Exactly last year, I was in Kampot weighing to consider whether or not I should stop by Sihanoukville afterward. In the end, I skipped the city due to limited time and just went ahead to Phnom Penh.
That's why when I'm looking for contributors for the $10 series, I prioritized some cities that I was so excited as I got connected to Timi of The LandLoper who could share her two cents about traveling around the city.
What did I miss when I was in Cambodia? Is Sihanoukville worth a visit despite all the negative things you see on the internet?!
The town of Sihanoukville is a peninsula in the Bay of Thailand. Once an undisturbed gem of Cambodia, a popular tourist spot because of its lovely white sand beaches and friendly residents now becoming more and more crowded.
The past few years have been busy, Chinese investors occupy the town and build their resorts and casino world, turning the place into a large construction site. Despite the disturbance, there are still a lot of things you can do and enjoy in SihanoukVille for $10 USD or less.
Did you know?
Sihanoukville was named in honor of the former king of Cambodia, Norodom Sihanouk. Although it's considered a ‘young' town, today Sihanoukville has become the largest seaside town in Cambodia with the biggest port, a largely agricultural community, and even the biggest tourist attraction. Only second after Angkor Wat.
Visit the Beaches of Sihanoukville
Located in the Bay of Thailand, Sihanoukville is blessed with many beautiful beaches that are still fairly quiet and are lovely for a lazy sunbathing session or a refreshing swim. Here are the most popular ones that you can visit around Sihanoukville.
Independence Beach
A kilometer long sandy beach with lots of places to eat and drink, although not as quiet as it used to be due to the building works carried out by the Chinese investors in the area.
It is still beautiful though, with its charming pier, green trees, and turquoise waters. Enjoy lunch and a few drinks well under $10 dollar – depending on how much you like to drink, a beer costs a dollar each.
Sihanoukville beach.
Serendipity Beach
You'll find this beach on the East side of the town and it's one of the few places with accommodations right by the water.
It's filled with Western-style bars and restaurants which again offer you a lovely daytime atmosphere with a meal and a glass of wine or a pint of beer. This beach is not ideal for a swim but the scenery is beautiful.
It's a great choice if you're after some relaxation. Daytime is silent, although you might not want to stay the night though as it's busy and noisy.
Hawaii Beach
One of the quietest ones with the view of Snake Island and the bridge leading to it. There are few shops, Chinese restaurants and lots of townhouses.
Tuk-tuk in Cambodia.
Explore the Local Food Scene
Sihanoukville is surrounded by ocean from 3 sides, no wonder that you can find fresh seafood everywhere.
From street food to restaurants, you'll be able to try everything within the $10 dollar budget. If you decide to go for something on the go from the market downtown it will cost you around a dollar. However, you can also go to a restaurant and enjoy a proper sit-down meal with friendly service and delicious food.
When on the market, check out also all the pork dishes and insects they have on offer – of course if you are brave enough to.
If you want to add to the fun while exploring, take a tuk-tuk, Cambodia's most famous transport vehicle – also very pocket friendly.
Whatever you choose to do, Sihanoukville is a place where you can afford quite a lot for $10 dollar, so enjoy.
Contributor: Timi from The LandLoper
Timi is a blogger, Londoner, self-confessed travel junkie, and lover of all good things. She helps others to travel like a local so they can live the real experience and learn something new and unique everywhere around the globe.
