Coffee by the Sea in Sihanoukville, Preah Sihanouk City or Kampong Som (Preah Sihanouk)

Coffee by the Sea in Sihanoukville, Preah Sihanouk City or Kampong Som (Preah Sihanouk)

If anyone asks me, mr.hotsia, about places in Cambodia that impressed me enough to want to return, Sihanoukville is undoubtedly one of them. This seaside city sounds far away but is actually easy to reach, especially if you start from Trat Province in Thailand. I myself took this route to travel here.Traveling from Trat to SihanoukvilleEasy and convenient. There are air-conditioned buses from Bangna to Trat, then continue by bus to the Hat Lek border checkpoint, and cross over to Sihanoukville on the Cambodian side.

Sihanoukville, or locally known as “Kampong Som,” is a peaceful resort town with a different atmosphere from big cities. I took a morning walk along the beach here, feeling the cool sea breeze while sipping strong coffee from a small seaside café. Here, you will see vendors carrying goods on their heads walking along the beach—a rare sight in typical tourist cities. This gives Sihanoukville a unique charm that I really like.

Sihanoukville’s Atmosphere and Local Lifestyle

When you walk through the fresh and dry markets in this town, you will find the simplicity of daily life of Sihanoukville’s people. I enjoy waking up early to stroll to the morning market near the school. Children are going to school, and teachers and community members work together to keep the streets clean. This scene reminds me of my own childhood memories.

Sihanoukville’s fresh market is not frequently visited by Thai tourists, but it offers a wide variety of fresh food and ingredients, such as large stingrays just caught from the sea or Khmer grilled meat that I tried in a local buffet. The taste is distinctly different from what I have eaten in Thailand. For seafood and local food lovers, I recommend exploring the market and tasting the signature dishes yourself.Sihanoukville MarketAnother must-visit spot

Seaside Coffee and Relaxing Moments I Enjoy

I, mr.hotsia, enjoy sitting with a hot coffee while watching the vast blue sea at Sihanoukville beach. Listening to the waves crashing and watching people pass by. Often, I choose to stay at hotels in the town center such asSihanoukville Time Hotelwhich is just a few minutes’ walk to the beach. The early morning atmosphere here is quiet and peaceful, perfect for resting and recharging before exploring the city.

Electricity can be unstable at times, especially at night, but it does not spoil the mood because the starlight and sound of the waves fill the happiness well. I recommend choosing a bigger hotel if you want more convenience with electricity.

Local Food You Must Try When Visiting Sihanoukville

The food here is very charming. I tried chicken rice porridge at a late-night stall in front of my hotel. The flavor was rich. There is also grilled pork rice, a favorite among locals and also popular in southern Vietnam. Hot grilled pork served with crispy fried duck egg makes a filling and delicious breakfast.

Additionally, I stopped by a Sihanoukville noodle shop. I can say the freshness of the ingredients and local cooking style make the taste distinctly different from elsewhere. If you want to know more about the food in this town, I recommend readingFood and Restaurants in Sihanoukvillewhich I have written in detail.

Relax and Experience the Atmosphere of Sihanoukville Beach

The beach here is not as white and clean as Thailand’s Koh Samet, but it has the charm of naturalness and tranquility. The beach has restaurants and accommodations lined up but still maintains a peaceful atmosphere suitable for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle. I, mr.hotsia, like to walk along the beach in the evening, watch the sunset, and feel the cool sea breeze.

If you want accommodation within easy walking distance to the beach, I recommend looking for budget-friendly places with a good atmosphere in the beach zone. Or if you want to be close to the market and nightlife, you can also choose accommodation in the town center.Hotels and Accommodations in SihanoukvilleI have complete recommendations for you.

Summary of Experience from mr.hotsia

Sihanoukville is a city that I, mr.hotsia, feel is suitable for those who want to experience the calmness of the Cambodian sea without too much crowd. The local lifestyle remains simple and warm. The beach atmosphere is perfect for sipping coffee or relaxing chill-out style. Most importantly, the food here is fresh and delicious with many stories to discover.

If you want to try new experiences beyond just the sea or beach, including local lifestyle and culture, I recommend planning a trip to Sihanoukville once. Then you will understand why I love this city so much.

For more details about Sihanoukville, try readingSihanoukville (Kampong Som) Travel Informationthat I have written, or watch the travel and local food videos I recorded.Watch the video: Coffee by the Sea in SihanoukvilleGuaranteed to give you more enjoyment and inspiration!