Monday Escape: Sihanoukville, Cambodia

This port city is a growing Cambodian urban center, conveniently located just 185 kilometers southwest of the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, and home to some of the country’s best beaches, beer and natural resources.

Tourism here is centered around those aforementioned white sand beaches, which are not as developed as similar beaches not far away in Thailand, meaning you can find your own place to soak in the sun or take a dip.

Beaches that line the west contour of the city from north to south are Victory Beach, Lamherkay Beach, Koh Pos Beach, Independence Beach, Sokha Beach, Serendipity Beach, Ochheuteal Beach and Otres Beach. The most popular beaches are Ochheuteal, Sokha, Independence and Victory. And you can take water taxis to the nearby islands for diving, snorkeling, and game fishing.

Because Sihanoukville is the only deep water port in Cambodia, it’s an important economic and transportation hub, though the province is also served by the Sihanoukville International Airport, just 18 kilometers from downtown.

And for those that like to take in the sun with a little bit of a buzz, you’ll be happy to know that Sihanoukville is also the home of the main factory of Angkor, the Cambodian national beer.

Historically, the town is actually the site of the last official battle of the United States army in the Vietnam War, although the incident took place outside Vietnam. Currently, visitors dive in Koh Tang, one of the Sihanoukville islands where the major battle to free the SS Mayagüez took place. Divers can see two shipwrecks 40 meters down.

The peninsula is separated from the central plains of Cambodia by the Damrei Mountains, especially the Bouk Kou. The city is also besides the Ream National Park  and it includes the islands of Koh Thmei and Koh Sei.

All in all, Cambodia is a nation filled with welcoming people with optimistic attitudes, and it’s the perfect place to find your own peace with the world. Go, visit, and never leave!

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