Preah Sihanouk sits on the Gulf of Thailand, and its capital, Sihanoukville, is home to Cambodia’s only deep-water port. For most travellers the province is the jumping-off point for Koh Rong and the southern islands, but it also has beaches and a national park of its own.
Conditions now
Preah Sihanouk
27°C
Overcast · feels like 31°C
- Humidity 88%
- Wind 14 km/h
- Air: Good (AQI 34)
- TodayDrizzle31° / 25°98% rain
- TueThunderstorms30° / 25°96% rain
- WedShowers30° / 25°94% rain
- ThuDrizzle29° / 25°90% rain
- FriShowers29° / 24°100% rain
Updated hourly. Forecast and air quality by Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0). Conditions can change quickly in the wet season.
Why go to Preah Sihanouk?
Come for the sea. The islands are the main draw, and Ream National Park protects mangroves, forest and coastline close to the city. Sihanoukville has changed quickly through large-scale construction, so many visitors pass through to the islands or quieter beaches.
What to experience
The islands
The province administers more than 20 islands, including Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem. Ferries leave from Sihanoukville. Read our Koh Rong guide for planning.
Ream National Park
Ream covers about 210 square kilometres of mangroves, forest, beaches and offshore islands. Boat trips and guided walks are the best way to see it.
Beaches
Otres and Ochheuteal are the best-known beaches near the city. Conditions change with development and the season, so check recent reports.
How long should you stay?
One night in Sihanoukville is usually enough before or after the islands. Add a day for Ream National Park.
Getting to Sihanoukville
From Phnom Penh, buses on the expressway take roughly three hours, and the passenger train is slower but scenic, at around seven hours. Ferries to Koh Rong take about 45 minutes; Koh Rong Sanloem is a little longer. Schedules, operators and prices change often, so book close to your travel date.
How to get there
- Compare operators and book BookMeBus · redBus Cambodia · 12Go · Baolau. These platforms list the operators on each route.
- From Phnom Penh (about 3–5½ hours by road) Buses and minivans on the expressway (several operators; compare them on the platforms above). The Royal Railway train is slower; check its official timetable.
- By air Sihanouk International Airport has domestic and regional flights; check airlines’ official websites for current routes.
- To the islands Speedboats leave from Sihanoukville for Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem; confirm the pier and the weather policy with the boat operator.
Book through the operator, your hotel, or one of the platforms above. Cambodia Handbook is independent and not sponsored. Schedules change, so check the operator’s official website or office before you travel. Last checked 19 October 2026. See also transport booking and getting around Cambodia.
Planning notes
- Getting there: the expressway from Phnom Penh has shortened the drive, and trains and buses run on the route. Sihanouk International Airport has domestic and regional flights. Check current schedules.
- Ferries: book with an established operator and check the weather; crossings can be cancelled in rough seas.
- At the beach: swim where locals swim, watch for currents and never leave valuables unattended.
- Fees and opening arrangements: confirm current details locally rather than relying on an old price or timetable online.
See also our getting around Cambodia guide.
Sihanoukville FAQ
How long is the trip from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville?
Roughly three hours by bus on the expressway, or around seven hours by train. Check current schedules.
How long is the ferry to Koh Rong?
About 45 minutes to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville, depending on the operator and sea conditions. Koh Rong Sanloem takes longer.
How many days do you need?
One night is usually enough before or after the islands. Add a day for Ream National Park.
Is Ream National Park worth visiting?
Yes, if you want mangroves, forest and coastline close to the city; boat trips and guided walks are the best way to see it.
Nearby provinces
Continue into a neighbouring province. See all 25 on our provinces of Cambodia page.
Sources: port, islands, Ream National Park and transport from Preah Sihanouk province (Wikipedia). Last checked 4 October 2026.
Featured image: Islands off Otres Beach, Sihanoukville, by MCantsin, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.