10 Things To Do In Sihanoukville For Top Sights And Local Experiences
Sihanoukville is more than just an average beach town. Sihanoukville is alive with relaxation, culture, and a vibrant local way of life. There are lots of things for people interested in experiencing a little bit more than relaxing at resorts, including iconic beaches, historic sites, and many active markets.
Table of Contents
ToggleRelax At Serendipity Beach
Serendipity Beach is amongst the top beaches in Sihanoukville, particularly popular for its soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coastal life. It can be described as the best place for swimming, sunbathing, and has proved to be an ideal destination for those who are looking for either a relaxing time at the beach or interesting water activities.

Serendipity Beach is a popular place for a variety of water sports, such as jet skiing and banana boat rides, as well as taking short trips to the nearby islands. Along the beach, there are various spots like beach bars, seafood restaurants, and cafes, making it an entertaining but relaxing place where you can have fun, eat delicious food, and enjoy the stunning sunset. And as you watch the sunset over the water while eating lunch on the beach, this beach is the best place to experience Sihanoukville’s coastal lifestyle for the first time.
Enjoy Breathtaking Views At Golden Lions Hill
There is no question that Golden Lions Hill has become one of Sihanoukville’s most recognizable attractions; perched atop the hill is the massive golden lion statue that represents the city. People come to Golden Lions Hill for the sweeping views of Sihanoukville and to snap photos. The best viewing days will undoubtedly be sunny days.

When standing atop Golden Lions Hill, you can see all of Sihanoukville’s streets full of traffic, its high-rises, and all the way to the coast. The area surrounding Golden Lions Hill contains many places to grab a quick lunch or coffee, as well as shopping options. Although a simple excursion, visiting Golden Lions Hill will give you a greater appreciation for how the residents of Sihanoukville live and the identity of the city.
Swim At The Fresh Otres Beach
Otres Beach is a peaceful white-sand beach located south of Sihanoukville, which provides a more relaxed environment, away from the bustle of mainstream beaches in Sihanoukville. It has a peaceful coastline, with calm and pristine waters, and a relaxed atmosphere – perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and simply relaxing in the sun with a cold drink in hand. In contrast to most other beaches, this beach appears to be fairly underdeveloped along most of its white-sand, 3-4 km-long coastline, with only a string of beach bars, restaurants, and bungalows to welcome visitors right alongside the beach.

But for those who enjoy mixing leisure activities with the local lifestyle, Otres Beach is also a place where they can explore the lively nightlife scene. Beachside eateries serve their special Khmer seafood and other cuisines, while bars provide the ambiance for a romantic evening. Some travelers like to walk from Otres 1 Beach, which is more vibrant and has more amenities, to Otres 2 Beach, which is quieter and roomier, allowing each visitor to find a balance between relaxation and activities at this lovely Cambodian beach.
Shop Souvenirs In Sihanoukville Central Market
The Sihanoukville Central Market is the largest and most lively marketplace in Sihanoukville, and this is where you can experience life in Cambodia. The marketplace consists of various booths that sell clothes, accessories, souvenirs, electronics, and everyday household items for very affordable prices. The best part of this marketplace is actually its food stalls, where tourists can experience authentic Cambodian cuisine like barbecue seafood, noodles, spring rolls, and fruits.

The atmosphere is full of energy and color, with vendors shouting out to their customers and locals buying their day-to-day needs. The market is more than a shopping destination because it is also a cultural experience that allows the visitor to see the day-to-day activities of the locals.
Back To The Time At Royal Villa
The Royal Villa is a historical place that served as the living quarters of King Norodom Sihanouk. Today, the Royal Villa showcases pieces of the monarchy’s history as a symbol of the modern history of Cambodia. Architecturally, the building features the designs of the royal quarters, with its elegant features and a sense of grandeur that pervades the entire compound.
Visitors are often drawn to view the exterior of the building, take a stroll along the surrounding neighborhood, and discover more of Cambodia’s royal history. Visiting the Royal Villa offers a different experience that is peaceful and reflective. It may prove useful for people interested in history and culture, but not in beaches and nightlife.
Enjoy Beach Activities At Koh Rong And Koh Rong Samloem Islands
If you’re looking for an escape from the bustling streets of Sihanoukville, then look no further than Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia’s ultimate tropical paradise. Located only a short ride away by speedboat from the mainland, the islands from the mainland, will give you a sensation of being removed from the fast pace of modern life.
While Koh Rong offers an exciting experience for vacationers due to its lively beach bars, numerous outdoor experiences, and a bustling party atmosphere, it is also an ideal destination for budget-minded travelers such as backpackers and those in search of new adventures.

Koh Rong Samloem, on the other hand, boasts tranquil, sweeping landscapes with clear waters, lagoons, and a multitude of eco-conscious resorts, making it a perfect option for couples or anyone looking for a quieter getaway from the round-the-clock noise that you may find at other beach destinations. Enjoy the beautiful, slow, and easy pace of life that Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem has to offer and rediscover what it is that made you fall in love with the ocean again!
Visit The Sacred At Wat Leu Pagoda
There is no better place to visit than Wat Leu Pagoda, which is one of Sihanoukville’s cultural cornerstones. Located on top of a mountain, Wat Leu provides a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding city, coastlines, and nearby islands. Additionally, Wat Leu itself contains many fine examples of Khmer architecture and the incorporation of religious symbols.

Visit Wat Leu to learn about Cambodian Buddhism and how local people practise their spirituality. The serene surroundings of the pagoda allow visitors time to reflect, think, and appreciate the daily rituals conducted by Buddhist monks. For optimum light and views, visit Wat Leu Pagoda early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is gentler and more tranquil.
Explore Nature by Boat in Ream National Park
The best way to see the stunning landscape of Ream National Park is to take a slow boat ride through the mangrove forests. As you drift along the mangrove channels, you will see a variety of wildlife up close, while also experiencing the tranquility that comes from being surrounded by nature.

During your journey, local guides will tell you about the local ecology, the way they have fished for generations, and what life is like in the surrounding villages. The slow pace of the boat allows you to take photographs and fully enjoy the beauty of nature around you. In comparison to a day at the beach, this boat ride will provide you with a more in-depth understanding of Cambodia’s natural history.
Taste Local Food in Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville cuisine is the reflection of the city’s deep-rooted association with the ocean, along with its rich diversity, where cuisine, specifically the preparation of seafood, is the soul of the city. Sihanoukville cuisine, such as the presence of Amok, containing coconut curry prepared in banana leaves, or Kampot Pepper Crab, with its sweetness of crab meat mixed with green peppercorns, exemplifies the thriving culinary tradition in this city.
Sihanoukville cuisine, such as Bai Sach Chrouk or Kuy Teav, demonstrates the ability to prepare food with available ingredients for the purpose of preparing fascinating dishes, which would actually be served for breakfast.On the other hand, Sihanoukville dining is a relaxed and communal affair, in line with its lifestyle. The lighter and more refreshing dishes like Lap Khmer and Nom Banh Chok feature a combination of strong flavors with herbs and vegetables, and this is why they may be more attractive to the uninitiated. Fruits like mangoes, coconuts, and mangosteen are fairly common and the best thing when it comes to cooling the environment.
Go Around The Local Phsar Leu Market
Phsar Leu Market is the heart of daily life in Sihanoukville and a great experience for visitors looking to try something different. The large, busy market has hundreds of stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to tropical fruits to spices to clothes to electronics to home goods. Thus, it is a good representation of the way that the Khmer community lives and, like many communities around the world, uses daily purchases as a way to sustain cultural traditions.

The food stalls in the market are also a great way to experience traditional Cambodian street food, as well as the sounds, sights, and scents of the market, while supporting local vendors and finding some souvenirs at the same time.
Admire The Majestic Beauty Of Kbal Chhay Waterfall
Situated approximately 7 km from the center of Sihanoukville is the Kbal Chhay Waterfall. This waterfall is an ideal spot to visit when one wants a natural break from the sandy beaches of the province. Situated in the heart of the forests of Cambodia, the waterfall is an excellent spot to enjoy nature and the fresh climate. The waterfall is even more breathtaking during the rainy season in Sihanoukville.

Taking a swim and bath in the waterfall is one of the best experiences that tourists get to enjoy at this site. Additionally, there are shallow pools and cascading water that make it perfect for relaxing and cooling off. There are picnic areas that enable visitors to spend a lot of time in nature. For tourists looking to have some fun and relax at the same time, Kbal Chhay Waterfalls in Sihanoukville is an ideal destination.
Join The Cambodian Children’s Painting Project
The Cambodian Children’s Painting Project is a unique venture that takes place in a non-profit setting and offers a great chance for any person who travels to Cambodia to be a part of this particular activity, in that it gives them a chance to interact and work together with volunteers from that country and children in creating artwork in a supportive environment. The artwork created shall be sold in a bid to help sponsor these children’s families and the further development of this project.
The manner in which visitors would like to contribute will depend on their availability and interests, which might include direct volunteer work, donating art supplies, or even the purchase of artwork as a gift for someone else to make a contribution or hosting a small exhibition of artwork produced. Not only will visitors have an artistic experience, but they will also gain a deeper appreciation for the local culture, and through this activity, they will be able to make a difference in the community during their trip to Cambodia.
Final Thoughts: Is Sihanoukville Worth Visiting?
As a tourist destination that boasts plenty of sunbathing and island-hopping activities in addition to seeking temples, waterfalls, and markets, the list of places to visit in Sihanoukville is indeed long. Added flavor comes from the food and the fresh seafood they have. Experience wonderful places to visit and the fun things to do in Sihanoukville with the help of Seni World.
Content Seniworld
0
0
votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Login
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest
Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments