specializing in both Thai food and massage, with a selection of Thai curries, soups, and noodles.
Jungle Bar [$8-$18] – A long-standing, popular spot on Koh Rong known for its lively atmosphere, good barbecue, and a solid mix of Western and Asian food.
Lazy Beach Restaurant [$10-$20] – Located on the secluded Lazy Beach (Koh Rong Samloem), offering a tranquil atmosphere and a high-quality menu of Western and Khmer dishes.
One Resort Restaurant [$10-$25] – Situated on Saracen Bay (Koh Rong Samloem), this resort restaurant is known for its beautiful setting, often for cocktails, with a swimming pool right on the beach.
The Pier by Ocean [$5-$12] – A good cafe in Sihanoukville that also offers a nice selection of food, perfect for a casual meal or a coffee break.
Coastal Cafe [$5-$12] – Known for good cakes and Western-style breakfast in Sihanoukville.
Romdoul’s BBQ Buffet [$15 per person] – A popular buffet-style place in Sihanoukville offering a large selection of BBQ items, a great value option for a large meal.
Kampung Nusantara [$7-$15] – A newer hawker center-style place in Sihanoukville that has pretty good Indonesian food.
Tambuah [$7-$15] – Another recommended spot in Sihanoukville known for its great Indonesian food.
Samurai Japanese Restaurant & Bar [$10-$20] – Savor authentic Japanese cuisine in Sihanoukville, where tradition meets flavor.
Onami Japanese Restaurant [$10-$20] – Another authentic Japanese spot in Sihanoukville, featuring dishes like succulent braised pork belly and delicate prawn and vegetable tempura.
Snooky’s Bar and Bistro [$7-$15] – Located on 87 Makara Street in Sihanoukville, a favorite with local expats for its huge portions of food like chicken tacos or fish and chips.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Dive Bar (Koh Rong Sanloem – Saracen Bay): Located right on the stunning Saracen Bay beach, this bar offers a relaxed, feet-in-the-sand experience with potent tropical cocktails and a friendly vibe, perfect for watching the sunset.
Eden Beach Bar (Koh Rong Sanloem – Saracen Bay): Part of a resort on Saracen Bay, this bar features a chic, rustic design and offers a great selection of classic and custom cocktails to enjoy while relaxing on sun loungers.
The Led Zephyr Bar (Sihanoukville – Otres Beach): A long-standing, beloved spot on Otres Beach, known for its laid-back atmosphere, good music, and creative cocktails, often featuring local fruit.
Onederz Bar (Sihanoukville – City Center): Situated within a popular hostel complex in the main Sihanoukville city area, this is a great social spot known for affordable drinks and a lively atmosphere, often attracting a backpacker crowd.
Baitong Beach Bar (Koh Rong – Long Beach/Sok San): Found on the magnificent Long Beach (Sok San), this bar is the perfect place to sip a cocktail while enjoying the pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters of the island.
Cloud 9 Skybar & Eatery (Sihanoukville – City Center): Offering a more upscale experience, this skybar is located on a rooftop in Sihanoukville’s city area, providing panoramic views of the coast and a sophisticated cocktail menu.
Sunset Restaurant & Bar (Koh Rong – Koh Toch Village): As the name suggests, this spot in the bustling Koh Toch Village is renowned for its excellent viewpoint for the evening sunset, complemented by refreshing cocktails.
Beachside Bar at Royal Sands (Koh Rong – Long Beach): An exclusive experience on the southern end of Long Beach, offering high-end cocktails in a luxurious setting with impeccable service.
The Sailing Club (Sihanoukville – Independence Beach): Located near Independence Beach, this club offers a relaxed atmosphere with great drinks and a fantastic view of the ocean, popular for both daytime chilling and evening drinks.
Buzz Café & Bar (Koh Rong Sanloem – Saracen Bay): A chilled-out beach bar on Saracen Bay, known for its friendly staff, comfortable seating, and a good range of standard tropical cocktails.
Karma Bar (Koh Rong – Koh Toch Village): A popular and lively spot in Koh Toch Village, known for its music, casual ambiance, and standard cocktail offerings, great for mingling with other travelers.
Happy Hour Bar (Sihanoukville – Victory Beach): Located near Victory Beach, this bar is a favored local spot for its value and consistent atmosphere, offering simple cocktails and cold beers.
The Pier Bar (Koh Rong Sanloem – M’Pai Bay): An idyllic spot in the M’Pai Bay village on a pier over the water, providing a unique vantage point for enjoying a quiet cocktail.
Dragon’s Den (Sihanoukville – Otres Beach): A quirky, relaxed bar on Otres Beach that offers a diverse menu, including creative cocktails, in a unique garden setting.
Rusty Keyhole (Sihanoukville – City Center): While primarily known for its BBQ food, the city-center bar is a classic Sihanoukville institution and a great place to start the night with a simple, strong drink.
Police Beach Party (Koh Rong – Near Koh Toch): Located on its namesake beach on Koh Rong, this is one of the most famous and largest open-air parties in the region, hosting massive full-moon and half-moon events with international DJs.
Sky Bar at The Rich Resort (Sihanoukville – City Center): A vibrant rooftop club in the main city area known for its pool parties, large dance floor, and a mix of commercial and electronic dance music.
The Big Chill (Koh Rong – Koh Toch Village): Situated in the heart of Koh Toch Village, this is one of the main late-night spots on the island, known for its fun atmosphere and music that keeps the party going.
Utopia (Koh Rong – Koh Toch Village): This club in Koh Toch Village is legendary among backpackers for its all-night parties, a central pool, and a mix of music genres, ensuring a wild night out.
Otres Beach Club (Sihanoukville – Otres Beach): Located on Otres Beach, this venue often hosts weekend parties and events, combining a beautiful beach setting with loud music and a festive crowd.
JJ’s Playground (Sihanoukville – Otres Beach): A well-known spot on Otres Beach that transitions from a relaxed bar during the day to a lively club at night, often featuring themed events and late-night DJs.
Starfish Beach Club (Sihanoukville – City Center): A large, modern venue in the city area that features a strong sound system and light show, playing a mix of EDM and popular international tracks.
Blue Moon (Sihanoukville – Victory Beach): Known for its late operating hours, this club near Victory Beach attracts a diverse local and international crowd with a focus on commercial dance music.
Pontoon Club (Sihanoukville – City Center): A popular, large nightclub in the city area with a sizable dance floor and VIP areas, known for hosting special events and playing mainstream club hits.
Tribe Club (Sihanoukville – City Center): Located in the main Sihanoukville hub, this club is a go-to for a high-energy night, featuring local and resident DJs playing electronic and house music.