Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Wat Chhnothean;)
Spectacular views of almost the entire city and gorgeous sunset panora-
mas await at Wat Leu, situated on a peaceful, forested hilltop 1.5km northwest of the city
centre.
From the city centre, a
moto
ride due north up the hill costs 6000r, but drivers will
likely want US$2.
Remorks
have to take the long way around and ask US$5.
Monkeys
On most days in the late afternoon, three troupes of tame monkeys gather on 2 Thnou St
(behind and on the chain-link fence enclosing the grounds of the Independence Hotel),
hoping to score peanuts and bananas from passing humans. Locals often stop by with their
kids, generating a great deal of mirth and mutual interprimate admiration.
WILDLIFE
Beaches
Sihanoukville's beaches all have wildly different characters. The most isolated are a short
ride away in Ream National Park (
Click here
)
.
Occheuteal Beach
This 4km-long beach is by far Sihanoukville's most popular. Sunset views and a string of
mellow beach bars make it a great place for happy hour, but you'll likely want to avoid it
during the day, when it's too busy with vendors, beggars and nuisances like jet skis. It also
gets packed, especially at weekends, and it's far from clean: note the rivulets of wastewa-
ter that flow from the shacks into the surf.
Escape the mayhem by walking down to the southern section of the beach, ultimately
slated to become another exclusive Sokhamega-complex resort but for now pretty empty.
A rocky strip at the northwestern end of Occheuteal has emerged as a happy, easy-go-
ing travellers' hang-out known as
Serendipity Beach
. At the atmospheric resort bar-restaur-
ants, waves lap just a few metres from the tables, providing a romantic backdrop, espe-
cially at sundown and in the evening.
BEACH
Otres Beach
At the southern end of Occheuteal Beach, beyond the small headland,
Phnom Som Nak
Sdach
(Hill of the King's Palace), lies stunning Otres Beach, a seemingly infinite strip of
casuarinas that can give southern Thailand a run for its money.
BEACH
