Best Areas to Stay in Sihanoukville & the Islands (2026)

Sihanoukville has undergone dramatic transformation in recent years. Once a backpacker beach town, the mainland is now dominated by casino developments. But the surrounding islands remain Cambodia's tropical paradise. Here's where to actually stay.

The Honest Truth About Mainland Sihanoukville

We'll be straight: central Sihanoukville in 2026 is not the beach town it was in 2015. Large-scale casino and hotel developments have transformed the downtown area. Most independent travelers are disappointed with the mainland. Our recommendation: use Sihanoukville as a transit point to the islands, or stay at Otres Beach.

Otres Beach — Best Mainland Option

Best for: Backpackers, digital nomads, those who want beach without island logistics

Budget: $8–60/night

Located 5km south of central Sihanoukville, Otres Beach has maintained its laid-back, independent character. Two stretches of beach — Otres 1 (more developed, more restaurants) and Otres 2 (quieter, more rustic) — offer the closest thing to "old Sihanoukville." It's a world apart from the casino zone.

Highlights: Relaxed atmosphere, beach bars, yoga studios, affordable beachfront bungalows, good restaurant scene, sunset views.

Downsides: Beach erosion in some areas. Need tuk-tuk to reach ferry port ($5–7). Limited nightlife compared to islands. Some development creeping in.

Koh Rong — Best for Backpackers & Party Travelers

Best for: Backpackers, solo travelers, party lovers, young travelers

Budget: $5–80/night

Cambodia's largest island has two faces: Koh Touch village (the main pier area) is a buzzing backpacker hub with beach bars, fire shows, and all-night parties. The rest of the island is deserted beaches and jungle trails. Long Beach on the west coast is one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful stretches of sand — 7km of white powder with almost no development.

Highlights: Legendary beach parties, bioluminescent plankton (best Jun–Oct), Long Beach, jungle trekking, affordable hostels, snorkeling.

Downsides: Koh Touch can be loud and messy. Infrastructure is basic (power outages, limited WiFi). Sand flies on some beaches. Wet season ferries are unreliable. Waste management is an ongoing issue.

Koh Rong Samloem — Best for Relaxation & Couples

Best for: Couples, honeymooners, families, nature lovers

Budget: $15–200/night

The quieter sister island is many travelers' favorite spot in Cambodia. Saracen Bay (main beach) is a perfect crescent of white sand with turquoise water and a handful of resorts. Lazy Beach and Sunset Beach on the west coast offer even more seclusion. No parties, no noise — just tropical bliss.

Highlights: Saracen Bay (one of Cambodia's best beaches), incredible snorkeling, bioluminescent plankton, jungle trails, sea turtle sightings, genuine tranquility.

Downsides: More expensive than Koh Rong. Limited dining (mostly resort restaurants). No ATMs — bring cash. WiFi is slow/unreliable. Wet season sees some closures (Jun–Sep).

Our Recommendation

Backpackers/party: Koh Rong (Koh Touch) — 2–3 nights of beach parties and then escape to Long Beach for a day.

Couples/relaxation: Koh Rong Samloem (Saracen Bay) — 3–4 nights of pure tropical relaxation.

Short on time: Otres Beach — skip the ferry and enjoy a mainland beach day.

Island hopping: 2 nights Koh Rong + 2 nights Koh Rong Samloem for the full contrast.

Getting there: Buses from Phnom Penh (5–6 hours, $12–15) and Kampot (2–3 hours, $8–10) connect to Sihanoukville. Ferries to islands depart from the main port. See our Sihanoukville guide and Koh Rong guide for details.

Plan Your Island Trip

First time visiting Cambodia? Read our First Time in Cambodia guide. For safety on the islands, check our solo travel safety tips and save our emergency numbers. For transport, see the Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville route guide.