Otres and City Beaches in Sihanoukville and Koh Rong

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Sihanoukville is Cambodia's main port and the gateway to the islands. In recent years the city has grown very fast. Many large buildings have gone up, and parts of the city are still under construction. Most travellers only pass through on the way to the islands. But the city still has several beaches, and Otres, south of the centre, is the calmest. This guide describes the mainland beaches and what to expect in the city.

A busy, changing city

Sihanoukville has changed a lot in the last ten years. Many tall hotels and apartment blocks were built quickly, and some projects are still unfinished. Roads in some areas have been rebuilt, while others are still dusty or under repair. The centre is busy, with heavy traffic and building noise in places. It is not a quiet beach town. But it is a useful stop, with banks, shops, pharmacies and transport. If you stay a night before or after the ferry, choose a hotel near the pier or a quieter beach area. Check recent reviews, as places open and close often.

Otres Beach

Otres is the quietest beach on the mainland, a few kilometres south of the city centre. It is a long strip of white sand, about 4 km long, with shallow water. It is often split into Otres 1 and Otres 2. The area has changed in recent years. Some old bungalows have closed, and new buildings have gone up behind the sand. But there are still relaxed beach bars, small hotels and places to rent a kayak. The sunsets are good. Otres is a pleasant place to spend a night before or after the islands, and it is calmer than the city beaches.

Ochheuteal and Serendipity

Ochheuteal is the long main beach close to the city centre. Serendipity is the small northern end of it. In the past this was the centre of travel in Sihanoukville, with beach huts, bars and guesthouses. Today the beachfront has a wide promenade, and much of the area has been rebuilt. You will find restaurants, seafood stalls and water sports. At weekends and on holidays it is busy with Cambodian families. It is a fine place for a sunset walk and dinner, but the water is not as clear as on the islands.

Independence and Sokha

Independence Beach lies on the west side of the city. It is a long beach that faces the sunset, popular with local people in the late afternoon. Sokha Beach is a curved beach in front of a large resort. Visitors who are not hotel guests may need to pay a fee to use it. It has fine sand and calm water. Victory Beach is near the port, with a view of the ships. All these beaches are easy to reach by tuk-tuk from the centre. Ride-hailing apps work in the city and help you avoid bargaining.

Tips for the mainland

Use the mainland mainly as a base for the islands, and spend more of your time on Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem. If you have a free day, Ream National Park is east of the city, near the airport. It has mangroves, forest and quiet beaches, and boat trips through the mangroves. Be careful with your bag on busy streets, and keep your phone out of reach of passing motorbikes. Drink bottled water. In the wet season, some beach places close or open only at weekends. Check opening hours before you go.

Otres and City Beaches at a glance

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