A lively beachside town and a gateway to the islands
Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s most popular beach town, located only a few hours from Phnom Penh. With sprawling white sandy beaches, seaside restaurants and bars, the town is a great base to explore the surrounding natural beauty of the region.Go beach hopping along the many gorgeous beaches in the area, including Sokha Beach, Independence Beach and Otres Beach, venturing further into the blue on snorkeling and diving excursions.Explore the incredible Ream National Park, less than 30 minutes drive from Sihanoukville. Take a boat tour through the mysterious mangrove forests teeming with rare bird life. Discover cascading waterfalls, exotic plants, and wildlife in the magical jungle.The surrounding islands make for perfect day trips. Koh Russei, also known as Bamboo Island, offers peaceful beaches and a laid-back village, while Koh Rong has stunning stretches of white sands and a tropical rainforest just waiting to be explored.Visit Wat Krom, a glimmering Khmer Buddhist temple overlooking the sea, and the innovative Otres Market, which also comes alive at night with live music and dance shows.In the evening, you can enjoy al fresco dining on the beach or explore the town’s side streets and alleyways, brimming with the tantalizing aromas of fresh seafood and local spices.With excellent beaches and fantastic seafood all on the doorstep of some of Cambodia’s most beautiful islands and national parks, Sihanoukville is an ideal stop on any trip to Cambodia.
When to go to Sihanoukville
The best time to visit Sihanoukville is from November to February when the weather is dry and the temperatures are pleasant. The hottest months are March to May, before the rainy season arrives in May, lasting until October. The intense, sporadic downpours bring lush, green scenery, so this is the season with the fewest crowds.The ocean is warm for swimming all year round. However, activities such as snorkelling and diving are often compromised by rain during the wet season. Visit in November to witness Bon Om Touk, the Cambodian Water Festival, celebrating the reversal of the flow of the Tonle Sap River.
WEATHER CHART:
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
Need to chat?
Find out more and tailor your perfect trip with the help of our specialist team
Enquire OnlineYour Luxury Accommodation Options in Sihanoukville
Independence Hotel is the ultimate luxury beach resort, with a pristine white sand private beach, two pools, tennis courts, volleyballs fields, multiple dining spots, a spa and fitness centre, tropical gardens, a long pier and a promenade leading to the infinity pool over the ocean.
Independence Hotel
Sitting within 22 acres of rainforest and tropical gardens, right next to the ocean on the leafy sho...
Discover MoreMore Cambodia travel inspiration from Wayfairer customers and travel specialists
8 Luxury Winter Sun Holidays to Visit Now
November 29, 2023
7 Best Places to Visit in December
November 08, 2023
Sign up to our newsletter
For more travel inspiration delivered straight to your inbox just fill in your details here
Start planning your Cambodia vacation today
We're looking forward to hearing from you