Sihanoukville was founded as a port city there is a half - century, but these days is as much a seaside town and tourist destination. The town sits on a beach lined peninsula jutting out into the Gulf of Thailand and the pace of life in this provincial town is very relaxed and peaceful. The beaches offer umbrellas, thatched restaurants and bars and a growing number of restaurants, pubs, bungalows and a range of hotels , do everything for a relaxed atmosphere , to the beach and a great little tropical getaway . Sihanoukville is a place to relax by the beach, enjoy the fresh - from - the sea of its seafood , its fishing port.While Sihanoukville is still be the most popular beach in Cambodia with locals and tourists, the islands off the coast of Sihanoukville quickly become a destination in its own right . Located in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, the Cambodian islands have developed a little charming , laid-back not easily found elsewhere. Although most of the islands are covered with jungle and almost totally uninhabited , others have beautiful stretches of pristine beaches and started to welcome tourists , offering bungalows , tree houses and camping opportunities.
Most of the islands are planned for major development , so if you 're looking to enjoy the rustic atmosphere , go sooner rather than later. the most developed islands Koh Rong , located about two and a half from the mainland by regular boat hours ( high speed boats are underway, but not yet in normal operation).
This island is one of the most beautiful of the archipelago, with miles of white sandy beaches , gently swaying palms and tropical fruit trees . The travel agency in Cambodia has , for those looking for , something a little more luxurious, just off Koh Rong are two private islands called Song Saa ( love , Khmer ) that contain a center five-star resorts all inclusive , the first of its kind in Cambodia. If you come from Koh Rong , you can take a boat to Koh Rong Samloem right , the second largest island in the archipelago of Koh Rong . Located about two hours from the coast , Koh Rong Samloem has several guest houses offer a quieter, more secluded Koh Rong alternative . Koh Rong Samloem is dotted with deserted beaches and recreational opportunities are not hard to find. If you are looking to find some life on the rustic island , you can stay in the village of Mai Pai Bay on the northernmost part of the island , but beware: Cambodian roosters waking up early ! There are also a couple of outfits foreign diving term operating outside the village that offers certification and excursions to nearby islands for your tours in Cambodia. On the west side of the island there are beautiful beaches and some accommodation options, ranging from cheap and cheerful to more upscale bungalows . near the coast is Koh Russei or " Bamboo Island ".
The island is favored by backpackers and even if most homes were demolished , what remains is more popular than ever. Less than an hour from Sihanoukville , the island closest to the mainland and easily visited on a day trip . Most tour operators in the city include Koh Russei islands on their trips, but they all stick to the golden sandy beaches on the eastern coast of the island . It's just a short walk from the most isolated on the west coast if you want to escape the crowds beach. Besides Koh Koh Ta Kiev is Russei , guesthousse and bungalows on a beautiful island with camping by the sea and a simple hut accommodation . Beautiful beaches of golden sand dotted with pine trees offer the perfect place to read and relax, and visitors will never be too far from a hammock. Koh Ta Kiev also offers many birding and diving opportunities for hikers . Located off the coast of Ream National Park Koh Thmei is an island that is about development, but it is still blissfully quiet . Flanked by mangrove forests , home to over a hundred bird species, offers beautiful sunsets and the chance to stay in an ecological view bungalows comprised of mind that are set up with the energy island solar system and a particular water filter . Otherwise Koh Thmei which is still almost completely intact and receives very few visitors. Overseas are Koh Tang and Koh Prins , which are only accessible by boat.
