Preah Sihanouk Province
Preah Sihanouk province, named after King Norodom Sihanouk
since its independence from France in 1953, is known locally as Kampong Som.
Located 230 kilometers southwest of the Capital Phnom Penh, the province of Preah Sihanouk has become one of the best seaside destinations in Asia.
Known for its fabulous beaches, the province revolves around fabulous seafood, water-sports, and its surrounding islands. The popular beaches that line the contour of the city from north to south are the Victory Beach, Deum Chrey Beach, Independence Beach, Sokha Beach, Serendipity Beach, Ochheuteal Beach, Samdech Hun Sen Beach, Hawaii Beach, Ream Beach, and the Otres Beach.
Preah Sihanouk Province derives its name from the revered King Norodom Sihanouk, who played a significant role in Cambodia’s modern history. “Preah” is a Khmer term meaning “sacred” or “holy,” while “Sihanouk” pays homage to the former king’s legacy and contributions to the nation.
Colonial Era
The area that is now Preah Sihanouk Province was relatively undeveloped before the French colonial period. During French
rule in Cambodia (1863-1953), the need for a modern port to connect Cambodia with international trade became evident. In the 1950s, the French started building a deep-sea port in Sihanoukville, which was completed shortly after Cambodia gained independence in 1953. The port was named after King Norodom Sihanouk, who played a significant role in the country’s independence movement.
Geography
Preah Sihanouk Province borders Koh Kong and Kampong Speu
province to the north and west, Kampot. Situated along the Gulf of Thailand, Preah Sihanouk Province boasts a diverse geography that ranges from pristine coastline and sandy beaches to lush tropical forests and rolling hills. The province is home to several picturesque islands, including Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, renowned for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.
Preah Sihanouk
Province is divided into several districts, each with its own unique charm and attractions. The provincial capital, Sihanoukville, serves as the administrative center and main hub for tourism and commerce. Other notable districts include Kampong Seila, Prey Nob, and Stueng Hav, each offering its own distinct cultural heritage and natural wonders.
Religion
Like much of Cambodia, Preah Sihanouk Province is predominantly Buddhist, with Theravada Buddhism serving as the predominant religion. Visitors can explore ancient temples and pagodas scattered throughout the province, each offering a glimpse into Cambodia’s spiritual heritage and architectural brilliance.
Climate
Preah Sihanouk Province enjoys a tropical climate
characterized by two distinct seasons: the wet season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April). The wet season brings occasional rainfall and lush greenery, while the dry season offers sunny skies and balmy temperatures, making it an ideal time for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Economy
The economy of Preah Sihanouk Province is fueled primarily by tourism, maritime trade, and agriculture. The province’s pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and array of recreational activities attract visitors from around the world, contributing significantly to its economic growth. Additionally, the bustling ports of Sihanoukville play a crucial role in Cambodia’s import-export industry, facilitating trade with neighboring countries and beyond.
Preah Sihanouk Travel Guide
For travelers seeking adventure and relaxation, Preah Sihanouk Province offers a wealth of experiences to explore. From sun-kissed beaches and vibrant coral reefs to lush rainforests and cultural landmarks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Beach Bliss: Spend your days lounging on the sandy shores of Sokha Beach or Otres Beach, where crystal-clear waters and gentle waves beckon sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts alike.
Island Escapes: Embark on a boat trip to the idyllic islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, where pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and secluded coves await. Dive into the underwater paradise to discover colorful coral reefs and exotic marine life.
Cultural Exploration: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Preah Sihanouk Province by visiting ancient temples such as Wat Leu and Wat Krom, where ornate architecture and sacred relics tell tales of Cambodia’s past.
Adventure Activities: Get your adrenaline pumping with a range of outdoor adventures, including zip-lining through the jungle canopy, trekking to hidden waterfalls, and exploring limestone caves teeming with stalactites and stalagmites.
Dining Delights: Indulge in a culinary journey through Preah Sihanouk’s vibrant food scene, where fresh seafood, traditional Khmer cuisine, and international flavors await at bustling markets, beachfront restaurants, and chic cafes.
From its sun-drenched beaches and azure waters to its rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife, Preah Sihanouk Province offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and exploration. Whether you’re lounging on the sands of Koh Rong, diving into the depths of the ocean, or immersing yourself in Cambodia’s ancient temples, this enchanting province promises a journey of discovery and delight at every turn. So pack your bags, set your sights on Preah Sihanouk, and let the adventure begin!
Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia, is a city that seamlessly blends rich history with modernity. Whether you’re a backpacker seeking budget-friendly hostels or a luxury traveler in search of top-notch amenities, Phnom Penh has something to offer for every type of traveler. Let’s dive into the accommodation options available in this captivating city.
- FIVE STAR
- Palace Gate Hotel & Resort
- Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh
- Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh
- FOUR STAR
- Palace Gate Residence
- Sun & Moon Riverside
- Capri Phnom Penh Hotel
- STANDARD
- King Grand Boutique Hotel
- Ohana Hotel
- Anik Palace Hotel
- HOSTEL
- Onederz Phnom Penh
- Pooltop Phnom Penh
- Nangkol Village
Embark on a gastronomic journey through the flavors of Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia’s coastal gem. Whether you crave the elegance of fine dining or the authenticity of street food, this destination offers something for every palate and budget.
Indulge in luxury at upscale restaurants nestled along the waterfront, where gourmet dishes showcase the best of Khmer cuisine amidst stunning ocean vistas.
Here’s a list of dining options in Preah Sihanouk ranging from fine dining to more budget-friendly options:
- FINE DINING
- Sandan Restaurant
- The Royal Sands
- CHEAP EAT
- Phsar Leu Market
- Local Khmer Food Stalls
We have several reputable options for booking bus and flight tickets in Cambodia from Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk. Here are some recommendations:
- BUS TICKETS
Giant Ibis: This reputable company offers comfortable buses with onboard amenities like Wi-Fi and charging ports. Routes include Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, with several daily departures. Travel times range from 4-6 hours depending on traffic.
Mekong Express: Known for reliable service, Mekong Express connects Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville with stops at major points. They provide clean buses with attentive staff, ideal for families and travelers seeking comfort.
Virak Buntham: A popular choice for budget-friendly and frequent services, Virak Buntham operates day and night buses from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, with competitive pricing and decent service.
Chan Moly Roth Transportation: Offers daily buses with flexible schedules and convenient pickup locations in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Travel duration is about 3-5 hours depending on the service selected.
- FLIGHT TICKETS
Cambodia Angkor Air: The national carrier offers regular flights connecting Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to Sihanoukville. Their flights are reliable and provide a faster alternative for travelers.
Lanmei Airlines: This budget airline offers domestic flights to Sihanoukville from major cities, focusing on affordability and efficient service.
JC International Airlines: Another budget-friendly option, JC Airlines provides domestic routes to Sihanoukville with competitive ticket prices
In Preah Sihanouk, if you encounter any tourism-related emergencies or require assistance, you can reach out to the following contacts:
Emergency Services (Police, Ambulance, Fire):
Dial: 117 (Police) or 119 (Medical Emergencies)
Tourist Police:
Preah Sihanouk Tourist Police: +855 34 933 249
Tourist Information Center:
Preah Sihanouk Provincial Tourism Department: +855 34 933 410
Hospital / Medical Services:
Preah Sihanouk Referral Hospital: +855 34 934 934
Koh Rong Health Center: +855 78 290 206
Embassies and Consulates:
It’s advisable to keep contact information for your country’s embassy or consulate in Cambodia handy in case you need consular assistance.
These contacts are essential for any emergencies or situations where you require assistance while visiting Preah Sihanouk. It’s recommended to save these numbers or keep them readily accessible during your stay.
Gallery
Next Destination
- Siem Reap
- Phnom Penh
- Battambang
- Ta Keo
- Kep
- Kampot
- Svay Reang
- Sihanouk Ville
- Koh Rong
- Koh Rong Sanleom
- Koh Kong
- Kampong Speu
- Kampong Chhnang
- Prey Veng
- Pursat
- Pailin
- Banteay Meanchey
- Oddar Meanchey
- Preah Vihear
- Tboung Khmum
- Stung Treng
- Ratanakiri
- Mondulkiri
- Kratie
- Kampong Cham
- Kampong Thom
Welcome to Cambodia, one of the hottest destinations in Southeast Asia offers an incredible amount of history and culture and its nature is simply amazing, to say the least; ranging from the gorgeous National Parks to the pristine beaches and relaxing islands, the flavors of Cambodia are not only in the exotic cuisines but also its overall ambiance.
Phnom Kulen Trek
Kulen Trek gets you the real hiking adventure, trek up to the top of the holly Kulen mountain, it was...
Virachey National Park...
Amazing jungle trekking and camping with a great chance to spot wildlife, jungle bathing & bamboo showering, all while learning...
Siem Reap Golf...
5-day to Siem Reap to challenge the 36 holes of golfing with two different golf courses, visit all the main...
Battambang Tours
Explore the off beatean path of Battambang, enjoy the bamboo train, visit pre-angkor temples, and get closer to local lives.
Angkor Serentiy Tour
Discover the majestic Angkor temples on an exclusive small-group tour. Led by a professional guide, enjoy seamless transportation and an...
Cambodia Discovery
To highlight all Angkor Temples, Rid the Bamboo Train, and relax on a natural white sand beach in Koh Rong...
Cycling Coastal Cambodia
A 5-day cycling tour through the countryside and southern coastline of Cambodia. This journey go through Phnom Penh, Ta Keo,...
Angkor Luxury Tours
Explore Siem Reap in style, stay in a luxurious resort, take a tuk-tuk ride to taste local food, gentle cycling...
Posted on Sarah WVerified Great service! We used Merry Travel services to assist with booking our accommodations & tours for a 2-week vacation in Cambodia. Communication was prompt, and we were very happy with the service provided!Posted on Navigator18215729963Verified If you're planning a trip to Cambodia, look no further than Merry Travel If you're planning a trip to Cambodia, look no further than Merry Travel. This exceptional local company in Siem Reap operates with genuine pride for their beautiful country, and it shows in every aspect of their service. What sets Merry Travel apart is their commitment to creating personalized experiences. Every tour we took was specifically curated to match our interests, and each one authentically connected us to the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and wonderful people. This wasn't cookie-cutter tourism—it was meaningful travel. Sam from Merry Travel goes above and beyond in ways that truly matter. He works directly with local communities and makes a conscious effort to support Siem Reap's infrastructure and families. Throughout our travels, we felt the deep respect Sam and his team have for the Cambodian people and their culture—they ensure that tourism enriches rather than exploits the community. When you book with Merry Travel, you're not just getting an incredible experience—you're directly contributing to the local economy and helping the people who call this special place home. If you want a travel experience that's authentic, thoughtful, and genuinely supportive of the local community, Merry Travel is the only choice. Highly recommended!Posted on TDKVerified Surreal 14-day group bicycle tour of backroads Cambodia - Siem Reap to Phnom Penh Our charity group of 18 over 14 days were led by Zil and his experienced team from the Siem Reap tour company - Merry Travel - beginning at the Siem Reap temples then northeast to the mighty Mekong River, then following the Mekong southward towards Phnom Penh - our cycle paths meandered through the authentic Cambodian countryside which tourists will never see - truly surreal and the best way to learn about the Cambodian history, people, food and their culture. Merry Travel team followed us with exemplary support - highly recommend this tour company based in Siem Reap for your Cambodian travel adventure. The bicycles were fantastic also. Thanks to Merry Travel and Mr Biker Saigon cycle tour teams.Posted on Curiosity46430862428Verified Championship Bike trip in Bangkok Chiang Mai, it was an amazing trip professional and reliable company, the staff was very professional and did everything to make it a perfect trip, I would like to thank Sam the owner of the company I have no doubt we will meet again. thank youPosted on CharlotteVerified RECOMMEND Professional, flexible and good organization. Cambodia is an amazing land to see by bike!!! Thank you for the good carePosted on MB100BxllsVerified Amazing self-guided bike tour in Cambodia! Just completed an amazing self-guided bespoke ebike tour with Merry Travel/Cambodia bikes. We are both 60 plus regular cyclists who normally travel ourselves, however with little planning time and this being our first visit to the region sought local guidance. So glad we did. The planning, which was initially done through Mr Biker Saigon, as we were doing similar tours in Vietnam, was seamless and provided for a more interesting tour than had we planned it ourselves. We provided a rough 'request list' and timings and they proposed routes incorporating several additional activities including trekking, kayaking and dolphin watching. Routes were provided on Bike with GPS and also a list of accommodation. All of which were in interesting places and local commmunity orientated, which we liked. The routes, which were generally on quiet and always interesting side roads and often gravel tracks - took us through amazing countryside, small villages and finally on a beautiful journey following the Mekong into Phnom Penh. We also had a vehicle which loosely followed us and our driver Makara - himself a cyclist - supported us with everything from transfers, bike maintenance when needed and interpretation. He also found us some nice coffee and food stops!! Overall a fantastic adventure. We loved the space and adventure afforded by self-guiding, but with the excellent backup support provided by Sam at Merry Travel and Makara throughout the journey. Thank-you!Posted on Joanne GVerified Best bike trip ever in Vietnam and Cambodia !!! we had a wonderful trip with Cambodia cycling tour ; Southern Vietnam and then to Siem Reap . Sam did a great job planning this trip; it was a perfect balance of biking and cultural experiences and lots of fun . Our guides and crew in both countries were amazing ; knowledgeable and always helpful and went beyond our expectations to create and unforgeratble experience . Everyone was so welcoming and cant say enough about the food !! We really appreciated eating in local places . The hotels were nicer then we usually stay and the pools were amazing Thanks to Merry travel and Cambodia cycling for the trip of a lifetime !!!Posted on Vicki MVerified Amazing experience. A group of friends spent 10 days with Merry travel cycling in Vietnam and Cambodia. It was the best trip I have ever had. We cycled thru neighborhoods in the Mekong delta. Our guide expertly provided insight and info. He was a perfect cycling guide adding a rich cultural experience as well as great biking.Posted on TrevVerified 5 stars out of 5. Everything was perfect. We did a tailor made cycle tour with Merry Travel. From our communication with Sam, through to the actual tour with Zil and 'T', everything was brilliant. Sam listened to what we wanted to do, the sport of places we wanted to stay and organised everything from beginning to end. We didn't want to use tourist style chain hotels, and Sam found wonderful smaller locally run hotels. Perfect for us. Zil, our cycle guide and 'T', our driver couldn't have been better. All the places we stopped for lunch and snacks were just great. Just when we thought we couldn't cycle any further, 'T' appeared out of nowhere with fresh fruit, cold water and cold towels. Absolutely fabulous.Posted on nickyelliott09Verified Excellent cycling trip Thank you to Merry Travel for quickly putting together a cycling day tour of the countryside around Siem Reap for our family. Sam, Zil and Wah were fantastic. We felt safe at all times and the bicycles were excellent quality. We were able to sample local food, try basket weaving, enjoy the scenery and finished with delicious lunch prepared especially for our group.
Merry Travel’s extensive Cambodia network of insiders and experts allows us to create the trip you’ve been dreaming about. Want to make Amok in Siem Reap with a legendary chef? Go to visit temples of Angkor without crowds? How about interaction with local family living in floating village, or have a private helicopter ride to visit Preah Vihea temple? Would you like an off-road ride with Dirt Bike or 4WD to visit the last rain-forest? We can make it happen. We can also arrange for you to travel through Cambodia by bikes and can have you sleeping in a room in a luxury tent in the middle nowhere, or homestay with the hill tribes. We have more knowledge, relationships, and expertise than anyone in the industry, and we use it create one-of-a-kind journeys and experiences that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Every travel suggestion we make is based on our personal experiences, and we continue to travel the new places to ensure that our recommendations are accurate and inspired. We don’t just know the best hotels and restaurants; we know the rooms with the best views and the best local dishes. We don’t just connect you with random chefs, experienced guides, surf instructors, and artists; we connect you with true experts we know well enough to call friends. We don’t just suggest places we’ve read about; we suggest the far-flung islands, ancient temples, and jungle camping that we’ve been to ourselves and still dream about everyday. We are discerning, we are opinionated, and we welcome the opportunity to share our knowledge with you.
We learn about your interests so we can create a customized itinerary that really inspires you. We have arranged for art lovers to meet up-and-coming visual archeologist in Angkor and learn centuries old metal-working techniques in Angkor. Spiritual seekers have made pilgrimages to see Hill Tribes deep in the Northeast bush, and have sat with monks in local pagoda in country. We can build a trip around any of your passions or desires, such as outdoor activities, cooking, yoga, archaeology, or volunteering, or M.I.C.E, or student group or just incorporate them into a larger journey.
Our founder, Samban, was one of the longest experienced tour guides in Cambodia. With more than 10 years experienced tour guide in travel industry to serve clients from very adventurous up to high-end Samban created his own company in 29th December 2009. Samban brought tourists to unexplored parts of the Cambodia and innovated the luxury travel experience by making it completely personal and extreme adventure by Kayaking, Biking, 4WD, Dirt-bike. Samban’s dedicated his life to creating unique, adventure, and luxury trips for travelers who want to experience the staggering and diverse beauty of the Cambodia, and he’s staffed this company with people who want to share the power and joy of travel as much as he does. You simply won’t find another company who knows Cambodia as well, is as excited by it, and who will inspire you to see it so thoroughly.
Merry journeys are worry-free. We have expert local staff in every city who are always working behind-the-scenes so you can just focus on having a great time. Our local staff, along with the rest of the Merry Travel team, are available not just to ensure your happiness, but to ensure your safety and comfort as well. When you travel with us, you can feel confident knowing that if you encounter any sort of issue, we will be there to assist you.
Tell us your tour ideas
Complete our inquiry form
Discuss with a travel specialist
Customize your itinerary
Securely book your tour
Confirm when you're satisfied






















