hello,
we are going to visit Cambodia for two weeks in April.
After spending 3 days in Phnom penh and 3/4 in Siem Reap, we are uncertain where to go next.
we read in LP guide about Sihanoukville, but it doesn't convince us completely.
did any of you go there?
how is the beach ? clean, crowded,.. ?
is the weather still dry at the last week of April?
are there other place be worth to see?
thanks in advance
Sihanoukville is AMAZING! Well, Otres 2 is anyhow:) April is dry, but nearing the wet season so pretty humid.
I highly recommend Otres beach, which is truly stunning and the waters are so warm and clear......a little too warm actually! The beach is clean, not too crowded at all however it is worth noting that the hawkers are a bit annoying. Nothing major though and overall it's gorgeous.
I would also recommend visiting Battambang. It's amazing, beautiful street art and chilled out vibe and home to the amazing bamboo train!
L
You will see rain but mainly heavy shower lasting about an hour or so in late afternoon perhaps every other day. If there is light rain it tends to last longer
Well, for a completely different opinion on Sihanoukville... I went to Otres 1 and 2 this week and didn't like it at all. The beach an sea are stunning, but there are guesthouses and restaurants all along it, not much privacy, and most places playing music late into the night. There are some quieter more upmarket places to stay on the other side of the road from the beach (still v close), and these cost from around $30 to $120 a night.
I like peace and quiet, but am also
I'm a budget and can't afford more than $20 a night, so it wasn't for me.
Kep is quite nice, although the beach doesn't compare to Otres. However there is also a small national park there and most of the guesthouses are surrounded by nature...very peaceful. I recommend Lida Khmer and Khmer Hands Bungalows.
I really like Kampot, although it's a riverside town, not a beach. Very cute though.
I would have to say people are misleading you here. Sihanoukville is far from amazing, it's a seedy seaside town, with okay beaches. Anyone who saw it as amazing was probably on drugs. It is interesting though as all of Cambodia is. You can go to an island Koh Rong from there which really is nice though. Maybe if you let us know what your other options are we can help you decide.
#4 There is only one person here who has recommended Sihanoukville and it certainly was not me
I agree pretty much with Emma 33 and I would always stay in Kampot (which I like) and go on a day visit to Kep either for the seafood or the park
I didn't enjoy Sihanoukville either, i got around town on foot and by motor bike, spent time down the beach, i prefer a place with more culture. i can sit and bum out on the beach where i live.
thanks for all your feedbacks.
now I have some questions about the budget.
Reading the LP guide, it seems you can only pay in US Dollars, even the food.
what you can pay with local currency?
For example the entrance fees to museum ( I know Angkor Pass must be bought in US $) or street food can be paid in local currency?
thanks in advance.
I just got back from 3 weeks in Cambodia. To your original question, I would also recommend Kep and Kampot in the south, both easy to get to by bus from Phnom Penh. Also cool is Battambang, a colonial town a few hours from Siem Reap. Enjoy!
BTW, any USD bill $20 and above needs to be pristine and crisp. If you break a large bill, be sure your US change is crisp. Local ATM's dispenses USD.