Sihanoukville would never win first prize in a pretty-town competition, and much of it is now dominated by casinos and tacky commercial centres. But despite the rapid and mostly unwanted development, it has remained the jumping-off point for the best of Cambodia's white-sand beaches and castaway-cool southern islands. The Serendipity Beach area is a decompression chamber for backpackers, who flock here to rest up between travels and party through the night.
Away from the hustle south of town is relaxed Otres Beach, where cheap bungalow joints and bohemian-flavoured guesthouses are now neighbours with rather swish boutique resorts. Although much of the beachfront will likely be cleared for large-scale development in the future, for now the mellow scene still allows for lazy days of sunbathing and whirlwind nights of bar-hopping.
What to do here…
Day1/ Benefit from the knowledge of a local guide on this full-day tour of Sihanoukville. Visit small fishing villages, sandy beaches, Buddhist temples, and Kbal Chhay Waterfall. Have time to browse at Phsar Leu Central Market and observe daily life in rural Cambodia as you drive through the countryside. Includes guide, round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a stop for lunch.
Day2/ Spend a day at sea, abandoning yourself and your senses to the azure waters and white-sand islands along the Sihanoukville coastline. Spend time snorkeling and chasing colorful fishes or laze the day away on a palm-lined beach, before enjoying a freshly-caught seafood dinner, free from the crowds and tourist developments that typically clutter tranquil tropical island hotspots.