6 Things To Do in Sihanoukville, Cambodia For First Timer

Sihanoukville the Hidden Gem Of Cambodia 

Recently we explored the undiscovered Sihanoukville, also known as Krong Preah Seihanu or Kompong Som. It is a coastal city in Cambodia, a hidden gem flanked by an almost uninterrupted string of beaches along its entire coastline and coastal marshlands bordering the Ream National Park in the East. If you are planning for your next getaway to some untouched beaches, nature, mountains, mangrove and marine life then you hit the right spot. Here are the 6 Things To Do in Sihanoukville, Cambodia For First Timer.

6 Things To Do in Sihanoukville, Cambodia For First Timer

Before we begin, here are some of the things that you might want to prepare and take note before your trip. Although Cambodian Riel (KHR) is the currency for Cambodia, I would advise you to bring US Dollar (USD) preferably small notes will be handy.

The weather is hot and humid so dress comfortably and standby your umbrella or raincoat. Sunblock or sun protection is a must! I went to a few convenient stores and they don’t really have that many types of sunblock available.

Do bring an international adapter as power sockets in Cambodia are of Type A, C and G with voltage of 230v (single phase plug and socket) and 400v (three phase plug and socket). Last but not least, do check with your hotel if they provide free shuttle service or transfer to and from airport to hotel.

6 Things To Do in Sihanoukville, Cambodia 
For The First Timer

Sun, Sea and Beaches at Dara Independence Beach Resort & Spa
[ photo by: carolinemayling.com ]

1. Sun, Sea and Beaches

Definitely first thing in my list! There are many beautiful, undiscovered and untouched beaches; if you go there without any itinerary or plan just soak up in the sun enjoy the sea, breeze and read your book. Why not? Holiday is meant to be relax and laze around. We stayed in Dara Independence Beach Resort & Spa that has private white sandy beach and their Ocean Pool is something we will be sharing more in our next post. 

Sok San Beach, Koh Rong Island

2. Island Hoping in Koh Rong 
Sok San Beach, Koh Touch Village and Koh Rong Sanloem Beach

Let the fun adventure begins… island hopping is one of the things you should do when you are there. It’s a one whole day program. We went to 3 islands the first was Sok San Beach clean white sandy beach with spectacular view, not crowded and the resort served very fresh BBQ seafood.

Koh Touch Village

Then we drop by Koh Touch Village, a small fisherman village where children running and playing at the pier, the backpackers hang out at the beach bars and some music playing.

Koh Rong Sanloem Beach
[ photo by: carolinemayling.com ]

And our third stop was Koh Rong Sanloem Island where you can find many instagramable spots, the swings and hammocks to name a few. There are resorts and hotel in the islands as well, you can also opt to stay one night either in Sok San Beach Resort or in Koh Rong Sanloem Island.

It takes about 45 minutes via speed boat / ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Island. You can also book your speed ferry via Speed Ferry Cambodia 

Snorkeling in Koh Rong Island
[ photo by: carolinemayling.com ]

3. Snorkeling in Koh Rong Island

I feel so connected to the marine! It’s like… just me with the fishes, corals and sea urchins (lots of them) around. Remember to apply lots of sunblock before you jump into the sea because I got sunburns on my back and shoulder when I went back.

4. Occhuteal Beach Pub Street

It’s time to check out the night life here in Sihanoukville at Occhuteal Beach Pub Street. Ochheuteal is long, sandy and narrow, with 'Serendipity Beach' at the northern end. You can find little drink huts line along the beach from one end to the other.

Phsar Leu Market

5. Phsar Leu Market

It’s worth the visit if you want to see how the locals live their everyday lives. There is wet and dry market, you can find the local food stalls, snacks stall, fresh produce like live crabs, poultry, seafood, vegetable, some souvenirs stalls, clothes and many more. Most of the purchase is paid in USD unless you nego with the seller to pay in KHR. Remember to dress simple, comfortable and walking shoes.

Sihanoukville City Tour

6. City Tour

The city does not have any form of public transportation, you either charter a car, taxi or book a city tour. Or be more adventurous by taking their tuk-tuks. It’s about USD1 per ride per person and you have to negotiate with the driver.

3 days 2 nights in Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Basically these are the things that we did on our 3 days 2 nights trip in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. There are many more interesting places to explore such as Ream National Park, Kbal Chhay Waterfall, Prey Nob Mangrove Forest and more in Sihanoukville.

I will be sharing more in-depth details and experiences about some of our activities. 

So do keep an eye here for the up coming post about

DARA Independence Resort & Spa

Island Hopping in Sok San & Koh Rong Sanloem Beach

We were privileged to be on AirAsia’s inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sihanoukville, Cambodia with a remarkable flight load of 100% on 9^th August, 2017. Our flight from Kuala Lumpur (KLIA2) to Sihanoukville is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

On board AirAsia inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sihanoukville, Cambodia on 9th August, 2017

Not only we were treated to a special send-off at KLIA2 but also welcome by the water cannon salute upon arrival at Sihanoukville International Airport. The airport is undergoing extension works in order to enhance passenger experience. The new 500,000 passenger-terminal will offer additional space, new services and amenities and is slated to be completed in early 2018. 

Thanks to AirAsia, Cambodia Airports, Dara Independence Resorts & Spa, Sok San Beach Resort, NAIA Otres Beach Resort, Sihanoukville Duty Free Shop and everyone on board for making this trip a fun and memorable one. 

You all rocks!

6 Things To Do in Sihanoukville, Cambodia For First Timer

Now AirAsia flies 4 times weekly to Sihanoukville, Cambodia directly from Kuala Lumpur on every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. For flight details and booking please visit www.airasia.com