Overview

The seaside resort, casino town of Sihanoukville is a laid-back beach destination on the coast of Cambodia, situated at the tip of an elevated peninsula in the country’s southwest on the Gulf of Thailand. A deep water port and a large industrial city that is the launching point for lovely beaches and stunning offshore tropical islands, it's a popular beach holiday destination. The area possesses dozens of silky soft beaches that stretch for miles, lapped by brilliant, tranquil, warm, tropical blue waters.

Things To See & Do

See the Golden Lion Roundabout, an iconic landmark in the city. The statue is made up of a lion and a lioness with scary faces, painted in gold.

Take a scenic walk around Independence Park, a peaceful space in the city where the statue of Harihara stands and celebrates the country`s freedom from the Khmer Rouge on January 7th, 1979. There is a miniature Preah Vihear Temple, which is a historical temple located on the Thai-Cambodian Border.

Head to the beach! Ochheuteal and Serendipity Beach are two of the most visited beaches in the area, boasting soft white sands perfect for a stroll and sunbathing in the warm sunshine. Take a refreshing dip and cool off in the inviting tropical blue waters. There are many great activities to enjoy down by the beach, including windsurfing, kayaking, jet skiing, and kitesurfing or check out the marine life underwater while doing some snorkeling. Be sure to soak up a sunset or two at the beach. Witness the spectacular array of vibrant colors light up the sky.

Visit the Wat Leu Buddhist Temple situated in a picturesque port town on the Sihanoukville Mountain, surrounded by forests boasting breathtaking views over the town and nearby islands. The temple is a religious, historical site with significant architecture that features a gold-colored exterior and a thatched roof surrounded by high walls. There are carved stone three-headed white elephants and Buddha statues on site.

Visit Wat Leu (Upper temple) Temple, a stunning hilltop location. Soak in the spectacular views over the town and the ocean. This is a working temple with a number of resident monks.

Head out to the Kbal Chhay Waterfall, a multi-tiered 45-foot-high cascading fall surrounded by fascinating natural beauty filled with greenery. The waterfall is fed by different water sources from the nearby mountains. Enjoy the pools here, take a swim, and splash around in the falls. There are great picturesque spots around the waterfall and pools to enjoy a picnic and refreshments.

Explore the spectacular depths of Ream National Park, made up of evergreen and melaleuca forests, mangroves, estuaries, rivers, beaches, coral reefs, wildlife, and marine life. Take a hike or trek around the lush, verdant forests and spot some of the exotic wildlife, including rhesus monkeys, dugongs, turtles, dolphins, and mouse-deer.

Shopping

Sihanoukville’s shopping scene is modest compared to the big tourist hubs like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, but it still offers a charming mix of traditional markets, beachside stalls, and small malls where you can pick up unique Khmer souvenirs, everyday essentials, and tourist trinkets.

Phsar Leu Market (Upper Market) is a lively local market featuring fresh produce, seafood, souvenirs, clothing, Buddha statues, and even electronics and shoes. Bargaining is common here. Otres Market is a more touristy flea market with vendors selling beachwear, handmade crafts, coconut products, and small boutique stands. There are many beachfront stalls that line Serendipity and Ochheuteal Beaches. These vendors sell everything from colorful sarongs, swimwear, jewelry, shells, and local crafts. Prince Mall is a modern shopping experience offering fashion stores, fast food, imported goods, electronics, and more upscale shopping.

Popular items to shop for include traditional Krama scarves, vibrant Cambodian silk textiles, handcrafted jewelry and silverware, as well as unique handicrafts like wooden sculptures, decorative arts, and lacquerware. Travelers also enjoy local edible goods such as coconut-based products (like soap, oil, and carved bowls), Kampot pepper, and palm sugar.

Dining

Sihanoukville’s dining scene is vibrant and diverse, offering everything from traditional Khmer cuisine and flavorful street food to international dishes, fresh beachside seafood, and upscale restaurants. Along the beachfront, you’ll find numerous stalls grilling fresh squid, oysters, shrimp, and shellfish, often at remarkably affordable prices. A local favorite not to miss is Kampot pepper crab, a delicious combination of sweet crab and the bold, aromatic heat of Kampot pepper. For an authentic taste of Cambodian flavors, be sure to try dishes like Amok trei (steamed fish curry), Bai sach chrouk (grilled pork with rice), Nom banh chok (a beloved breakfast noodle soup), and hearty curry noodle soups. For the more adventurous palate, insect-based dishes are also available.

Nightlife

Sihanoukville’s nightlife is a nice blend of beach bars, backpacker hangouts, and lively casinos. The nightlife here has started to shift, with many once-beloved backpacker spots closing and the atmosphere changing to a more casino-centric experience. The most active area for nightlife is found around Serendipity and Ochheuteal Beaches, with bars hosting music, fire shows, and cheap drink specials that attract visitors and backpacker crowds. Otres Beach, especially Otres Corner, is a more relaxed.

For a more mellow evening, places like Five Men Fresh Beer offer locally brewed German-style beers in a relaxed atmosphere. Venues like Monkey Republic and JJ’s offer live music and a social backpacker atmosphere. In contrast, the casino scene has grown significantly over recent years. Many casinos operate 24/7 and offer a more upscale nightlife experience, catering towards tourists, as gambling is restricted for Cambodian citizens without a foreign passport.