For decades, this coastal area in the southwest of Cambodia that juts out towards the Gulf of Thailand remained unknown to travelers.
Originally known as Kampong Som, the small town was renamed Sihanoukville in 1959 in honor of Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihanouk.
It wasn’t until later, in the early 2000s, that foreign investment turned it into the country’s premier resort city.
While Sihanoukville has evolved from a backwater into a city teeming with hotels and casinos, it still reels travelers looking to explore its lush wetlands, endless shoreline, and many islands.
Chill out at the beach
Soak up Sihanoukville’s laid-back vibes on the city’s best beaches – Ochheuteal, Otres, and Sokha.
These narrow, tree-lined beaches facing the Gulf of Thailand are blanketed by soft, white sand.
You’ll find a slew of excellent restaurants, cafes, bars, and hotels at Ochheuteal Beach, but for quieter, less-crowded escapades with equally beautiful waters, head to Sokha’s shores farther up north.
The inviting, relaxed atmosphere along these beaches attracts tourists and locals who enjoy taking a dip in the warm waters, riding jet skis, or unwinding with a tipple while watching the sunset.
Admire Cambodia’s giant copper statues
Standing on a 6-meter high pedestal at a roundabout near Ream Beach is a statue of Preah Thong and Neang Neak, two symbolic figures in Khmer culture.
The depiction of the ceremonial lifting of the veil between Indian prince Preah Thong and his naga bride – co-founders of the pre-Angkorian state of Funan – signifies the birth of Khmer culture and Cambodia’s rich heritage.
At a whopping 21 meters tall, these sculptures, erected in April 2022, are the most significant copper statues in the country.
Cambodian sculptor Sok Chamroeun and his team took a year to complete the piece, which is replete with beautifully detailed, historically accurate clothing and jewelry.
Visit a hilltop temple.
Nestled on a hill overlooking the city and its scenic coast, Wat Leu is one of Sihanoukville’s five main temples.
Its exterior, with tiered roofs decorated with gold-hued finials of the naga or mythical serpent, is one of its most visually striking elements.
Inside, the space is adorned with vibrant, colorful paintings of the Buddha’s life, and it’s where you can see locals offering food to the monks.
The area surrounding Wat Leu is also worth a look, with ancient stupas and golden statues of Buddha dotting the grounds.
Enjoy the waterfalls
If you want to relax in a serene, natural setting, go to the beautiful cascades of Kbal Chhay, just 16 kilometers from the city center.
This horizontal, multi-tiered waterfall, with drops of up to 5 meters, is surrounded by dense tropical forests and is one of Cambodia’s most picturesque.
You can cool off in the waist-deep waters, set up a picnic or hammock along the rocky banks, or tuck into local delights from nearby stalls while enjoying the splendid scenery.
Trek a national park
Ream National Park is just 18 kilometers from Sihanoukville city, a 14,700-hectare protected area encompassing forests, wetlands, rivers, reefs, and islands.
Established in 1993, the park boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including various species of marine life, and is also home to 30,000 people who live in small communes.
Choose from several guided tours at the park, or, for the more adventurous, you can explore the sprawling area.
There’s plenty to do here. Highlights include birdwatching in the mangroves, trekking desolate beaches to view diverse flora, and taking a boat out to sea to spot dolphins, dugongs, and turtles.
Go island-hopping
One of the best ways to take in Sihanoukville’s beauty is by exploring the many islands that dot its coast.
Koh Rong, with pristine waters and powdery, white sand, is the closest island to the mainland and by far one of the most popular.
There are many beaches to check out here, from the vibrant Kaoh Touch with its array of restaurants and bars to the quieter, tranquil Long Set Beach, where you can soak up the sun.
From Koh Rong, head out to the idyllic Koh Ta Kiev, an excellent spot for a digital detox. The island is void of power and telephone lines, and most resorts use solar panels or generators.
Koh Thmei, an island part of Ream National Park, is lined with unspoiled beaches and mangrove forests. This paradise pocket is a favorite among nature lovers who like spotting birds and other wildlife.
Explore marine life
Sihanoukville abounds with multiple diving spots off the coast of the city.
Novice divers would be thrilled with the sight of seahorses, shoals of fish, and coral life skirting Koh Rong Sanloem, the sister island of Koh Rong, and a 45-minute ferry ride from the city.
Another top pick is Koh Tang which lies 52 kilometers from the mainland, a journey that takes 1.5 hours by speed boat. This island is surrounded by more than a dozen dive sites teeming with marine life, from beautiful coral reefs and barracudas to octopuses and pipefish.
More experienced divers may enjoy the less explored waters of Koh Prins, where they can feast their eyes on larger underwater creatures like whales, giant barracuda, and marlins.