Plan a CruiseSihanoukville Cruise Port Guide
Sihanoukville, also known as Krong Preah Sihanouk or informally "Snooky," is Cambodia's premier seaside resort town. It functions as a blend of a resort, backpacker hub, and working port. While Cambodia is often associated with Angkor Wat, Sihanoukville is rapidly developing as a standalone beach destination. Cruise ships typically dock or tender near the Victory Beach area. Most vessels arrive early in the morning and depart in the evening, providing a full day for exploration. Complimentary shuttle buses are often provided by cruise lines to transport passengers downtown, to various beaches, or to local Wats (temples). The city's sporting life is centered around the sea, offering activities like snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, swimming, sea kayaking, and sailing.
Getting Around from the Port
The cruise terminal is located approximately 10-15 minutes by car from downtown Sihanoukville. Complimentary shuttle buses, provided by your cruise line, typically transport passengers to key areas in town, to the beaches, or to local Wats. Alternatively, tuk-tuks and taxis are readily available outside the terminal.
For getting around Sihanoukville, tuk-tuks are the most common and convenient option. These covered carts, pulled by a motorcycle, can accommodate up to four people. Fares for trips around town usually range from $1 to $2 per person. A private taxi can be hired for a full day of touring for US$30 to US$40. While bicycles, electric bicycles, and motorcycles are also used by tourists, renting a motorcycle taxi for touring is considered a potentially dangerous activity.
Attractions and Activities
With about 8-10 hours in port, passengers typically spend their time exploring, dining, and swimming, often returning to the ship for lunch during the hottest part of the day (around noon or 1 PM).
- Explore Sihanoukville's Beaches and Watersports: The city's main draw is its beaches and marine activities. You can arrange snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, swimming, sea kayaking, and sailing through guesthouses located along the beaches.
- Visit Wat Leu: For panoramic views of Sihanoukville and stunning sunsets, head to Wat Leu (Wat Chhnothean). This peaceful temple is situated on a forested hilltop about 1.5 km northwest of the city center, adjacent to three prominent radio telecom towers.
- Discover Ream National Park: Located about 18 km from downtown Sihanoukville, this 21,000-hectare national park offers boat and safari tours. It's home to 155 species, including rare animals like the mouse deer and pangolin, and the very rare freshwater white dolphin, which is typically seen from December to February.
- Angkor Wat (Overnight Option): While Sihanoukville is a gateway to Cambodia, the famous Angkor Wat temples are a significant distance away, requiring at least 7 hours of driving each way. Some cruise lines offer very pricey overnight excursions to Angkor Wat, where you rejoin the ship at another port. This is not a feasible day trip from Sihanoukville.
- Compare Excursions: It's advisable to compare excursions offered by your cruise line with independent options available through platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator to find the best fit for your interests and budget.
Dining & Shopping
Sihanoukville's retail scene is still developing, offering an authentic shopping experience where unique finds are possible, and bargaining is expected for good deals. Markets are quite far from the port, but a tuk-tuk ride into town should only cost a few dollars if you negotiate the fare.
Khmer cuisine, often likened to Thai food with less spice, heavily features locally caught seafood. You can easily find delicious and inexpensive meals by exploring the numerous food stalls set up near the beaches. Dining in Cambodia is very affordable, encouraging you to sample a variety of dishes. Many cafes, guesthouses, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi for customers.
Safety
While enjoying Sihanoukville's beaches, be aware of a common issue: theft of belongings while swimming, often perpetrated by drug addicts or children. Additionally, renting a motorcycle (moto) for touring is considered one of the more dangerous activities due due to local traffic conditions.
Currency and Language
Cambodia has two official currencies: the U.S. dollar and the Cambodian Riel. For larger purchases, use U.S. dollars, and for smaller transactions, use Riels. The exchange rate is approximately 4000 Riel to 1 USD. Money changers are plentiful; always inspect U.S. dollar bills carefully, as even a small tear can render them unusable. ATMs are widely available. The official language is Khmer, but many vendors in market areas will understand enough English for basic transactions, often using calculators to show prices.