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
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.

6 Things To Do in Sihanoukville, Cambodia For First Timer

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

6 Things To Do in Sihanoukville, Cambodia For 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 

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

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

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

6 Things To Do in Sihanoukville, Cambodia For First Timer
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 9th August, 2017. Our flight from Kuala Lumpur (KLIA2) to Sihanoukville is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

6 Things To Do in Sihanoukville, Cambodia For First Timer
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
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

23 comments:

  1. Indeed a picturesque, hidden gem! Cambodia is very much in my bucket list for its Angkor Vat. When I plan to go there I'll make sure not to miss this place as well!

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  2. I have been to Cambodia, but just Siem Reap to Angkor Wat. Did not know they had a beautiful beach like this. Still unspoilt the way your pictures look. Very nice and pristine still.

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  3. Amazing! I been to Cambodia becore but never had a chance to visit here..will be in my next place to visit..thanks so sharing!

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  4. wahhh. its pretty cool. I wish i can go Cambodia soon.

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  5. Seronoknya tengok sis mandi dekat laut tu
    Hahshs... teringin nak pergi pulak. Tak pernah jejak langkah ke Kemboja. tak tau pulak diorang ada tempat2 yng cantik. Btw, thanks for the travel tips.

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  6. Nice beach...
    Never know cambodia have nice beach

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  7. Never knew Cambodia was so beautiful.

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  8. Sounds like a lot of fun to visit and explore!

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  9. I'm into hot weather so the heat wouldn't bother me �� The beaches and snorkeling sound amazing. Island hopping sounds fantastic too! I love the open fresh markets full of various goodies!

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  10. Beautiful beaches. Time to book for my next holiday! :p

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  11. Cambodia is in my next to go list. Now you give me ideas of want to do when I get there. Thanks Kelly

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  12. Thanks for the recommendation. It will be my next holiday destination.

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  13. yeah missed vacation alot! I wanna go vacation so need to plan well!

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  14. Wow! I love the pictures. I hope to visit here one day. What are the prices like for food and accommodations? These beaches are amazing!

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  15. Travel is always the best way to explore and experience local life and culture!

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  16. I have not been to Cambodia before. Love the beach and snorkeling activities.

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  17. So many things to do, I wished I was there already. Thanks to Air Asia for making it so affordable to fly.

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  18. The view is so pretty!! I miss travel now, plus the flight and view is pretty awesome!

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  19. never been to Cambodia. Seen it through this post only. Seems like a really nice place to be for a relaxing holiday. Away from city centre traffic and crowd.

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  20. Nice trip kelly. the beach look pretty in the picture. Nice.place to go to honeymoon too.

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  21. I'll be going to Cambodia next year and I really like your blog post. It was so informative!

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  22. Wahhh, you went to Cambodia? Such a nice place for a vacation

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