Best Things to Do in Sihanoukville, Cambodia (2026 Guide)
Many beaches are beautiful, but few offer the combination of white sand, crystal-clear water, nearby islands, and breathtaking sunsets that make Sihanoukville one of Cambodia's most popular coastal destinations. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, enjoy fresh seafood, or take a boat to a tropical island, Sihanoukville has something for every traveler.
During the day, you can spend your time swimming, sunbathing, island hopping, snorkeling, riding a jet ski or speedboat, exploring nearby beaches, or simply enjoying the ocean views from a beachfront café. As evening approaches, the coastline becomes the perfect place to watch one of Cambodia's most spectacular sunsets before ending the day with a seafood dinner by the sea.
How Much Does the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville Expressway Cost?
One of the biggest improvements for travelers visiting Sihanoukville is the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville Expressway, Cambodia's first expressway. Stretching approximately 187 kilometers, it has reduced travel time between the capital and the coast from around 5–6 hours to about 2.5–3 hours, depending on traffic.
Before the expressway opened, travelers had to use National Road 4, where congestion and road conditions often made the journey much longer. Today, it's possible to leave Phnom Penh in the morning and arrive in Sihanoukville before lunchtime.
The expressway is a toll road, and the fee depends on the type of vehicle. A standard sedan typically costs around US$15 for a one-way trip, while a 11-passenger van costs approximately US$30 one way. Although there is an additional cost, many traveler consider the shorter travel time, smoother drive, and added convenience well worth the price.
Otres Beach
Once you arrive in Sihanoukville, you'll have several beautiful beaches to choose from. One of the most popular is Otres Beach, located on the outskirts of the city and known for its laid-back atmosphere, soft white sand, and clear water.
The beach is lined with restaurants, cafés, beach bars, and small resorts where you can enjoy fresh seafood, tropical drinks, and ocean views. Whether you're looking to relax on the sand, take a swim, or watch the sunset, Otres Beach is a great place to spend a day by the sea.
Along the beachfront, you'll find many small seaside restaurants serving fresh seafood, local Cambodian dishes, tropical drinks, and refreshments. You can order directly from the restaurant, or if you've purchased seafood elsewhere, some places allow you to rent a table or seating area while you enjoy your meal. It's a relaxing way to dine by the beach while taking in the ocean views.
Prince Island
Prince Island is a small island just off the coast of Sihanoukville that can be reached by crossing a bridge connecting it to the mainland. Although the island is relatively small, it offers scenic ocean views and is a pleasant spot for a short walk or to take photos.
One of its unique features is the staircase carved directly into the rocks, allowing visitors to explore different viewpoints around the island. As you walk along the paths, you'll be rewarded with beautiful coastal scenery and fresh sea breezes, making Prince Island a peaceful place to stop during your visit.
Admission costs US$2 per adult, while children can enter free of charge. At an affordable price, it's a worthwhile stop if you're looking to enjoy the scenery and take in the coastal views.
For an additional US$6 per adult, you can join a guided kayaking tour through the nearby mangrove forests. Paddling along the calm waterways offers a different perspective of the area's natural beauty, with opportunities to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and observe local wildlife.
Ream National Park
Located just outside Sihanoukville, Ream National Park is one of Cambodia's most beautiful protected areas. The park is known for its mangrove forests, tropical rainforest, rivers, and diverse wildlife.
Visitors can explore the park by kayak or boat, hike along nature trails, or simply enjoy the peaceful scenery. Birdwatchers may spot a variety of native bird species, while lucky visitors might also see monkeys and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
If you're looking to experience Cambodia beyond its beaches, Ream National Park is an excellent day trip that combines outdoor adventure with stunning natural landscapes.
There's also a small café where you can buy drinks served in novelty bottles shaped like a teddy bear or a star. The drinks are more expensive than average—I paid US$4.73 for an iced matcha—but I enjoyed both the drink and the unique bottle, which makes for a fun souvenir or photo.
During my visit, renting a boat and using a couple of water bicycles for our group cost around US$100. Prices may vary depending on the number of people in your group and the activities you choose.
Ferries to Koh Rong
One of the most popular day trips from Sihanoukville is a visit to Koh Rong, a tropical island known for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water. Ferries depart regularly from the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, making it easy to reach the island in 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the operator and sea conditions.
Typical ferry schedule:
First departure: Around 7:30–7:45 AM
Last departure: Usually between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM
Frequency: Daily departures, approximately every 1–2 hours throughout the day
Cost: One-way adult tickets generally start at around US$17, while round-trip tickets typically range from US$25 to US$34, depending on the ferry operator and season.
The ferry ride itself is part of the experience. The boats are generally spacious, clean, and comfortable, offering beautiful views of Cambodia's coastline and the surrounding islands during the journey.
If you're prone to motion sickness, it's still a good idea to bring motion sickness medication, especially if the sea is rough. During my trip, I found the ferry to be very stable and didn't have any issues. If you do start feeling seasick, try stepping outside onto the open-air deck. The fresh air often helps reduce motion sickness, even if you get a little sea spray along the way.
One important tip: Ferries usually make several stops around Koh Rong to drop off passengers at different beaches and hotels. Before getting off, make sure the ferry has arrived at the pier closest to your hotel or accommodation. If you're unsure, ask a member of the ferry staff—they're usually happy to let you know when it's your stop.
Koh Rong
After arriving on Koh Rong, it's easy to see why it's one of Cambodia's most popular island destinations. The island is home to beautiful white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere. I hardly noticed any trash during my visit, which made the beaches feel exceptionally clean.
Small beachfront bungalows and guesthouses line parts of the shore, and I noticed that many backpackers chose to stay overnight to enjoy the island for more than just a day trip. Whether you're traveling on a budget or looking for a peaceful beach getaway, there are accommodations to suit different travel styles.
During the day, visitors spend their time swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the beach with a drink in hand. The calm, clear water is incredibly inviting, making it hard to resist jumping in for a swim.
After a day of exploring the beaches and nearby islands, choosing the right hotel can make your trip even more enjoyable.
Where to Stay: The Try Palace Resort & Spa
If you have the opportunity to stay at Try Palace Resort & Spa, I highly recommend it. The resort offers beautiful ocean views, spacious villas that are perfect for families, and excellent service throughout the stay.
Although the swimming pool is relatively small, it's located just steps from the beach, making it easy to switch between the pool and the ocean whenever you like. The resort also provides complimentary kayaks, giving guests another fun way to explore the coastline and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Overall, I found Try Palace Resort & Spa to be a comfortable place to stay, especially for families or travelers looking for a relaxing beachfront getaway with convenient amenities and direct access to the beach.
Keep in mind that the resort is on the luxury side, so room rates are higher than many other accommodations in Sihanoukville. If you're traveling on a tighter budget, there are plenty of more affordable hotels and guesthouses available throughout the city.
I used to stay at Serendipity Hotel on previous trips, but it has since closed. If you're looking for a similar beachfront stay, it's worth checking the newer hotels that have opened in the area. I also recommend the Novotel Shihanoukville Holiday Resort.
Traveling with kids?
If you're traveling with young children, you may want to consider whether a ferry trip to Koh Rong is the best option for your family. The ferry can become crowded, and keeping an eye on several children while boarding, disembarking, or moving around the boat may be challenging.
Instead, you can spend the day enjoying Sihanoukville's beaches, where children have plenty of space to play in the sand, splash in the shallow water, and enjoy the coastline without taking the ferry. It can be a more relaxing option for families with younger kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sihanoukville worth visiting?
Yes, I definitely think so. Sihanoukville offers beautiful beaches, nearby islands, fresh seafood, and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to relax by the ocean or explore places like Koh Rong and Ream National Park, there's enough to keep most travelers busy for several days.
How many days should I spend in Sihanoukville?
It depends on what you want to do, but I recommend spending at least two days. This gives you enough time to relax on the beaches, visit nearby attractions, and take a ferry to Koh Rong if you'd like. If you also plan to stay overnight on one of the islands, consider extending your trip to three or four days.
That said, if you're short on time, a day trip is still worthwhile. During my visit, I noticed that many local visitors spent just one day in Sihanoukville before returning home. If your goal is simply to enjoy the beach, have some seafood, and watch the sunset, a single day can still make for an enjoyable trip.
When is the best time to visit Sihanoukville?
The best time to visit is during the dry season (November to April), when the weather is sunnier, the sea is generally calmer, and ferry services are less likely to be affected by rough conditions. While Sihanoukville can be visited year-round, the dry season is usually the most enjoyable time for beach activities and island hopping.
Is Koh Rong Worth a Day Trip?
Yes. I've visited Koh Rong as a day trip, and it's a great way to experience one of Cambodia's most beautiful islands if you're short on time. You can spend the day swimming in the crystal-clear water, relaxing on the white-sand beaches, exploring the island, or enjoying lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants.
If you have more time, consider staying overnight. After most of the day-trippers leave, the island becomes much quieter and more peaceful. One of the highlights of staying the night is the opportunity to take a night boat tour to see the bioluminescent plankton. On dark nights, the tiny marine organisms glow when the water is disturbed, creating a magical blue sparkle around the boat and in the water. It's one of Koh Rong's most unique experiences and well worth staying an extra night for.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're visiting for a weekend or planning a longer Cambodia itinerary, Sihanoukville offers a mix of beautiful beaches, island adventures, fresh seafood, and relaxing resorts. From Otres Beach and Prince Island to Ream National Park and Koh Rong, it's a destination that has something for couples, families, backpackers, and solo travelers alike.
