KH · Preah Sihanouk · 10.63°N 103.52°E

sihanoukville

Cambodia's port city and the jumping-off point for the Koh Rong islands.

Best time
November to April is dry and calm. The rainy season, from about May to October, brings rough seas that can disrupt the island boats.
How long
1 day, or a night on the way to the islands
Getting there
Fly KL to Phnom Penh (about 2 hours), then about 3 hours by road on the expressway. Sihanoukville also has its own airport with a few international flights. From Kampot it's about 2 hours by road.
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KH · Preah Sihanouksihanoukville10.63°N 103.52°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Cambodia's port city and the jumping-off point for the Koh Rong islands.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingSihanoukvilleKH, Preah Sihanouk
KLsihanoukville
≈ 857 km from KL, as the crow flies
Statue of Preah Thong Neang Neak

Photo: Kiensvay · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Cambodia's main port and beach city, on a peninsula in the Gulf of Thailand. It changed fast after a wave of casino and tower building, and much of the old backpacker beach scene is gone. Most visitors pass through on the way to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem, but there are beaches, mangroves and a hilltop pagoda if you stay a night.

Makan

  1. Grilled seafoodSquid, prawns and fish grilled at the beachfront stalls in the evening.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Otres BeachA long stretch of sand south of the centre, quieter than the town beaches.Map ↗
  2. Ream National ParkMangroves, beaches and boat trips along the river east of town.Map ↗
  3. Wat LeuA hilltop pagoda with views over the city and the bay.Map ↗
  4. Island boatsSpeedboats from the town's piers to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem.Map ↗

Good to know

  • The city has a reputation for scam compounds and human trafficking, and Malaysians have been lured here with fake job offers. Be very wary of any job that involves travelling to Cambodia.
  • Stick to well-reviewed hotels and registered transport, and keep valuables out of sight at night.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.