Sihanoukville Guide 2025 brings you into one of the most bizarre and beach-battered corners of Cambodia. Towering casinos loom over motorbike repair shops, islands shimmer just offshore, and the smell of fried squid wafts through construction dust. It is messy, unpredictable, and somehow still magnetic.
Whether you came chasing ferry tickets, backpacker stories of Otres, or just needed a stop before Koh Rong, you will probably stay longer than you meant to.
This Sihanoukville Guide is not about luxury. It is about what makes Sihanoukville tick. A gambling haven, transport hub, island gateway, and weird party town all mashed into one.
What the Sihanoukville Guide
Located on Cambodia’s southern coast, Sihanoukville sits right on the Gulf of Thailand, around four hours from Phnom Penh. It is a place of extremes. Five-star casinos clash with street food stalls. Concrete towers rise where bamboo bars used to sit. Ferries blast out to paradise while tuk tuks rattle through potholes.
Named after King Norodom Sihanouk, the city has been through more phases than your average expat. From sleepy beach town to Chinese casino boomtown and now trying to find its feet again, this is the front line of modern Cambodia.
What to Do in Sihanoukville Guide?
Sihanoukville is not just a port town. If you know where to look, you will find beaches, islands, and moments of peace hiding in the madness.
Otres Beach
Otres used to be a backpacker paradise. These days it is a bit more built up, but still holds onto its chilled vibe. You can find guesthouses, beach bars, and a few spots serving beer and BBQ right on the sand.
Serendipity Beach
More chaotic, more built-up, and always interesting. This is where the ferries leave for Koh Rong, and it is the heart of Sihanoukville’s nightlife.
Ream National Park
About half an hour out of town. Mangroves, quiet beaches, and a glimpse of Cambodia before the cranes came. You can arrange boat trips through the rivers and spot birds, monkeys, or maybe dolphins if you are lucky.
Kbal Chhay Waterfall
Rough road out but worth it in the rainy season. Locals picnic here and it is a good excuse to escape the concrete.
Island Trips
This is the real reason most people come. Ferries to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem run daily and offer some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia.
Where to Eat in Sihanoukville
Despite being a bit of a building site the food in Sihanoukville is actually pretty good. As you’d expect seafood is a huge deal here, but so also is really good Chinese.
Sandan
Social enterprise with fantastic Khmer food and a good cause behind it. Try the beef lok lak or grilled squid.
Five Men Fresh Beer
BBQ meats, plastic chairs, and dirt-cheap beer brewed on site. You might never leave.
Starfish Bakery
A bit of a hidden gem. Good coffee, great sandwiches, and supports local community projects.
Mom’s Kitchen
Home-style Khmer food. Look for the locals and follow your nose.
Chinatown
Down by the elephant statue and the ABA Bank is a street full of great Chinese restaurants that will even cook to order if you can speak the lingo.
Street Food Sihanoukville Guide
We won’t go too crazy on this section, because honestly once we start, we might not be able to stop. Street food in Sihanoukville is not just epic, but pretty much everywhere.
The main place to be though is on the beach where hawkers are frying up some of the best squid you can have on planet earth. Do not miss Sihanoukville street food.
Sihanoukville Nightlife
Formerly the nightlife of Sihanoukville was epic, featuring expat bars, backpacker joints and even a girls street. Those days though now are sadly gone. There are though still a few bars and of course Chinese style nightlife options.
Monkey Republic
One of the last old-school traveller bars still going strong. Cheap drinks and good company.
JJ’s
Famous for its live music nights and surprisingly strong cocktails.
Skybar
Sits on top of one of the new towers. Views over the city and a cocktail list that tries hard.
Casino Strip
If you want to lose some money or just soak in neon madness, head here. Not for the faint-hearted.
Where to Sleep in Sihanoukville Guide
From $5 dorms to $500 suites, it is all here.
Onederz Sihanoukville
Reliable, social hostel with solid facilities and rooftop views.
Otres Beach Hotel
A bit of an accidental find, but great location, awesome value and really friendly staff.
Sokha Beach Resort
If you are after something fancy, this is your best bet. Private beach, big pool, and a breakfast buffet that will ruin your budget.
Sunbird Garden Resort
Quieter spot near Otres. Good for couples or longer stays.
The Last Point
Rustic beach bungalows on Otres 2. Budget-friendly and chilled.
Getting In and Out of Sihanoukville
Since the building of the new highway getting in and out of the place is much easier than it used to be. It is also pretty cost effective, particularly if you are doing a Cambodia tour.
From Phnom Penh
Minivans and buses run regularly. Takes around four hours. Giant Ibis is one of the better options.
By Train
There is a railway line from Phnom Penh that runs a few days a week. Slow but scenic.
To the Islands
Ferries leave several times a day to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. Most leave from the new ferry terminal near Serendipity. You can read more about it at Cambodia Lifestyle.
To Vietnam
If you are heading south, you can go overland to the Ha Tien border and connect to Phu Quoc Island. See Street Food Ha Tien for border tips.
Motorbike rental is available in town. Roads are chaotic, but if you know what you are doing, it gives you freedom.
Sihanoukville in Summary
Sihanoukville is not for everyone, but that is kind of the point. Come for the chaos, stay for the weird charm. It is loud, dusty, sometimes beautiful, and never boring. Whether you are crashing here on your way to the islands, checking out the casino scene, or just want a place to drink a beer and watch the madness go by, Sihanoukville has you covered.
Check out our Cambodia Tours for more offbeat stops like this one at Young Pioneer Tours.
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