Cambodia, Sihanoukville The Beaches
Independence Beach
Named after the Independence Hotel (see Sihanoukville Sites), this kilometer long narrow sandy beach is actually called bram-pul chann (hotel 7-stories) to the locals. To confuse you even more, its is also named 7-Chann Beach on a street sign in the town centre. The beach is at its busiest at its northwest end where you can see a small freshwater lake used for the town’s fresh water while its only open hotel, the Sea Breeze, lies at its other end. In comparison to other Sihanoukville beaches, Independence is quite quiet but umbrellas and drink vendors are still widely found.
Formally known as the UNTAC Beach in the early 1990’s, this is now the most popular beach in Sihanoukville. For this reason, it has suitable accommodation for all pockets, and a good selection of bars and restaurants. The sandy beach is pretty long and narrow. Serendipity Beach is at its northern end while a golf course is found at its south side. Hotels (middle to upper range) and restaurants (specialising in seafood) line the middle, and the usual fair of umbrellas, beach chairs for rent and drinking huts can be found all along the coastline. There are some reasonably inexpensive guesthouses on the second road back from the beach. This has led to number of budget bar, restaurants and beach hangouts opening up to cater for that market and are found further south along the beach (in front of the golf course).
Located at Ochheuteal’s northern extremity is the ever-growing Serendipity, the only beach in Sihanoukville offering bungalows and guesthouses right on the coastline. For this reason, it is pretty popular but not overpoweringly so. Today, there are several restaurants and bars, and numerous mid-range and budget accommodation on the beach, and further up on the hill.
Sokha Beach
Sokha used to be the most popular beach in Sihanoukville but not anymore. It was closed for some time but is now open again with a four star hotel resort development project on it.
It is not known whether it will become Sihanoukville’s premier beach attraction once again. At the moment it has the countries best groomed sand!
This sandy beach is over two kilometers long. However, it is narrow and so the best time to head towards it is ideally during low tide. There are two beaches at Victory divided by some rocks and a hill. In terms of going for a swim, the best one is the southern beach. The beach has been given many different names but Hawaii Beach appears to be winning the race as its official name. Umbrellas and drink huts can be found along the coastline. You can also find boats here that will take you to one of the nearest islands, but you’ll have to negotiate a fee first. The northern Victory Beach on the other side of the rock has the port at one end and a park at the other, and is a good place to go for sunset, and watch the ships arrive and leave the port. The Holiday Palace Casino is just off the northern beach and further up is Weather Hill Station, which is full of budget accommodation, restaurants and bars.
The Bayon Pearnik is an independent magazine dedicated to raising beer money as well as encouraging debate over standards of taste, humor and journalistic ethics. Published every month or so in Phnom Penh. Not to be taken seriously or while driving or operating heavy machinery. Always consult your doctor first because we're not responsible for what happens to you.
|
