Things to do in Sihanoukville
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Koh Ta Kiev
There are quite a few islands dotting the gulf within day-trip distance of Sihanoukville. For snorkelling, Koh Ta Kiev is one of the best.
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Koh Lin
Its name a play on a play on the French word colline (hill), this unpretentious eatery has just five candle-lit tables and serves good-value Cambodian, Vietnamese and French bistro classics. Dessert options include profiterole, crème caramel and crèpes.
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Scuba Nation Diving Center
The only PADI five-star dive centre in Cambodia. Highly professional, multilingual instructors with first-class equipment offer classes in English, Swedish, French and Dutch.
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good-value restaurants
A number of small, good-value restaurants, calmer and more hygienic than the beachside shacks, can be found a block inland from Occheuteal Beach along 23 Tola St.
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Happy Herb Pizza
A pizzeria with a breezy, tropical twist. In addition to Khmer dishes, options include garlic bread, salads and pasta. Free delivery available.
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Diving & Snorkelling
The reefs around Sihanoukville are rich in corals, sponges and all sorts of sea life, from eels to anemones and stingrays to dolphins. Some of the best diving is around Koh Tang and Koh Prins, which require an overnight trip, though there's also decent diving closer in near Koh Tas (Koh Kaong Kang) and Koh Rung Samloem (two hours one-way).
Excellent snorkelling locales include coral-rich Koh Khteah, about 2km off Otres Beach.
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Ream National Park
Situated 13km east of Sihanoukville, Ream National Park is a great place to view Cambodia's wildlife. The sandy beaches, mangrove forests, monkeys and dolphins make it a favourite among locals.
A moto to the park's headquarters should cost USaround US$2. From here, guided walking tours with rangers can be arranged from USaround US$5. Boat tours around the park cost around US$20 for a boat holding four people.
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Bamboo Island
Bamboo Island has basic accommodation, with boat trips out there encompassing spots of snorkelling along the way. (Though those who have just arrived from Thailand will be disappointed.) The island is surrounded by clear waters and the bungalows are sweet with shared bathrooms and breezy terraces. There is also a large restaurant. A boat out here costs USaround US$8 return.
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Koh Ru
Koh Ru has basic accommodation, with boat trips out there encompassing spots of snorkelling along the way. (Though those who have just arrived from Thailand will be disappointed.) Koh Ru has bungalows on the beach plus its own restaurant and bar. It's more secluded than Bamboo Island and costs USaround US$10 for a return boat trip.
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Koh Rung
Koh Rung has basic accommodation, with boat trips out there encompassing spots of snorkelling along the way. (Though those who have just arrived from Thailand will be disappointed.) Of the day-trip islands, Koh Rung has the nicest beaches and the most intact reefs. A boat out here costs about around US$20 and takes 2½ hours.
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Starfish Bakery & Café
Tucked down a red-earth alley, this attractive, NGO-run garden café serves filling Western breakfasts, light lunches (sandwiches, quiche, tortillas, salads) and teatime treats such as brownies and apple tarts. Veggie options are legion. Income goes to help poor Cambodians get medical care, housing and micro-loans.
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Sokha Beach
The sandy beaches of Sihanoukville are generally throbbing with tourists, but it still remains very chilled. Sokha Beach has been privatised and thus only guests can access it, but there is a tiny tip that is open to the public and it makes for a nice getaway from the crowds.
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New Sea View Villa
Just a few metres back from Serendipity Beach, this place serves up an incredible selection of food that's among the area's tastiest. Starters include scallops and an authentic tomato-moz-basil salad, while main courses range from a seafood platter to vegetarian dishes.
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Gelato Italiano
Run by students from Sihanoukville's Don Bosco Hotel School, this modern, Italian-style café serves espresso, latte, ice coffee and banana splits (around US$2), as well as its creamy namesake. Affords panoramic views of downtown Sihanoukville.
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Traditional Khmer Cookery
Teaches traditional culinary techniques in daily classes with a maximum of eight participants. Special requests (eg veggie) are happily accommodated. Cooking is done on a shaded, rain-proof terrace with plenty of counter space. Book a day ahead.
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Holy Cow
At this attractive, chic-funky café-restaurant, options include pasta, sandwiches on homemade bread and a good selection of veggie options, including two vegan desserts, both involving chocolate. The small shop sells M'lop Tapang products.
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Eden
The large rocks jutting from the beach in front of this bar are not ideal for swimming but absolutely perfect for setting the mood. Flickering candlelight and breaking waves crashing over the stones makes for a very atmospheric venue.
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EcoSea Dive
Although Cambodia's diving isn't as spectacular as its Asian neighbours (dynamite fishing having blown the coral to smithereens), there are still some nice spots to explore. EcoSea Dive is a reputable company offering PADI courses.
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Dam Diving
Although Cambodia's diving isn't as spectacular as its Asian neighbours (dynamite fishing having blown the coral to smithereens), there are still some nice spots to explore. Dam Diving is a reputable company offering PADI courses.
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Centre de Fitness et de Boxe Asiatique
The French-run Centre de Fitness et de Boxe Asiatique is a fully outfitted fitness club with 165 machines, free weights, late-afternoon aerobics and Khmer and Thai boxing classes (per class around US$4, personal coaching US$6).
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Frogman
Although Cambodia's diving isn't as spectacular as its Asian neighbours (dynamite fishing having blown the coral to smithereens), there are still some nice spots to explore. Frogman is a reputable company offering PADI courses.
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Khmer Gourmet
Saviours of the sweet tooth, fresh pies, cakes and cookies line the display cabinet of their café, but its pièce de résistance is the coffee machine, a proper one, that makes the noise and everything!
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Mojo Bar
The only place in town you're likely to hear world music, including Raï, this unpretentious, rough-hewn bar has over 20 kinds of rum, screens English football matches and hosts jam sessions on Thursdays.
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Rajana
This nonprofit shop - upstairs at the Starfish Bakery & Café - sells fair-trade jewellery, clothing, accessories and crafts. Profits are invested in teaching handicraft skills to young Cambodians.
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Sala Santepheap
Run by the Starfish Project, a grassroots organisation that organises housing and small business assistance and provides all salaries, rent and transport so that staff can hang onto 100% of the donations.
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