Sihanoukville, or Kampong Som, is a Cambodia’s coastal city with more than 90,000 people inhabiting. Originally founded as a port town in 1955, Sihanoukville has become more of a travel destination in recent years thanks to its attractive white sand beaches, fishing port, Sihanoukville Mountain, and Wats (Buddhist temples). In this brief article we aim to give you some essential information regarding the aforementioned tourist attractions, so that you can get a glimpse to explore Sihanoukville on your own. To get more information, you can click: Indochina tours Laos
Explore Sihanoukville through its sandy beaches
There are 8 beaches in Sihanoukville, including both privately owned and open to the public. The most well-known ones are Ochheuteal Beach and Otres Beach.
Ochheuteal Beach: this white sand beach is about 3.3 km in length. This is a truly busy Sihanoukville beach packed with beach bars, grass umbrellas, beach chairs, hotels, guest houses, and sleepless nights. Parallel to Ochheuteal Beach you can see the Golden Lion Traffic Circle.
Ochheuteal Beach in Sihanoukville- source: internet
Otres Beach: While Ochheuteal Beach is only suitable for people and couples who like party nightlife, Otres Beach offers a better option for families. The beach itself is relaxed, decorated with affordable little bars and restaurants. A 3 to 5 dollars tuk tuk ride from Sihanoukville is your ideal escape plan from the madness of tourist town.
Sihanoukville fishing port
Accessible using tuk tuks, the Tumnuk Rolok fishing port is the main attraction of the fishing villages. Going 2 km north from Sihanoukville you will be able to witness the life of Cambodian fishermen: drive their boats out at night, return early in the morning with their hard earned work, and spending the day fixing their nets just to prepare for another night on the vast sea. If you are lucky, you might see a wooden boat is being built from scratch in action.
Tumnuk Rolok fishing port -source: internet
Explore Sihanoukville Mountain
Sihanoukville Mountain is 132 meters high, offering a great hiking opportunity for sports lovers who want to take a clear and overall look of the town and the beaches from above. Lying just behind Sihanoukville’s main area, it is very easy for you to find the way up. There is a temple on the way on top of the mountain called Wat Leu (also called “Upper Wat” due to its specific location). Laos travel tours
360 Resort is located on Sihanoukville Mountain, giving you the full view of the town while bringing top-notch services. This is the perfect accommodation for those who wants a peaceful retreat with fresh air while still can observe the lives of the locals.
The Wats of Sihanoukville
There are about 5 Wats in Sihanoukville with 2 worth-seeing ones if you are short on time, namely Wat Leu, and Wat Krom. The common rules when visiting Wats in Indonesia includes taking off your shoes, women being not allowed to touch the monks, and no pointing at the Buddhist statues.
Wat Leu (Upper Wat): Located on Sihanoukville Mountain, Wat Leu can give you a panoramic view of the whole town plus surrounding beaches. This large golden shrine has terrific stone architecture, with Buddhist sculptures and murals all over its interior and exterior (please take off your shoes when going in). The signature carving of three headed white elephants with Buddha statues on top out of a stone wall is very worth the rather long walk on the Mountain.
Wat Krom (Lower Wat): is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sihanoukville. It lies on a small hill on Santipheap Street. Just like Wat Leu, people who coming to Wat Krom love this place thanks to its beautiful interior artwork on the stone walls, ceilings, and even on the ground. If you are in luck, you will enjoy your visit to Wat Krom even more without the crowds of tourists.
Wat Leu in Sihanoukville -source: internet
Wat Krom (Lower Wat): is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sihanoukville. It lies on a small hill on Santipheap Street. Just like Wat Leu, people who coming to Wat Krom love this place thanks to its beautiful interior artwork on the stone walls, ceilings, and even on the ground. If you are in luck, you will enjoy your visit to Wat Krom even more without the crowds of tourists.
We recommend that you stay at least 2 days to truly explore Sihanoukville in its beauty. Even though this little town is still recovering from its tragic civil war and recently got it peace in 1993, Sihanoukville has much potential to become one of Cambodia’s top tourist attractions.
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