Sihanoukville province is a small southern province of Cambodia. The capital sits on a peninsula with beaches and tropical islands around. Sihanoukville (also known as Kampong Som or Kampong Saom) was founded in 1964 to be the only deep-water port in whole Cambodia. It is gradually being redeveloped as a tourist attraction, but despite the promise of massive Malaysian investment - a casino is planned for Naga Island - tourist numbers are still fairly low. Also its nice with sand beaches and several paradise islands have made it popular as a tourist destination. 

In honour, to the king, who fought for the independence of Cambodia the provincial capital was called Sihanoukville. Located in the southwest corner of Cambodia, 232km from Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville can be reached via National Highway No 4. White-sand beaches that include Ohchheuteal, Sokha, Pram Pi Chan, and Deum Chrey beautify this coastal city. These beaches are known for their quiet, cozy atmosphere and the large stretches of white sand and clear waters and these make them popular spots for families on vacation. These seaside paradises with the refreshing coolness of the freshwater streams can be enjoyed all year round. 

To catch a nice view on the city you best climb the small hill to Wat Leu. Wat Krom is another place of interest as this is a recently build pagoda because the older one was destroyed by the Khmer Rouge and it houses a sanctuary called Yeah Mao, the guardian of the cost. Nearby to the town, there are nice places for a detour such as the Ream National Park and the beautiful Kbal Chhay Waterfall. The country has a tropical climate - warm and humid. In the monsoon season, abundant rain allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops. This year-round tropical climate makes Cambodia ideal for developing tourism. Travelers need not to fear natural disasters such as erupting volcanoes or earthquakes, and the country is not directly affected by tropical storms. 

1. Sihanoulville Travel Map.

This famous see side resort is formed by wide and huge streets and quite new big concrete buildings, which lost any impression of the former architectonical colonial style. As the town is not a small place due to its widespread urban areas, the best way to get around is to hire a motorbike. Beside the nice beaches and some very nice vantage points there isn't that much to see in the town itself. Here is the map of the city, explore it.
 

2. Cambodia Currency:

No worries about changing money — the US dollar is Cambodia’s unofficial second currency.

The official currency in Cambodia, the Cambodian riel, trades at around 4,000 riel to the US dollar. But there’s a 90 percent level of dollarization in the country. What this means is that you don’t need to be concerned about getting riel when you arrive in Cambodia. 

3. Weather ịn Sihanoukville:

Cambodia can be visited throughout the year. However, those plans to travel extensively by road should be avoided for the last two months of the rainy season when some countryside roads may be impassable. The average temperature is about 27 degrees Celsius; the minimum temperature is about 16 degrees. December and January are the coolest months, whereas the hottest is April. 

General information about the provincial climate:

- Cool season: November- March (20-28c) 
- Hot season: March-May (26c -35c) 
- Rainy season: May - October (24-34c, with humidity up to 90%.)

The best beach weather begins with the end of the rains in November. The dry, warm, breezy weather that follows lasts through January. Night temperatures can get down to a chilly 20, but the days hover around 28-30. Many think December and January are best with their balmy temperatures and blue skies.

At the end of January, Sihanoukville begins to warm and continues to get hotter through July (maximum 35). After February, cool 'mango showers' occasionally blow in from the north. December through June is said by some local outfitters to be the best scuba weather with clearer (though cooler) waters than the rest of the year.

4. Things to See and Do

Go scuba diving and snorkerling.

The islands around Sihanoukville have great visibility, coral, and fish. There are PADI certified schools in the area that offer a variety of different dive trips for one or more days. For an Open Water certification, expect to pay around $450 USD for the multi-day course.

Almost all of the islands offer snorkeling opportunities, and the further from Sihanoukville you get, the better the visibility and sea life seems to get. Snorkeling tours average $16-21 USD and include breakfast and lunch.

Koh Rong

Located 25km from Sihanoukville, Koh Rong is Cambodia’s second largest island. White sand beaches, clear water and a great selection of bungalow resorts make Koh Rong a good place to spend a weekend — or an entire week — enjoying beach life and snorkelling.

Rent a jet ski

Jet skis and banana boats are very popular around this area. If you want to rent one, be aware of your surroundings, stay clear of the swimming section, and adhere to safety regulations. There have been numerous accidents in the last few years due to negligence. Prices will vary based on how long you rent one for but expect to pay at least $30 USD.

Visit Wat Leu

This temple is located on top of the big hill in town. There is a small museum here, and it’s a great place to catch the sunset, as well as take in wonderful views of the area. It’s much less busy than many of the other temples in Cambodia.

Take a day trip to Kampot or Kep

These are two small towns that are a nice break from the bustling backpacker atmosphere in Sihanoukville. A minibus to either destination will take around two hours and cost $3.75-6 USD per person. You can visit pepper farms, beaches, temples, and overall, just relax in these very quiet and chilled out town. If you go to Kampot, be sure to eat at The Rusty Keyhole (for the best rib BBQ outside of Texas) and stay to Bohemiaz Guesthouse!

Ream National Park

Established in 1993, Ream National Park is a natural reserve known for its biodiversity and natural beauty. The park contains a range of hiking trails, beaches, mangrove swamps and islands accessible as part of a guided tour.

Jam with the expats at Otres Market

Every Saturday from midday until midnight the local expats gather together to eat, drink, sell handicrafts, and jam to live music. The market is a delight to the eyes. The dark night is light up with multi-colored lights and funky stands offering everything from passion fruit cheesecake to shots to handmade jewelry to hair dreading to hippie clothing. Do not miss out on this incredible musical experience!

5. Where to eat in Sihanoukville

• ’osteria di Gino Garden
  Tasty and inexpensive Italian food with a great wine list makes L’osteria di Gino Garden one of Sihanoukville’s most popular Western restaurants.
• La Rhumerie
  One of Sihanoukville’s most popular high-end bars, La Rhumerie is well known for its range of infused rums. Located close to Serendipity Beach.
• Olive&Olive Mediterranean Food
  Located a short walk from the beachfront bars on Serendipity Beach, Olive&Olive serves tasty steaks, pizzas and Mediterranean dishes.
• Ernie’s Burgers
  Located opposite the Coolabah Hotel, Ernie’s Burgers serves classic American burgers and a selection of other comfort foods.
• Chenda’s International Food Centre
  Chenda’s International Food Centre serves a selection of Cambodian and Chinese dishes by Sofitel-trained chef Chenda. The restaurant also contains a blind massage centre.
• Otres Corner
  Otres Corner is one of several beachside bars and restaurants on Otres Beach, serving fresh fruit, tasty Cambodian food, burgers and more.
• SHIN Otres Beach
  SHIN Otres Beach is a bit of an anomaly among Sihanoukville’s other beach bars. As well as the typical cocktails and cold beers, it offers a fresh sushi menu prepared by a Japanese chef.

Sure, Sihanoukville would never win first prize in a pretty-town competition, and much of it is now dominated by casinos and tacky commercial centers. But despite the rapid and mostly unwanted development, it has remained the jumping-off point for the best of Cambodia's white-sand beaches and castaway-cool southern islands. And it's always worth a trip.