Many people don't know about Cambodia's beaches

Many people don't know about Cambodia's beaches, so they visit the beaches of better known resort areas instead. What they are missing is a number of fabulous beaches on Cambodia's mainland coast, and even better beaches on Cambodia's offshore islands. Cambodia's beaches are like those of more well known resort areas in that they too have powdery white sand fronting crystal clear, turquoise blue waters. The beaches of Cambodia are different in that they have not yet been taken over by crowds and development. You won't find many five star resorts at Cambodian beaches (yet), but you will find plentiful peaceful stretches of beach, open air restaurants and bars right on the sand, serving the world's freshest and finest seafood, and a laid-back ambiance unlike anywhere else.

Cambodia has three beach communities, Sihanoukville, Kep, and Koh Kong, and several islands off the coast with pristine beaches. Sihanoukville is the largest of the three communities, and has the best beaches. While the mainland beaches of Kep and Koh Kong are not as nice as those of Sihanoukville, these beach communities have their own charms, and are well worth a visit.

The beaches of Cambodia truly have something to offer everyone. If you insist on spending a lot of money, there are a few luxury hotels, if you are on a budget, Cambodia offers some of the lowest prices anywhere. If you want to be around people, then Ochheuteal beach at Sihanoukville offers plenty of hustle and bustle on the weekends, and there is always night life to be found in Sihanoukville. If you seek solitude, this can be found also. The Cambodia coast and its islands is one of the few places left in the world where you can find beautiful stretches of white sand beach all to yourself, or nearly so.

One of the first things you will notice about Cambodia is the sense of humor of the people. They smile and joke a lot, and don't take anything too seriously. You won't either after a couple of days of bliss on Cambodia's beaches. Despite what you might think, Cambodia is quite safe. There is a relatively low rate of crime against person and property, even compared to more developed countries.

The people are warm, and so is the weather. The climate along Cambodia's coast is nearly perfect. With a cooling ocean breeze, air conditioning is rarely needed, and heaters are never needed. The Cambodian coast is also a bit drier than other tropical destinations. Even if you come in the off-season ("rainy season") which is from May to November, you are likely to experience some sunny days.

Cambodia does not yet have any Walmart stores, or Carrefours, or even a Mcdonalds or Burger King, but it does have adequate shopping, and western products are about as available as anywhere else in Asia. Services such as phone and internet, and ATM machines (that work internationally) are available in all Cambodia beach towns.

Cambodia does require a visa for tourists, available online or at points of entry, and is readily accessible by air to Phnom Phenh, or overland from Thailand or Vietnam. There is no great risk of disease, since malaria and dengue fever are now rare.

Learn more about the beaches of Cambodia on the other pages of this website, and come to this special bit of paradise that is Cambodia's beaches while you have the chance!

Sihanoukville Beaches

Sihanoukville is located in the south of Cambodia. It is 230 kilometres (143 mi) southwest of Phnom Penh in a small Peninsula and Bahia. Beaches are the main feature that attracts national and foreign visitors. A small archipelago is embedded by the Sihanoukville Bahia off its south and west coast. The commercial and international port is located at the north west. The limits of its territory: North and West Koh Kong province, East Kampot province and south Gulf of Thailand.

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. Tourists can take water taxis to the nearby islands for diving, snorkeling, and game fishing.

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 (210 km2) and it includes the islands of Koh Thmei and Koh Sei.[12]

Being a rather small province, Sihanoukville has two main urban centers: the Sihanoukville city itself and the Prey Nob District, 46 kilometers from Sihanoukville downtown to the north. The city is connected to Phnom Penh by National Road No. 4; to Kampot Province by NR 3 and to Koh Kong Province by NR 48.

Town centre

The town centre is located between surrounding hills roughly in the centre of the peninsula. It contains the banks, the market and other businesses. The post office and the bus station are located some distance towards the port.