Eating Khmer Fried Rice in Kampong Som, Sihanoukville, Preah Sihanouk City or Kampong Som (Preah Sihanouk)

Eating Khmer Fried Rice in Kampong Som, Sihanoukville, Preah Sihanouk City or Kampong Som (Preah Sihanouk)

Speaking of mr.hotsia's journey from Trat to Sihanoukville, or as locals call it Kampong Som, it must be said that it has a charm and feeling very different from other places. The trip started at Ban Hat Lek border checkpoint, Trat Province, which is a convenient permanent crossing point for Thais and foreigners. I chose to take a bus from Cherdchai Tour Company from Bangna to reach Trat Province first, stayed one night at Pop Guesthouse to prepare for the next day's trip to Sihanoukville.

Traveling from Trat to Sihanoukville is convenient and doesn't take long. With a single ticket I bought from Pop Guesthouse for only 600 baht, the bus takes us across the border and directly into this coastal city.

Sihanoukville, a Coastal City That Still Keeps Its Simplicity

Upon arriving in Sihanoukville, I stayed at Sihanouk Timeshare Hotel located in the city center, less than a 10-minute walk from the beach, or if lazy to walk, tuk-tuks are easily available. This coastal city has many foreign tourists and Khmer locals relaxing here. Compared to Thai beach towns, Sihanoukville remains peaceful and natural, largely untouched. The sea is clear, the sand clean, and notably, the simple atmosphere of the people here.

I Enjoy Walking Around the Fresh Market in TownSihanoukville MarketThis market is an indoor market selling fresh goods, vegetables, fruits, and fresh seafood, including a dry market with various necessities. Next to the market is a school where in the morning I saw children lining up with their teachers. The cuteness and discipline of the children here is another charm of this city that many tourists might not experience.

Khmer Fried Rice, a Must-Try Dish in Sihanoukville

mr.hotsia wants to share the experience of eating Khmer fried rice in Kampong Som that I tried and must say it was "very delicious." The shop I found is in one of the fresh markets, a popular spot for locals to buy breakfast and lunch. I saw a vendor carrying a tray of fried rice with the fragrant aroma of authentic Khmer spices and herbs, very appetizing. Khmer fried rice here is different from typical Thai fried rice because it uses special seasonings such as Khmer fish sauce, tamarind juice, and fresh chili, giving a balanced sweet, sour, and spicy flavor in one bite.

This Khmer fried rice usually includes dried shrimp, grilled pork, or crispy fried sea bass, served with fresh vegetables and a dipping sauce made from chili and tamarind juice. From the first bite, I could taste the freshness and intense flavor without needing extra seasoning. Eating it with hot tea sold nearby enhanced the enjoyment of this breakfast dish. I recommend trying it in the morning after walking around the fresh market.Sihanoukville MarketYes

More Than Just Khmer Fried Rice

Besides Khmer fried rice, mr.hotsia also tried other Khmer dishes in Sihanoukville such as chicken rice porridge sold in front of my hotel, a popular breakfast here, and stir-fried noodles with rich flavor. What I liked most was the Khmer grilled pork, usually grilled fresh and hot because once I encountered grilled pork that had flies on it and got food poisoning. Eating it hot is therefore the best way.

Another highlight of this city is the selling of food and fruits balanced on heads. It's a sight I have never seen anywhere else. The traditional checkered cloth supports the items on the head, making the market and beach scenes of Sihanoukville colorful and lively.

Accommodation and Lifestyle Recommendations in Sihanoukville

If anyone wants to visit and relax like mr.hotsia, I recommend choosing accommodation in the city center near markets and restaurants to truly experience the local lifestyle of Sihanoukville people. Most accommodations are affordable, starting at just 15 USD per night. If you like the seaside atmosphere, there are many beachfront accommodations available at similar prices. Accommodations in the city center are within a 10-minute walk to the beach, very convenient for those who enjoy walking and eating local food.Hotels and Accommodations in SihanoukvilleMy accommodation was okay, although the electricity sometimes went out as the city still has some issues, but overall it did not spoil the travel experience.

Summary of Experience and Recommendations from mr.hotsia

Sihanoukville, or Kampong Som, is a very interesting coastal city for those wanting to escape the hustle of big cities and experience authentic local life. Travel is convenient via Ban Hat Lek checkpoint in Trat Province. I experienced the fresh market atmosphere, the beach with vendors balancing goods on their heads, and local food like Khmer fried rice with its distinctive and bold flavor.

For those interested in trying authentic Khmer food and strolling through a quiet fresh market, I recommend coming here. For more travel or accommodation information, you can readTravel from Trat to SihanoukvilleandFood and Restaurants in Sihanoukvillewhich I wrote earlier.

Finally, mr.hotsia leaves a clip of eating Khmer fried rice in Sihanoukville for you to watch, in case anyone wants to see the real atmosphere of the market and the taste of food from this coastal city.Click to watch the Khmer Fried Rice Eating Clip in Kampong SomSure thing