Preah Sihanouk Sea, Sihanoukville or Kampong Som (Preah Sihanouk)

Preah Sihanouk Sea, Sihanoukville or Kampong Som (Preah Sihanouk)

When talking about the sea in Cambodia, many people may not be familiar with the name “Sihanoukville” or “Kampong Som,” but for mr.hotsia who has experienced it firsthand, I must say this is a seaside city with a unique charm that rivals any in Southeast Asia. Sihanoukville is located in the southwest of Cambodia. It is a coastal city growing as the number one beach resort destination in Cambodia.

My journey started from Trat Province, passing through Ban Hat Lek checkpoint, Khlong Yai District, Trat Province, which is a convenient border crossing for Thais and foreigners wanting to cross to Koh Kong or Koh Kong Province in Cambodia.Read detailed travel information from Trat to Sihanoukvilleright here.

Personally, I chose to travel by air-conditioned bus from Cherdchai Tour Company from Bangna to Trat, which took about 4 hours. I stayed one night in Trat town before continuing by van to Sihanoukville. The van I took was very convenient for crossing this border route. The journey was comfortable and safe, which made me feel much more confident.

Experience the Life and Atmosphere of Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville is different from other seaside cities I have visited because it retains simplicity and the local lifestyle remains clear. It is not flashy like Pattaya or Phuket, which are crowded with tourists. Here, the beaches are clean and the sea water is clear. Although the sand is not as white as Koh Samet, the feeling of walking on the beach here is very peaceful and natural.

On the beach, you will see vendors carrying trays on their heads selling goods, which is a scene I have rarely seen elsewhere. This adds color and a classic vibe to the beach. Walking along the shore in the evening or early morning, you will smell the sea breeze and hear the waves, which I always remember when thinking of Sihanoukville.Read more about the beaches of Sihanoukvilleto prepare before your trip

However, I must mention that Sihanoukville still has an unstable electricity system. Power outages happen regularly every day. Sometimes at night, the power goes out. Therefore, I recommend choosing large hotels with backup power systems, such as where I stayed atSihanouk Timeshare Hotelwhich is near the beach and town center, convenient for both travel and dining.

Fresh Markets and City Life

One thing I really liked when visiting Sihanoukville was walking through the fresh market in town. The market here does not have many tourists, allowing me to see the true local lifestyle. The market is not far from my hotel. It is an indoor market with a wide variety of fresh goods, including vegetables, fruits, and fresh seafood caught from the Cambodian sea.

I enjoyed walking to the morning market around the town. In the morning, you can see children going to school with teachers waiting at the school gate. It is a cute and warm scene that reminds me of my own childhood. There is also a dry market selling clothes and daily necessities, suitable for travelers who want souvenirs or essential items.

After finishing the market walk, I usually stop for breakfast like a local in Sihanoukville, such as grilled pork rice, a popular dish also common in southern Vietnam and southern Cambodia. I recommend eating it hot for the best taste and safety.Read about Sihanoukville Marketto get to know the lifestyle here better

Local Foods You Must Try When Visiting Sihanoukville

Food in Sihanoukville is diverse with unique flavors. I tried several dishes including chicken rice porridge, stir-fried noodles, and grilled stingray, which is a famous fresh seafood here. I especially liked the chicken rice porridge because it is a simple dish locals eat daily and is often sold in front of my hotel.

Another highlight of eating here is seeing vendors carrying trays on their heads selling food, fruits, and snacks, which impressed me a lot. Walking and eating while enjoying the surroundings is fun and offers a genuine cultural experience.

For those interested in food details and restaurants in this city, I recommend checking outFood and Restaurant Articles in Sihanoukvillewhere I have compiled my direct experiences completely.

Accommodation and Living in Sihanoukville

Accommodation in Sihanoukville is available both in the city center and beachfront zones, each with its own charm and atmosphere. City center accommodations are affordable and close to markets, suitable for those wanting to experience local life. Beachfront zones offer a full sea atmosphere, perfect for those wanting to relax by the sea directly.

I stayed in the city center zone, about a 10-minute walk to the beach or a convenient tuk-tuk ride. Hotels in this area cost about 15 USD per night, and paying in US dollars is cheaper than other currencies.Read hotel and accommodation reviews in Sihanoukvilleto choose accommodation that fits your budget

Videos and Travel Logs

For those who want to see real atmosphere from Sihanoukville, mr.hotsia has filmed several videos such asPreah Sihanouk Sea, Sihanoukville or Kampong SomandCambodian Grilled Meat Buffet in Kampong Somincluding ordering food through Foodpanda in this city.Watch more videosto experience the atmosphere and flavors together

Summary of Impressions from mr.hotsia

Sihanoukville or Kampong Som is a seaside city that perfectly blends natural beauty with authentic local lifestyle. If you want to escape the hustle of big cities and experience the pure Cambodian sea, Sihanoukville is the answer I recommend everyone to visit at least once.

Travel is convenient, with a variety of accommodations, delicious and unique local food, and fresh markets that preserve traditional lifestyles. All these charms make mr.hotsia want to return again and hope you will experience the same happiness as I did.