Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia Travel Guide

Discover Preah Sihanouk: Cambodia's coastal gem with stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural experiences.

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Preah Sihanouk

Preah Sihanouk, often known as Sihanoukville, is a coastal city in Cambodia that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture. This destination is famous for its stunning white-sand beaches, clear blue waters, and a lively nightlife that attracts tourists from all over the world. It is an ideal spot for those looking to relax by the sea or engage in thrilling water activities. Beyond the beaches, Preah Sihanouk is home to picturesque islands such as Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, which are accessible by a short boat ride. These islands boast pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life, making them perfect for snorkeling, diving, and other water sports. The city itself has a lot to offer in terms of culture and cuisine. You can explore local markets, enjoy fresh seafood, and visit historic sites like Wat Leu Pagoda, which offers panoramic views of the city. The blend of traditional Khmer culture and modern amenities ensures a unique and memorable experience for every traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Preah Sihanouk.

Visit during the dry season (November to April) for the best weather and optimal beach conditions.
Take a boat trip to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem for a day of island exploration and water activities.
Try the fresh seafood at local restaurants for an authentic Cambodian culinary experience.
Stay in Otres Beach for a more relaxed and less crowded beach experience.
Use tuk-tuks for short distances within the city; they are convenient and inexpensive.

Top City Travel Guides in Preah Sihanouk

The cities of Preah Sihanouk, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Koh Rong

Sihanoukville

Explore Preah Sihanouk: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Preah Sihanouk

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Best Attractions

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Phú Quốc

Explore the stunning beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture of Phú Quốc, Vietnam's tropical paradise known for its breathtaking landscapes.

4.4

Phsar Leu Market

Experience the vibrant local culture at Phsar Leu Market in Preah Sihanouk, where authentic Cambodian goods, food, and crafts come alive.

4.2

Bokor Hill Station

Discover the charm of Bokor Hill Station, where history meets stunning landscapes in Cambodia's mountainous retreat.

4.3

Phu Quoc National Park

Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity of Phu Quoc National Park, a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Vietnam.

4.2

Best landmarks in Preah Sihanouk

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Kaoh Touch Beach

Experience the best of Koh Rong Island at Kaoh Touch Beach: golden sands, turquoise waters, vibrant nightlife, and island adventures await!

4.2

Ochheuteal Beach

Experience the energy of Sihanoukville at Ochheuteal Beach, a vibrant hub with sandy shores, diverse dining, and exciting nightlife.

4.2

Bokor Catholic Church

Discover the haunting beauty of Bokor Catholic Church, a historic landmark with panoramic views and a glimpse into Cambodia's colonial past.

4.3

Bokor Hill Station

Explore Bokor Hill Station: French colonial history, stunning mountain views, and cultural sites in Cambodia's Preah Monivong National Park.

4.3

Best restaurants in Preah Sihanouk

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Sandan

Discover authentic Cambodian flavors at Sandan Restaurant in Preah Sihanouk - where every meal supports local youth empowerment.

4.7

Yasmine Restaurant

Experience exquisite dining at Yasmine Restaurant in Preah Sihanouk, blending local flavors with international cuisine amidst stunning coastal views.

3.7

新金岸海鲜餐厅 New Beach Restaurant

Experience authentic Cambodian flavors at New Beach Restaurant in Preah Sihanouk – where every dish tells a story!

4.0

By The Sea

Experience exquisite seafood and authentic Cambodian flavors at By The Sea in Preah Sihanouk—where dining meets breathtaking ocean views.

4.7

Best bars in Preah Sihanouk

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Angkor Beach Bar

Discover Angkor Beach Bar in Preah Sihanouk - a vibrant restaurant offering delicious cuisine and stunning ocean views in a lively atmosphere.

4.2

Jungle Bar and kitchen

Experience the vibrant flavors and lively music at Jungle Bar and Kitchen, Preah Sihanouk's ultimate destination for food, drinks, and fun in a tropical setting.

4.9

Level 22 Sihanoukville

Discover the breathtaking views and exquisite flavors of Level 22 Sihanoukville, a premier restaurant offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

4.9

Taxi Pub

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Taxi Pub in Preah Sihanouk, a lively bar offering affordable drinks and great entertainment for tourists.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Preah Sihanouk

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Relax Pub

Experience the exhilarating nightlife at Relax Pub, Preah Sihanouk's top disco club, where music and culture blend seamlessly for an unforgettable night.

4.8

Lucky Night KTV

Dive into the vibrant nightlife of Preah Sihanouk at Lucky Night KTV, where unforgettable karaoke experiences await every music lover.

4.0

អត់ខ្វល់ Ort Kvol PUB-KTV

Explore the lively nightlife at Ort Kvol PUB-KTV, a premier disco club in Preah Sihanouk with vibrant music, dance, and a welcoming atmosphere.

4.7

Bentley Club

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Bentley Club in Preah Sihanouk, where unforgettable parties and great music create the ultimate night out experience.

3.9

Best shops in Preah Sihanouk

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Phsar Leu Market

Discover the vibrant culture and culinary delights at Phsar Leu Market, a bustling hub in Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia.

4.2

Samudera Market

Explore the colorful aisles of Samudera Market in Preah Sihanouk, where local flavors and vibrant culture await every visitor.

4.1

U Mall Sihanoukville

Explore U Mall Sihanoukville: The ultimate shopping destination combining local charm and modern retail experience in the heart of Cambodia.

4.3

FURI Times Square Mall

Discover a vibrant shopping experience at FURI Times Square Mall in Preah Sihanouk, blending local culture with international flair.

4.1

Explore Preah Sihanouk on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Preah Sihanouk, mapped for you.

Preah Sihanouk Essentials

Preah Sihanouk, also known as Sihanoukville, is accessible via Sihanouk International Airport (KOS) which has flights from major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi from Phnom Penh; the journey takes approximately 4-5 hours by road. There are also ferry services to and from nearby islands such as Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.
Getting around Preah Sihanouk is relatively straightforward. Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are the most common forms of local transport and are generally inexpensive. For longer distances or more convenience, renting a motorbike or scooter is a popular option. There are also car rental services available, but driving can be challenging due to local traffic conditions. Public buses are limited but available for travel to and from other cities.
The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US dollars are widely accepted. ATMs are readily available in Preah Sihanouk and dispense both Riel and US dollars. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets.
While Preah Sihanouk is generally safe for tourists, it is important to exercise caution. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, particularly in crowded areas and on the beaches. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep your belongings secure. High-crime areas targeting tourists include Serendipity Beach and Otres Beach after dark.
In case of emergency, dial 117 for police assistance and 119 for medical emergencies. Sihanoukville Referral Hospital is the main medical facility in the area. Having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies is highly recommended. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, but it is advisable to carry basic medications with you.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do remove your shoes and cover your shoulders when entering temples. Public Transport: Do negotiate and agree on fares before taking a tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi. Don't forget to carry small denominations of cash. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow and a smile. A traditional Cambodian greeting involves pressing your palms together in front of your chest. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood specialties and accept food offerings graciously. Don't drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.
For an authentic experience, visit the local markets such as Phsar Leu Market where you can buy fresh produce and local goods. Engage with the locals; they are generally friendly and eager to share their culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a boat trip to the nearby islands for pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling. Try the local seafood, especially in the evening when the beachside restaurants set up barbecues.

When is the best time to visit Preah Sihanouk?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Preah Sihanouk

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Preah Sihanouk. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloសួស្តី
  [Suosdey]
- Goodbyeលាហើយ
  [Leahery]
- Yesបាទ / ចាស
  [Bat / Chas]
- Noទេ
  [Te]
- Please/You're welcomeសូម / អរគុណ
  [Soum / Orkun]
- Thank youអរគុណ
  [Orkun]
- Excuse me/Sorryសូមអភ័យទោស
  [Soum Aphaythos]
- How are you?សុខសប្បាយរបស់អ្នកទេ?
  [Sok Sabay Robos Anak Te?]
- Fine. And you?សុខសប្បាយ។ និងអ្នក?
  [Sok Sabay. Ning Anak?]
- Do you speak English?អ្នកនិយាយភាសាអង់គ្លេសទេ?
  [Anak Niyay Pheasa Angkles Te?]
- I don't understandខ្ញុំមិនយល់ទេ
  [Khnhom Min Yol Te]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់មើលម៉ឺនុយ សូម
  [Khnhom Jong Merl Menuy, Soum]
- I don't eat meatខ្ញុំមិនញ៉ាំសាច់ទេ
  [Khnhom Min Nhamm Sach Te]
- Cheers!ជាសុខសប្បាយ!
  [Chea Sok Sabay!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់បង់ប្រាក់ សូម
  [Khnhom Jong Bang Brak, Soum]
- Help!ជួយ!
  [Chouy!]
- Go away!ទៅឆាប់!
  [Tov Chhap!]
- Call the Police!ទូរស័ព្ទទៅសមត្ថកិច្ច!
  [Tuo Sap Teu Samathakich!]
- Call a doctor!ទូរស័ព្ទទៅគ្រូពេទ្យ!
  [Tuo Sap Teu Krou Pet!]
- I'm lostខ្ញុំបានខកខាន
  [Khnhom Ban Khak Khean]
- I'm illខ្ញុំអាក្រក់
  [Khnhom Akrok]
- I'd like to buy...ខ្ញុំចង់ទិញ...
  [Khnhom Jong Tinh...]
- I'm just lookingខ្ញុំគ្រាន់តែពិនិត្យ
  [Khnhom Kran Te Pinith]
- How much is it?វាធ្លាយប៉ុន្មាន?
  [Ve Thlay Ponman?]
- That's too expensiveវាធ្លាយថ្លៃពេក
  [Ve Thlay Thlai Peak]
- Can you lower the price?អ្នកអាចកាត់តម្លៃបានទេ?
  [Anak Ach Kat Damlay Ban Te?]
- What time is it?ម៉ោងប៉ុន្មានហើយ?
  [Maong Ponman Hery?]
- It's one o'clockម៉ោងមួយ
  [Maong Muy]
- Half past (10)ម៉ោងដប់និងកន្លះ
  [Maong Dop Ning Kanlah]
- Morningព្រឹក
  [Preuk]
- Afternoonល្ងាច
  [Lngach]
- Eveningរាត្រី
  [Reatrey]
- Yesterdayម្សិលមិញ
  [Msil Minh]
- Todayថ្ងៃនេះ
  [Thngai Nih]
- Tomorrowថ្ងៃស្អែក
  [Thngai Saek]
- 1១
  [Muoy]
- 2២
  [Peh]
- 3៣
  [Bey]
- 4៤
  [Buon]
- 5៥
  [Pram]
- 6៦
  [Pram Muoy]
- 7៧
  [Pram Peh]
- 8៨
  [Pram Bey]
- 9៩
  [Pram Buon]
- 10១០
  [Pram Pram]
- Where's a/the...?នៅឯណា...?
  [Nov Aeh Na...?]
- What's the address?អាសយដ្ឋានអ្វី?
  [Aseyatthan Ave?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?អ្នកអាចបង្ហាញខ្ញុំ(លើផែនទី)?
  [Anak Ach Bonghean Khnhom (Leu Phen Ti)?]
- When's the next (bus)?ម៉ោងដ៏ក្រោយ(ប៉ុស្តិ៍)?
  [Maong Dor Kroy (Post)?]
- A ticket (to ....)សំបុត្រ(ទៅ....)
  [Sambot (Tov....)]

History of Preah Sihanouk

The region now known as Preah Sihanouk has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was originally part of the Kingdom of Funan, one of Southeast Asia's earliest and most powerful civilizations, which flourished between the 1st and 6th centuries CE. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was an important trading hub, connecting the Indian Ocean trade network with the rest of the region.
During the height of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th centuries, the area that is now Preah Sihanouk played a significant role in maritime trade. The empire's influence extended to this coastal region, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas across Southeast Asia. Temples and other structures from this period, although not as grand as those found in Angkor, indicate the region's importance.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cambodia became a protectorate of France. The French recognized the strategic importance of the coastal region and began developing it as a port. In 1950, the construction of Sihanoukville, named after King Norodom Sihanouk, began. The port was officially inaugurated in 1960 and quickly became a crucial gateway for Cambodia's international trade.
After Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953, Preah Sihanouk saw significant development. The port city of Sihanoukville was transformed into a modern town with infrastructure projects, including roads, hotels, and an airport. It became a symbol of Cambodia's aspirations for economic progress and modernization during the 1960s.
The rise of the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s brought a dark chapter to Preah Sihanouk's history. Sihanoukville and its port were used for military purposes, and the local population suffered under the brutal regime. The area experienced severe disruption and hardship, with much of its infrastructure damaged or destroyed during this tumultuous period.
Following the fall of the Khmer Rouge in 1979, efforts to rebuild Preah Sihanouk began. The 1980s and 1990s were marked by gradual recovery, with international aid and investment helping to restore the port and revitalize the local economy. The area slowly began to reclaim its status as an important commercial and tourist hub.
In the early 21st century, Preah Sihanouk experienced a tourism boom. The region's pristine beaches, islands, and natural beauty attracted visitors from around the world. Sihanoukville, in particular, saw rapid development, with new hotels, casinos, and resorts catering to the growing number of tourists. This transformation has made Preah Sihanouk a key destination for both tourism and commerce in Cambodia.