Sihanoukville, Cambodia

[CatsareCool]

I will be on the Sapphire Princess in March 2020 when it will make a stop in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. I was thinking of just getting off the ship (tender port) and seeing what could be available from the port. Maybe a ride in the Tuk Tuk? Are they available at the pier and more importantly, are they safe? Is there any shopping around there?

[hallasm]

Tuk-Tuk is the best option - many available in the port and in the city centre. Accept USD - agreen on price before the trip.

 

We did visit The Phsar Leu Market - a authentic and traditional market, however a horrible but interesting place. Also Wat Leu Pagoda.

Visited Starfish Cafe and craft shop -  a peaceful garden to relax and enjoy a bite to eat and drink (not many alternatives).

 

[John Bull]

As Hallasm's post, Tuk-Tuk for town.

 

But there will also be vans for going further afield. Again, negotiate a price (USD) and itinerary. Seriously cheap.

A group of us were taken to a waterfall, across to a little weekender's island by long-tail boat for beach & swimming time, to Ream National Park (in return for a small donation, a priest there blessed us with a long and happy life. Great value, I paid double for an extra-long & extra-happy life - seems to have worked out so far ). Finally, on the way back to Sihanoukville,  to a truly grubby little fishing village - quite an eye-opener. 

 

In many many respects Cambodia is still in the 17th century.  Plenty of cruisers don't like this port-of-call, but it's quite an education about how the other half live, and IMHO an experience not to be missed.

 

JB 

[ozscotart]

We did a tour with our roll call group, as JB says it’s very poor and sometimes worrying to see how people live there. I really would not recommend wandering off on your own. This is the tour we did, happy to recommend :

 

https://www.sihanoukvilleguideservice.com/english/day-tours/sihanoukville-day-tour/

[Somerset Cruiser]

We were in Sihanoukville 2 weeks ago, it is a mess, all of the roads have been dug up due to the extensive construction of Chinese hotels/casinos.

Tuk Tuks are available at the port for city tours, but get out of the city if you can.  

[CissyFuss]

As of a few days ago, Princess cruises no longer stop at Sihanoukville due to "ongoing construction and unfavourable road conditions".  Check your Princess personalizer for your updated itinerary.

[Cardinal Gal]

We just stopped there on the Silver Spirit. It was rainy and the “town” was a muddy mess. We thought it was awful and went back to the ship.  Would not recommend. The squalor is depressing. 
 

[John Bull]

1 hour ago, Cardinal Gal said:

We just stopped there on the Silver Spirit. It was rainy and the “town” was a muddy mess. We thought it was awful and went back to the ship.  Would not recommend. The squalor is depressing. 
 

 

Yes, the town is scrubby and poor. but it's an education to see how the other half of the world lives.

And if you'd gone out of the town you'd have seen a beautiful country

 

JB 

Edited February 2, 2020 by John Bull

[Expat Cruise]

The city has changed over the last couple of years today it is a massive building site the Chinese have come in and are building many casinos and resorts. The local population was thrown of the land and most local business closed.  So not a lot to see or do here. I'm involved with a school in   Sihanoukville step up by a Expat NGO group.  The locals in the area live on less than single US Dollar a day. It is a very poor area.  Here is a link to Shine if interest in a real look at local life here. Our small school is now taking care of 150 children every day. https://shinecambodia.org/

 

The Tuk-Tuk  are very comfortable and will sit up to 4 people they are a great way to see the country side. Pricing is in US Dollars, a short ride a mile or so should be $1 to $2 max.  A longer rental for touring around should be $10 to $15 dollars for the day, 6 to 8 hours.  Many drivers will try to get more but you really should not pay it. Paying more will in fact result in not getting as good of tour. If you are really happy with the driver give him a tip at the end. Also if you stop for lunch you should offer lunch to the driver. The food is wonderful in Cambodia and very cheap. Even in Phnom Penh in December (Most Expensive In Country) my wife and I would eat full meals for under $15 dollars total.  

 

Boutum Sakor National Park is to far away in my opinion it will take  2 1/2 hours by car each way.  Ream National Park is about 18 KM  12 miles away, it will take about a hour to get to it, that is a option.  The country side is well worth seeing. 

 

[NeilonBoard]

20 hours ago, Cardinal Gal said:

We just stopped there on the Silver Spirit. It was rainy and the “town” was a muddy mess. We thought it was awful and went back to the ship.  Would not recommend. The squalor is depressing. 
 

When everyone takes one look at the town area and returns to the ship it does nothing to help these poor people who have suffered badly for many years. The locals are trying to improve their life and need our tourist dollar. The people are very friendly and engaging and will show you many interesting places out of town if you only give them the chance. Also the USD is widely accepted.

[yoolykeme]

Yea, it's very indigenous and cultural.  

 

NCL had a bus that took you to the market.  I took the 2nd bus, and when I got off, there were passengers that we rushing to get back on the bus to go back to the ship.

 

That being said, you get dropped off in a very busy market.  English proficiency is very low, and the locals are obviously very poor.  Mind you, I'm Filipino by descent, and even I was taken aback.  There is a clean coffe shop/bakers, and even there, it was hard to order coffee.

 

That being said, it's totally safe.  The hustle isn't hard.  It's not like Cozumel, where every 2 minutes, some guy is trying to hard sell you an excursion.  Yes, there are guys that try this, but when you say no, they bow and walk away.  The people are friendly and are happy that you are there.  You can bargain with them, and if you don't buy anything they will smile and wish you well.

 

There are a number of beggars, and what's interesting is that the locals are quick to share what little they have.  It's not like America, where able-bodied people choose to beg.  Many of these people live without running water and sleep on dirt floors.

 

I suggest that you take a break from the luxurious part of cruising spend some time here.  Once you get to the market, you can map out the beach.  They have some inexpensive massage places there that look clean.  Take a local tuk tuk (not the ones that look touristy), and give the guy a dollar or 3.  USD is actually their preferred currency.

 

You know how you used to have an image that everything in Asia costs like a dollar or two?  Well, this is place is one where you can still experience that.