Otres Beach – The Laid-Back Paradise
Otres Beach is located just outside of Sihanoukville. Its vibe is peaceful, bohemian, and perfect for slow travelers. Where time slows down and the waves seem to whisper secrets from the horizon. It’s less crowded than other beaches, yet still full of life. With local kids playing football on the sand, travelers lounging in hammocks, and small beach bars lighting up as the sun sets.
What to eat: Sunset seafood BBQs! Delicious fresh prawns, squid, and snapper grilled right on the beach. It doesn’t get any fresher! Some local favorites are fish amok (a coconut curry steamed in banana leaves) and beef lok lak. Visit the trendy cafés and vegan spots that serve everything from smoothie bowls to coconut pancakes.
Travel tip: Arrive in the afternoon, find a beachfront shack, order seafood and a cold Angkor beer… then watch the sun melt into the sea. If you stay until later, some bars will have live music, to dance the night away.
Sokha Beach – The Polished Escape
If you prefer your beach days with soft white sand and crystal-clear water, Sokha Beach is your spot! It’s just a short tuk tuk ride from downtown Sihanoukville, yet it feels worlds away — calm waves, gentle music from nearby cafés, and an easygoing resort atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the vibe that’s clean, comfortable, and perfect for a touch of luxury.
What’s unique: Sokha beach has pristine sand and gentle surf ideal for swimming. Easy access via tuk tuk, with plenty of shaded rest stops. A mix of local culture and resort comfort, perfect for those wanting relaxation with a little refinement.
What to eat: Freshly caught seafood served in resort restaurants or beach-side BBQ stalls.
Khmer classics like green mango salad with crab or shrimp fried rice. Bonus: Don’t miss the tropical cocktails at sunset, many beach bars offer happy hours with a sea view.
Travel tip: Sokha is best enjoyed in the late morning or golden hour when the sunlight makes the ocean shimmer like glass. If you want a balance of beach time + comfort (less rustic), Sokha Beach is a good pick. Still bring sunscreen and hydrate: beach sun can hit hard.
Kep Beach – The Crab Capital of Cambodia
What’s unique: The famous Kep Crab Market, where fishermen bring in live blue crabs each morning. A tuk tuk ride around Kep offers sea views, pepper farms, and colonial-era ruins.
What to eat: Kep crab with Kampot pepper is the most iconic dish in Cambodia’s coastal cuisine. Enjoy huge fresh prawns, grilled squid, and coconut rice sold right beside the water.
Stay hydrated drinking tropical fruit smoothies and young coconuts from roadside stands.
Travel tip: Arrive before sunset to hand-pick your crab at the market, have it cooked on the spot, and enjoy it with a sea breeze… pure coastal bliss. Also: bring cash, check prices/weight for seafood (the market vibe).