Sihanoukville

« My experience at the Siem Reap market came to a close. Of course, one can dwell on the horrendous dirt and local hazards, but it’s essential to remember that Cambodia is quite a struggling country. People here live in survival mode, and cleanliness isn't a priority for them. Just about 20 years ago, this place was wrapped in civil wars, and the nation is still recuperating from the aftermath. I believe it will take time, but Cambodia will eventually look entirely different.

...Photo from the album "The Colors of Cambodia." »

« All this ready-made food is sourced locally. As I mentioned before, electricity in Cambodia is quite expensive, and many locals don't cook at home; they buy ready-made meals at markets and cafes, which turns out to be cheaper... 🥡🥢 »

« Our trip was a mix of expectation and reality. Sianoukville turned out to be a land of surprises, but that’s a tale for another time.

Sianoukville is the most popular beach resort in Cambodia. Right now, it is undergoing changes, meaning there are constructions and uncompleted projects around, with prices often higher than expected 😒. However, there’s one huge plus – the beaches 😍. They are indeed swimmable with soft sand and clear water.

We loved the beach: swimming there was a delight, and we found some very tasty coffee along the coast. But the hotel was simply disappointing 😤 considering the price.

The beach was vibrant. The hotel, although nice, had the same price as the previous one 🧐. Around, you can easily buy fresh fruits that are immediately cleaned and cut. There are snacks, alcohol, and beach accessories, which can be found without any issues, as well as basic cosmetics and a small pharmacy. For diapers and baby food, however, you might need to venture out a bit.

There are many small cafes along the coast, and what’s interesting is that they are often run by foreigners. So you can indulge in delicious French cuisine prepared by a French chef or have a taste of local delicacies. Italian cuisine is widely available, but we didn't spot any sushi places.

Sianoukville didn’t impress us, as it looked like faceless constructions surrounded by empty spaces and resort complexes 😩. The beach and the nearby area remain the most enjoyable places for a good vacation.

And yes 🤓, the hotel prices in the area may be higher than at some of the beautiful beaches, making it good for a quality vacation.

Have you been to the beaches of Cambodia? What was your impression? Maybe someone can share about Kompot? »

« “Have you heard? The “Oral and Reshka” team filmed a series about Siankvile in Cambodia last season 😱. I must say, our compatriots were unreal this year 😂 and they all look shocked by what’s happening here. Many are changing their plans and heading to neighboring countries. I advise you to do the same if you're planning a beach vacation in Cambodia in the next couple of years, at least 😆.

But 😂, if you want to explore the country, then yes, Cambodia is worth a visit. Ancient Angkor Wat 🏛️ and the colorful Siem Reap, the stunning Phnom Penh and the lovely Koh Rong and Samloem 🏝️, I’m sure these places are still just as beautiful. The construction is indeed booming in Siankvile, and with price increases, it's happening only here. ☝️

I’m curious, are there any of you planning a trip to Asia in February? Where are you headed and why?” »

« About Siankville 💫
Hello there! 👋 After spending a week in Siankville, I must talk about the things that surprised me here. 😅
We arrived in the evening, and right away, it hit us that there are no lights on the roads. In fact, it’s pretty dark. 😬 While the surroundings are generally nice, the roads themselves aren't great. 😂
The locals are friendly and smiley, but they don’t always show that constant warmth like you might expect. 😁
But don’t get too relaxed – safety is key. There have been some reports of petty theft here. 🚨
Staying in Siankville is quite affordable; you can find something decent for around $50 a night. 💵 Meanwhile, dorm beds start from about $5 per night here.
For food, I thought it would be super cheap. 🥘 However, if you want to eat at a decent place where the food isn’t stale, expect to spend around $10-18 for a meal. 🍽️ In Thailand, I’ve managed to find food of better quality for even less. This seems to be a bit of a struggle here.
The beaches 🏖️ are nice and, more importantly, clean. We discovered a really lovely sandy area at the end of Otres-2 beach. Tomorrow, we might head back there – possibly even for a swim, my very first time this week! 😂 Don’t be surprised, but the dirt and rubbish here in Cambodia can sometimes overshadow the beauty.
What amazed me most about Siankville is the contrasting wealth – it's striking. I used to think Bangkok had contrasts, but I was mistaken. 🤦‍♀️ Here, you see a lot of decrepit buildings alongside bigger establishments, particularly with large casinos 🎰, especially those that cater to tourists. Every fifth car is likely an extravagant model, and you might even spot a Rolls Royce! 🤯
The streets are chaotic 🚧; they often look like a mix of construction zones and shantytowns, with Chinese writing everywhere. I anticipate that soon there will be more upscale establishments popping up here. 🌆
I could share more, but let's save that for later. 😉 I hope you get a glimpse of the real Cambodia from me. Wishing you a lovely evening! 😘 »

« Sihanoukville. We were expecting breathtaking sunsets, but unfortunately, it was a bit disappointing. »

« We vacationed in Sihanoukville - the tourism hub of Cambodia, similar to a coastal resort. Here, everything is certainly more polished, with upscale hotels and nice restaurants. However, the poverty of the local residents is still apparent. On the bright side, the beaches are stunning and the food is delicious and affordable, especially the seafood. Cambodia is a country we will definitely return to. »

« My first photo from the sea. The beaches of Cambodia truly delight with their clean sand and gentle sea⛱, and the Cambodians, or as they call themselves - Khmers - are incredibly friendly and sweet. Even sweeter than the Thais, in my opinion. There are some rules for visiting the country: $1💵 for nothing valuable, and don't carry too much money. So I left all my rings, bracelets, and chains, along with my cards, in the hotel's safe!🗄 »

« Goodbye Sihanoukville - the city that never wants to sleep, a place full of hustle and Tuk Tuks, a city of incredible contrasts where moods can shift dramatically in a heartbeat. A super backpacker destination - I'll definitely return when I'm craving fun and carefree vibes! 🌟 »

« Thank you, Cambodia, for the warm welcome! We will definitely come back! »

« I really love these gazebos! Cambodia, Sihanoukville. »

« Hello Sihanoukville... a place with pristine beaches and wonderfully warm sea... We decided to stay here for 2-3 weeks... We liked this city so much... »