Backpacking Southern Cambodia 25/41: Fish Market, the Largest Fresh Market in Sihanoukville, Cambodia with Live Sharks

Backpacking Southern Cambodia 25/41: Fish Market, the Largest Fresh Market in Sihanoukville, Cambodia with Live Sharks

When talking about fresh markets in a coastal city like Sihanoukville (Preah Sihanouk), or as locals call it “Kampong Som,” the fish market here is the heart of daily life and local culture that I, mr.hotsia, definitely don’t want you to miss. This time, I traveled to this city via the Ban Hat Lek checkpoint in Trat Province, which is a very convenient permanent checkpoint for Thais wanting to change the atmosphere and visit southern Cambodia.Read about the journey from Trat to Sihanoukvillewhich I have already shared. You’ll see that visiting this city is not as difficult as you might think.

The Sihanoukville fish market is located in the city center. It’s a large fresh market where I strolled early in the morning, walking through small alleys still covered with light mist and the mixed scents of sea and fish—refreshing and lively beyond words. This market doesn’t just sell ordinary fish and seafood because here you can see live sharks swimming clearly in glass tanks. I could hardly believe my eyes. These sharks are caught by fishermen from the sea and displayed in the market before being sold to restaurants or major buyers. It’s a scene very different from fresh markets I’ve seen in Thailand.

Besides sharks, I looked at other fish and seafood here. They have everything: snapper, stingrays, oysters, fresh shrimp, and various fish species you can choose from as you like. Another thing I really liked was the market’s atmosphere—not too chaotic. Sellers and buyers chat with smiles and laughter. Although it’s a large market, it gives a warm, small community feeling.

What I liked most was seeing the real lifestyle of Sihanoukville people. In the morning, this market is not just a fish market but also a meeting point for locals buying fresh food for breakfast. There are popular stalls selling chicken rice porridge and grilled pork rice bowls. I recommend trying these dishes because their flavors are distinctly different from Thailand’s, and you get to experience authentic Khmer atmosphere.Read more about food and restaurants in Sihanoukville

While walking through the market, I also saw vendors carrying goods on their heads selling fruits and other fresh items along nearby streets. This lifestyle strongly preserves traditional customs, which I think is a charm that makes Sihanoukville different from other coastal tourist cities in the region.

Fresh Market and the Lifestyle of Sihanoukville People

This fresh market is located not far from a school in downtown Sihanoukville. I passed by when students were arriving at school, saw teachers lining up to welcome them, and the children helping to pick up trash along the roadside. This scene reminded me of my childhood when we all helped keep the school clean—a sight rarely seen in big cities nowadays.

After walking the market, I stopped for grilled pork rice bowl breakfast in the southern Khmer style. This dish features fragrant grilled pork served with crispy fried duck egg—so delicious I had to share. I also recommend trying Sihanoukville noodles and grilled stingray at local market restaurants to get the authentic original taste that’s unique.

Additionally, the market has zones selling dry goods, clothes, and various daily necessities open all day. It’s perfect for travelers wanting simple souvenirs or essential items. This market truly is a hub of lifestyle and daily goods used by Sihanoukville locals.Read more about Sihanoukville Market

Sihanoukville, a Coastal City with Unique Charm

If you want to know Sihanoukville more deeply, I recommend starting with a walk through this fresh market. It’s like a window opening to the real life of people in this coastal city. Here, it’s not just beautiful seas and clean beaches but also a lovely and friendly culture and lifestyle.

For accommodation in this city, I stayed atSihanoukville Timeshare Hotelwhich is not far from the market. You can easily walk to the fish market without needing a car. It’s a great choice for those who like convenience and local atmosphere.

If you want to explore southern Cambodia’s coast in depth and experience the real lifestyle of Sihanoukville people, don’t forget to visit the Sihanoukville fish market. I, mr.hotsia, guarantee you will have a unique experience unlike any other.

For those interested in travel details and other attractions in this city, you can read more atSihanoukville (Kampong Som) Travel Informationto conveniently plan your trip.

And if you want to see live footage and the lively atmosphere of the Sihanoukville fish market that I filmed, you can follow the video seriesBackpacking Southern Cambodia 25/41: Fish Market, the Largest Fresh Market in Sihanoukville, Cambodia with Live Sharksin which I intentionally show every corner in detail.