Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville is Cambodia's main beach town, sitting on the Gulf of Thailand. Ships dock near Victory Beach or anchor and tender. The town expanded rapidly due to Chinese investment, and parts of it now have large casino complexes and construction sites alongside the older beach areas. Serendipity Beach and Otres Beach are the more pleasant stretches. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, islands about an hour away by fast boat, have white sand, clear water, and far fewer crowds. Ream National Park, southeast of town, has boat trips through mangroves with a chance of spotting freshwater dolphins. Wat Leu, a temple on a hilltop, has views over the coast. Psar Leu market sells fresh produce, seafood, and textiles at local prices. Khmer food includes amok (fish steamed in coconut curry, wrapped in banana leaf) and fresh grilled prawns. The US dollar is widely used alongside the Cambodian Riel.