Preah Sihanouk Morning Market, Preah Sihanouk City or Kampong Som (Preah Sihanouk)

Preah Sihanouk Morning Market, Preah Sihanouk City or Kampong Som

If you plan to visit Preah Sihanouk City, also known as Sihanoukville (Preah Sihanouk), this small seaside town in Cambodia, the morning market in the city center is a spot I, mr.hotsia, definitely don’t want you to miss. This place is truly the heart of the local lifestyle in Sihanoukville.

Getting to the Sihanoukville Morning Market is quite easy. I took the route through Ban Hat Lek checkpoint in Trat Province, which is a permanent checkpoint allowing Thai people to cross conveniently into Cambodia. From Trat, I took an air-conditioned bus by Cherdchai Tour to Sihanoukville city, which took about 4 hours. For those interested in full travel details, you can read the articleTravel from Trat to Sihanoukvillethat I wrote.

Morning Life at Sihanoukville Fresh Market

The morning market here is located inside a covered fresh market building, shaded and different from typical fresh markets seen in Thailand. Here, fresh and dry markets are perfectly combined. Next to the fresh market is the dry market zone selling clothes, daily necessities, and simple souvenirs, ideal for travelers wanting to bring something home.

What I really liked was seeing the local way of life here. Children in Sihanoukville walk to school accompanied by teachers who warmly line up to welcome them. The eyes I saw then were warm and simple. Some children picked up trash along the road, just like my childhood when teachers asked us to clean in front of the classroom. It brought back old memories and made me feel more connected to this place.

After walking around the market and looking at fresh goods, I tried the local breakfast of Sihanoukville. My favorite dish was "Grilled Pork Rice Bowl," a popular meal found in both southern Vietnam and southern Cambodia. The fragrant grilled pork paired with crispy fried duck egg served with hot steamed rice made my breakfast here warm and full of unique flavors.

A Fresh Market Rarely Visited by Thai Tourists

Sihanoukville Market is not well known among foreigners and Thai tourists. I asked locals and several Thai tourists I met, and they all said they rarely see Thai tourists visiting this fresh market, which is a pity because the market is full of fresh produce, seasonal fruits, and local foods that are hard to find elsewhere.

In the market, there are also female vendors carrying goods on their heads, a unique characteristic of Sihanoukville. Whether food, snacks, or fruits arranged beautifully on trays balanced on their heads, they walk along the streets and beaches. It’s a scene I have never seen anywhere else, adding vibrant color to this seaside town.

Food in and Around Sihanoukville Market

After strolling through the market, I didn’t miss tasting the local dishes available in abundance, such as chicken rice porridge from a shop in front of my hotel in town and stir-fried noodles with a unique flavor. These foods reflect the eating culture of Kampong Som people very well.

Additionally, I tried the Khmer grilled meat buffet, another popular dish in this city. The meat is tender and fragrant with spices, perfect for travelers who like to try new foods. You can watch the atmosphere of eating Khmer grilled meat in my video atKhmer Grilled Meat Buffet in Kampong Som, Sihanoukville

Accommodation and Living in Sihanoukville

If you want to stay in Sihanoukville, I recommend choosing accommodation in the city center near the market and various amenities. The hotel I stayed at is called “Sihanouk Timeshare,” located not far from the beach, just a 10-minute walk or a convenient tuk-tuk ride. City accommodations start at about 15 USD per night. Paying in US dollars usually gets a better price.

However, be cautious about electricity in this city, as power outages often occur at night. So, if you want more convenience, it’s better to stay in a large hotel with a backup generator. You can read more accommodation information atHotels and Accommodation in Sihanoukvillethat I wrote.

Summary of Experience and Impressions from Sihanoukville Morning Market

For me, mr.hotsia, the Sihanoukville morning market is not just an ordinary market. It is a window that opens to see the real life of the people here — the aroma of fresh food, the local way of life, and the charming simplicity. This market is a hidden gem of Preah Sihanouk City that you should not miss.

If you are interested in fully exploring Sihanoukville, including travel, accommodation, beaches, and delicious food, you can read more inSihanoukville (Kampong Som) Travel InformationandFood and Restaurants in Sihanoukvillethat I wrote.

Finally, I have compiled photos and videos of the fresh market atmosphere along with the lifestyle of Sihanoukville people on my YouTube channel. For those who want to see clear HD images, please watch atPreah Sihanouk Morning Market, Preah Sihanouk City or Kampong Som.