













Sihanoukville (Krong Preah Seihanu), formerly Kompong Som is a seaside town featuring Cambodia's best-known beaches.

Understand [ edit ]

Privately-owned Sokha Beach

In a land with thousands of years of history, Sihanoukville is a colourful but tragic upstart. A mere fifty years ago, a French-Cambodian construction carved a camp out of the jungle and started building the first deep-sea port of a newly independent Cambodia. Named Sihanoukville in 1964 after the ruling prince of Cambodia, the booming port and its golden beaches soon drew Cambodia's jetsetting elite, spawning the first Angkor Beer brewery and the modernist seven-story Independence Hotel which, claim locals, even played host to Jacqueline Kennedy on her whirlwind tour of Cambodia in 1967.

Alas, the party came to an abrupt end in 1970 when Sihanouk was deposed in a coup and Cambodia descended into civil war. The town – renamed Kompong Som – soon fell on hard times: the victorious Khmer Rouge used the Independence Hotel for target practice and, when they made the mistake of hijacking an American container ship, the port was bombed by the U.S. Air Force. Even after Pol Pot's regime was driven from power, the bumpy highway to the capital was long notorious for banditry and the beaches stayed empty.

Peace returned in 1993 following the historic elections organized by the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia ( UNTAC) and in the ensuing ten years Sihanoukville has been busy picking up the pieces. First visited only by a few intrepid backpackers, guidebooks still talk of walls pockmarked by bullets, but any signs of war are hard to spot in today's Sihanoukville, whose new symbol seems to be the construction site. After 30 years of housing only ghosts, the Independence Hotel is up and running again, more and more Khmers and expats have settled down to run bars and restaurants, and the knowledge of what the New York Times dubbed "Asia's next trendsetting beach" is starting to spread.

Get in [ edit ]

By air [ edit ]

The small Sihanoukville Airport (IATA: KOS | ICAO: VDSV) is located 17km to the east of town, on the edge of Ream National Park. Cambodia Angkor Air [40] started flying to and from Siem Reap on December 14th 2011 with three flights a week. They also fly nonstop to and from Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) 3-4 times per week. There are red-eye flights from Beijing (PEK) as well now. AirAsia began flying to and from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in August 2017, 4 times a week. Hainan Airlines offers direct service to KOS from BaoAn Airport (SZX) in Shenzhen, China.

Sokha Helicopters [41] offers a VIP charter service between a private helipad at Sokha Beach Resort and Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Charter rates start at US$1495 per flight hour plus 10% VAT & 10% SPT, with discount packages for stays at Sokha Beach Resort. Helicopters are modern, French-built Eurocopter Ecureuils with luxury leather seating for 5 passengers. Licenced pilots are from Australia and Europe. Flight time from Phnom Penh is 55 minutes and Siem Reap 1 hour and 40 minutes.

By bus [ edit ]

Sihanoukville being a famous destination for holidays for both locals and foreigners, there are many buses and minivans going there everyday and the road is usually in good condition. You can check the different schedules, prices and book directly online via camboticket.com

From Phnom Penh:

Capitol Tours runs multiple large buses a day taking about 5-5.5 hours. The cost is 20,000 riel (5 USD) as of Jan, 2016. The buses depart from Capitol Tours near Orussey market and tickets can be purchased there also. The seats on this bus are quite small, not really comfortable from two large adults sitting next to each other. The bus makes stops along the way to pick up people and goods. It will drop you off in downtown Sihanoukville, about 3 kilometers from Ochheuteal/Serendipity beach, motos and tuk tuks will be waiting there quoting 3-4 dollars for the trip to Ochheuteal/Serendipity. If you get past these and grab a motorbike it should be around 4-5000 riel, a tuk tuk should be 2 dollars, some drivers will stick to their ridiculous prices, so if that happens just move on, don't try to negotiate with them. (as of Jan, 2016)

Phnom Penh Sorya Transport [42], GST Express, and Mekong Express operate hourly bus services from Phnom Penh, taking 5- hours and costing US$4.5-10, depending on the quality of the bus and the number of stops. The first bus leaves Phnom Penh at 7:00AM; the last bus leaves at 5:45PM. All buses arrive and depart from the bus station downtown near the Central Market. Tickets can be booked at the bus company offices, travel agencies, and many guesthouses. It is worth reserving a day in advance to be sure of a seat. National Route 4 between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville is one of Cambodia's best roads, despite this travel can be at a snails pace due to traffic. (undated info)

Giant Ibis and Mey Hong offer 14-16 seat air-conditioned minibus transport[43] that is aimed at tourists and never have more passengers than seats. Tickets cost $10, although it can cost a few dollars more if you need pickup on Otres or far from their offices. (undated info)

Rith Mony, Bun Thou, and Virak Buntham Express operate daily air-conditioned minibus service leaving at 8:30AM to/from the the border with Thailand at Koh Kong/Hat Lek, taking about 5 hours. "Local" and "Tourist" minibuses service this route; they are always jam-packed, and the trip can be uncomfortable. "Local" service price depends on how much space you want (a whole seat, half a seat, or a space on the roof); foreigners can expect to pay around US$6-8. They will also typically have pickup in front of the offices on the main strip in town at 7:30AM (at which point they simply drive over to the station to wait until the 8:30AM departure time.) You may be offered pickup at your hotel for a premium. Sometimes there are buses leaving at 2:00PM but the service may be available only with suitable demand and ticket prices may be higher (~US$15). (undated info)

In 2010, Virak Buntham Express started a bus service from Ha Tien in Vietnam to Sihanoukville via the new Xa Xia/Prek Chak border post. (From Ha Tien, there is a ferry to Phu Quoc island, another popular tourist destination). Unlike even recent travel guides report, this trip now has become easy and straightforward. Visa on arrival for USD 25/550.000 VND (but bring a photo!)

From Siem Reap:

There are various company night buses running from Siem Reap. Trip takes around 12-14 hours and costs 14-17$ for a sleeping 70% reclining seats/hotel bus with beds. But beware that road is really bumpy, seats may be not like shown on photo in the ticket office, and you may be forced to change bus from sleeping to sitting in Phnom Penh, so make sure you have the direct bus with no changes, assigned seat and seller phone number to get what you paid for when you buy a ticket.

The bus station is far from the city centre and you will need to take a tuktuk or a motorbike. Expect to pay anywhere between $ 1 and 4, depending on how many people there are in the tuktuk.

By train [ edit ]

Cambodia's rail network has recently been restored and provides a cheap and comfortable way to travel. Services between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville restarted in April 2016. Tickets cost $7 each and the journey is more relaxing than the bus trip. The service is operated by Royal Railways.

By taxi [ edit ]

A chartered taxi from Phnom Penh's Central Market can make the trip in less than three hours and will cost anywhere from US$25-40 per car, depending on the petrol price of the day and how beat up the vehicle is. You can reduce the price by sharing seats, but be warned that Khmers will squeeze as many as eight people into the car, including two in the drivers seat, so most people will need to buy two seats for comfort. As of May 2013, you can get a private taxi to Sihanoukville for $50 - $55. Many of these have an LPG tank in the boot, so one large case is the limit. If two people travel a spare seat can cater for a second large case. Most of the cars are relatively recent Toyota Camrys and comfortable enough. Order from Travel Agents around the city.

By boat [ edit ]

Boats used to run daily from Koh Kong/Hat Lek (the border crossing with Thailand), taking around 4 hours and costing US$20/700 baht. However, the service was suspended in 2008 and it's unclear if it will resume, since travel by road is now cheaper, safer and just as fast. Several sources quote "persistent rumours" about a future ferry service with the nearby Vietnamese Phu Quoc island, but nothing happened yet.

Boats to the islands offshore - Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, run every day several times per day. You can take a slow boat, speed ferry or make a day out and go on a tour boat. Speed Ferries are the best option if you just want to get out to the island as quickly as possible, as the company runs modern purpose built catamarans with lots of under cover seating. Alternatively, get on a day trip tour boat and you should be able to use your ticket to get off at the island and stay overnight, and return another day.

Modest numbers of cruise lines offer one-day port visits, usually along with more stops in Vietnam enroute to or from Bangkok, e.g., Oceania.

Get around [ edit ]

Central Sihanoukville

Distances between the beaches are a little too long to walk comfortably, but getting around is easy, as the roads are wide and bike taxis (motodop) are everywhere. The standard price is US$1 per trip, although expect to haggle at night or if the distance is long. They'll gladly pile on two people and their luggage too. For larger groups, car taxis can be called up by phone (flat US$5 to most places around town).

There are dozens of the ubiquitous tuk-tuks around the new bus station and the accommodation areas. They are some of the most persistent and over-charging drivers in Cambodia; they have formed an "association" for price fixing - a trip to the bus station, US$2 in Phnom Penh, costs US$3 if your bus company pays but they will hit you for US$6 if you arrive at the bus station and want to go to the beach. If you have decided where you will stay it can help to call for a pick up; even if its not free, it may save you some overcharging.

The ride from the new bus station to Serendipity Beach should cost no more than US$3 during the day. As of 2017, rides between Serendipity and Otres 1 or Otres 2 or Otres Village are $5 per ride. Rides between the Otres beaches (or village) are $2.

Another great choice to get around is to rent a scooter. Haggle a bit and you can get it for US$4 a day or more - it depends of a season. Fuel is not very cheap (about $1.00/l) but can be bought at many roadside shacks. However, as of 2009, renting scooters to foreigners is technically illegal, and the police may stop and fine you.

WARNING# avoid the "Vuthy" agency on Ochheuteal Street 500 next to Modern Laundry in the Serendipity beach area. They rent ill-maintained, dangerous motorcycles which don't work/ barely work, won't refund anything and get confrontational when you return faulty bikes. Cheaper and better rentals are available pretty much anywhere else.

WARNING# if you have purchased a long distance bus ticket from the bus station office (sorya station) in town, beware; they have a scam where they let you wait till after the bus has already gone without telling you, then try and force you into an expensive motoped to catch up with the bus on its way out of town. To prevent get there early and dont listen to anyone but the real bus driver

WARNING# More travelers in Sihanoukville are becoming victims of pickpocketing and motorbike theft. Unfortunately, Sihanoukville is not a vacation destination where you can let your guard down and fully relax worry-free.

The center of town itself doesn't offer much to see. On the edge of town is Otres Marina situated on the Ou Tro jet river mangrove swamp and Otres temple can be visited.

Rivers [ edit ]

The mangrove lined Ou Trojak Jet river runs from Otres pagoda to Otres beach is Sihanoukville's longest river popular with both canoeists and anglers, the lower section harbours a marina. Restaurants along the south bank of the river serve fresh seafood supplied by the local inshore fishing boats.

Islands [ edit ]

Koh Otres, Situated on the Ou Trojak Jet river Otres 2, east of Sihanoukville city. Koh Otres is an oxbow island. It encompasses an area of 4,400 m2 (0 sq mi). The terrain is predominantly marshy with a mangrove forest. The island is currently undeveloped and is virtually deserted.

Beaches [ edit ]

The main reason to visit Sihanoukville is the beaches. They are not as crowded as many of those in Thailand, but can be cramped on weekends and holidays.

Otres 2 is famed for its sunsets and mangroves Otres 2 is famed for its sunsets and mangroves on the Ou Trojak Jet River

Famous places/activities on the beach: The Otres Marina - Enjoy Kayaks and Paddle boards upcycled from waste pastics for lazy river trips along the mangroves, trips to Koh Ta Kiev, Sea and river fishing, sunset cruises and private charter can be arranges from the marina.

Otres Corner – The first bar on the Otres 1 strip (coming from the city) has live DJs during day and night playing electronic music. It's managed by a British expat (who's a chef) that serves an amazing Sunday roast lunch. They've got all night parties there at least once a week so it's always worth checking in for details. A great place to sleep at for party and music loving people.

Everythang – The 6th business on Otres 1, a funky guesthouse (with dorms) on the beach all surrounding an 8 meter geodesic dome. Try the taco or burrito and make sure to catch a sunset on the tree house.

Rent a kayak and row it to one of the mini islands that are close to the beach, or up the small river that reaches a small temple.

Mien Mien – a small and (still) cheap guesthouse, not on the beach but across the street from it with real rooms rather than bungalows.

Otres Market – though not on the beach but a short tuk-tuk ride from it (or ten minutes walk) hosts a live music show every Saturday night.

Richies – a well established beach bar with great food and occasional parties run by a Scottish guy and his family. Very homey fealing.

Windsurfing school – managed by a French expat that is also the teacher. The flat sea makes it an easy place to start surfing. Lessons costs around $30 and windsurfers can be rent fot $8-$12 / hour.

Amongst the "tourist boat tours" that are offered here but are very common to beaches around the world, in Otres Beach there's a party boat, with music, water slides and beer-bongs.

Other [ edit ]

Go for a ride with Ride Cambodia Motorcycle Tours. They're based in Sihanoukville at the bottom of Serendipity Beach Road by the pier. By far the most competitively priced motorcycle tour operator in the country, they run single day trips out into the jungle and also run multi day trips across all of Cambodia. If you can ride a bike and fancy an adventure then this is the activity for you.

The Cambodian Children's Painting Project (CCPP) [44]. This is located on Serendipity Beach Rd. CCPP is a NGO which works with impoverished Cambodian children. Together with volunteers the children create art which is then sold to help support the children's families and the project itself. As part of the project children are provided with access to education, painting materials, sport activities, two meals a day, medical assistance and dental assistance. Social workers are employed to work with the children's families. You can help by becoming a volunteer, donating painting materials, buying a painting, donating money or by holding an exhibition of the children's art.

Fishing Marlin and barracuda are the main sport fish in the seas off Sihanoukville and its islands. Mangrove jacks being the main river sport fish. Gone Fishing are based at Otres Marina which is situated on the mangrove lined Ou Trojat Jet river kayaks and boats for the river and sea can be hired for as little as 5$ per day, both group fishing trips and private charters are available.

Jet Skis least six tourists and one local boy were run over and killed at Ochheuteal beach and Otres beach by jet skis since September 2009. The number of tourists and locals injured by banana-boats and jet skis is unknown. In 2009 the police marked a 'swimmers only' area with buoys along most of the beach but the employees of the jet ski & banana-boat operator completely ignore it and keep showing off silly but very dangerous high speed stunts just metres from shore and in the middle of swimmers to hunt and attract customers. Complaints to the police or tourist police are constantly ignored. On weekends you will see many very drunk Cambodian tourists on jet skies, chasing each other inside the swimming zone and ignoring the simplest safety rules. At Serendipity, the northern end of Ochheteal beach, jet ski drivers race between the corral bommies, completely disregarding the safety of snorkelers, damaging and killing marine life with the oil in the exhaust. A number of the jet skis are older models with 2 stroke engines. If three or four jet skies running at the same time, the whole beach stinks from the highly toxic exhaust fumes - not to mention the permanent chainsaw noise the beach is blasted with. If you want to enjoy a quiet, relaxed day on the beach go to one of the other beaches outside of town and pay US$3-$5 for a one way ride with a moto-dupp.

least six tourists and one local boy were run over and killed at Ochheuteal beach and Otres beach by jet skis since September 2009. The number of tourists and locals injured by banana-boats and jet skis is unknown. In 2009 the police marked a 'swimmers only' area with buoys along most of the beach but the employees of the jet ski & banana-boat operator completely ignore it and keep showing off silly but very dangerous high speed stunts just metres from shore and in the middle of swimmers to hunt and attract customers. Complaints to the police or tourist police are constantly ignored. On weekends you will see many very drunk Cambodian tourists on jet skies, chasing each other inside the swimming zone and ignoring the simplest safety rules. At Serendipity, the northern end of Ochheteal beach, jet ski drivers race between the corral bommies, completely disregarding the safety of snorkelers, damaging and killing marine life with the oil in the exhaust. A number of the jet skis are older models with 2 stroke engines. If three or four jet skies running at the same time, the whole beach stinks from the highly toxic exhaust fumes - not to mention the permanent chainsaw noise the beach is blasted with. If you want to enjoy a quiet, relaxed day on the beach go to one of the other beaches outside of town and pay US$3-$5 for a one way ride with a moto-dupp.













There are several small shops in the town, plus a standard Cambodian market ('Psaa Leu'). Although tourism is growing, don't expect large scale tourist markets.

Several clothing and souvenir shops are opening downtown and around the Victory Hill and Ocheteaul area as well.

ATM machines can be found throughout the city. Downtown, there are ATMs from ANZ Bank, Canadia Bank, and Acleda Bank. There are also ATMs around the "Golden Lions", on "Beach Street", at CCS Hotel and one at the Golden Sands Hotel, Occheuteal Beach.

There are many ATM's located all over town. They all Charge a fee.

Along the beaches, especially at Ochheuteal Beach, there are many food stalls and some restaurants serving grilled, meat, chicken and seafood with chips/fries and a beer for US$3-4. There are a good many restaurants in town as well. Sihanoukville has a surprisingly diverse set of cuisines.

The Beach Chalet, At Otres Beach. Cambodian and Western food, fresh and cheap. Prices are fixed all the year. The staff are friendly.

Grand Restaurant Kampuchea, 100m SE from Golden Sands Hotel and opposite Beach Club Resort and OC Hotel on Tola Street. Traditional Khmer food. Amok lovers and foodies in general have to get the Amok here (possibly the best in Cambodia).

Marina Restaurant, Otres 2 Beach. English and fire mountain Khmer style, restaurant.

Bamboo Vegetarian restaurant [45], Ochheteaul Beach Road (Walk down 'pub street' and Bamboo is just 50 m from the sea). Open 24/7. Bamboo only provides fresh healthy vegetarian food. No MSG or fish sauce used. Bamboo uses only purified water and ice. Friendly staff, great atmosphere and a selection of table games.

Ku Kai, Downtown. Japanese restaurant.

The Look Bar and Restaurant [46]. On Victory Hill in Bar St. Free pool, multiple TV-Screens, WiFir and a wide selection of drinks and food. Weekly blues/rock/rock'n'roll live music and BBQ with latino music.

Maharajah Royal Indian Cuisine Halal Siem Reap's popular,Now opened a sister restaurant in SihanoukVille, at Victory Hill +855-15-966221 menu from US$3~10 [47]

Mick and Craig's restaurant. Near the Golden Lions. A Sihanoukville institution which has been providing comfort food in Sihanoukville since 1997. Their Mexican menu and Sunday roast are particular favourites [48].

Noh Kor Phnom, Occheuteal Beach (inland, on first road to beach when coming in from town). Friendly no-frills seafood restaurant with an extensive menu of over two hundred options.

Reef Resort, tel. +855-12-315338, Serendipity Beach Road. Tex-Mex, ribs and steaks.

Same Same But Different. On the beach, reasonable food, good price, good staff. Excellent Thai Green Curry.

Sandan. 100 meters from the Golden Lions Circle on the road to the Sokha Beach. Tel: T + (855) 34 452 4000 Email: [email protected] Open Mon - Sat 5 pm - 10 pm (Kitchen closes 9pm). Sandan (the name comes from a dried fruit used in flavouring) is a new restaurant that is already making its mark on the culinary scene in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. With a menu that highlights creative Cambodian cuisine and a relaxing and unique ambience, blending candles, plants, Buddha’s, beautiful hand-made lanterns and colourful children’s paintings, it is fast becoming a ‘must do’ attraction for visitors to this city in southern Cambodia . It also has a safe, fun children's play area, a small gift shop and a small stage for performances for M'Lop Tapang's arts team and other artists on special dates. Sandan is run by M’Lop Tapang, an NGO that has been working with street children since 2003 in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

NYAM Khmer Restaurant. Near Golden sand Hotel. Delicious Khmer food (Amok and Curry in coconut, Loc Lak) Wifi. Traditional Cambodian food in a lovely setting.

Taj Mahal . Classic Indian Cuisine Halal is located at the Orecheteal Beach, Sihanoukville, from ancient palaces of Indian Sub-Continent to modern kitchens, hand-blended masalas remain a treasured element of the finest cooking. The rich spices found in these blends are imported from their native countries and mixed with the utmost care by master Chef M. Ahmad and his professional team of the popular Taj Mahal Restaurant, one of the tasty points in Siem Reap.NOW in Sihanoukville at Ochheuteal Bech front on COBRA KTV M. Ahmad's inspiration came from researching the favorite dishes of many royal families who ruled India centuries ago. Free Wi-Fi. Price Range is affordable from 3 US$ to 10 US$.

. Classic Indian Cuisine Halal is located at the Orecheteal Beach, Sihanoukville, from ancient palaces of Indian Sub-Continent to modern kitchens, hand-blended masalas remain a treasured element of the finest cooking. The rich spices found in these blends are imported from their native countries and mixed with the utmost care by master Chef M. Ahmad and his professional team of the popular Taj Mahal Restaurant, one of the tasty points in Siem Reap.NOW in Sihanoukville at Ochheuteal Bech front on COBRA KTV M. Ahmad's inspiration came from researching the favorite dishes of many royal families who ruled India centuries ago. Free Wi-Fi. Price Range is affordable from 3 US$ to 10 US$.

Golden Lion Plaza at Occheteal beach, 10 friendly bars in one street.



The trend on Serendipity Beach is to advertise with permanent 'Happy Hour', which usually implies cocktails for US$2-2.5 and draft Anchor beer for as little as US$0.50-0.75. The latter is only recommendable if you don't mind drinking it with ice, however, as it's often not as cold as it should be.

Dolphin Shack, Located on Serendipity Beach. US$0.50 happy hour draft, US$2 Vodka Mixers, outside dance floor.

Sky Bar & Restaurant, [49] Located just off Serendipity Beach. US$0.75 draft all day, US$2.50 cocktails, popular Western and Khmer food, run by 4 super friendly sisters. A great place to hang out and make new friends.

Monkey Republic, The best backpacker bar in Sihanoukville. Located near the Golden Lions. A great selection of food and drink. Features a pool table and a great menu.

Maybe Later - Located on the down to Serendipity Beach. Late night bar and Mexican restaurant offering tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos and more. Good cocktails and quality drinks.

Bars located in town:

PURE Bar lounge and restaurant, after Golden Lions plaza, Bleu Sea Boutique Plaza on Serendipity road. PURE offer the best view of gulf of thailand and most beautiful Islands. Happy hours 7 -8PM : 0,5$ draft, drnks from 1$ to 4 $. Enjoy dj set (deep progressive house music) every night. Web site : http://www.pure-sihanoukville.com.

Captain Morgan, Golden Lions Plaza. Nice looking bar with friendly staff. Food and snacks. Open until very late.

Star Bar, Located downtown behind Shell gas station. Extremely cold Anchor draft beer (happy hour 50c, rest of the day 75c). Friendly waitresses. Good pool table. Decent kitchen with western oriented menu. Popular Wednesday evening barbecue US$2.

Bars in Otres and Otres Village:

Marina Riverside Bar, can be found in the middle of Otres 2 just 60 meters from Otres beach. 50c beers and Khmer fire mountain style BBQ.

Woody's, can be found in the middle of Otres Village just in land from Otres beach. Woody's is the first of its kind serving craft beer and "inglorious" gourmet burgers. Quiz night every Friday at 8:30, free to play with prizes. Open 11-12ish.

Accommodation ranges from basic guest houses on the beach to four-star resorts. There are plenty of guesthouses, however, the cheapest guesthouses directly on the beach frequently sell out. Pre-booking is necessary at peak times such as at New Year.

Budget [ edit ]

Koh Ta Kiev island - tree houses on the beach (Cambodia)

Cinderellas Dive Resort & Beach Bungalows, Otres Beach. Oceanfront beach accomodations. Great diving and nice service. [50]. Rooms from US$6-25. Sihanoukville is surrounded by small and unspoiled islands and has one of Cambodias nicest beaches, the Otres Beach. It is still not overloaded with tourism. All rooms with fan. Tel: 012-613380

Sakal Bungalows, Victory Hill. US$4-15. Offering some cheapish pleasant huts above the bar with sea views (over a huge concrete building next door) and more expensive air-con rooms. The menu is brief but the food is excellent. The bar has a 61 inch TV for sport and films, and stays open as long as it needs to, which is generally 24/7. Tel +855 12 806155, +855 12 489377. [51] , [52]





Stay healthy [ edit ]

Medical services in Sihanoukville are very limited and basic. The best medical service is offered by the CT Clinic. This is the only clinic trusted by expats who live in Sihanoukville. The public hospital should be avoided at all costs, as it is terrible. In case of major trouble evacuation is necessary.

HIV/AIDS is nowhere near as prevalent as it was, but the infection rate is still relatively high within certain high risk groups such as female sex workers. In 2006 the infection rate for brothel-based female sex workers was estimated to be 14.7%, but government initiatives have raised the rate of correct and consistent condom use to over 90%. However, many sex workers are now operating outside of brothels, so the rate could be significantly higher in this group. [53]

Sihanoukville's area code is 034.

Internet [ edit ]

There are many internet cafes and most guesthouses and many hotels offer free internet access. Almost all now have Wi-Fi.

Probably the best mobile phone network for use in Sihanoukville is metfone. Great reception and decent speed GPRS internet. You can easily register for daily unlimited mobile internet by texting ON3 to number 111. It costs $0.70 per day. This can be cancelled by texting OFF to number 111. The metfone SIM card costs $3. It works well at Otres Beach unlike some other networks and is the only network that works on Koh Russei (Bamboo Island). Tethering / Personal Hotspot capable phones such as the iPhone 4 or newer models, or high spec Android phones will work fine with metfone. To set that up, the APN is metfone, leave username and password fields blank.

Tourist Information Centre [ edit ]

Post [ edit ]

The new main Post Office is near the Victory Park on the left hand side of the road as you go to Victory Hill. There is also a branch at the market downtown, but here you can only leave your postcards during office hours, as it does not feature an outdoor mailbox.

Consulates [ edit ]

The Vietnamese consulate on Ekareach Street issues 30 day tourist visas for pick up the next morning. As of February 2015, the cost is US$60. The opening times are 8AM-noon and 2PM to 4PM, M-F, 8AM-noon on Saturday. A detailed guide to the application process can be found here.

Get out [ edit ]

Bokor National Park - an abandoned French hill station near Kampot which was a popular destination in the 1920s

Koh Kong, bus from the main station for 7$ (they gonna ask 8 or 9, just tell them 7)

There are several bus companies offering tickets to both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. All of them are comparable in terms of quality but the price varies. Try to avoid companies Mekong express and Giant Ibis. The seats in their buses and minibuses are small, uncomfortable, certainly not suitable for larger men. There is no way to adjust or switch off the air-con even in the sleeping busses so it's advisable to take a blanket or two. Also, the wifi on board never works. The price is almost double of what other companies offer for similar service.

Bangkok, Thailand - Minibuses offer direct service for US$35

Ko Chang, Thailand - Minibuses offer direct service to the ferry crossing





Routes through Sihanoukville Phnom Penh ← Kampot ← E W → END









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