Most visitors to Sihanoukville travel from Phnom Penh by bus, private car, share taxi or minivan. There is also an increasing number of visitors coming to Sihanoukville by ferry or road from Koh Kong (Thailand/Cambodia border crossing) and by the new and improved road from Kampot. At present, there are no regularly scheduled flights to Sihanoukville.
Motorcycles are one of the most popular modes of transport in Sihanoukville and are available for rent everywhere. Bicycles are also widely used and can be easily rented.
This Sihanoukville transportation guide provides you with all the information you need to know about travel to, from, and around Sihanoukville. For some great things to see and do, we have some Sihanoukville tours and activities to indulge in. For more general Cambodian transport information, check out our Cambodia transportation guide.
Sihanoukville Transportaion Guide
Getting to Sihanoukville
By Air
Flights to Sihanoukville airport were suspended in 2007 after a fatal crash. The airport was recently upgraded and is ready to receive flights, but no commercial service is operating at present. Flight services are expected soon though.
Visit our partner Air Valid for Airline Reviews and Information about Cambodia.
By Road
Travelling by road is the most preferred way to reach the city. Good highways connect the city to Phnom Penh, Kampot, Krong Koh Kong and Siem Reap. Buses, private cars, share taxis and minivans ply regularly between Sihanoukville and other cities. However, accidents are not uncommon along these highways and night travel is best avoided.
Buses are convenient and services between Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh are frequent particularly during the day time. It takes around three hours to Kampot and Phnom Penh. To Siem Reap it is a longer 10 hour journey.
Share taxis are usually crammed to capacity, so much so, that travelling to Sihanoukville in one is quite uncomfortable. But by paying for all seats (or for extra seats) you can get yourselves a comfortable ride. Minivans are the cheapest mode of travel; however, they too are usually jam-packed and have frequent stops.
By Boat
Boat travel is getting rarer these days as most people prefer roads as they are quicker. Boat services are available from places along the Thai border and from ports nearby and can be an enjoyable way of getting to Sihanoukville. Small ferries run daily in both directions between Sihanoukville and Koh Kong, taking 3 1/2 - 4 hours.
Getting Around Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville does not have a bus service and there are no regular taxi services. So motorcycle taxis and tuk tuks are the main forms of transportation around Sihanoukville. Motorcycle taxis (motodups) are cheap and can be hired anywhere in town at anytime. Motodups offer a great way to explore the city and they are cheap. They can even take you outside the city limits. Tuk tuks are carts pulled by a motorcycle and carry four or more people. They are ubiquitous in Cambodia. Make sure to negotiate prices beforehand with the drivers, as they are notorious for overcharging, especially foreigners.
Car rentals are available for hire by full day or half day. But if you are planning to drive yourself, you would need a Cambodian driver's license.
Motorcycles and bicycles are rented out all over the city. Walking though is a pleasurable experience once you reach the beaches.
