Home > Places Interesting > Sihanouk Ville

Sihanoukville, also known as Kompong Som, is Cambodia's premier beach resort and seaport. Tourist numbers in this tropical getaway have increased dram atically over the last 4-5 years and facilities at the resort are now first-class. Investment is also increasing thanks to Sihanouk ville?s location and the recently-completed construction of a new international airport.

Road access to the town has always been good: National Highway No.4, between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, is one of the best roads in Cambodia. Sihanoukville offers tourists a wide range of accommodation and plenty of holiday activities. The abundance of bars and restaurants means visitors can sample all manner of foreign and local cuisine day and night. The resort boasts beautiful white-sand beaches with names like Ochheuteal, Sokha, Independence and Victory. These beaches are renowned for their quiet, cozy atmosphere and their large stretches of white sand and clear water. Sihanoukville is a popular holiday destination for Khmer families and international visitors alike, largely because it has some of the most unspoiled beaches in all of Southeast Asia.

The range of holiday activities available in Sihanoukville includes swimming; snorkeling; island excursions; scuba diving; eco tours of nearby National Parks and, of course, sunbathing. Sihanoukville?s beaches are the perfect place to lay back and contemplate your experience of Cambodia.

TRAVELING AROUND

Motorcycle Taxi
Moto-drivers expect foreigners to pay R1000-2000 in town, and R2000-3000 from town to the beaches ($1 if they can get it). Getting the local price is nearly impossible. Daytime prices rise for multiple passengers and rise again after dark. Moto-drivers pay a fee to wait at the bus station and the ferry dock, and this fee is passed directly to tourists. Sihanoukville's moto-drivers are among the most aggressive in Cambodia.

Car and Motorcycle Rental
Almost all businesses rent out motorcycles and cars, including most guesthouses, bus companies, hotels and restaurants. You can rent with or without a driver. Cars cost $20/day, while 100cc bikes cost $3-$5/day.

TRAVEL TO & FROM

Bus:
The road from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is particularly good and most visitors come by air-conditioned bus. The trip is comfortable and only takes about 4 hours. Buses arrive and depart from the bus station on Street 108 in Sihanoukville. For those travelling to Koh Kong the boat is currently the fastest and most comfortable way to go (see below). There is a road-link to Koh Kong and the overland section from Sre Ambel to Koh Kong has been greatly improved, though other sections are not quite finished. (see Koh Kong Guide)

Boat:
There is a fast ferryboat that runs between Koh Kong and Sihanoukville. The trip takes about 3 ? to 4 hours and costs around $15. Tickets can be purchased from your hotel or guesthouse and they can generally arrange transport to the dock which is some distance away. Boats depart Sihanoukville at 12 noon.

Air:
The newly-opened international airport in Sihanoukville will greatly improve access to the town and raise its profile as a resort. At time of publication, accurate details of schedules and carriers were not available but future in-bound flights are certain to be available from other Asian countries like Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam..

Train (via Kampot)
Trains to Phnom Penh leave on alternate days at about 6.30am. Conditions are very basic. The fare is 6500 Riel.

TRAVEL AGENTS

Amazing Tour
Specializing in Eco Tours, Adventure Tours and Trekking. International and domestic air, boat and bus tickets available.
Tours to Bokor Hill / Kampot / Kep. Daily Tours to Ream National Park.
Tours Around the Sihanoukville area. Boat Trips to the Islands.
Minibus, car and moto rental. Internet Service.
Quality service at very reasonable prices.

[see map: C-5 on the book]
Location: Group #26 Mundol, Mittapheap, on Victory Hill.
Tel: (885) 16 349 333, 012-576 166
E-mail: sopanhasan@yahoo.com

WEATHER

The best beach weather begins with the end of the rain in November. Dry, warm, breezy weather follows and lasts until the end of January. Night temperatures can get down to a chilly 20?C, but the days hover around 28?-30?C. At the end of January, Sihanoukville begins to warm up with temperatures peaking in April/May. 'Mango showers'sometimes affrect Sihanoukville in February. December through June is said by some local outfitters to be the best scuba diving weather with clearer (though cooler) waters.