Sihanoukville 2024: Your Ultimate Guide to Cambodia's Dream Beaches

The beaches of Sihanoukville are the stuff of dreams, but it can be difficult to choose which one to visit. Don't worry, in this article we present the most beautiful beaches in Sihanoukville and we give you all the information you need to organize your trip. You will find advice on how to get to Sihanoukville, the best times to go as well as the most pleasant hotels for an unforgettable seaside stay.

Written by Thom DOAN (Travel Counsellor) Updated on 11-06-2024

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Presentation of Sihanoukville: The Ultimate Seaside Destination

Located in the southwest of Cambodia just an hour's flight from Siem Reap, Sihanoukville is known for its heavenly beaches, lush tropical islands, and the mangrove jungles of Ream National Park. Established around a port with deep, clear waters, on a peninsula flowing into the Gulf of Thailand, the provincial capital of Sihanoukville has magnificent palm-fringed beaches, where you can find typical fish and seafood restaurants, which are part of the city's gastronomic heritage.

Particularly appreciated for its beaches, Sihanoukville is the ideal place for seaside stays. Very popular with tourists, these postcard-decorated beaches have an undeniable charm, featuring crystal clear water and fine sand in the shade of a coconut tree. Less touristy than the beaches of Thailand, they remain no less well equipped and just as attractive, if not more, thanks to the reduced presence of mass tourism.

One of the highlights of Sihanoukville is the Ream National Park, which offers lush jungles and mangroves teeming with wildlife, providing an excellent escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

In addition, the great diversity of beaches present in Sihanoukville allows you to choose between relaxation or water activities. In this sense, the beaches of Victory or Otres will be recommended for rest and privacy in complete peace, while Serendipity beach will be the dream place for travelers looking for entertainment until late in the evening! On the other hand, if you want to enjoy superb beaches as if you were alone in the world, head instead to Kep and Kampot where mass tourism is absent.

Top 8 Best Beaches in Sihanoukville

• Ream Beach

 Located 25km north of Sihanoukville, it is not the closest nor the easiest to access (although it is very easy to get there by tuk-tuk) but it is definitely the most clean and most preserved.

• Serendipity Beach (part of Ou Chheuteal Beach)

This is the most popular beach in Sihanoukville. Most of the resort's hotels, restaurants, shops, bars and nightclubs can be found there. The place is perfect for sipping a cocktail with your toes fanned out or strolling along the promenade along the beach. The beach is quite calm in the morning, while during the day, its serene atmosphere gives way to the realm of clothing shops and other souvenir sellers.

>>>> ✨ Experience the beauty and charm of this seaside paradise on our Cambodia 10-day itinerary.✨ 

The beach restaurants come alive and serve all kinds of grilled fish, but also fries and burgers and other snacks suitable for a more Western audience. But it is after dark that Serendipity Beach is revealed, with the light of the bars and its festive and dynamic atmosphere.

The Serendipity Beach pontoon is also the main pier for the surrounding islands.

>>> Also read: What Makes Koh Rong Cambodia a Must-Visit Island?

• Ochheuteal Beach

Ochheuteal Beach is a longer stretch that extends south from Serendipity Beach. It offers a more tranquil setting as you move further away from the bustling northern end. The beach is popular for its fine sand, clear waters, and a variety of water activities.

• Sokha Beach

Located in the center of the city, Sokha Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Sihanoukville, even though it is the private beach of the Sokha Resort. However, visitors who are not staying at the resort can still enjoy its 1.5 km of well-maintained white sand by paying an entrance fee. This fee also includes access to the resort's swimming pool and fitness room.

Halfway between Serendipity and Independence Beach, this is one of the cleanest beaches in Sihanoukville.

• Independence Beach

Independence Beach gets its name from the seven-story Independence Hotel located at its northern end. Locals refer to this beach as 'otel bram-pil chann' (hotel 7-stories), and it is labeled '7-Chann Beach' on street signs within the town. The beach stretches for over a kilometer, but its sandy area is much narrower, making it best enjoyed when the tide is low.

The beach is wider and more frequented by tourists towards the northwest end near a small freshwater lake, which supplies the town's fresh water. Independence Beach is particularly known for being the ideal place to watch the sunset. Its romantic and bucolic charm greatly contributes to making it the dream place for couples.. At the other end of the beach is the only hotel, Sea Breeze. Grass umbrellas and drink vendors now line the beach from end to end, yet it remains less crowded compared to other beaches in the area.

• Hawaii beach

More frequented by local families than tourists, Hawaii Beach is one of the most typical and authentic beaches in Sihanoukville. The atmosphere is warm and far from mass tourism. A few crab shacks dot the beach, offering tasty seafood, and deckchairs are available for you to relax on while sipping a juicy fresh coconut after swimming in clear, temperate water.

Located about 1.5 km southwest of Victory Beach, next to a shady grove, is Lamherkay Beach, also known as Hawaii Beach. The nearby Koh Pos (Snake Island), situated 800 meters offshore, has been leased by Russians with plans for a large resort. This explains the flashy new bridge linking it with the mainland, although it is currently a bridge to nowhere, as work on the actual resort appears to have stalled.

• Victory Beach

Victory Beach, located in Sihanoukville, is nestled behind a small hill of the same name, where you can find bars with a party atmosphere mainly run by expats. This beach is famous for its excellent fish and seafood restaurants, which are culinary specialties of the Cambodian seaside resort. The beach mainly attracts Chinese and Russian tourists looking for a relaxing seaside break. Around Victory Beach, you can also find several hotels and casinos to enhance your stay.

Otres Beach

Otres beach is located further south, just 5km from the city center. As it is slightly more out of the way than the other beaches in Sihanoukville, the atmosphere is rather relaxing. Indeed, Otres is away from the hustle and bustle of the city center beach but you can easily reach it by tuk-tuk or scooter.

Otres Beach stretches for 3 km, so you won't have trouble finding a place to put your towel while relaxing. As with other resort beaches, the further south you walk, the fewer people there will be, and the further north you stay, the busier the beach will be.

The beach is bordered by small guesthouses and bungalows that offer snacks. There are also few street vendors, apart from a few merchants offering grilled lobsters. In Otres, you are not likely to get bored because the beach offers a wide range of water activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, and kite surfing. It is very pleasant to swim in Otres because the water is rather clean due to the fact that the beach is far from mass tourism.

Best Time to Discover the Most Beautiful Beaches of Sihanoukville

If you want to discover the beautiful beaches of Sihanoukville, it is important to know that the weather is generally hot all year round. However, the best time to visit is between December and April, as these months have the most pleasant weather and minimal rainfall. The rainiest months are June, July, August, and September.

• Sea Temperature and Swimming Conditions

The sea temperature in Sihanoukville is suitable for swimming all year round. Whether you swim at 9 a.m. or 5 p.m., the water remains warm and inviting, making it perfect for beach activities throughout the day.

• Climate

Temperatures in Sihanoukville generally hover around 30°C (86°F) all year round, even during the rainiest months. The city benefits from daily sunshine, with an average of 11 hours of sunlight per day throughout the year, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities.

Read more:  >>>  Best Time to Visit Cambodia

How to get to Sihanoukville? 

There are several ways to reach Sihanoukville, Cambodia:

• By Air

The most convenient way to get to Sihanoukville is to fly to Phnom Penh International Airport, then take a bus or taxi to Sihanoukville. Alternatively, you can fly to Siem Reap International Airport and take a bus or taxi from there.

• By Bus

For those who prefer to travel by land, it is possible to take a bus from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap to Sihanoukville. Several bus companies operate comfortable and affordable services, with journey durations varying depending on the distance.

Hotels in Sihanoukville

• Eden Beach Resort

Eden Beach Resort Sihanoukville is a resort located on Otres Beach in Sihanoukville. It offers beachfront bungalows with stunning views, an outdoor pool, a restaurant and a bar. Guests can enjoy activities such as snorkelling, fishing, cycling and boat trips to explore nearby islands. Eden Beach Resort Sihanoukville is popular for its peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, as well as its location on a secluded and picturesque beach.

• Song Saa Private Island Resort

Song Saa Private Island Resort is a luxury resort located on a private island off the coast of Cambodia. With luxury villas, gourmet restaurants, a spa, infinity pools and a private beach, it offers an unforgettable experience. The resort also offers activities such as diving, kayaking and boat tours. Committed to marine conservation, the resort uses sustainable practices to protect the environment.

• Independence Hotel Resort & Spa

Independence Hotel Resort & Spa is a luxury hotel located on a hillside overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. It has spacious rooms, suites and villas, a private beach, swimming pools, spa, restaurants, bars and meeting rooms. The hotel is also known for its 1960s modernist architecture, which has been restored to preserve its original charm while adding modern amenities.

Conclusion

Sihanoukville, with its blend of idyllic beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich natural landscapes, truly earns its reputation as the ultimate seaside destination in Cambodia. In summary, Sihanoukville’s charm lies in its ability to offer both serene retreats and lively adventures, making it an essential destination for anyone exploring Cambodia.

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