Siem Reap Vistior Guide 59th

sihanoukville

102

scuba operators

VISITING SIHANOUKVILLE Sihanoukville is Cambodia's premier beach town - a sandy penin- sula jutting into the warm Gulf of Thailand, the beaches offering umbrellas and thatched roofed eater-

Day trips to nearby islands, party cruises, fishing trips, snorkeling, kayaking/Hobies and scuba are probably the most popular other-than-the-beach activities around Sihanoukville, and of course you can always head for the nearby islands including ever more popular Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem, just 45 minutes away by speed ferry. The Dive Shop PADI 5 Star Dive Center. Awarded National Geographic Dive Center status. Offering dive trips and all PADI courses. Tel: 012-1615517 Koh Rong Dive Center Dive center, offering a full range of PADI diver training classes, from PADI Open Water Scuba Diving certification through PADI Dive Master. Tel: 034-934744 The Party Boat Day trips, overnights, long-stay trips to Saracen Bay, Koh Rong Sanloem Island. 3-deck yacht with bars, lounge, sundeck. Tel: 034-6666106 Scuba Nation PADI 5 Star National Geographic Dive Center The pioneers of diving in Cambodia, providing comprehensive diving, snorkeling services and PADI courses. Tel: 012-604680, 012-715785 Island hopping, fishing, booze cruises... Island hopping day cruises and evening booze cruises are the most popular off-beach activities in Sihanoukville. Several kinds of package boat trips are available, the most popular being the full-day island cruise - leaving in the morning and taking in three islands for snorkeling, swimming, fishing, kayaking, seafood lunch and drink, starting around $15-$25. There are also regular booze cruises , sunset cruises and night time party cruises, similarly priced. Check with any tour operator in town for tickets. If you are interested in exploring one of the bigger islands of Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem, there are several daily express ferries as well as standard slow boats from Sihanoukville. It’s easy to check out Koh Toch Beach on Koh Rong, or Saracen Bay and M’pay Bay on Koh Rong Sanloem in a day - ferry there in the morning then back in the afternoon, or stay if you like. The return tickets are open ended. Be travel smart, make sure your boat has sufficient safety equipment and is not overloaded. For the fishermen ... There are plenty of angling opportunities in the waters around the local islands. The best fishing is in the dry season (Nov-May) when the weather is fair. A variety of game species inhabit the local waters including the prized barracuda. boats & water sports

ies, 24-hour bars and everything from a laid back beach chair to an endless party vibe. Sihanoukville also serves as a travel hub for the coastal islands and towns - the quaint old city of Kampot, the nearby seaside town of Kep and the border town Koh Kong aside the Cardamom Mountains. And where mot travelers seem to be headed these day: the nearby tropical islands, especially Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem, offering secluded beaches and bungalows. Sihanoukville offers a variety of accommodations - plenty of guesthouses ($3-$20,) mid-range places ($35-$85) and a few upscale resorts ($120+.) Most are concentrated into four areas: downtown, the Ochheuteal Beach area, Otres Beach and the Victory Hill area. Ochheuteal is the most popular beach and has a range of places. Otres is further from town and a bit more secluded and tranquil. At the other end of town Victory Hill offers both budget and mid-range choices, and easy access to the Victory Hill bar scene. Golden River Bungalows $20 - $45 Clean, comfortable bungalow rooms in a garden setting, set at the quiet end of Otres, on the river. Swimming pool. Visa/MC Otres Beach Tel: 016-379666 www.goldenriverbungalows.asia 097-8982898 Lakshmi Bungalows $15 - $25 Only a quick 4-minute walk from the beach, Lakshmi Bungalows provides free WiFi and air-condi- tioned rooms. With a garden and a terrace to kick back and relax makes this a great place for couples that need some quiet, but still want access to the party if they are so inclined. Otres Beach, Sihanoukville Tel: 098- 666484 Orchid Resort $40 - $65 Nicely designed and construct- ed beach front bungalows. Picture window and private balcony. Visa/MC/JCB/AMEX/GD/ANZ Koh Rong Sanloem, Saracen Bay Tel: 016-284005 www.orchidresort.asia 070-284005 The Secret Garden $65 - $87 (including breakfast) Luxury bungalows. A/c, jungle shower, mini-bar, private balcony, all amenities. Swimming pool. Free WiFi. Stay 2 nights, get the 3rd night free. Visa/MC Otres Beach 2 Tel: 097-6495131 www.secretgardenotres.com hotels

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