The small province of Sihanoukville is located in southern Cambodia, its capital located on a peninsula surrounded by tropical islands and beaches.
Sihanoukville, often referred to as Kampong Som or Kampong Saom, was established in 1964 as the nation’s only deep-water port.
The island is gradually being transformed into a tourist destination, but despite the promise of significant Malaysian investment—a casino is planned for Naga Island—visitors are still in very small numbers.
It is a famous tourist destination since it has multiple paradise islands and lovely sand beaches and its provincial capital was given the name Sihanoukville in honor of the king who fought for the country’s independence.
Sihanoukville is 232 kilometers southwest of Phnom Penh, accessible via National Highway 4 and the new Expressway and made beautiful by the white sand beaches Ochheuteal, Sokha, Pram Pi Chan, and Deum Chrey.
These beaches are favored by families on vacation because of their long expanses of white sand and sparkling waters, as well as their quiet, cozy environment.
The year-round enjoyment of these coastal paradises with the cooling freshwater streams.
Sihanoukville offers a wide range of business prospects, including those in the financial and tourism-related sectors.
Along with its current reputation as an international offshore financial center, Sihanoukville’s government wants to make it a popular tourism destination.
The government encourages joint venture participation from both foreign and local investors.
Wide streets and relatively modern, large concrete buildings that have lost any traces of the previous architectural colonial style make up this well-known coastal resort.
The best method to navigate around the town, which is a large urban region, is to rent a motorcycle.
There isn’t much to see in the town itself, aside from some lovely beaches and vantage points.
You should climb the short slope to Wat Leu for the best city view.
Wat Krom is noteworthy because it was newly constructed (the former one was destroyed by the Khmer Rouge) and because it is home to a sanctuary known as Yeah Mao, the coast protector.
There are some wonderful locations to visit close to the town, like the Ream National Park and the stunning Kbal Chhay Waterfall.
Geography
The area of Sihanoukville Province is 868 square meters. It is located in the country’s southern region and borders Kampot, Koh Kong, and the Gulf of Thailand.
The majority of the province is situated on a peninsula with a hilly topography and sporadic patches of woodland.
The majority of the province is made up of the traditional Cambodian wet lowlands, which are home to rice crops and other agricultural estates.
The Bokor National Park, a sizable mountain that is a part of the powerful Cardamom Mountains, has foothills in the northeast of the province.
According to reports, the province’s average elevation is little more than 40 meters above sea level.
Phnom Penh Sihanoukville Expressway (PP – SHK Expressway)
When operational in 2023, the Expressway will be the largest in the country, providing a fast link between the two cities.
- PROJECT TYPE: 2 + 2 lane Expressway
- MAX SPEED: 100 km/h
- LENGTH: 190 km
- WIDTH: 24.5 metres
- DEVELOPER: China Road & Bridge Corporation (CRBC)
Feasibility study completed by JICA 2006 – 2018 and construction started in 2019. The road starts at Tomnup Kob Srov Road in Phnom Penh, runs along the west side of NR 4 to Chbar Mon.
There it crosses over NR 4 and continues along its east side to Sihanoukville.
The project includes 89 bridges, 4 rest stops, petrol stations and crash barriers for convenience and safety.
Project cost US$2B – partnership with CRBC and the governments of Cambodia and China.
The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) is the principle contractor and ongoing costs will come from road users via toll booths.
- Link between the capital and main seaport
- Reduce transport time by 50% to 2½ hours
- Ease traffic flow on NR 4 and enhance safety
- Create 6,000 construction jobs and 2,000 operations jobs
Tourism Infrastructure
According to the Tourism Infrastructure Project, tourism – specifically Kampot, Kep and Koh Kong – is expected to increase 500% by 2025.
Further, the Government’s Tourism aims to enhance (i) travel connections; (ii) product development; (iii) tourist safety; (iv) marketing; (v) the business environment; and (v) HR development.
