Hotels in Sihanoukville (Preah Sihanouk), Cambodia

Hotels in Sihanoukville, Cambodia: Accommodations personally selected by mr.hotsia

When talking about Sihanoukville (Preah Sihanouk), or as Cambodians call it “Kampong Som,” a coastal city rapidly rising as Cambodia’s top beach resort, I, mr.hotsia, must say that the feeling of visiting here is very different from what I expected. Both the atmosphere and lifestyle made me fall in love with this city immediately.

As someone who has traveled here many times, for me Sihanoukville is not just beautiful beaches and clear waters, but also a city full of charm in its local lifestyle, fresh markets, night markets, and accommodations I have personally stayed at in this city.

Easy and Convenient Travel: From Trat to Sihanoukville

If you’ve followed me, mr.hotsia, you’ll know I travel from Bangkok to Trat Province first, then take a car through Ban Hat Lek checkpoint, Khlong Yai District, Trat Province to cross the border into Cambodia. This route is very convenient and takes about 4 hours from Bangkok to Trat, then another 4 hours by car to Sihanoukville.Read about my travel experience from Trat to Sihanoukville hereThis type of travel is suitable for those who want to experience the border atmosphere and enjoy integrated travel.

Choosing Accommodation in Sihanoukville: City Center or Seaside?

When it comes to accommodation, hotels in Sihanoukville offer a wide variety. I, mr.hotsia, recommend dividing accommodations into two main zones:

• City Center Zone:Located about a 10-minute walk from the beach, or if you don’t want to walk, tuk-tuks are easily available. Accommodations in this zone are budget-friendly, starting at around 15 USD per night. I have stayed atSihanouk Timeshare Hotelwhich is on the second beach road. The atmosphere is very nice, close to the night market and morning market. Walking the market in the morning lets you experience the local lifestyle of Sihanoukville up close.See more hotel and accommodation information in downtown Sihanoukville here
• Seaside Zone:Hotels and guesthouses right on the beach offer a romantic atmosphere and are perfect for those who want to wake up to the sea every morning. The prices are generally not much higher than the city center, starting at about 300 THB per night. Most are located just past the beachfront restaurants, offering comfort and a quiet atmosphere, ideal for those who want to truly relax.

However, a caution here is that the electrical system in Sihanoukville often experiences outages. I have encountered power cuts at night several times at small hotels like the one I stayed at,Sihanouk Timesharewhich does not have backup generators. Choosing larger accommodations helps ensure continuous power and greater convenience.

Experience Local Lifestyle and Fresh Markets in the City

If you want to get to know Sihanoukville deeply, I recommend waking up early to stroll throughSihanoukville Fresh Marketlocated next to a city school. The market atmosphere is very lively with a variety of fresh goods such as vegetables, fruits, seafood, and local foods made and sold by villagers. Watching people going to school, children collecting trash by the roadside, this scene reminds me of my own childhood. It’s a rare sight in big cities.

Local Food: Flavors You Must Try When Visiting

Speaking of food in Sihanoukville, I, mr.hotsia, had the chance to try many delicious dishes such as chicken rice porridge at a shop beside the hotel, which is open from night until morning. Another dish I like isGrilled Pork Ricepopular in southern Vietnam and southern Cambodia. Hot grilled pork served with a fried duck egg, with a rich and savory flavor. I once got sick eating grilled pork in Vietnam because it wasn’t fresh, but here it’s very fresh.

Another thing that impressed me is how Sihanoukville vendors carry food and fruits on trays balanced on their heads, selling along the beach and in the city. It’s a rare sight anywhere else and adds unique color to Sihanoukville’s beaches.Read detailed stories about food and restaurants in Sihanoukville here

Summary of Impressions from mr.hotsia

If you ask why I, mr.hotsia, like Sihanoukville, the answer is that it is a seaside city that still maintains tranquility, not as busy as Pattaya, but with full facilities including affordable accommodations, fresh markets, fresh seafood, and a charming, friendly local lifestyle.

For those who want a new experience beyond just beautiful beaches, but to truly experience the culture and lifestyle of Cambodian people, I recommend coming here to “Sihanoukville.” You will surely fall in love as I did.

For more information about accommodations, travel, food, and markets in this city, you can click the links I recommend in this article or watch my review videos atHotels in SihanoukvilleandKhmer Grilled Meat at Kampong Som Buffetright away.