All You Can Eat Khmer BBQ in Sihanoukville, Preah Sihanouk (Kampong Som)

All You Can Eat Khmer BBQ in Sihanoukville, Preah Sihanouk (Kampong Som)

When talking about Cambodia, many might think of Angkor Wat or Phnom Penh, but for mr.hotsia, Sihanoukville, also known as Preah Sihanouk or Kampong Som, is an exciting destination. Especially the seafood and Khmer BBQ here are no joke. This time, I planned a full trip to Sihanoukville, living like a local, walking through markets and eating at small shops until I truly absorbed the real lifestyle of the locals.

Traveling from Trat to Sihanoukville

Before diving into Sihanoukville’s BBQ, let me detail my travel route because it’s convenient and interesting. From Bangkok, I took an air-conditioned bus by Cherdchai Tour from Bangna to Trat, which took about 4 hours. I stayed overnight in Trat town to prepare for crossing the border at Ban Hat Lek checkpoint, Khlong Yai district, Trat province. This permanent border crossing connects to Koh Kong province in Cambodia, and from there, I easily continued by car to Sihanoukville.Read detailed travel info from Trat to SihanoukvilleFor those who want to follow my route

Sihanoukville, a Quiet Seaside Town

Sihanoukville is a seaside town much quieter than Pattaya. The sea is clear and clean. Although the sand isn’t as white and reflective as Koh Samet, the overall atmosphere is very relaxing. There are no beer bars or loud entertainment venues like bigger tourist cities. It’s perfect for those wanting to escape the hustle and experience a simple, genuine seaside life.Read more about Sihanoukville’s travel info and atmosphere

Walking the Fresh Market in Sihanoukville, Experiencing True Local Life

One of the most impressive experiences was walking through the fresh market here. Sihanoukville’s market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, fruits, seafood, and meats. Importantly, locals still maintain their traditional lifestyle well. I often saw women carrying goods on their heads, selling along the beach and in the market — a sight rare in big tourist cities. The market is near a school where orderly students arrive, welcomed by teachers, reminding me of the simple childhood days.For those interested in the market atmosphere of SihanoukvilleI recommend waking up early and taking a walk around.

Khmer BBQ in Sihanoukville, Fully Loaded and Unmatched

Now to the heart of this trip: Khmer BBQ in Sihanoukville. Here, authentic Khmer grilling blends with a fresh seaside atmosphere. I chose a small BBQ restaurant recommended by locals. The pork and fresh meat are cut into just-right thick pieces, grilled over fragrant charcoal, and served with a special dipping sauce that’s perfectly spicy and sour. Besides BBQ pork, grilled dishes like stingray and grilled pork leg are also must-tries.

My favorite breakfast in Sihanoukville is the local signature grilled pork rice bowl. The pork is flavorful and served with crispy fried duck egg, a favorite among Cambodians. This differs from Vietnamese grilled pork by its freshness and richer taste.Read more about food and restaurants in SihanoukvilleYou’ll get a clearer picture

Accommodation and Living in Sihanoukville

For accommodation, mr.hotsia recommends two main zones in town. The first is downtown, within walking distance to markets and restaurants, ideal for those who want convenience and community life access. The second is the seaside zone with restaurants along the beach, offering a quiet atmosphere perfect for true seaside relaxation. I stayed at Sihanoukville Timeshare Hotel, which is affordable and offers good service. Though not beachfront, it’s just a few minutes’ walk away.See hotel and accommodation info in SihanoukvilleTo plan your trip perfectly

mr.hotsia’s Impressions of Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville feels like discovering peace and the genuine kindness of locals, rare in big cities. The sea here may not be as white as famous islands, but its cleanliness and tranquility make me want to return many times. The food, especially Khmer BBQ and other local dishes, is fresh and boldly flavored. Walking the market and observing local life made me realize that travel is not just about relaxation but also about learning and truly experiencing culture.

If you’re looking for a seaside destination different from the usual, I highly recommendSihanoukvilleYou’ll discover there’s so much more to explore in Cambodia.

For the video clips I recorded about Khmer BBQ and food in Sihanoukville, you can watch here:

• All You Can Eat Khmer BBQ in Sihanoukville, Preah Sihanouk (Kampong Som)
• Khmer Grilled Meat Buffet in Kampong Som, Sihanoukville
• Ordering Food via Foodpanda in Sihanoukville, Cambodia