Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville (also known as Kampong Som or Kampong Saom) was established in 1964 as Cambodia's only deep-water port. It is gradually being renovated as a tourist destination, but despite the promise of major Malaysian investment – a casino is planned for Naga Island – visitor numbers remain relatively low.

Sihanoukville, about 4 hours by bus from Phnom Penh, is the country's primary beach resort for both residents and tourists. It has a variety of beaches, most of which are a short walk from the downtown hotels and hostels where the majority of visitors stay.

Though it was originally a relatively tranquil coastal town, Sihanoukville has seen a tremendous shift in recent years, something most locals aren't happy about.

This city in southern Cambodia has both sandy and rocky beaches. Though none of Sihanoukville's beaches are among the greatest in Southeast Asia, it is one of the best spots to visit in Cambodia after seeing all of the Khmer and other attractions in the nation. The beaches attract a wide range of visitors, from backpackers who stay in beach huts to those who prefer the comfort of five-star hotels. Some of the outlying islands are excellent for snorkeling.

If water sports aren't your style, you can always hire a motorbike and explore the jungles that surround Sihanoukville. If you have the time, take a ride to the beautiful and pure Ream National Park, which is a short day excursion from Sihanoukville and home to over 200 different bird species.