Sihanoukville, also known as Kampong Saom or Preah Sihanouk, is Cambodia's primary coastal port city located on the Gulf of Thailand in the southwestern part of the country. The city sits on an elevated peninsula and serves as the capital of Preah Sihanouk Province. With a population of approximately 73,036, Sihanoukville functions as a major maritime hub and beach destination. The city features an extensive coastline dotted with beaches and is bordered by Ream National Park to the east, which protects coastal mangrove ecosystems. The Ou Trojak Jet river, lined with mangroves, flows from Otres Pagoda to the sea at Otres Beach. Several sparsely inhabited islands fall under Sihanoukville's administrative jurisdiction, making it a multi-island maritime region. The city sits in the Asia/Phnom_Penh timezone and operates as a key transportation gateway for both regional and international travel.
Updated 2026-05-04 · Source: GeoNames, Wikipedia
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Sihanoukville occupies a strategic position on an elevated peninsula jutting into the Gulf of Thailand in southwestern Cambodia. The city's geography is defined by its extensive coastline, featuring multiple beaches and coastal areas. To the east, Ream National Park protects a significant portion of the region's natural ecosystems, including mangrove wetlands and marine habitats. The Ou Trojak Jet river, distinguished by its mangrove-lined banks, connects Otres Pagoda inland to the coastal waters at Otres. The surrounding waters contain several islands administered by Sihanoukville, though most remain sparsely populated. This geography makes the city both a functional port and a beach-oriented destination, with natural features that support both commercial maritime activity and tourism.
As Cambodia's principal coastal port city, Sihanoukville serves a vital role in the country's maritime economy. The port handles commercial shipping and cargo operations that connect Cambodia to regional and international trade routes. Beyond port functions, the city has developed as a tourism-oriented economy, with beaches and island access drawing both regional and international visitors. The administrative capital status of Preah Sihanouk Province further anchors the city's economic importance. The combination of maritime commerce, fishing operations, and growing tourism infrastructure has shaped the city's development as a multi-functional coastal hub.

Sihanoukville's accommodation options cluster around its main beaches and coastal zones. Otres Beach, at the mouth of the Ou Trojak Jet river, offers a quieter alternative to the city center's busier areas. The peninsula's elevated topography provides varied vantage points for waterfront development. Island-based accommodation is available on the sparsely inhabited islands under Sihanoukville's jurisdiction, offering more isolated beach experiences. The city center provides urban amenities and market access, while the beachfront areas offer direct coastal access and water-based activities. Proximity to Ream National Park's coastal areas makes the eastern portions appealing for nature-oriented visitors.
Sihanoukville's role as Cambodia's primary maritime gateway means access is available via air, road, and sea. Phnom Penh International Airport serves as the nearest major air hub, with overland connections via Cambodia's highway network. The port itself accommodates both passenger and cargo vessels, with ferry services connecting to regional ports and the sparsely inhabited islands. Overland routes connect Sihanoukville to other major Cambodian cities and Thai border crossings. The elevated peninsula location provides natural harbor advantages for maritime transport.

Sihanoukville's coastal location on the Gulf of Thailand subjects it to monsoonal weather patterns typical of Southeast Asia. The region experiences distinct wet and dry seasons. November through March generally represents the drier, cooler period when beach activities and water-based tourism are most feasible. May through October encompasses the southwest monsoon season with heavier rainfall and rougher sea conditions. February and March tend to be the warmest months. The transition months of April and October present moderate conditions. Weather patterns significantly influence port operations, island accessibility, and beach usability, making seasonal timing important for planning maritime and coastal activities.
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Geographic data from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Narrative sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) and structured by Claude. Map by © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). See the methodology and sources registry for full attribution and update cadence.
This page last refreshed 2026-05-04.
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