Sihanoukville Travel Guide 2026: Koh Rong Islands, Beaches, Ream National Park, Safety, Costs & Tips

⚠️ Safety notice (October 2026): Several governments warn about organised crime in Sihanoukville, including online scam compounds, human trafficking linked to fake job offers, and drug crime. Tourists are not usually targeted, but be cautious: never accept job offers in Cambodia through social media, avoid walking alone after dark, and use registered transport. Most visitors pass through Sihanoukville quickly on the way to the Koh Rong islands. Check your government's current advice.

Sihanoukville (also called Kampong Som) is Cambodia's main port and beach town, on a peninsula in the Gulf of Thailand. Once a sleepy backpacker destination, it was transformed in the late 2010s by rapid, largely Chinese-funded development, with casinos, high-rise buildings and construction sites. While the city itself has lost much of its charm, it remains the gateway to Cambodia's most beautiful islands: Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, with white-sand beaches, turquoise water, jungle trails and glowing bioluminescent plankton at night. Nearby, Ream National Park protects mangroves, beaches and wildlife, and Otres Beach still offers a quieter atmosphere. This Sihanoukville travel guide covers the best time to visit, top places with booking tips, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, entry rules and practical tips.

Best Time to Visit Sihanoukville

Dry season (November–April): The best time, with sunny days (27–33°C), calm seas and clear water.

Rainy season (May–October): Rain, rougher seas and some cancelled ferries, but fewer visitors and lower prices. Some island businesses close.

Events: Khmer New Year (mid-April) brings many domestic tourists to the beaches.

Top Places to Visit in Sihanoukville

1. Koh Rong

Cambodia's second-largest island, about 45–60 minutes by speedboat, with Long Set Beach, Sok San Beach, jungle trails and the backpacker village of Koh Touch.

Booking tip: Book ferry tickets in advance in high season, and choose reputable operators. Book a Koh Rong ferry or tour on GetYourGuide

2. Koh Rong Samloem

A quieter island with the stunning crescent of Saracen Bay, Lazy Beach and Sunset Beach, ideal for relaxing.

Booking tip: Island-hopping tours include snorkelling stops. Book a Koh Rong Samloem trip on GetYourGuide

3. Bioluminescent Plankton

On dark, moonless nights, the water around the islands glows when you swim or move your hand through it.

Booking tip: Night plankton tours run from the islands. Book a plankton night swim on GetYourGuide

4. Snorkelling and Diving

Dive sites around Koh Rong, Koh Tang and Koh Prins offer corals, fish and occasional larger marine life.

Booking tip: Choose a certified dive centre on the islands. Book diving in Cambodia on GetYourGuide

5. Ream National Park

About 30 minutes from the city, with mangrove boat trips, beaches, monkeys and birdlife.

Booking tip: Guided boat tours explore the mangroves. Book a Ream National Park tour on GetYourGuide

6. Otres Beach

A long beach south of the city, quieter than central beaches, with guesthouses and restaurants.

Booking tip: Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available. Book Sihanoukville water activities on GetYourGuide

7. Kbal Chhay Waterfall

A waterfall about 16 km from the city, popular with locals for swimming in the rainy season.

Booking tip: Combine with Ream on a day tour. Book Sihanoukville tours on GetYourGuide

Also worth visiting: Wat Leu hilltop temple, Independence Beach, Sokha Beach, and Koh Ta Kiev island.

Suggested 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Sihanoukville, visit Otres Beach or Ream National Park.

Day 2–3: Ferry to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem, beaches, snorkelling and a plankton swim.

Day 4: Return and continue to Kampot or Phnom Penh.

Food Scene

Try fresh seafood at beach restaurants, grilled squid, fish amok, Khmer curries and fresh fruit shakes. Sihanoukville also has many Chinese restaurants.

Island Life Tips

Island accommodation ranges from simple fan bungalows to boutique resorts. Electricity may be limited to certain hours in more remote spots, and Wi-Fi can be slow, so it's a good place for a digital detox. Bring a torch, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent and a dry bag for boat trips. Many beaches have no shade at midday, so plan activities for the morning and late afternoon. Respect local communities and keep beaches clean, as rubbish collection is difficult on the islands.

Cambodian Etiquette

Cambodians are warm and welcoming. Greet people with the sampeah, pressing your palms together in front of your chest with a slight bow. Remove your shoes before entering homes and temple buildings, and dress modestly at religious sites. Monks are highly respected: women shouldn't touch them or hand objects directly to them. Avoid touching anyone's head, and don't point your feet at people or Buddha images. Bargaining is normal in markets, but keep it friendly. Tipping isn't compulsory but is appreciated, especially for guides and drivers.

Practical Planning Notes

Keep copies of your passport and travel documents in a separate bag, and store important files online. Pack light, as you may have to wade to shore or carry luggage along the beach. Allow a buffer day before international flights in the rainy season, as ferries can be cancelled at short notice. Many travellers spend little time in the city and head straight to the islands. Ferries leave from the Serendipity Pier and other piers; schedules change with the seasons, and services may be cancelled in rough weather. On the islands, electricity, internet and ATMs are limited, so bring enough cash. Use mosquito repellent. Protect valuables on the beach and in dorms.

Cambodia in Brief

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian kingdom of about 17 million people. Its coastline along the Gulf of Thailand is relatively short, but its islands are among the most beautiful and least developed in Southeast Asia.

Where to Stay

• Koh Rong: Bungalows, hostels and boutique resorts.
• Koh Rong Samloem: Quiet beach resorts.
• Otres Beach: Guesthouses and small hotels.
• City centre: Casino hotels and high-rises (convenient for ferries).

Compare hotel prices and availability in Sihanoukville and the islands here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) is about 18 km from the city, with domestic and some regional flights. Phnom Penh's Techo International Airport is about 3 hours away by expressway. Search and compare cheap flights to Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh to find the best fares.

By Road and Train

The Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville Expressway has cut travel time to about 2.5–3 hours by bus or car. The Royal Railway also connects the two cities.

Getting Around

• Tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps.
• Ferries: To the islands.

Travel Costs in Sihanoukville

Cambodia uses the Cambodian riel (KHR), but the US dollar is widely used.

Visa Rules

• Visa: Most visitors need a tourist visa. An e-visa costs about US$30, applied for on the official website, or a visa on arrival costs US$30 in cash at international airports. Stays are limited to 30 days.
• e-Arrival card: Complete the free e-Arrival form online within 7 days before arrival.
• Passport: Valid for at least six months.
• Work: Never accept unverified job offers in Cambodia, as they can be linked to scam compounds and trafficking.

Local Tips for Sihanoukville

• Head to the islands quickly.
• Bring cash for the islands.
• Avoid walking alone at night in the city.
• Staying connected: A travel eSIM or local SIM works well. Get your Cambodia eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem trips.
• Snorkelling and diving.
• Ream National Park tours.

Browse and book the best tours in Sihanoukville here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sihanoukville

Is Sihanoukville safe?
Tourists usually aren't targeted, but the city has issues with organised crime, scam compounds and trafficking linked to fake job offers. Avoid walking alone at night, use registered transport and never accept job offers through social media.

How do I get to Koh Rong?
By speedboat from Sihanoukville, taking about 45–60 minutes. Book with reputable operators, especially in high season.

When can you see bioluminescent plankton?
Year-round on dark, moonless nights, especially around Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.

How far is Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh?
About 230 km, or 2.5–3 hours via the expressway.

Which island is better: Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem?
Koh Rong is livelier, with more facilities and nightlife; Koh Rong Samloem is quieter and more relaxing.

Sihanoukville is mainly a gateway now, but it's the right gateway — book your Koh Rong ferry, head straight for the islands, and save your evenings for bioluminescent plankton swims.