Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(219 Ekareach St; 9am-6pm)
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Information
DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Theft is a problem on several of the beaches, especially Occheuteal Beach, so leave any
valuables in your room. It's often children who do the deed, sometimes in conjunction
with adults. Arriving in a team, one or more will distract you while another lifts whatever
valuables are lying on your towel. Or they'll strike when you're swimming.
Even if you aren't robbed you'll probably tire of the steady stream of beggars, many of
them children or amputees, on Occheuteal Beach. NGO M'lop Tapang, which exists to
improve the welfare of street kids, advises to never give money or food to children beg-
ging on the beach.
As in Phnom Penh, drive-by bag snatchings occasionally happen and are especially
dangerous when you're riding a
moto
. Hold your shoulder bags tightly in front of you, es-
pecially at night. The road between Otres and Sihanoukville is considered especially risky
after dark, so arrange a
remork
or
moto
via your guesthouse if staying in this area, and not
just a random stranger in town.
At night, men and especially women should avoid walking alone along dark, isolated
beaches and roads.
The currents off Occheuteal can be deceptively strong, especially during the wet sea-
son.
One annoyance for locals is underdressed foreigners wandering about town. Cambodia
is not Thailand; Khmers are generally more conservative than their neighbours. Just look
at the Cambodians frolicking in the sea - most are fully dressed. Wearing bikinis on the
beach is OK, but cover up elsewhere. Topless or nude bathing is a definite no-no.
INTERNET ACCESS
Most guesthouses and hotels offer free wi-fi, as do the majority of cafes, restaurants and
bars. The city centre's many internet shops are on Ekareach St near the corner of
Sopheakmongkol St. Many guesthouses and shops along the road to Serendipity have a
few public internet terminals. Internet outfits are sprinkled along the road to Serendipity.
MEDICAL SERVICES
