10 Things To Do In Sihanoukville For A Chilled Out Vacay In Cambodia’s Blissful Coastal City

Cambodia is not just the ultimate travel destination for intrepid backpackers looking to explore its exotic locales but also beckons luxury tourists with its fascinating ancient temples, beautiful resorts and impeccable French meals. Sihanoukville tucked in the southern part offers respite to travel weary souls with its pristine white-sand beaches and azure waters. Things to do in Sihanoukville vary from indulging in thrilling water sports & beach hopping to enjoying the natural attractions and exciting nightlife at the beach bars. You can also head to the picture perfect islands off its coast or gamble away the night at numerous casinos abuzz with activity. Here’s our lowdown on what to do in Sihanoukville for a breezy & rejuvenating vacation.

10 Best Things To Do In Sihanoukville

Here’s a list of 10 best experiences that you ought to have in this gorgeous city of Cambodia. Scroll down and take a look at the adventures and bliss that await you.

1. Leu Pagoda: Enjoy a visit to the serene temple
2. Kbal Chhay Waterfalls: Get mesmerized by nature’s beauty
3. Bamboo Island: Spend blissful moments by the beach
4. Beaches: Explore the many gorgeous white-sand sites
5. Diving & snorkeling: Indulge in some thrill
6. Otres Market: Enjoy the buzz and live music
7. Casinos: Get set for a game of Baccarat
8. Splash Party Water Park: Spend some fun hours cooling off
9. Ream National Park: Experience nature at its very best
10. Koh Rong: Sunbathe, swim, and unwind

1. Leu Pagoda: Enjoy a visit to the serene temple

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Located on a tranquil forested hilltop just 1.5 Km outside the city, this Buddhist temple looks like a pagoda and presents a striking sight with its golden hues and colorful exterior. With its natural setting amidst lush greenery & wilderness, it offers respite from the crowded markets and busy beaches. Dawn or daybreak is the perfect time to soak in the serenity and beautiful sunrise and sunset. The soothing chanting of monks, gentle breeze and panoramic views make the visit to Wat Leu one of the best things to do in Sihanoukville.

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2. Kbal Chhay Waterfalls: Get mesmerized by nature’s beauty

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This multi-tiered waterfall just a 30-40 minute ride from the city makes for a fun trip on a bike or a tuk-tuk. The best time to visit these cascading falls is during the rainy season between July and October when the gushing froth presents a pretty picture. Situated on the Prek Tuk Sap River, these scenic falls are also a popular picnic spot amongst the locals and tourists alike. Splashing around or taking a dip in the cool waters and enjoying fresh and delicious food from the numerous stalls around is one of the most relaxing things to do in Sihanoukville.

Timing: 7:30 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Approximately USD 3.5, to be paid in parts at two places.

3. Bamboo Island: Spend blissful moments by the beach

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A ferry from the Ochheuteal beach takes you to this hidden gem off the coast of Sihanoukville where you can steal precious moments of bliss in the lap of nature. Also called Hoh Russei, the island is a piece of heaven untouched by commercialisation, with inviting warm blue waters and shimmering golden sands. Spending the day exploring this pristine island is one of the top things to do in Sihanoukville if you’re looking for unadulterated tranquillity. You can explore the jungle trails, relax at the beach bars or even spend a night on of the lovely bungalow resorts.

Travel tip: The ferry departs from Ochheuteal beach at 10AM and leaves the island at 4PM. One-way trip takes about 45 minutes.

Suggested Read: 10 Most Popular Festivals In Cambodia: An Insight Into Its Rich Culture

4. Beaches: Explore the many gorgeous white-sand sites

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With five major beaches along its shore, the place has established itself as the country’s premier beach resort town and beach-hopping is undoubtedly amongst the best things to do in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The endless stretches of powdered white sands and azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand make a pretty picture and great spots for a laidback holiday by the beach. Party lovers and activity enthusiasts can head to the vibrant Ochheuteal and Serendipity beaches, while those seeking a more relaxed & serene perch can choose between Otres Beach and Independence Beach.

5. Diving & snorkeling: Indulge in some thrill

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With such a fantastic coastline and crystal clear blue waters stretching endlessly along the coast, water sports is amongst the most popular and exciting Sihanoukville activities. The port area has 4 dive centers that offer PADI certification and excellent diving services with plenty of fish and corals. Snorkeling is also quite popular and the best sites for exploring marine wonders are along the islands off the coast. You can also indulge in kitesurfing, kayaking, and windsurfing at reasonable prices.

Suggested Read: You Must Visit These 10 Restaurants In Cambodia During Your Trip!

6. Otres Market: Enjoy the buzz and live music

This unique ‘bizarre bazaar’ is all about the amazing vibes and lively atmosphere that make it one of the must-do things in Sihanoukville on the weekend. Great live music, myriad food and drink options, unique wares (artisan jewelry, crystals, etc.) and a chilled out setting are the top draws of Otres Market every Saturday at the Otres Village. Locals and tourists gather from across the town to enjoy the interesting music as they sip their drinks and savor international cuisine from the food stalls.

Timings: 4 PM – late night (Saturday)

7. Casinos: Get set for a game of Baccarat

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Along with the lovely stretch of beaches, Sihanoukville’s casinos are the city’s biggest draw for tourists. With more than 20 casinos operating 24×7, you can indulge in fun gaming options including table games and live sports betting. Most top hotels have luxurious casinos with popular games like Baccarat, Blackjack and Roulette along with slot machines. If you’re wondering what to do in Sihanoukville at night and are game for some unadulterated fun, then you must visit one of the casinos for a tryst with gambling and betting!

Suggested Read: 18 Best Things To Do In Phnom Penh On Your Vacay To Cambodia

8. Splash Party Water Park: Spend some fun hours cooling off

One of the most fun things to do in Sihanoukville with your kids is spending a few hours at this interesting water park off Otres 1 beach. The floating obstacle course with slides, ladders, swing ropes and trampolines offers enough challenge to keep the children engaged and interested. Since the sea water can be deep at places and children tend to fall many-a-times, it is advisable to use the life jacket that comes free with the entrance ticket. The children can race with their friends and experience the thrill of being catapulted by a blob.

Entry fee: Ranges between USD 3/person

9. Ream National Park: Experience nature at its very best

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One of the most amazing natural sites near Sihanoukville, this national park will amaze you with its biodiversity and virgin forests. Spread over 210 square kilometres, Ream National Park boasts of mangroves, rain forests, winding creeks and pristine white-sand beaches. You can take a boat tour of the mangroves or explore the various trails on a bike to witness a huge variety of flora and fauna. Spending time in the presence of wilderness and raw nature is one of the most rejuvenating experiences and best things to do in Sihanoukville.

Suggested Read: 7 Best National Parks In Cambodia For Wildlife Enthusiasts And Nature Fanatics

10. Koh Rong: Sunbathe, swim, and unwind

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The numerous islands off the coast offer some of the most amazing experiences for those visiting Sihanoukville. Koh Rong tops this list of picture postcard perfect islands, with its dense jungles, waterfalls, sandy coves and thriving corals. You can sunbathe, swim and unwind at the pristine beaches of this island paradise during the day, while party lovers can head to the lively Police beach at night for non-stop fun and revelry under the star-lit sky.

Ferry schedule between Sihanoukville and Koh Rong: 7:30AM – 5PM (ferries ply every half an hour or one hour)
Ticket cost: Approximately USD 25/ person for a return ticket.

Further Read: 9 Best Cambodia Resorts For A Spectacular Vacation In The Exotic Kingdom!

Enticed to indulge in these experiences on your next trip to Cambodia with TravelTriangle? Well, then make sure you customize your holiday package and include these in your trip itinerary!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Sihanoukville

Abhijeet Roy