Koh Pu Sihanoukville

Koh Pu Sihanoukville: A peaceful seaside corner of Cambodia that mr.hotsia doesn't miss

When talking about Cambodia's sea, many might first think of Sihanoukville or Kampong Som beaches, but believe me, there is a small island that I, mr.hotsia, have visited to enjoy the view and atmosphere, and I want to share it with you. That isKoh Puwhich is located west of Sihanoukville city, about 150 kilometers from Koh Mak in Thailand.

Koh Pu is not very popular among tourists and locals, but it is famous for its long wooden pier stretching into the sea, which many may have seen in famous music videos filmed here. I rented a tuk-tuk from Sihanoukville city to go to the Koh Pu viewpoint in the evening to watch the sunset. Although I was not very impressed with the last light of the day, the surrounding atmosphere and the sea breeze made me feel relaxed and gave me a close experience of the local way of life.

Koh Pu is not officially open for tourists to visit the island itself. I did not cross to the island directly but chose to enjoy the atmosphere from the viewpoint on the shore instead. It is suitable for those who like peace and do not want the hustle and bustle like the main beaches in Sihanoukville.

Traveling to Sihanoukville and the start of the Koh Pu trip

For those interested in visiting Sihanoukville like me, mr.hotsia, I want to share my travel experience from Thailand to Cambodia. I used the Ban Hat Lek checkpoint in Trat province, which is a permanent checkpoint convenient for both Thais and foreigners. The opposite side is Koh Kong province of Cambodia. This is the main route to Sihanoukville that is very convenient and fast.

I took an air-conditioned bus from Bangkok to Trat, then stayed one night ata hotel in Trat townto prepare for the next day's journey to Sihanoukville. The trip from Trat to Sihanoukville takes about 4-5 hours, and you can buy a continuous ticket, making it convenient without worrying about multiple transfers.

Sihanoukville: A lively and colorful seaside city

Upon arriving in Sihanoukville, I stayed in the city center, not too close to the beach, but just a 10-minute walk or tuk-tuk ride to the beach. This is a seaside city where tourists are not yet crowded, similar to Pattaya but quieter, without excessive beer bars or bright lights. The beach is clean and the sea water is clear. Although the sand is not as white as Thailand's Koh Samet, the overall atmosphere made me want to stay longer.

What I liked most was the local way of life, especially the tuna sellers carrying food and fruit on their heads walking along the beach, which was a unique and charming sight. I saw grilled pork rice, chicken rice porridge, and stir-fried noodles sold simply and deliciously in a local style.Food and Restaurants in SihanoukvilleThese made me feel like I was eating at a friend's home rather than a tourist restaurant.

Experience of Viewing and Atmosphere at Koh Pu

For the Koh Pu viewpoint trip, I rented a tuk-tuk from Sihanoukville city and drove along the coastal road to the long wooden pier stretching into the sea. This is the most famous viewpoint of Koh Pu and has been used to film many popular music videos. I captured the turquoise sea, fishing boats, and locals working by the sea to share with you.

Although the sunset was not as beautiful as I hoped, seeing the golden light reflecting on the sea and the long pier was a very memorable experience for me, mr.hotsia.

Experience the Market Life and People of Sihanoukville

Before going to see Koh Pu, I recommend exploring Sihanoukville city, especially the fresh market I visited in the morning, which is full of fresh local products including seafood, vegetables, fruits, and general goods.Sihanoukville MarketThis market is unlike typical tourist markets because you get to see the real life of locals, including children going to school and hardworking local vendors.

Walking through the market and trying local breakfast like grilled pork rice here was an experience I really enjoyed because it made me feel like I was truly experiencing Khmer life, not just passing through as a tourist.

Summary of mr.hotsia's Impressions of Koh Pu and Sihanoukville

For anyone looking for a new seaside destination that is peaceful and still preserves natural beauty and local culture well, I, mr.hotsia, highly recommend Koh Pu and Sihanoukville in Cambodia. The journey may not be as convenient as other places, but the tranquility and charm of this location are definitely worth the visit.

For more information about traveling from Thailand to Sihanoukville or recommendations on accommodation and local food, you can read the articles I have written.Travel from Trat to SihanoukvilleandHotels and Accommodation in SihanoukvilleincludingFood and Restaurants in Sihanoukvilleto prepare for a fully satisfying trip and real experience like mr.hotsia.