A little over fifty years ago Sihanoukville emerged as a new port named after the ruling prince and set to become Cambodia’s most up and coming area. It seemed as though things were going to plan, with development rapidly occurring and even welcoming Jacqueline Kennedy during her 1967 tour of Cambodia. It looked destined to become Cambodia’s new jet setting capital. 

However, Sihanoukville’s newly established profile was just as quickly destroyed, when in 1970 Prince Sihanouk was deposed in a coup and a civil war ensued. Unfortunately, Sihanoukville was one of the places targeted by the Khmer Rouge, who set up camp in the seven storey coastal Independence Hotel from where they practised their armed warfare skills. On one such practise the Khmer Rouge mistakenly hijacked an American container ship, marking an out and out battle with the Americans bombing the port in retaliation. 

Sihanoukville has since recovered from its misfortunes and is now rebuilding a name for itself as one of Cambodia’s premier seaside towns, with great beaches and a variety of accommodation on offer, including huts right on the sand. The New York Times described Sihanoukville as ‘Asia’s next trendsetting beach’. If that is the case the crowds have not yet responded and now would be a good time to visit before they do! There are numerous beaches to choose from and they all have their own personality and appeal – quiet, westernised, busy backpackers, you name it. 

As an alternative to the main beaches, it is possible to arrange a trip out to Bamboo Island (Koh Russei) where you will be able to stay in relative seclusion. The island can be reached by private boat organised from several of the beach guesthouses. Also possible is a ferry trip to the small fishing island of Koh Kong.