Nestled in the southern region of Cambodia, Sihanoukville provides a refreshing break for travelers thanks to its immaculate white sand beaches and crystal-clear azure waters. Here is a summary of the best things to do in Sihanoukville for a revitalizing getaway.
Thrilling Things To Do in Sihanoukville
Savor The Tranquil Shrine at Wat Leu Pagoda
A peek at Sihanoukville’s rich cultural past, as well as Cambodian religion and belief, may be found at Wat Leu, a Buddhist temple perched in the hills with a view of the city.
Travelers will be amazed by the magnificent structures, such as pagodas, a bell tower, and a sizable prayer hall, within the complex. The temple is a bustling center of worship where monks go about their daily lives and hold rituals continuously.
Let’s enjoy panoramic views, a pleasant breeze, and the calming chanting of monks while visiting Wat Leu. It’s a highly recommended activity to do in Sihanoukville, and it will surely leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Indulge in The Breathtaking Grandeur of Nature at Kbal Chhay Waterfalls
A delightful excursion on a bike or tuk-tuk can take you to a multi-tiered waterfall, which is located just 30 to 40 minutes away from the city.
The ideal time to explore these cascading falls is from July to October when the flowing froth creates a picturesque scene. These falls are situated on the Prek Tuk Sap River and are a popular spot for picnics among both locals and visitors.
It is refreshing to laze around in the cold waters and take a plunge. Soak in the reviving pools of water and let the crystal streams pour over your body to relieve heat and fatigue.
Traditional Khmer bamboo huts offer shade when you’re ready to dry off, so bask on the straw mats underneath you while swinging in a robust hammock. Once you cross the bamboo bridge, you can buy snacks and drinks from hawkers.
Spend Peaceful Beach Time on Bamboo Island
Off the coast of Sihanoukville lies a hidden gem where visitors can enjoy priceless moments of joy amidst the splendor of nature. To reach the island, you can board a ferry that departs from Ochheuteal Beach at 10:00 and departs from the island at 16:00. The one-way trip takes around 45 minutes.
The island, also known as Koh Russei, boasts inviting, warm blue waters and stunning golden sands. It remains untouched by commercialization, making it an idyllic spot for those seeking pure peace.
You can enjoy a stay at one of the charming bungalow resorts, take a stroll through the jungle trails, or unwind at the beach bars.
Visit The Numerous Stunning White-sand Beaches
Beach hopping is unquestionably one of the best things to do in Sihanoukville since the town has established itself as the nation’s top beach resort town, with five major beaches along its shore. The Gulf of Thailand’s boundless stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters make for a picturesque scene and the perfect location for a carefree beach vacation.
Some beaches you should know are:
- Otres Beach is famous for its calm ambiance and weekend getaway vibe, drawing both visitors and young locals.
- Another peaceful place to unwind and take in the scenery is the Independence Beach, which got its name from the abandoned Independence hotel nearby. It boasts a freshwater lake and grass umbrella shacks surrounding it.
- With its 4 km of shoreline, soft sand, clear waters, and many options for adventurous water sports, Ochheuteal Beach is the most popular beach.
- Koh Thmei Beach in Ream National Park offers a range of water sports on its white sand beaches. Tour companies provide boat tours with different activities.
- Sokha Beach, part of Sokha Beach Resort, is open to the public for a fee. Enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and snorkeling on the well-kept 1.5km shoreline. The resort’s restaurant serves delicious Khmer cuisine and beverages from 10:00 to 19:00.
Diving & Snorkeling
What makes time spent in Sihanoukville more exciting is water sports, especially with such a gorgeous coastline and infinite blue ocean.
There are four PADI certified dive centers in the port area, providing top-notch diving services with an abundance of fish and reefs. Another favorite activity is snorkeling, and the finest places to discover underwater treasures are on the islands that line the coast. In addition, windsurfing, kayaking, and kitesurfing are all affordable.
Take in The Energy and Live Music at Otres Market
Located in the heart of Sihanoukville, the Otres Market is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike.
The market boasts a variety of offerings such as live music events, handmade jewelry, paintings, souvenirs, and live art performances. Visitors can also find a range of eateries, cafes, and drinking establishments in the wooden shack-like market. Traditional Khmer cuisine is easily available there.
Additionally, live music concerts take place every weekend, which are highly anticipated by both residents and visitors. It is the perfect opportunity to experience the lively rhythm of Cambodian life.
Get Set for A Game of Baccarat
Sihanoukville attracts a lot of tourists due to its casinos and beautiful beachfront. With more than 20 casinos open 24/7, visitors can enjoy a variety of gaming options such as table games and live sports betting.
In addition to slot machines, the majority of five-star hotels have luxurious casinos that offer popular games like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. If you’re looking for some entertainment at night and are ready to try your luck, visit one of the casinos for some pure enjoyment!
Have A Great Day Cooling off at Splash Party Water Park
Spending a few hours at this unique water park near Otres 1 beach is one of the most enjoyable experiences with your children. Enough challenges are provided by the floating obstacle course with swing ropes, slides, ladders, and trampolines to keep kids interested and involved.
It is suggested to utilize the life jacket that is provided free of charge with the entrance ticket because the sea water can be deep in some areas and kids frequently fall in. The kids can enjoy the rush of being launched by a blob while racing with their pals.
Unwind in The Ultimate Nature Setting from Ream National Park
Visitors will be amazed by the abundance of natural beauty in this national park, which boasts unspoiled forests and is one of the most stunning natural destinations near Sihanoukville.
Ream National Park covers an area of 210 square kilometers and is home to picturesque white sand beaches, mangroves, rainforests, and winding rivers. To see a wide variety of plant and animal life, you can explore the numerous trails on a bike or take a boat tour of the mangroves.
If you are traveling with children, it is worth scheduling a day trip to the park when visiting the province.
Swim, Sunbathe and Relax on Koh Rong
For those visiting Sihanoukville, the islands located offshore provide some of the most incredible experiences. Koh Rong is at the top of the list of idyllic islands, with its lush jungles, cascading waterfalls, sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.
During the day, you can relax, swim, and sunbathe on the immaculate beaches of this island paradise. At night, partygoers can head to the bustling Police beach for non-stop excitement under the stars. It’s important to note that the Sihanoukville to Koh Rong ferry schedule is from 7:30 to 17:00, with ferries departing every 30 or 60 minutes.
Shopping in Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville offers inexpensive and enjoyable shopping. The town has enough shopping alternatives to satisfy tourists’ needs, although there aren’t as many as in larger towns like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
Among the biggest marketplaces in Sihanoukville is Phsar Leu Market, where you may enjoy a distinctive shopping experience. With sellers offering a broad range of products, including fresh vegetables, apparel, and souvenirs, the market is a hive of activities.
In addition to perusing the stalls and haggling for the best deals, visitors can also just take in the lively market environment. The market is a terrific place to explore the culture and the city’s way of life!
Admire The Design of Golden Lions Roundabout
The Golden Lions Monument, which was built with great care and attention to detail, honors the city’s rich history and resilient character. Offering a gorgeous backdrop for photos and a sense of communal pride, it is a well-liked meeting place for either locals or visitors.
The monument’s overall majesty and the intricacy of the lions’ designs frequently leave visitors in awe, making it a must-see sight when visiting Sihanoukville. The monument’s immediate vicinity is also teeming with activity, and the nearby eateries, stores, and marketplaces contribute to the lively ambiance.
Final Thoughts
Sihanoukville, a gateway to Cambodian culture, offers a variety of activities that let tourists fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty and the native way of life.
All things to do in Sihanoukville, whether it is indulging in delectable local food, discovering the area’s natural beauty and animals, or taking in the vibrant nightlife, all allow travelers to be involved in Sihanoukville’s rich cultural legacy.
Start your journey right away by adding this little city to your wish list!
