Sihanoukville & Islands

Overview

Sihanoukville is Cambodia's main beach town and gateway to a scatter of nearby islands, most famously Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. The town itself has changed fast, with large-scale casino development reshaping much of the waterfront, so most travelers now treat it mainly as a ferry hub: fly or bus in, then head straight for the islands.

The islands are where the appeal really is: white-sand beaches, warm shallow water, and a mix of budget backpacker bungalows and quieter upmarket resorts depending on which beach you land on. Boat schedules and island choice matter more here than in most Cambodian destinations, so it's worth planning the route in before you arrive.

Top Highlights & Activities

• Koh Rong (Island Parties & Beaches): The primary draw for Western backpackers and independent travelers. Koh Touch Beach is the island's nightlife center, packed with beachfront bars, fire spinners, late-night music, and affordable hostels. Further up the coast (like Long Set or Sok San Beach), you'll find quiet, pristine sands and bioluminescent plankton night swims.
• Koh Rong Samloem (Relaxed Retreat): A much quieter, island-paradise alternative to Koh Rong. Known for shallow turquoise waters at Saracen Bay, hammocks over the sea, and zero wild nightlife, ideal for couples and travelers wanting to unplug.
• Snorkeling & Diving: Boat trips out to smaller reefs around both islands for snorkeling, plus a couple of PADI dive shops running beginner courses and fun dives.
• Island Hopping Boat Tours: Full-day trips stringing together several small islands and sandbars, usually with fishing, swimming stops, and lunch on the boat.
• Otres Beach: A more relaxed stretch of mainland beach, popular as a base without needing to take a ferry at all.
• Ream National Park: Mangrove boat tours and short jungle treks on the mainland, a quieter day trip alternative to the islands.

Island Ferry Options & Pricing

Placeholder pricing. Ferries run daily from Sihanoukville's piers to the main islands, with more departures in high season (Nov–Apr) than in the wet season.

Route	Price	Duration
Sihanoukville → Koh Rong (speedboat)	~$15–25 / person	~45 min
Sihanoukville → Koh Rong Samloem	~$15–25 / person	~45–60 min
Slow boat (either island)	~$10–15 / person	~1.5–2 hrs

Travel Tip: Book ferry tickets a day ahead in high season, and confirm your return time before you land, some of the smaller piers have limited daily departures.

How to Get There

Placeholder directions. Sihanoukville is served by Sihanouk International Airport (KOS), with domestic flights from Siem Reap and select regional connections. Overland from Phnom Penh, the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville Expressway (PPSHV) gets you there in about 2 to 2.5 hours by car, private taxi, or express bus, the fastest option by far. The older route via National Road 4 still exists but takes around 5 to 6 hours.

• Flight from Siem Reap: regional connections available
• Expressway (PPSHV) from Phnom Penh: ~2–2.5 hrs
• National Road 4 from Phnom Penh: ~5–6 hrs
• Airport transfer/taxi into town: ~20–30 min