Sihanoukville is a yet-to-be-discovered haven for travellers on a budget, seeking beautiful waters and space to unwind.
Sihanoukville, also known as Kampong Som, is a coastal city located in southwestern Cambodia and is fast becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Known for its stunning beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and abundant seafood, Sihanoukville is a perfect destination for those seeking a tropical escape. The city is situated on a peninsula and is surrounded by pristine sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation. Otres Beach, Victory Beach, and Serendipity Beach are just a few of the most popular beaches in the area and offer visitors a chance to sunbathe, swim, or simply relax in the shade of a palm tree. In recent years, Sihanoukville has also become a hub for water sports, with activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking being popular among visitors. The city is located near several offshore islands that offer spectacular snorkeling and diving opportunities, with vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and shipwrecks to explore. Food lovers will also be in for a treat in Sihanoukville, with a wide range of local and international cuisine available. Seafood is a specialty in the city, with many restaurants serving fresh and flavorful dishes made with the catch of the day. Street food is also abundant, with vendors offering a variety of local dishes that are delicious and inexpensive. Apart from its natural beauty and culinary offerings, Sihanoukville also has a rich cultural heritage that can be explored at several nearby temples and cultural sites. The Wat Leu Temple, for example, is a stunning Buddhist temple located on a hilltop just outside the city, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. For those looking for a bit of nightlife, Sihanoukville has several bars and clubs that come to life after dark. Many of these venues offer live music, karaoke, and other forms of entertainment, and are a great place to unwind after a day spent exploring the city. While Sihanoukville is a relatively small city, it has a well-developed infrastructure, making it easy for visitors to get around. Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available, and there are also several local buses that offer affordable and convenient transportation options. In conclusion, Sihanoukville is a destination that offers something for everyone. With its stunning beaches, abundant seafood, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant nightlife, it is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and soak up the laid-back atmosphere of the tropics. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or simply a chance to experience a different culture, Sihanoukville is the perfect destination for your next vacation.
Extensive coastline, white sand beaches, undisturbed nature, island day trips, snorkelling, swimming, massages, beachside bungalows and great food.
You might be thinking that a vacation like that would cost you an arm and a leg. It won’t if you decide to take a holiday to Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The extensive coastline of soft, white sand is the perfect setting for enjoying a nice drink and listening to the sound of the waves. Though Sihanoukville was originally designed to be Cambodia’s only deep-water port, it has been transformed into a yet-to-be-discovered haven for travellers on a budget, seeking beautiful waters and space to unwind.
There are two seasons to be mindful of when planning a holiday to Cambodia- the wet season and the dry season.
Located on an elevated peninsula, tourists on holiday in Cambodia are protected from monsoons. The climate is moderate, ranging from 20 to 36 degrees Celsius with January being the coldest month and April being the warmest. If you’re planning to take a Cambodia holiday in April, be ready for warm weather and the Khmer or Cambodian New Year. Located on the Gulf of Thailand, Sihanoukville is humid year round, reaching over 90 percent humidity at night.
From November to February, the weather in Sihanoukville is cool and dry. The average temperature are in the mid 20s, sometimes dropping below 20 at night. The monsoon rains start to trail in October and should be done by November. This is often considered the best time of year to visit Cambodia. December and January offer warm days, clear skies, minimal rainfall, a light breeze and cool evenings. It’s the perfect weather to enjoy the beach during the day and beachside dinners in the evening.
Be sure to check out the celebrations for the Chinese New Year in January or February and the Day of Cambodian-Vietnamese Friendship on January 8. From March until May Cambodian holidays are hot and dry. The only precipitation during this time is short “mango showers” in the afternoon. While precipitation is infrequent, the humidity in Cambodian can reach 90 percent at night, year round. During these dry months, the river and lake levels are low and may make travel by boat more difficult and can increase travel times. Road travel becomes easier during this time because the rains are not washing out the dirt roads.
Temperature peak in April, sometimes reaching up to 33 Celsius, before tapering off in May when the monsoon season begins. Be sure to bring your sunscreen and hat, the sun can be quite intense at this time of year. During April you can enjoy the huge celebrations for the Khmer or Cambodian New Year. If you’re taking a holiday to Cambodia in June, July or August, be prepared for hot and wet weather. The weather can be warm but is usually moderated by the cooling monsoon rains that begin arriving in May and June. Though the air will be hot and humid during these months, the monsoon rains tend to be quite predictable, making it easy to plan around the showers. The rain usually comes in the afternoon for a few hours or during the night.
Though the rains may slow down your touring a bit, they also bring a lushness and degree of verdigris to the plants and forests. During this time the rivers and ponds are full making the countryside more beautiful and boat travel more reliable. Some roads may be damaged by flooding so beware that travel by road may be difficult. Along the coastline, the rains can last for days at a time, but then also stop for days at a time. This would be a great time of year to visit the Ream National Park to enjoy the abundant wildlife and growth of the plants. The cool and wet months in Cambodia are from September to early November.
The air begins to cool in October and November, bringing the average temperatures down to the low 30s. By October, the frequency of monsoon rains begins to dwindle, stopping completely by the end of October. After the rain stops, the best time of year to holiday in Cambodia begins. During this time you can enjoy the Pchum Ben or the celebration of the ancestors in October or the Water Festival in November.
