Pics of Sihanoukeville
Posted by Editor in Pics of Sihanoukeville
If you are travelling to Cambodia, definately do not missing visiting it’s most popular beachside resort- Sihanoukeville.
Many travellers comment that Sihanoukeville is a lot like how Bali was years ago, before it became popular and overdeveloped. Sihanoukeville is still very unspoilt, a sleepy, relaxing stretch of beach with no highrises to spoilt the beach, only friendly family run restuarants. The only problem with Sihanoukeville is that is so relaxing most people have a very hard time leaving!
The beachside restaurants supply beach chairs and umbrellas, and once you have your spot it’s very hard to move. You can order food and drinks from your restuarant where you are sitting all day, and local merchants will sell you fruit, prawns, give you amazing cheap massages, and give you a manicure and pedicure.
There is currently no working airport in Sihanoukeville, most travellers travel via bus which will drop you at the bus stop, which is in the centre of town about 7 minutes from the beach, which is where you will want to stay. Moto drivers wait at the bus stop to take you to the beach- there is usually only a couple of tuk tuks but don’t worry if you have to take a moto ride the moto drivers are very good at attaching your luggage to the motobike. If you haven’t booked accommodation ( not necessary for most times of the year) your moto driver can suggest accommodation options, and will take you to see a number of places untill you find one that is suitable. Sihanoukeville is very popular with locals during Christmas and Chinese New Year, bookings are recommended at these times.
There is plenty of guesthouses in Sihanoukeville which are very reasonably priced, as well as luxury hotels that offer amazing luxury and value for money.
You can also travel to Sihanoukeville by private car- the most comfortable and fastest option. Taxis to Sihanoukeville are also available, just be aware that they are usually private cars rather than actual taxis, and if you choose a shared taxi ride there may be more people crammed into the car than is actually comfortable.
While you are in Sihanoukeville definately do not miss taking a long boat trip to see the islands off the coast where you can explore, fish, scuba dive and swim.
You will make lots of friends of Sihanoukeville beach, and will most likely end up buying a lot of braclets from the local children who are very charming and persuasive. The local charities advise not to buy anyhing off children at night as this encourages them to be out late which endangers them and stops them from going to school the next day.
The girls selling fruit are very friendly, and the fruit is delicious, buy whole fruit, or have a lovely fruit salad made. Just be warned that if you buy fruit from one girl she will remember you and will be back to sell you more tommorrow- heaven forbid if she should spot you buying fruit from another girl!
The same applies to children selling braclets- sometimes if there is a few children it is just a lot easier to buy one thing off each of them and everybody is happy. Please be aware that schooling is not free in Cambodia, these children must work to make a little extra to support their families and pay their school fees.
You can show your support M’Lop Tapang shop on Serendipity Beach where you can purchase goods as well as leave a donation. M’Lop Tapang offers support, protection, positive choices and hope to street children and their families.
Like all tourist spots in Cambodia, Sihanoukeville has a fair few beggars, many of them amputees and it can be a confronting and sad sight for many visitors. With no pensions or social security systems many of these people are completely reliant on the genourisity of locals and visitors. According to Buddhism, giving to those less fortunate than you brings you great fortune in the next life.
Small donations, even 50 cents will be very appreciated and you will get a big smile in return. If you have a big heart but not a big wallet it is wise to give small donations as the same person will be back to see you the next day. Donations of your unwanted clothes, towels, or basically anything are also appreciated.
If you prefer not to give to beggars there are plenty of local charities that you can support instead.
Wow, that’s so exciting to see that the alcohol there is cheap as chips, is it like that in all area’s of accommodation? Are there any westernized hotels over there?
Alcohol is very cheap in most of Cambodia and hangovers are worse in the heat so be careful. Most guesthouses have Western toilets/ aircon/ private bathroom/ TV.
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