Sihanoukville is in Cambodia on the coast, and back in the day this used to be THE backpacker destination on the coast. Cheap backpacker huts used to line the beach, beer was cheap and the vibes were gooooooooooood.
Unfortunately Sihanoukville’s golden era has come to an end, with rampant overdevelopment destroying most of the much-loved coastline of this city.
Worry not! Whilst I don’t recommend staying in Sihanoukville itself, the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem definitely warrant passing through the city to make the journey.
This region of Cambodia has changed A LOT in recent years, and it can often be difficult to pick the best areas and accommodation to stay in as a lot of information and advice is now outdated. That’s where I come in. Off the back of my recent year long expedition around South East Asia, I’m here to give you all the insider knowledge to make the most of your trip to Cambodia’s stunning southern coastline.
Are you ready? Let’s dive in.
Photo: @taya.travels
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- Where is the Best Place to Stay in Sihanoukville?
- Sihanoukville Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Sihanoukville
- Sihanoukville’s Four Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Sihanoukville
- What To Pack For Sihanoukville
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Sihanoukville
- Final Thoughts On Where To Stay in Sihanoukville
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Looking for a specific place to stay – maybe a cheap budget hostel or, maybe, a swanky hotel? These are my top recommendations for accommodation!
Sara Resort | Best Budget Hotel in Sihanoukville
At only $30 a night, this place comes with some crazy value for money and is worth splurging a bit outside of your usual backpacker budget. There is a fantastic outdoor swimming pool with great views of the beach. The rooms are super modern, comfy, and clean, and they make an excellent spot to unwind. The complimentary welcome beverages and the pick-up/drop-off service to Eden Pier are lovely extras.
The Secret Garden Koh Rong | Best Luxury Hotel in Sihanoukville
Checking in here feels like arriving in paradise. It’s a real hidden gem, with a beautiful location and very welcoming and helpful staff. Rooms are tastefully designed, boasting modern and clean amenities. I’d definitely recommend here if you need to unwind and recharge; the Khmer-themed cocktails are unforgettable too.
Nest Beach Club | Best Hostel in Sihanoukville
Nest Beach Club holds the iconic Nestival; a festival so legendary that it’s worth staying here just to experience it. I am not ashamed to say that I spent waaaaaaay too long at this hostel. It’s an utter remote paradise – signal doesn’t reach the dorms that are tucked further into the jungle so (gasp!!!) you spend less time doom-scrolling and more time actually connecting with those around you. This hostel holds a special place in my heart and I’d come back to Cambodia just for it.
Otres Beach
Otres Beach is hands down one of the coolest places to stay in Sihanoukville. This area is slightly south of the main city and is a long beach that’s actually divided into two, known as Otres 1 and Otres 2.
Ferry Pier
No matter if you choose to stay in Sihanoukville for a night or not, you’ll inevitably end up near the ferry pier at some point. Because of its significance in transporting travellers to and from the islands, there’s a good amount of accommodation built up in the area.
Koh Rong
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Sihanoukville with kids, this is the ideal choice. It offers the perfect mix of a peaceful beach experience and lots of supporting infrastructure.
Koh Rong Sanloem
Unlike its flashier neighbour, Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem keeps things low-key – with no blaring music, just the sweet ‘ol sound of waves lapping the shore.
Sihanoukville used to be a classic sleepy South East Asia backpacker town, with travellers flocking to the Gulf of Thailand’s little secret for its quaint beach bungalows, friendly locals and the easy ability to obtain a doobie. Some were so smitten that they immersed themselves in local culture by teaching English to keep their adventures rolling. Unfortunately, not all hidden gems can remain a secret.
During the 2010s, outside Chinese investment caught wind of Cambodia’s lax laws around gambling and money laundering and started building casinos up to the hilt. Casinos sprouted like weeds, catering to high rollers with a penchant for neon lights and questionable life choices. Factor in COVID and Cambodia’s changes to their online gambling legislation, and you’ve got a recipe for a ghost town. Many Chinese nationals packed up shop and headed home, whilst many locals have struggled to return after being priced out of their hometown.
What is left is one of the strangest places I’ve visited during my time in South East Asia; a soulless city of construction, with much of that construction abandoned. The construction that is going ahead has destroyed the majority of the beaches along its coastline. The once-stunning beaches now resemble a bad party after everyone’s left – plastic, debris, the whole shebang.
Jeez did I kill the vibe in here? My bad. Don’t worry – it’s not all doom and gloom. A stop to Sihanoukville is a necessary evil in order to get the real Cambodian hidden gems: Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem. And trust me, it’s aaaaaaaaall worth it.
Photo: @taya.travels
These islands are everything Sihanoukville used to be – pristine beaches, swaying palms, and enough adventure to keep you busy for weeks. So, yeah, battling through Sihanoukville might feel like a boss fight in a bad dream, but trust me, the islands on the other side are pure backpacker paradise.
My biggest advice to everyone wanting to visit these absolutely unreal islands is to try and plan your travel accordingly to avoid staying overnight in Sihanoukville: arrive in the morning so you’ve got plenty of time to make it to your onward travels to/from the islands.
There are only two places I’d recommend staying in Sihanoukville itself for an overnight stop, one of them being Otres Beach. Although it’s had a fair amount of construction inflicted on it, it’s still relatively unscathed compared to other beaches along the coastline. My other recommendation would be anywhere near the ferry pier. This means that you’ll be super close to travel to and from the islands, plus the airport and bus station in the city isn’t too far either.
Of course, all of this is for good cause: the beautiful Koh Rong islands. Koh Rong is the most developed of the two and, although the infrastructure is still fairly primitive on the island, you’ll find more accommodation and restaurant options here. Koh Rong Sanloem is the epitome of a remote paradise. Here you’ll find your days occupied with basking in the sun on powder white sand and evenings spent at one of the many BBQ restaurants dotted down the beach.
Sihanoukville’s Four Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Now that I’ve given you a brief background to the city, I’ll break down the areas to stay in more detail so you can decide where’s best for you to stay depending on your travel itinerary! I want to stress that Sihanoukville is absolutely worth stopping through to get to these stunning islands – it’s just a hurdle to jump before you reach the real treasure.
1. Otres Beach – Where to Stay in Sihanoukville City
Otres Beach is slightly south of the main city and is a long beach that’s actually divided into two, known as Otres 1 and Otres 2. A few years ago, travellers were reccomending to only stay in Otres 2, as Otres 1 had been overrun by construction. Unfortunately, construction has now overtaken both parts of the beach. This constant construction means you can expect a lot of noise and chaos, even for hotels situated right on the beach.
Photo: @taya.travels
Despite this, it’s probably one of the best areas to stay in Sihanoukville itself for a night if you still want to be beachside. I would suggest you splurge for a night outside your backpacker budget and book a decent hotel with good amenities, that way you won’t even feel the need to leave your hotel and you can unwind in style.
Om Home | Best Budget Hotel in Otres Beach
This charming beachside bungalow is close to the type of accommodation that littered the beach before overdevelopment happened in the region. The gardens and plants really seclude you from the outer world. Spacious, comfy bungalows offer a peaceful haven, but the real gem is the hospitality. The owners’ warmth and genuine kindness will make this a truly unforgettable stopover.
Sea Breeze Resort | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Otres Beach
Although it isn’t a five-star resort, it fulfils all the requirements for a relaxed sun-filled stop-off with a dash of personality. Friendly staff create a welcoming vibe. Not to mention the prime location—beachfront bliss with a sparkling swimming pool only steps away—cannot be beaten. The gardens are kept immaculately, and the small touches dotted around indicate that they genuinely take pride in the place.
White Boutique Hotel and Residences | Another Great Mid-Range Hotel in Otres Beach
The White Boutique Hotel offers large rooms with flat-screen TVs, minibars, orthopaedic beds, room service and views of the sea from their terraces. It is an extraordinarily cosy, modern, and clean hotel. This is one of the few remaining sections of Otres Beach that has retained its original form. Gorgeous sea, beach, and sand!
Things to See and Do in Otres Beach
Photo: @taya.travels
- Explore Bokor National Park on a full-day tour departing from Sihanoukville.
- Spend the day relaxing on Otres Beach.
- Watch fishermen going about their daily activities and join the locals at Phsar Leu Central Market on a group shore excursion from Sihanoukville port.
- See the highlights of Sihanoukville and its surrounding areas on a guided full-day city tour.
- Have your own aquatic adventures and go kite surfing or scuba diving.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Ferry Pier – Where to Stay to Get to the Islands
No matter if you choose to stay in Sihanoukville for a night or not, you’ll inevitably end up near the ferry pier at some point. Because of its significance in transporting travellers to and from the islands, there’s a good amount of accommodation built up in the area. However, most options were built to accommodate Chinese tourists’ tastes and there is a notable lack of hostels in the area when compared to the plethora of hostels that the capital boasts.
Photo: @taya.travels
Again, my advice would be to splurge a lil bit and find a hotel where you’ll be comfortable for the night. Many options here boast great on-site restaurants so you won’t even have to leave the complex in most cases.
If you DO want a wander round or have a couple of hours to kill, Sokha Beach is just nearby. It’s again, fallen victim to the overdevelopment of the city but having said that, it is still one of the best in this location if you’re looking for a coastal stroll. Having said that, make sure you take all necessary precautions to stay safe if you’re a solo female traveller or walking at night.
Queenco Hotel & Casino | Best Mid-Range Hotel Near the Ferry Pier
Queenco Hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and a fitness centre, and the four on-site restaurants offer a great breakfast. Each air-conditioned, modern room has a desk, a flat-screen Smart TV, and air conditioning. Certain apartments have a private balcony with views of the sea. The kind and helpful staff are happy to arrange a free shuttle service for any required transfers for subsequent travel to the mainland or the islands.
Won Majestic Hotel Cambodia | Best Luxury Hotel Near the Ferry Pier
Won Majestic Hotel Cambodia provides superb amenities, including a private pool, an infinity pool, gym, and sauna. A great breakfast is offered in the hotel restaurant. The hotel itself was spotlessly clean and well-maintained. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, providing the perfect retreat after a long day of travel.
Continental Xin Hao Hotel and Resort | Another Great Luxury Hotel Near the Ferry Pier
This is a wonderful place to chill out not too far from the city’s ferry terminal. With a garden, the Continental Xin Hao Hotel also has a bar, as well as a private beach area. Air-conditioned rooms are equipped with coffee machines, a minibar, a fridge, a flat-screen TV and room service is also offered.
Onederz Sihanoukville | Best Hostel Near the Ferry Pier
Located right in the city centre, this hostel is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay for one night or for a longer stay. The hostel itself is clean and has lots of common areas like a swimming pool and TV room where you can get to know your fellow travellers. It’s definitely one of the best hostels the city has to offer.
Things to See and Do Near the Ferry Pier
Photo: @taya.travels
- Visit small fishing villages, fantastic beaches, Buddhist temples, and Kbal Chhay Waterfall on a guided boat trip.
- Take a stroll down Sokha Beach.
- Have a glimmer into local life by visiting the Phsar Leu Market.
- Head out onto a boat and take part in a Khmer cooking class in a traditional fishing village.
- Visit Kbal Chhay Waterfalls situated on the Prek Tuk Sap River just outside of Sihanoukville.
3. Koh Rong – Coolest Island to Stay On
Now we’re getting into the good stuff. Koh Rong is an absolute PARADISE and was my favourite place that I visited in Cambodia.
It’s the closest I’ve ever gotten to a true remote island feeling, with the infrastructure being waaaay behind that to its other South East Asian counterparts like Thailand and Bali. In my opinion, this all adds to the island’s charm – though getting off the ferry and trawling through hip-height lagoons with my backpack to get to my hostel certainly was an experience.
Photo: @taya.travels
Here you’ll find powder-white beaches and some of the bluest waters in the Gulf of Thailand that would even give places like Koh Phi Phi a run for their money… The vibes are very much chilled backpacker here and it’s never difficult to find a party too far away if that’s what your heart desires.
From lush tropical jungles just begging to be discovered to the blue luminescent plankton that lights up the sea in the evening, it’s not hard to see how Koh Rong captures the hearts of so many. Although a highlight of most Cambodian backpacker itineraries, I REALLY hope that this stays a backpacker secret so it can be protected against a fate much like the one that Sihanoukville has succumbed to.
Coconutbeach Bungalows | Best Budget Hotel on Koh Rong
This hotel in Sihanoukville is perfectly positioned to offer you a relaxing, atmospheric beach holiday. It’s within walking distance of the beach and offers lots of chances to take part in activities like fishing, snorkelling, and hiking. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and a private beach where you can relax and the rooms are comfortable and homey.
The Secret Garden Koh Rong | Best Luxury Hotel in Koh Rong
Checking in here feels like arriving in paradise. It’s a real hidden gem, with a beautiful location, direct beach access and very welcoming and helpful staff. Rooms are tastefully designed, boasting modern and clean amenities. I’d definitely recommend here if you need to unwind and recharge; the Khmer-themed cocktails are unforgettable too.
Nest Beach Club | Best Hostel on Koh Rong
Nest Beach Club holds the iconic Nestival; a festival so legendary that it’s worth staying here just to experience it. I am not ashamed to say that I spent waaaaaaay too long at this hostel. It’s an utter remote paradise – signal doesn’t reach the dorms that are tucked further into the jungle so (gasp!!!) you spend less time doom-scrolling and more time actually connecting with those around you. This hostel holds a special place in my heart and is my favourite in Cambodia – I’d come back just for it.
Things to See and Do in Koh Rong
Photo: @taya.travels
- Visit the island on a Saturday to be part of the legendary Nestival festival.
- Ditch the shore and snorkel or dive into a world of vibrant coral reefs teeming with life!
- Hike through the stunning tropical rainforest that still covers most of the island.
- Head to Long Beach or 4K Beach to simply do nothing!
4. Koh Rong Sanloem – Best Place to Stay for Couples
Ahh, Koh Rong Sanloem – the untamed jewel of Cambodia’s island chain! As a seasoned backpacker, I can tell you this tropical island is the stuff of dreams and is definitely best kept a secret.
Unlike its flashier neighbour, Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem keeps things low-key – with no blaring music, just the sweet ‘ol sound of waves lapping the shore. Fewer tourists means more beachfront real estate – and I mean stretches of sand as far as the eye can see all to yourself!
Photo: @taya.travels
Hike through lush rainforests filled with monkeys, or relax at hidden gems like Sunset Beach and Lazy Beach. There’s less infrastructure on this island than its big brother Koh Rong and most hotels set up shuttle boats if they’re not situated off of the main harbour. Here, infrastructure takes a backseat to stunning scenery and unforgettable experiences.
Sara Resort | Best Budget Hotel on Koh Rong Sanloem
At only $30 a night, this place comes with some crazy value for money and is worth splurging a bit outside of your usual backpacker budget. There is a fantastic outdoor swimming pool with great views of the beach. The rooms are super modern, comfy, and clean, and they make an excellent spot to unwind. The complimentary welcome beverages and the pick-up/drop-off service to Eden Pier are lovely extras.
ISLAND CENTER POINT | Best Mid-Range Hotel on Koh Rong Sanloem
The rooms at Island Center Point are incredible, so spacious but still cosy, and the bathroom is insanely beautiful. The spacious rooms boast good air conditioning, a mini fridge and stylish furnishings. The loungers on the beach are perfect and their stretch of the beach was pristine. There’s also a delicious breakfast in the morning to start your day off on the right foot.
Onederz Koh Rong Sanloem | Best Hostel on Koh Rong Sanloem
As far as remote islands go, you won’t be too pressed to find friends at the island’s only beachfront hostel. Onederz features a rooftop with a beautiful view, air-conditioned rooms, free wifi, comfortable beds and lockers, and a clean and modern communal bathroom. The rooftop offers stunning views of the sea and the mountains. They host a nightly BBQ and offer a variety of games, making it easy to meet new travel pals.
Things to See and Do in Koh Rong Sanloem
Photo: @taya.travels
- Visit M-Pai Bay, a fishing village known for its sandy beaches and hiking trails.
- Hike up to the Old Lighthouse.
- Spend the day at Lazy Beach, a long stretch of pristine set in a beautiful bay surrounded by tropical jungle.
- Spend sunset at Sunset Beach (who would’a thunk it!)
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Sihanoukville
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Sihanoukville and where to stay.
What To Pack For Sihanoukville
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
How long is the ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong?
The ferry to Koh Rong takes roughly 45 minutes, depending on the sailing conditions. This means that you’ll be in paradise in no time!
Which is the best area to stay in for first-timers?
Koh Rong is my favourite place. This island is just a paradise. Enjoy miles of pristine beaches and explore the natural surroundings in complete tranquillity.
How do you get around Sihanoukville?
Getting around Sihanoukville is super easy as there’s an abundance of Grab drivers, motorbike taxis and tuk-tuks. It’s not a far drive from the ferry port to the airport, train station or bus station for onward travel so getting around isn’t too difficult at all. On the islands, infrastructure is still fairly primitive so you’ll be using your own two feet to get you around!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Sihanoukville
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Sihanoukville.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts On Where To Stay in Sihanoukville
It’s sad knowing how much foreign investment can destroy the traditions of a once small port town. The negative impacts of overtourism can be brutal, leading to the displacement of local residents and the loss of the unique culture and vibrant community that once made Sihanoukville so great.
It’s just one of the many examples of South East Asia’s rapid development and a reminder to get out and discover the world as it is while you can! It also serves as a lesson to travel ethically, intentionally and leave no trace! The world’s beauty is fragile – it’s up to us to protect it.
If you’re lucky enough to visit the beautiful southern islands of Cambodia, you’ll have to travel through Sihanoukville to get there. If time hasn’t been on your side and you find yourself having to stay overnight before your onward travel, I recommend splurging and booking a nice hotel to soften the blow. White Boutique Hotel and Residences is a fantastic choice for an overnight stopover; the amenities are great and it’s one of the few remaining sections of Otres Beach that has retained its original form.
If the islands are your final destination, which I’m sure they are, then you HAVE to visit Nest Beach Club. It holds the legendary Nestival every Saturday and does a banging roast on Sunday to nurse the hangover. It was the best I’ve had in Asia (the roast I mean… definitely not the hangover.) Unmatched vibes, guaranteed.
So yeah, Sihanoukville might be a bit of a downer. But the reward on the other side is pure backpacker bliss.
Did I miss any hidden gems? Let me know in the comments down below.
Photo: @taya.travels
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Cambodia.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Sihanoukville.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Southeast Asia backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
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