Sihanoukville is broadly often called the jumping-off level for serene islands corresponding to Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samleom, and Koh Dek Koul. However not so fast- “Snooky” has rather a lot to supply by itself. Situated on the southern coast of Cambodia, a few 5-hour drive from the capital metropolis of Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville is turning into a must-visit vacationer hub on this southeast Asian nation.
What was a quiet seaside city is slowly creating into celebration central with all of the facilities! Backpackers love Sihanoukville for the wonderful choice of worldwide meals, low priced lodging, sandy seashores, and persistently wild nightlife.
Let’s discover one of the best issues to do in Sihanoukville:
1. Serendipity Seashore
Serendipity Seashore is the principle seaside in Sihanoukville- you possibly can’t miss it. Nestled proper subsequent to the pier, you’ll discover a boardwalk lined with beachfront eating places and shady umbrella stands to match. Every restaurant has seating inside with views of the ocean and seaside chairs the place you possibly can sip a fruity cocktail whilst you work in your tan.
At evening, the boardwalk comes alive with loud music, flashing lights, and a youthful crowd of each vacationers and Cambodians who like to celebration.
You should definitely watch your purse and pockets; these cute little beggar youngsters are fairly expert with the elusive bag snatch.
2. Independence Seashore
Independence Seashore is true in entrance of your face, but one way or the other, vacationers by no means discover the chance to discover. This charming little inlet is located to the proper of the principle pier with clear water and rocky shores that’s fully distinctive to the world.
Observe the dust path below the huge shady bushes to discover this quiet little hideaway. Whereas not very large, this quaint cove is dwelling to some lovely eating places, small fishing piers, and boulders which are simply begging to be climbed on.
Take your lunch to go from a close-by restaurant or seize a beer from the native store and have a seaside picnic.
3. Otres Seashore
From the middle of city, rent a tuk tuk to drive you all the way down to Otres Seashore. Simply on the opposite facet of Serendipity Seashore, you’ll discover that Otres Seashore is far cleaner, quieter, and has a contact extra ‘upscale’ choices for lodging. The seaside is ideal for making sandcastles, the water is cool and refreshing, and the locals are tremendous pleasant.
Otres Seashore is lined with small eating places, each native and expat owned, that provide choices of Cambodian and Western meals. Hanging swings, seaside umbrellas, and over-hanging palm trees- Otres Seashore is a good place to spend a few days dwelling the nice life.
4. Kbal Chhay Waterfall
After a couple of days within the sand, it’s good to change issues up! Head out to Kbal Chhay Waterfall and let the freshwater streams cool you down. Relaxation below the falls for a vigorous again therapeutic massage and lay down within the revitalizing swimming pools of water as crystal streams rush over your physique.
While you’re able to dry off, there are conventional Khmer bamboo huts to offer some shade. Swing in a sturdy hammock and picnic on the straw mats beneath you. There shall be hawkers promoting snacks and drinks as you cross the bamboo bridge that will help you refill.
5. ATV Excursions
Enjoyable Buggy’s ATV Excursions will take you on a wild journey over muddy crimson dust plains and throughout rocky streams, leaving you completely coated in crimson dust splatter. Put on your play garments, as this isn’t an journey for the prim and correct.
You’ll be picked up out of your resort and transferred to the ATV location by way of tuk-tuk. The tour guides are tremendous pleasant, offering clear directions, helmets, and beer.
While you’re not mucking it up within the dust, you’ll comply with the beautiful tour guides by means of villages, jungle, and Sihanoukville roads. This tour is memorable, exhilarating, and completely time properly spent!
6. Go Crusing
Sailsihanoukville has mini catamarans for rent. These small white boats with shiny inexperienced sails line the seaside on Otres and are exhausting to overlook. You don’t must be a crusing knowledgeable or be skilled in crusing in any respect to have a catamaran journey in Sihanoukville. You possibly can exit on a soothing journey the place you’ll absorb beautiful views of the shore or join crusing classes the place you’ll discover ways to navigate the boat. In case you are comfy on the “Cat”, nonetheless, you possibly can take it out by yourself for a day and even two.
Irrespective of your desire, you’ll be guided by a seasoned crusing skilled, Mickey, who explains the crusing how-to in very simple phrases with utmost security in thoughts! Relaxation assured, you’re in good fingers.
7. Eat Every part
The various neighborhood of worldwide expats has made Sihanoukville the right place to stuff your face. Arguably, one of the best place in all of Cambodia to seek out Western meals, you’ve obtained loads of choices as you stroll round city.
For genuine pizza with hand-tossed crust, head over to Olive and Olive – a Mediterranean restaurant the place they don’t skimp on contemporary toppings; you sushi lovers shall be ecstatic to seek out fats sushi rolls and contemporary Nigiri at Shin Sushi Bar; and if it’s Indian that you simply’re within the temper for, Slum Canine Curry has one of the best Indian curries on the town.
8. Reside Leisure at The Led Zephyr
For years, The Led Zephyr has been the go-to spot for reside music and good meals. Touring musicians and comedians breeze by means of Sihanoukville, stopping to grace the stage with their presence a number of instances per week. With an incredible sound system and professional mild set-up, that is the true deal.
As if the reside leisure wasn’t sufficient, you’ll additionally discover native draft beer on faucet, wonderful pork ribs, cozy seating, and a billiards desk. The Led Zephyr is an effective way to spend a low-key evening together with your crew. Higher but, costs are low-cost and parts are large.
To treatment your hangover after an evening of nice tunes and flowing beer, crawl over on Sundays for a $5 roast and extra good instances.
9. Queenco Health Membership and Spa
Sometimes called “one of the best health club on the town”, Queenco Health Membership and Spa is the place you’ll find all the cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights that you simply’ve been lacking in your journey.
For health junkies, $6 per entry is actually value it. You get full use of the health club, showers, sauna, and also you’ll additionally obtain 15% off all meals on website. However that’s not all, of us. You’ll additionally get full use of the membership’s beachfront pool that makes for the right reward after a devoted session within the health club. And since you’re on trip, you may as properly make the most of the 30% off spa remedies and massages you get together with your $6 entry.
10. Gamble on the On line casino
If playing is your factor, you’ll be delighted to seek out Kampongsom Metropolis Resort & On line casino in Sihanoukville. Proper within the heart of city, you possibly can’t miss this big on line casino with colourful lights and décor that actually stands out. Simply head in direction of the Golden Lion and also you’ll actually see it.
Doubling as a resort and spa, many true on line casino lovers decide to remain in one of many modestly priced rooms the place the last word poker playground is at their fingertips. You’ll discover all the same old suspects right here: blackjack, Texas maintain em’, slot machines, and extra.
There’s a incredible restaurant on this on line casino and loads of accommodating employees to maintain your drinks crammed all day.
11. High Cat Cinema
Received a while to kill earlier than a bus journey or earlier than you possibly can test into your guesthouse? Or possibly you simply need to escape the Cambodian warmth for a couple of hours. High Cat Cinema is a cushty place to kick your ft up and kill a couple of hours whereas having a singular expertise.
This small cinema on the high of the hill close to Serendipity Seashore is extra like a film room than an precise theater with scheduled film instances. Go on in at your leisure and choose a transfer that you simply’d like to observe. You and your small group will then be arrange in a personal room with cozy couches and aircon whilst you watch movies by the hour.
Oh, and don’t overlook that you would be able to order pizza proper to the cinema.
12. Island Hopping
The most well-liked island locations off the coast of Sihanoukville are Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samleom: two very completely different islands however in shut proximity to 1 one other.
Through pace ferry, it takes about 45 minutes to get to each. There are a a number of boat corporations operating scheduled routes a couple of instances per day. Spend one evening on Samleom for a peaceable, low-key night with wonderful sundown views or head to Koh Rong for an evening of partying and among the finest seashores in Cambodia.
In fact, if in case you have time, plan to spend per week or so island hopping between the 2. There may be snorkeling, scuba diving, and jungle trekking available.
13. Phsar Leu Market
Step into the sneakers of native Cambodians at this large flea market in Sihanoukville. Tucked within the heart of city is a big plaza crammed with almost 100 distributors promoting a wide range of items. You’ll discover stalls promoting youngsters’s clothes, stalls with bathing fits, stalls for gold watches and jewellery, and naturally, stalls with a number of meals.
The skin perimeter of the market is bustling with locals who’ve come to choose up fruit, veg, and bread to feed their complete family- it’s fairly a busy scene to observe. Pattern native delicacies like jackfruit or the notorious smelly Durian. Simply watch your toes as spikey produce is strewn about.
14. Take a Cooking Class (When in Cambodia, make Amok)
Join the Tastes of Cambodia cooking class in Sihanoukville the place you’ll be taught to make genuine Khmer dishes corresponding to banana leaf salad, contemporary spring rolls, fish amok, rooster crimson curry, and ginger dumplings. Vegetarians are additionally welcome. Simply request a particular menu upfront and Tastes of Cambodia shall be glad to oblige.
The category is held in a conventional Cambodian dwelling the place you’re taught by smiley and educated Cambodian cooks who converse clear English and are all the time cracking jokes. No matter you possibly can’t end, you possibly can take dwelling for seconds later.
15. Yoga Retreat and Courses
After you fed your soul with lengthy nights of partying and your physique with loopy adventures on the water, contemplating slowing down for a couple of days at Vagabond Temple.
This yoga heart in Sihanoukville gives completely different retreats aimed in direction of completely different religious functions. Some retreats give attention to self-discovery and self-empowerment by means of ceremonies and life-coaching, whereas others work on detoxing your physique and centering your vitality with Reiki periods and meditation. Take a look at their web site to find the retreat best for you.
