Sihanoukville, also known as Kampong Som, is Cambodia’s prominent coastal province located in the southwest of the country. Encompassing a peninsula fringed by white-sand beaches and scattered tropical islands, Sihanoukville has grown from a strategic deep-sea port into a flourishing tourism and investment hub. Named in honor of King Norodom Sihanouk, the city lies approximately 232 kilometers from Phnom Penh and is easily accessible via National Highway No. 4.
Founded in 1964 to host Cambodia’s only deep-water port, the province continues to play a vital role in international trade and infrastructure. In recent years, the city has also become a focus of tourism development, supported by domestic and international investment, particularly in hospitality, gaming, and financial services.
Attractions and Tourism
Sihanoukville’s greatest natural assets are its stunning beaches and island getaways. Popular beaches include:
- Ochheuteal Beach
- Sokha Beach
- Pram Pi Chan Beach
- Deum Chrey Beach
These sandy stretches are celebrated for their calm waters, picturesque sunsets, and family-friendly atmosphere, making them ideal destinations for leisure and relaxation. Visitors also enjoy excursions to nearby islands and fresh water streams throughout the year.
For panoramic views of the city, travelers can hike to Wat Leu, a hilltop temple offering scenic vistas. Wat Krom, a reconstructed pagoda housing the sanctuary of Yeah Mao, is also a point of cultural interest. A short drive away, Ream National Park and Kbal Chhay Waterfall offer lush, biodiverse settings for nature lovers and ecotourism enthusiasts.
Geography
Sihanoukville province covers 868 square kilometers, making it one of Cambodia’s smaller provinces by area. It borders:
The terrain is a mix of coastal plains, forested hills, and scattered agricultural lands. The Bokor mountain foothills extend into the province’s northeast, connecting to the broader Cardamom Mountain range. Most of the land lies below 40 meters above sea level, contributing to its tropical coastal ecosystem.
Population
As of 2007, Sihanoukville is home to approximately 235,190 people, accounting for 1.6% of Cambodia’s population. The demographic breakdown includes:
- 117,250 males
- 117,940 females
With a population density of 271 people per square kilometer, the province is a balanced mix of urban and emerging suburban development centered around commerce, tourism, and port activities.
Climate
Sihanoukville experiences a tropical climate with year-round warmth and humidity. Its coastal location provides a refreshing breeze, especially during the dry season. Seasonal conditions are as follows:
- Cool season: November–March (20–28°C)
- Hot season: March–May (26–35°C)
- Rainy season: May–October (24–34°C, humidity up to 90%)
The best time for beach tourism is from November to January, when skies are clear and temperatures are comfortable. Scuba diving is particularly favorable between December and June, when water clarity improves.
Economy
Sihanoukville serves as a key pillar of Cambodia’s economic infrastructure. Its deep-sea port plays a critical role in facilitating imports and exports, making the province essential to the country’s trade and logistics networks.
While tourism remains a dominant sector—driven by beach resorts, casinos, and island tours—Sihanoukville is also being positioned as an International Offshore Financial Centre, attracting investment from both local and foreign enterprises. Government efforts support joint-venture development projects spanning hospitality, real estate, finance, and transport.
Unlike other provinces, agriculture plays a limited role in Sihanoukville’s economy due to its coastal terrain. Instead, investment opportunities center on tourism services, urban development, and port logistics.
Sihanoukville combines the charm of a coastal getaway with the momentum of an economic growth hub. With its pristine beaches, accessible islands, and growing infrastructure, the province is rapidly becoming both a preferred tourist destination and a strategic economic zone. Whether for relaxation, exploration, or investment, Sihanoukville continues to evolve as a vital part of Cambodia’s future.
