The Abandoned City of Sihanoukville, Preah Sihanouk or Kampong Som (Preah Sihanouk)

The Abandoned City of Sihanoukville, Preah Sihanouk or Kampong Som (Preah Sihanouk)

When talking about hidden beaches in the peaceful corners of Cambodia, Sihanoukville, or its old name familiar to many, Kampong Som, is one of the destinations that mr.hotsia truly wants everyone to experience firsthand. This place is not just an ordinary seaside tourist town but a city with history and an atmosphere that perfectly blends antiquity with the tranquility of nature.

For me, mr.hotsia, traveling to this city is not as difficult as you might think. The route I usually take from Thailand is traveling from Trat to Sihanoukville via Ban Hat Lek checkpoint in Khlong Yai District, Trat Province, which is a permanent border crossing open for both Thai and foreign travelers to cross into Cambodia conveniently. For this trip, I chose to take the air-conditioned bus of Cherdchai Tour Company from Bangna, which takes about 4 hours to reach Trat city. Then I stayed overnight in Trat city before continuing comfortably to Sihanoukville.Read detailed travel information from Trat to Sihanoukvilleright here.

Experience the atmosphere of the abandoned city that was never truly abandoned

In mr.hotsia’s eyes, Sihanoukville seems quiet but is actually full of hidden vitality in every corner. I strolled through the fresh market here early in the morning, a market where locals still live their traditional way of life. There were female vendors carrying goods on their heads selling fresh fruits and seafood, a scene rarely found in other seaside tourist towns I have visited. This fresh market is located not far from the hotel where I stayed in the city center, convenient for traveling and truly experiencing the lifestyle of the Khmer people in Sihanoukville.Read about the Sihanoukville marketthat I have collected for you.

What makes this city stand out is its tranquility and well-preserved natural environment, unlike other seaside tourist spots in Southeast Asia that are crowded and noisy with many tourists. Here, the sea is clear and the sand is not as white as Koh Samet, but the cleanliness and overall environment made me want to come back many times.Read the full travel guide to Sihanoukvillethat I have written.

Street food and local flavors not to be missed

Eating is a key highlight for mr.hotsia every time I travel anywhere, and Sihanoukville did not disappoint. The food here blends the flavors of southern Khmer and southern Vietnamese cuisine perfectly. I tried grilled pork rice, a favorite local dish served with fragrant fried duck egg, rich in flavor but not greasy. There was also chicken rice porridge and stir-fried noodles I found sold in front of the hotel, simple breakfast dishes full of flavor and energy for a new day.

Another charm I really liked was the female vendors carrying food and fruit on their heads walking along the beach and in the city. This is a rare sight that adds unique color to this city.Read about food and restaurants in Sihanoukvillebecause I have collected many details and photos of the dining atmosphere.

Affordable accommodations and living in Sihanoukville

I chose to stay at Sihanouk Timeshare Hotel, located in the city center, just a 10-minute walk from the beach or a convenient tuk-tuk ride. The accommodation is affordable, with basic amenities, and allowed me to truly experience city life because it is close to the night market and local restaurants. Getting around Sihanoukville is not complicated; tuk-tuks are available all day. But if you want to stay right by the beach, there are several beachfront accommodations at similar prices.Read hotel and accommodation recommendations in Sihanoukvillethat I wrote to help plan your trip more easily.

Although the electricity in the city is not very stable and power outages often occur at night, this adds charm that makes this trip different and memorable. I recommend bringing a flashlight or power bank to avoid frustration when resting in your room.

Feelings from mr.hotsia after visiting the abandoned city that was never abandoned

Sihanoukville feels like a small secret that still preserves the peace and beauty of the seaside well. I walked along the beach, listened to the waves, and watched female vendors carrying goods on their heads walking around. It felt like going back in time to when the seaside town was not yet crowded with many tourists.

For travelers who love peace, avoid crowds, and want to truly experience the lifestyle of southern Khmer people, Sihanoukville is the answer that mr.hotsia strongly recommends. Try planning a trip and experience it yourself. I believe you will fall in love with this city as I have.

Finally, if anyone is interested in more details about travel, food, or accommodation, mr.hotsia has compiled complete information on this website. You can click to readTravel from Trat to Sihanoukvilleor choose to read stories from different perspectives such asSihanoukville Market, Food and Restaurants in Sihanoukville, andHotels and Accommodations in Sihanoukvilleto prepare well before your trip.

Don't forget to open your heart and give this abandoned city that was never abandoned a chance to tell its story through your own eyes and experiences.
— mr.hotsia