Hello, my name is Camille Beaumont, and I’m from Belgium. At the beginning of November this year, I spent two vacation days in Sihanoukville, organized by Autour Asia, Cambodia Travel Agency. After this trip, I must say that Sihanoukville is a city that deserves more recognition in Cambodia. This city left me with many wonderful impressions and memories thanks to its blue beaches and warm-hearted people. What to do in Sihanoukville? In this article, I’d like to share my 2 days in Sihanoukville. For those planning to visit Sihanoukville, I hope my article will help you gather ideas for your trip.
I. Why Choose to Visit Sihanoukville?
My trip to Sihanoukville happened by chance. I have always been interested in exploring destinations in Asia, and while browsing through social media filled with countless suggested destinations, I stumbled upon Sihanoukville. In fact, I had to look it up to discover that Sihanoukville was a destination in Cambodia, as I had never heard of this city before. That’s why it piqued my curiosity.
As I learned more about this city, I discovered the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. I was completely blown away when I saw pictures of their lush, stunning beaches. At that moment, I thought that maybe I should visit Sihanoukville and these islands.
Some time later, when I had some free time again, I remembered Sihanoukville. When thinking about Cambodia, I recalled impressions of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. But what about Sihanoukville, this coastal city? What to do in Sihanoukville? It was this thought that led me to decide on a visit during 2 days in Sihanoukville. A short trip, but for me, it was enough to explore the most unique aspects of Sihanoukville. And I was absolutely not disappointed by this 2-day trip to Sihanoukville.
II. Our 2-Day Itinerary in Sihanoukville
Regarding my itinerary of 2 days in Sihanoukville, I must say that a significant part of the success of this trip is thanks to the Autour Asia team. My journey started in Hanoi and landed in Sihanoukville after a transit in Phnom Penh.
1. Day 1: Hanoi - Sihanoukville - Serendipity Beach - Phsar Leu Market
After a short flight, I arrived in Sihanoukville, a coastal city renowned for its white, fine-sand beaches and fresh air.
On the first day of my itinerary of 2 days in Sihanoukville, I dedicated the entire day to Serendipity Beach. This beach is a true haven of peace, with crystal-clear water and gentle waves. I loved walking on the soft sand and feeling the refreshing sea breeze. Snorkeling was a fascinating experience. Beneath the clear water, a vibrant world of colorful corals and tropical fish unfolded before my eyes, making me feel like I was swimming in an underwater fairy tale.
In the afternoon, as the sun’s heat softened, I settled at a small seaside restaurant to enjoy seafood. The table was set directly on the sand. I tasted grilled scallops with onion, crab in black pepper sauce, and grilled squid with salt and chili. Each dish was fresh and incredibly delicious. Eating seafood by the sea made the experience even more enjoyable and memorable.
What to do in Sihanoukville? In the evening, I dined at Sandan restaurant. The fish amok dish with coconut rice was absolutely fantastic. After that, I explored the nightlife of Sihanoukville by strolling through the Phsar Leu Night Market. The market features a variety of stalls, offering everything from handicrafts and jewelry to souvenirs infused with indigenous culture. The atmosphere of the night market is lively, with the sounds of traditional music and cheerful chatter. It’s also a great opportunity to sample street food, loved by many tourists.
2. Day 2: Sihanoukville - Koh Rong - Hanoi
I began the morning of the second day of my itinerary of 2 days in Sihanoukville by taking a speedboat from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Island. After arriving on Koh Rong, I spent time visiting Lonely Beach, located in the northern part of the island. Lonely Beach was voted the most beautiful beach in 2021 due to its pristine natural beauty and unspoiled wilderness. The white sandy beach alongside the crystal-clear emerald waters creates a peaceful scene. The small surrounding cliffs combined with towering coconut trees made for a deeply relaxing experience. The isolation of Lonely Beach makes it an ideal destination for those who enjoy tranquility and raw beauty, as it is quite far from the bustling resorts.
What to Do in Sihanoukville? In the afternoon of the second day, I participated in scuba diving on Koh Rong. Visitors can engage in scuba diving activities to explore the vibrant underwater world with its colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Snorkeling is also very popular, especially in areas like Long Set Beach and Coral Gardens, where the clear seawater offers a perfect view of the schools of swimming fish. The western coastline of Koh Rong is considered an ideal spot for scuba diving and coral diving activities. Here, the intact coral reefs provide a habitat for a rich variety of marine species.
You can find diving centers on Koh Rong, such as the Koh Rong Dive Center and Dive Resort, which organize many daily tours with various activities like scuba diving, individual fishing, and barbecue parties. If you prefer privacy, you can also rent a private boat to explore nearby islands and learn about traditional Khmer fishing techniques.
In addition to scuba diving, I also tried sea kayaking. For me, this activity brought a sense of connection with nature in a gentler and simpler way. Unlike scuba diving, where you can observe marine life up close, kayaking allows you to glide along quiet beaches or weave through coral reefs just beneath the water's surface. During this kayaking activity, I also admired the sunset on Koh Rong Beach, which gave me a profound sense of rejuvenation.
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The rest of my time on Koh Rong was mainly spent resting before taking the speedboat back to Sihanoukville and heading to Hanoi. Due to limited time, I couldn’t explore all the activities available in Sihanoukville and Koh Rong. However, after this trip, I am determined to return whenever I get the chance, as the experiences in Sihanoukville and Koh Rong were truly fascinating for me.
Another traveller's take: 5 days in Sihanoukville
Mr. Leblanc stayed five days in October and shows what you can add when you have more time than a weekend. His route mixed culture, nature and beach days:
- Day 1, the city: a climb to Wat Leu, a hilltop temple with a panoramic view over the city and coast, then lunch in the busy Phsar Leu market and an afternoon on Ochheuteal Beach, finished with a seafood barbecue at sunset.
- Day 2, nature around the city: a boat ride through the mangroves of Ream National Park, with birds and fishermen at work, then a swim at the Kbal Chhay Waterfalls, reached by a bumpy, dusty road. Fish amok back in town ended the day.
- Day 3, Koh Rong: a quiet morning at Long Set Beach, a wilder afternoon at Coconut Beach and, after dark, a swim among bioluminescent plankton, which he calls one of the most magical moments of the trip.
- Day 4, sea and forest: snorkelling around the nearby islands, where he spotted a stingray, a jungle trek to an ocean viewpoint, kayaking in the mangroves and a beach barbecue under the stars.
- Day 5, a slow finish: Wat Krom, quieter than Wat Leu, with colourful frescoes and sea views, then a last walk on peaceful Otres Beach before the flight home.
His honest takeaways: some coral areas look damaged and a few beaches have litter, and Koh Rong can have jellyfish, but the natural beauty and warm welcome still make the trip worthwhile. Bring water and a hat for Ream, where heat and humidity make walking tiring.
Weather: what to expect in the wetter months
In October, Mr. Leblanc found the weather changeable: sunny mornings ideal for beaches and boat trips, short tropical showers in the afternoon and mild evenings for dining by the sea. If you travel at this time of year, plan outdoor activities and boat excursions in the morning and keep the afternoons for temples, markets or rest.
III. Tips for Your First Trip to Sihanoukville
Based on my experiences during my itinerary of 2 days in Sihanoukville, here are a few tips for anyone planning to visit this city:
- Make time for the beaches in your itinerary of 2 days in Sihanoukville. It would be a real pity not to visit Sihanoukville’s beaches, especially Koh Rong Island. I highly recommend trying some water activities, as they are really enjoyable. Alternatively, you can simply savor fresh seafood on Serendipity Beach.
- Koh Rong stands out for its untouched natural beauty, but this also means that some modern amenities may be limited, especially in remote locations like Lonely Beach. It’s advisable to come prepared with a few essentials: a flashlight for easy navigation at night, comfortable shoes for exploring, and mosquito repellent to avoid any discomfort.
- If you plan on engaging in activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, or swimming with bioluminescent plankton, don’t forget your swimsuit, towel, and, if you prefer, your own diving equipment for added comfort. These small preparations will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable.
What to Do in Sihanoukville? My 2 days in Sihanoukville offered me a memorable getaway. Culinary discoveries, such as fresh seafood, and outdoor activities like snorkeling or evening strolls, further enriched the experience. I highly recommend this destination to anyone looking to escape daily life and reconnect with the beauty of nature.
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