Sihanoukville is in Cambodia on the coast, which is why it’s become a popular beach destination. The beaches in this area are long strips of sandy white and have drawn travelers from all around the world. Because of the popularity of this beach scene, there are lots of Sihanoukville accommodation options available at every budget point. So, all you have to do is find the right area.
The city of Sihanoukville is big, noisy, and heavily touristed. That’s why savvy travelers are now going to areas and islands outside of the main parts, seeking a quiet and peaceful nature experience. However, if you enjoy the rush and the amenities of cities, then Sihanoukville has it all.
There are numerous bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops springing up all over the city. This makes this city the ideal choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Sihanoukville for nightlife or for bargain shopping.
And now, with our Sihanoukville neighborhood guide, you can choose the accommodation that suits your travel needs.
- Where to Stay in Sihanoukville
- Sihanoukville Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Sihanoukville
- Sihanoukville’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Sihanoukville
- What To Pack For Sihanoukville
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Sihanoukville
- Final Thoughts On Where To Stay in Sihanoukville
Looking for a specific place to stay in Sihanoukville – maybe a cheap budget hostel or, maybe, an up-market hotel? These are our highest recommendations for accommodation!
Onederz Sihanoukville | Best Hostel in Sihanoukville
Located right in the city center, this hostel is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Sihanoukville for one night or for a longer stay. It’s only a short walk from the beach and surrounded by great places to eat and drink. The hostel itself is clean and has lots of common areas like a swimming pool and TV room where you can get to know your fellow travelers.
Independence Hotel Resort & Spa | Best Hotel in Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville accommodation options are usually cheaper than you’ll find in other cities. That means you have a unique opportunity to stay in a hotel that would usually be too expensive for your budget. If you’re going to take this chance, then this hotel is the ideal choice. It’s located close to the beach and has popular features like a sauna, Jacuzzi, tennis courts, and modern rooms with all the amenities.
Enjoy an Infinity Pool, Bar, and Restaurant on Top | Best Airbnb in Sihanoukville
This condominium is located in one of the best areas to stay in Sihanoukville to be close to everything. It’s suitable for 4 guests and offers a private bathroom as well as a pool, bar, and restaurant so you always have somewhere to relax with a drink or a snack after a long day. The apartment is attractively furnished with all the modern amenities.
Otres Beach
Otres Beach is hands down one of the coolest places to stay in Sihanoukville. This area is slightly south of the main city and is a long beach that’s actually divided into two, known as Otres 1 and Otres 2.
Phum Bei
Phum Bei is located a little north of the center of the city on the coast, where you’ll find lots of popular beaches. It’s also packed with bars, restaurants, and cafes, so there are plenty of places to eat, drink, and spend time with all the new friends you made in Sihanoukville.
Koh Rong
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Sihanoukville with kids, this is the ideal choice. It offers the perfect mix of a peaceful beach experience and lots of supporting infrastructure.
Sihanoukville is a rapidly expanding city that’s constantly undergoing renovation. Add that to the massive influx of tourists seeking the ultimate beach experience and what you get is a busy, crowded, and touristy area of Cambodia. But this doesn’t have to be your experience.
If you want the excitement of crowded beaches and bars, there are several neighborhoods you should consider staying in. And if you want a quieter beach experience, then head out of the city to find more peaceful options.
Otres Beach is the most popular choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Sihanoukville for your first time. This is where you’ll find lots of bars and restaurants, budget accommodation, and great places to go clubbing at the end of the day.
Another good area to try is Phum Bei. This is slightly north of the city center and offers a good combination of beachside city living and budget accommodation. It’s also well built up with lots of options for shopping, eating, and nightclubbing.
But if you’d prefer to be closer to the center of the city then try Phum 1. Sihanoukville is based around the ocean, so this area is still close to the beach and offers a more urban environment.
If you want to get away from the city a little, then you’ll reap some wonderful rewards. The two islands closest to Sihanoukville are Koh Rong Sanloem and Koh Rong and they offer the perfect combination of a peaceful beach experience and comfortable accommodation. Neither of these islands are a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Sihanoukville for nightlife. But if you want lovely weather, great food, the beach, and lots of nature, this is where to visit.
Sihanoukville’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Sihanoukville on a budget, or if you have a little more money to spare, here’s where you should be looking.
1. Otres Beach – Where to Stay in Sihanoukville First Time
Otres Beach is hands down one of the coolest places to stay in Sihanoukville. This area is slightly south of the main city and is a long beach that’s actually divided into two, known as Otres 1 and Otres 2. The beaches are lovely and the area around them is well built up with cafes, restaurants, and cheap places to stay in.
This part of the city can get a little noisy and chaotic. Parts of it are constantly under construction, so you can expect a lot of noise and chaos, even when you’re beachside. This may drive some of the tourists away, but Otres Beach is still one of the best places to stay in Sihanoukville if you enjoy the beach, bars, and nightlife.
Mangroves and More | Best Hostel in Otres Beach
This hostel in Sihanoukville offers basic accommodation close to Otres Beach. It’s a great choice if you’re on a budget and just want somewhere to lay your head in between sampling the city’s beaches and the nightlife. It’s in a peaceful area within walking distance of Otres Beach and Otres Village and offers a range of room sizes to suit every travel group.
Apartment Studio no 9 | Best Airbnb in Otres Beach
Whether you’re deciding where to stay in Sihanoukville for one night or for a longer visit, this is a good choice. The apartment is suitable for 2 guests and has modern furnishings, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. It’s located close to the beach and to eateries and cafes where you can relax and take in the scene.
Independence Villa | Best Hotel in Otres Beach
This villa is one of the best places to stay in Sihanoukville if you want a combination of comfort and convenience. It’s a 3-star hotel with clean, comfortable, air-conditioned rooms that include private bathrooms. There’s a shopping mall on-site as well as a terrace where you can enjoy the balmy days and it’s close to the beach as well.
Things to See and Do in Otres Beach
- Go along with the noise and head out at night with some friends to add to it!
- Spend the day relaxing on the beach.
- Try the local restaurants and find your favorite delicacies!
- Head out to the local islands for a more solitary beach or rainforest experience.
- Try one of the many watersports practiced in this area like kite surfing or scuba diving.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Phum Bei – Where to Stay in Sihanoukville on a Budget
Phum Bei is located a little north of the center of the city on the coast, where you’ll find lots of popular beaches. This area of Sihanoukville is also packed with bars, restaurants, and cafes, so there are plenty of places to eat, drink, and meet fellow budget backpackers exploring Cambodia.
This is the best neighborhood to stay in Sihanoukville to be close to everything, but all the construction in the area can get noisy sometimes.
If you want to get away from the city, you can also take a tour or a boat from this area across to one of the islands. This will give you the ideal mix of city living and peaceful, nature experiences.
Hotel Room | Best Airbnb in Phum Bei
This hotel offers a comfortable place to stay in Phum Bei. It’s located close to the beach as well as to eateries and shops, so you’ll be able to entertain yourself throughout the trip. The room and its facilities are sparkling new and clean with an attractive minimalist décor. Each room has comfortable beds, a fridge, kettle, private bathroom, TV, and breakfast is available to make each morning a little easier.
Sea View Boutique Hotel | Best Hostel in Phum Bei
Located in the best area in Sihanoukville to stay in for beach access as well as nightlife, this hotel is a great choice if you’re on a budget. It’s within walking distance of several beaches and offers free Wi-Fi, a terrace, and an outdoor pool. Each room has a private bathroom as well as a minibar, microwave, and fridge.
Villa Le Papillon D’or | Best Hotel in Phum Bei
Located in one of Sihanoukville’s best neighborhoods, this hotel is a relaxing, modern retreat from the city. It offers beach proximity as well as a beauty center, sun deck, outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi. Each spacious villa is modern and equipped with cable TV, private bathroom, and minibar. And there’s a French restaurant on-site so that you can try something new while you’re visiting.
Things to See and Do in Phum Bei
- Spend all day at the beach and all night at the local bars.
- Try the local restaurants and see how good western food can be in Cambodia.
- Grab your friends and head out to the local markets and shops and make sure you haggle for the best prices.
- Take a tour or hire a boat to one of the nearby islands and relax on the beach for a day.
3. Phum 1 – Best Area to Stay in Sihanoukville for Nightlife
Phum 1 is the best neighborhood to stay in Sihanoukville if you want to be right in the heart of the city. This is where you’ll find the best variety of restaurants, shops, and cafes. It’s also the part of the city that sees the most tourists and this has created some problems of late.
Between the massive influx of people and the construction to keep up with the demand for new and better hotels and restaurants, Phum 1 can get a little noisy. But if you prepare yourself for the noise and the chaos and focus on the beach, the food, the lovely people, and the rich culture of the city, you’ll have an amazing time during your visit to Cambodia.
Lucky Apartment | Best Airbnb in Phum 1
This apartment is a real find right in the center of one of the best areas to stay in Sihanoukville. It’s suitable for 2 guests and you can enjoy complete privacy as well as your own bathroom in this apartment. The apartment has a large balcony where you can enjoy the sun and a BBQ after a long day exploring the city.
Seabreeze Guesthouse | Best Hostel in Phum 1
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Sihanoukville for families or with friends, this is a great choice. The Seabreeze Guesthouse offers cozy rooms that contain everything you’ll need for a fun, comfortable stay. It’s located close to several beaches and surrounded by shops and eateries you’ll probably spend hours exploring.
Kangaroo Kitchen Guesthouse | Best Hotel in Phum 1
Located in the best neighborhood in Sihanoukville to stay in, this hotel offers a safe, comfortable base for your trip to the city. It’s close to Victory Beach, Occheuteal Beach and Serendipity Beach and right in the center of town so you can enjoy the nightlife and eating. The rooms contain all the essentials as well as a fridge and private bathroom.
Things to See and Do in Phum 1
- Make sure you try as much food as possible as Sihanoukville is one of the best places in Cambodia to get western-style meals.
- Explore Wat Leu temple and its unique style features such as a three-headed carved elephant.
- Head out to the beach to go snorkeling or scuba diving.
- Try one of the local Khmer cooking classes.
- Go shopping and take home some unique souvenirs.
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Grab an eSIM!4. Koh Rong Sanloem – Coolest Place to Stay in Sihanoukville
Your Sihanoukville neighborhood guide wouldn’t be complete without this island. Like Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem is located close to the city but far enough away that it’s mostly ignored by the tourists. There’s no nightlife on this island, it’s all white sandy beaches and nature. There’s also a little less infrastructure in this area of Sihanoukville, but enough amazing restaurants and cafes that you’ll never go hungry while you’re relaxing there.
There are several gorgeous beaches on the island, and because there are less tourists you might get them mostly to yourself. Try Sunset Beach or Lazy Beach if you’re more adventurous, as you’ll need to hike across a lovely stretch of rainforest populated by monkeys and birds. This is the island to visit when you want to relax and just take in the beach scene, so it’s a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Sihanoukville for families.
Seaview Family Tree House | Best Airbnb in Koh Rong Sanloem
This is a truly unique accommodation option. Located in the best neighborhood in Sihanoukville to stay in if you want a peaceful beach experience, it’s suitable for up to 4 people. The treehouse is located in a new eco-lodge about 15 minutes’ walk from the local beach. This is the perfect place to stay if you want to relax in the jungle and get back to nature.
Happa Garden Resort | Best Hostel in Koh Rong Sanloem
This is one of the best places in Sihanoukville to stay if you want to experience a beach paradise on a budget. There are 3 rooms available as well as a private beach, massage services, and swimming pool. The rooms are comfortable and relatively modern and offer all the amenities you’ll need for a short or long stay.
Natural Island | Best Hotel in Koh Rong Sanloem
This hotel is one of the coolest places to stay in Sihanoukville. Basically, if you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a bungalow on the beach, this is where you can do it. There are 22 simple, relaxing rooms available at this hotel, which also boasts a garden and easy access to the beach.
Things to See and Do in Koh Rong Sanloem
- Hike across to Sunset or Lazy Beach and take in the solitary beauty.
- If you’re even more adventurous, try Twilight Beach in the South.
- Spend some time with the locals in the village next to Mpay Bay.
- Just relax on the beach or go swimming, fishing, or snorkeling.
- Take a hiking trip through the rainforest and see local animals in their natural habitat.
5. Koh Rong – Best Neighborhood in Sihanoukville for Families
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Sihanoukville with kids, this is the ideal choice. It offers the perfect mix of a peaceful beach experience and lots of supporting infrastructure. Koh Rong is the largest island in Cambodia and has a popular beach where you’ll find all the infrastructure and amenities you could want for your trip. And yet it’s also remained mostly untouched by tourists, making for a comfortable and peaceful experience.
There are lots of beaches you should try on this island, depending on how much solitude you’re looking for. Tui Beach is the most popular. It has lots of shops and restaurants around it and is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Sihanoukville for your first time. But if you want some peace and quiet, try some of the more isolated areas like Pagoda or Long Set Beach.
White Beach Bungalow in Koh Rong | Best Airbnb in Koh Rong
Located in the best area in Sihanoukville to stay in for a peaceful beach experience, these bungalows will make your stay even more special. It’s perfect for a romantic holiday or honeymoon, located just a few steps from a lovely beach and set against landscaped gardens. Each bungalow has its own bathroom and shower as well as carefully constructed wooden rooms that have a charm all their own.
Sweet Green Guesthouse | Best Hostel in Koh Rong
This is one of the best places in Sihanoukville to stay if you want to be right on the beach. It’s located on Koah Touch Beach and offers free Wi-Fi, hot and cold water, and a tour desk so you can be part of all the activities. The rooms are basic, but clean and comfortable if you’re used to traveling on a budget.
Coconutbeach Bungalows | Best Hotel in Koh Rong
This hotel in Sihanoukville is perfectly positioned to offer you a relaxing, atmospheric beach holiday. It’s within walking distance of the beach and offers lots of chances to take part in activities like fishing, snorkelling, and hiking. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and a private beach where you can relax and the rooms are comfortable and homey.
Things to See and Do in Koh Rong
- Try all the local dishes and some foreign ones until you find your favorites!
- Head to Tui Beach to be part of the crowd.
- Go fishing, swimming, or snorkeling at any of the local beaches.
- Hike through the stunning tropical rainforest that still covers most of the island.
- Head to Long Sok San Beach or one of the other more isolated choices if you want to enjoy the beach in solitude.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Sihanoukville
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Sihanoukville and where to stay.
What To Pack For Sihanoukville
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
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Final Thoughts On Where To Stay in Sihanoukville
If you’re looking for Sihanoukville’s best neighborhoods, you can’t go past the areas on this list. Accommodation tends to be cheaper in this part of the world, so it’s the perfect chance for you to try a hotel that’s a little out of your usual price range.
If that isn’t your style, then try one of the many budget options and spend all your money eating, shopping and enjoying the nightlife! Whatever you enjoy, you’ll find something to keep you occupied in this busy, frantic city.
While travelling Cambodia is very safe, it’s super important to make sure you get travel insurance!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Cambodia.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Sihanoukville.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Southeast Asia backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
