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PREAH SIHANOUK
OR
SIHANOUK VILLE
Sihanouk ville known as “Kampong Som” province is located along the
sea and South West part of Cambodia Map. 250 kilometers roads from
Phnom Penh take about 4 hours by bus. Sihanouk Ville is gradually
developed, and a few new towns are under project. The only
International sea port of Sihanouk Ville make Cambodia develop
faster, now it serve as import, export cargos and tourist cruise
boat can be entered. The potential of Sihanouk Ville is the province
of industry and tourism of Cambodia.
Security at the moment is not a problem for tourists who would like
go on vacation. The number of tourist is still low, but it will be
increased rapidly. White sand beaches are innate and unruffled.
Ochheuteal, Sokha, Otress, Independence are popular beaches for
doing sunbathing, snorkeling; swimming, relaxing. Unfortunately,
some are controlled by private companies.
Town of Sihanouk Ville had been constructed since 1950 during the
French time (1863-1953). It is served as beach and industry town.
Best for industry because cargos are transported out and in every
day, port is very busy. Beaches are attracted local and foreign
tourists from Phnom Penh and oversea. Recently, airport of Sihanouk
Ville starts to reopen again for tourists from Siem Reap and Phnom
Penh. Angkor Beer factory are working to produce local beer for
serving to clients. There are many companies, want to invest to this
area, in near future few towns are constructed near by the old one.
General Information:
How to get in?
From Phnom Penh city, taking bus and taxi about 4 hours, price
around 5 US dollars per person. Recently, Siem Reap airways have
flight from Siem Reap to Sihanouk Ville directly. It can increase
the number of tourist come for their vacation. If visit Kampot and
want to continue to Sihanouk Ville it takes about 1 and a half hour
only. Tourists can come to Sihanouk Ville from Koh Kong province,
where is the international border doorway between Cambodia and
Thailand. Bus and boat can be reached Sihanouk Ville from there.
Bank & ATM:
ANZ
royal bank now is opened at the town. Money can be changed from USD
to Riel and other currencies. Cambodia public bank is opened as
well. Credit card is not difficult to use, many ATM machine that can
get money, charge 2 US dollars per transaction. Or hotel accepts it
as well.
Sihanouk Ville Hotels:
Accommodation in Sihanouk Ville now is
enough for clients. There are many of new hotel, resort, bungalow
and guesthouses recently built in town and along the beaches. The
independence Hotel, built in 1963 is 4 stars with sea view excellent
to accommodate. Public rate is from 150 to 750 US dollars per room
night. Hotel owns independence beach recently, but still allow all
clients to swim there. Better to book your hotel through local tour
operator or
www.asiavipa.com. Sokha is the only local 5 star hotel in
Sihanouk Ville. Stay in Sokha hotel in order to have a priority to
swim at Sokha beach, it is the most beautiful view of all beaches in
Sihanouk Ville. Price is from 120 to 260 US dollars. Mid range
hotels a long Ochheuteal beach are Golden Sand, with swimming pool,
rooms are cleans and foods are goods. Price rang from 25 to 60 US
dollars. More hotel see at
www.asiavipa.com hotel list.
What to do and see?
Besides swimming, snorkeling, at the beaches, tourists can do their
diving at Remote Island to see varieties of fishes and others marine
creatures. Price of diving with professional guide is 70 US dollars.
For driving water motorbikes charge 30 US dollars per hours. For
relaxing and drink is at Otress beach, because it is calm, it is
fond of private beach.
Ochheuteal beach:
is the most popular
beach for swimming, dining, snorkeling, driving (water Moto). Beach
is calm, sand is white, and tourists can stay until midnight. Local
and foreign tourists swim there together. Restaurant and bars are
located along the beach, BBQ of sea foods are the most served at
lunch and dinner. Boat trip to island can be organized by local
agents, price is varied depends on negotiation. Internet coffee
places can be found also at the beach of Ocher Teal.
Sokha beach:
owned by Sokha
hotel, the only 5 star hotel in Sihanouk Ville. Beach is the most
beautiful of all beaches of Cambodia. Locals are not allowed to swim
there; it is open for clients who stay at Sokha beach hotel only.
Sand and water is white and clean, calm no body swim.
7 Chann beach (Independence
beach):
Name after hotel which was built during
the French time, 7 Chann that means 7 stories of hotel building.
Private own as well, presently, hotel have enlarged their beach line
about 500 meters more. Beach is not closed entirely for private
clients of the Independence resort & spa, 4 stars category hotel in
Sihanouk Ville, Best atmosphere and calm for honeymooners.
Otress beach:
A bit far from
Ocher Teal beach, drive10 minutes by motorbike. Beach is still
natural and calm. Tourist better enjoy their vacation there, because
there are not so many people such as Ocheu Teal beach. Restaurant &
Bar located along the beach are cleaned and friendly staffs. Beach
is clean & fine view especially during sunset.
Ream Beach:
Khmer movie was filmed there “Snam Sne Samut Ream”, title of movie.
Beach is quiet, very few people want to go and swim there, because
it is far from town, and it cost money to go. There are many
restaurants with hammock for welcoming the clients.
Unfortunately, coconut trees were cut recently, if not it would be
beautiful view during the sunset.
Other beaches and places to see:
There are many beaches more such as Victory, Hawaï, Hunsen,
Kbal Chay water fall:
A
half day trip to Kbal Chay and see Ream beach together. It is
popular water fall for local people. They can swim there.
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