Luxury holidays in Sihanoukville

In a pristine pocket of the Gulf of Thailand, 22 kilometres offshore, lies the Koh Rong archipelago, a collection of untouched isles, two of which are home to eco-chic escape Song Saa Private Island. If you were lucky enough to visit Koh Samui or Phi Phi before the tourist boom, then those dreamy scenes are what you can expect to find here – sugar-white beaches, protected reefs and jungle-shrouded hills. Snorkelling, diving and sunbaking beckon. By contrast, backpacker-favourite Sihanoukville brims with French patisseries, pizza joints and all-night dance sessions on the beach.

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When to go

For cool, dry days, time your visit for November to March. Things heat up from then until May, and become seriously hot and steamy from June to August. September and October are wet and cool, which can play havoc with sunbaking plans.

Getting there

  • Planes

    The Phnom Penh International Airport is in the Cambodian capital, three and a half hours north of Sihanoukville. If you’re staying at Song Saa Private Island, the hotel can arrange road transfers, starting at US$200.
  • Automobiles

    Visitors aren't allowed to self-drive in Cambodia, which may be a blessing in disguise – things get seriously hairy on the roads here. For short trips around town, one of the local remorks (three-wheelers) will do the trick. Ask your hotel to arrange a car and a driver for longer jaunts.
  • Taxis

    The local three-wheeler remorks should be your transporter of choice. Just be sure to settle on a price before you climb in. Moto-taxis are another option, offering the chance of more thrills – and spills.