Sokha Beach, Sihanoukville, Cambodia's Sea - Sihanoukville, Preah Sihanouk (Kampong Som)

Sokha Beach, Sihanoukville: Beautiful sea and authentic Khmer lifestyle in Preah Sihanouk

When talking about a seaside town near Thailand that offers an international atmosphere without going too far, Sihanoukville, or its full namePreah Sihanouk City (Preah Sihanouk)in Cambodia is one of the destinations I, mr.hotsia, want to recommend to everyone without hesitation, especiallySokha Beachthe beach I personally experienced and want to share the true story from my latest trip

Easy travel from Trat to Sihanoukville

First, let me tell you a bit about the route to this city. For Thai people like us, traveling to Sihanoukville is very convenient, especially if starting fromTrat Provincewhich has the Ban Hat Lek border crossing in Khlong Yai district. This is a permanent checkpoint that allows Thai and foreign travelers to cross into Cambodia easily. On the opposite side is Koh Kong Province, known locally as “Koh Kong.”

I chose to travel by Cherdchai Tour bus from Bangna to Trat, which takes about 4 hours. Then I stayed one night in Trat town to prepare for the continuous bus to Sihanoukville, which is very convenient and economical. Buying a single ticket to Sihanoukville reduces hassle and the price is reasonable (around 600 THB). For detailed travel information, you can check my articleTraveling from Trat to Sihanoukvillethat I wrote.

Sokha Beach: The beach I fell in love with

Sokha Beach is not far from Sihanoukville town. It is a relatively quiet beach with clear and clean sea water. Although the sand is not as white as Koh Samet or Phuket, the atmosphere here is full of simplicity and natural beauty that I really like. You will see Khmer women carrying goods on their heads walking along the beach, which is a beautiful and unique sight unlike anywhere else.

Besides the tranquility and beauty of the sea, Sokha Beach is also where I got to know the local people deeply. Visiting here is not just about sunbathing but truly living with the locals, seeing their simple and warm lifestyle, such as Khmer-style beach massages or sitting and eating fresh seafood by the sea. If interested, you can read more in the articleKhmer beach massage in Sihanoukvillethat I wrote.

Lifestyle in Sihanoukville city and the fascinating fresh market

Upon arriving in Sihanoukville, I never miss waking up early to stroll aroundSihanoukville fresh marketwhich is an indoor market selling fresh produce and daily necessities. I really like the atmosphere here, walking among fresh vegetables, fruits, and seafood, and closely observing the daily life of locals. Children going to school, teachers waiting for students, or women carrying goods on their heads walking and selling along the street. These scenes remind me of the simplicity and warmth that are hard to find in big cities.

After the market walk, I usually look for delicious Khmer-style breakfast, such as grilled pork rice, a favorite local dish served with crispy fried duck egg. The flavor is unique and I have never found it anywhere else.

Authentic Khmer food in Sihanoukville

Food is another important aspect I, mr.hotsia, focused on during this trip. Sihanoukville offers local cuisine that is as exciting as other tourist cities I have visited. The dishes I tried ranged from Khmer-style chicken rice porridge near my hotel to rich-flavored Khmer stir-fried noodles, and even grilled stingray, a local specialty.

What makes the food here interesting is that vendors carry food, fruits, or snacks on their heads while walking and selling along the beach and in town. This is a sight I have never seen anywhere else and is a unique charm of Sihanoukville.

If you want to know more about food and restaurants in Sihanoukville, I recommendmy article on food and restaurants in Sihanoukvillethat I wrote, which provides an overview and details of the city's interesting cuisine.

Accommodation in Sihanoukville: From mr.hotsia's heart

For those worried about accommodation in Sihanoukville, I have some good advice. There are two main zones: the city area near the market and conveniences, and the beachfront area with a nice atmosphere but slightly higher prices.

I stayed atSihanouk Timeshare Hotelwhich is not far from the beach. It is suitable for those who like peace and easy travel. Prices start at about 15 USD per night. If you want convenience with electricity, I recommend booking a larger hotel because power outages are frequent here.

For those planning a long trip or multiple nights, I suggest checkinghotels and accommodations in Sihanoukvillethat I have reviewed in detail to help you choose the right place that fits your style.

Sihanoukville: A city still untouched and charming

I, mr.hotsia, want to say that the charm of this city lies in its naturalness and tranquility that still remain. Although some foreign tourists have started to come, Thai visitors are still few. I heard locals say they hardly see Thai tourists here. This is a great opportunity for those who want to experience the Cambodian sea without crowds and see the real life of the people here.

If you want to stroll the beach comfortably without fighting through crowds or try authentic Khmer food that is hard to find in Thailand, Sihanoukville and Sokha Beach are the answers I highly recommend.

Additional links for those interested in traveling to Sihanoukville

• Traveling from Trat to Sihanoukville
• Sihanoukville (Kampong Som) travel information
• Sihanoukville market
• Food and restaurants in Sihanoukville
• Hotels and accommodations in Sihanoukville

If you want to watch videos I filmed on this trip, you can watch them hereSokha Beach, Sihanoukville, Cambodia's SeaGuaranteed that the beauty of the sea and lifestyle will make you want to pack your bags immediately