Sihanoukville, Cambodia Cruise Port Guide
Welcome to Sihanoukville, Cambodia's premier coastal gateway and the starting point for exploring tropical beaches and ancient Khmer culture.
Major cruise lines such as Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line frequently include this port on their Southeast Asian itineraries.
Cruise passengers are drawn to its serene coastal waters, lush waterfalls, vibrant local markets, and convenient access to historic landmarks across the region.
In This Guide
- Key Sihanoukville Port Information
- • Top Attractions & Excursions
- • Nearby Cities & Attractions
- • Port Location
- • Local Currency
- • Safety Considerations
- • Weather & Climate
- • Getting Around
- • Shopping
- Shore Excursions & Tours
- Local SIM Card
- Visiting Sihanoukville Cruise Deals
- Upcoming Cruises to Sihanoukville Cruise Deals
- Ships in Port Schedule
- Monthly Pricing
Key Sihanoukville Port Information
Top Attractions & Excursions
Perched high on a hill overlooking the city, Wat Leu is a striking golden temple featuring intricate carvings and panoramic views of the coast, located just a 20-minute drive from the port.
Nature enthusiasts can venture about 45 minutes inland to Kbal Chhay Waterfall, a cascading jungle waterfall perfect for scenic photography and relaxation.
For a taste of local beach life, Ochheuteal Beach offers soft sand and beachfront dining roughly 15 minutes away from the pier.
Visitors interested in local culture can explore Phsar Leu Market, the city's main central market filled with fresh produce, textiles, and authentic Cambodian handicrafts.
Last updated on October 27, 2026
Nearby Cities & Attractions
The charming riverside city of Kampot lies approximately two hours east of the port, famous for its French colonial architecture and world-renowned pepper plantations.
Just past Kampot is Kep, a peaceful seaside town roughly 2.5 hours away, legendary for its fresh crab market and relaxed coastal atmosphere.
For guests taking longer day excursions or overland tours, the bustling capital city of Phnom Penh is accessible via a modern expressway in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Last updated on October 27, 2026
Port Location
Cruise ships dock at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, situated about 3 to 5 kilometers (2 to 3 miles) northwest of downtown.
Because the port is primarily a commercial freight facility, walking directly out of the port area to major tourist spots is not practical, so shuttles, taxis, or organized shore excursions are essential.
While large vessels usually dock alongside the pier, occasionally tender boats are utilized during peak congestion; basic port facilities and tour dispatch areas are available near the pier exit.
Last updated on October 27, 2026
Local Currency
Cambodia operates on a dual-currency system where the US Dollar (USD) is universally accepted alongside the local Cambodian Riel (KHR).
Small change under one US dollar is typically given back in Riel, with a standard exchange rate of around 4,000 KHR per 1 USD.
ATMs dispensing US dollars are readily available in town, but cash is preferred; credit cards are generally only accepted at larger hotels and high-end establishments.
Last updated on October 27, 2026
Safety Considerations
Sihanoukville is generally welcoming to visitors, but travelers should exercise standard urban safety precautions during their visit.
Keep personal belongings secure and beware of opportunistic bag-snatching by passing motorbikes, especially in crowded beach areas and markets.
Exploring with an organized guided tour or booking a reliable private driver is highly recommended to ensure a smooth, secure, and hassle-free day ashore.
Last updated on October 27, 2026
Weather & Climate
Sihanoukville enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging between 25°C and 32°C (77°F to 90°F).
The peak cruise season coincides with the dry season from November through April, featuring sunny skies and lower humidity levels.
Passengers should pack lightweight, breathable clothing, strong sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and modest attire covering shoulders and knees for temple visits.
Last updated on October 27, 2026
Getting Around
Tuk-tuks are the primary mode of local transportation, providing an affordable and open-air way to travel between the port and city highlights.
Popular ride-hailing apps like PassApp and Grab operate in the region, allowing travelers to book tuk-tuks and taxis at fixed, transparent fares.
Passengers seeking a hassle-free sightseeing experience often arrange a private driver or take a guided tuk-tuk city tour directly from the port gate.
Last updated on October 27, 2026
Shopping
The central Phsar Leu Market is the premier destination for local shopping, offering everything from traditional Cambodian crafts to everyday goods.
Popular souvenirs include authentic Kampot pepper, hand-woven Krama cotton scarves, traditional silver jewelry, and carved wooden sculptures.
Friendly bargaining is expected at open-air markets, so polite negotiation is recommended to secure fair prices.
Last updated on October 27, 2026
Shore Excursions & Tours
Kampot Countryside, Pepper farm, La plantation, Salt field & Lake
Explore the Kampot countryside at La Plantation pepper farm independently or via an optional guided tour with tastings. Guests can enjoy complimentary tastings of selected farm products or potentially visit a local pepper farm like Botree Farm.
Sihanoukville Full Day City Tour with Transportation & English-Speaking Guide
Sihanoukville is a unique destination with many interesting places that our driver and guide will show you. You will visit the fishing village and floating houses, pagodas, Independence monument, a primary school, Phsar Leu market, and the Preah Thoung Neang Neak statue.
Discovery Tour: Caving, Climbing, Via Ferrata and Abseiling in Kampot
Climbodia offers a safe, exciting tour of Cambodia’s largest caving complex through rock climbing, via ferrata, abseiling, and caving for those with no prior experience. This tour provides an everlasting impression of Kampot’s magnificent nature, local habits, culture, and countryside.
KAMPOT: Pepper farm. Cave. Secret Lake. Kep Crab market & Salt..
This exhilarating one-day Kampot adventure features an English-speaking tuk-tuk driver and an experienced, knowledgeable guide for an easy, reliable countryside tour. You will experience the region's beautiful rural areas, the joy of slow life, and traditional Khmer villages.
Bokor Mountain Adventure - History, Sights and Waterfalls
Visit Bokor National Park with an English-speaking guide to see historic buildings like Wat Sompov Pram and Bokor Palace while viewing sights from Kampot to Sihanoukville. You will enjoy a homemade vegetarian fried rice lunch and finish the day at Popokvil Waterfall.
Kampot Countryside Tour - Pepper Farm, Salt Lake, Caves, and more
Explore Kampot’s nature and agriculture with an English-speaking guide while visiting salt fields to learn production methods and walking through caves to find a temple. You will also stop at a scenic lake and visit a world-famous pepper farm for a free tour.
Kampot & Kep: Full-Day Countryside Tour of 10+ Top Attractions
Discover Kampot and Kep’s authentic Khmer life in one day by visiting over ten attractions including pepper farms, a cave, salt fields, a lake, and the Crab Market. Depending on group agreement, you may instead visit Botree Farm for a free guided tour, pepper tasting, and included entrance fee.
Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh by Private Car or Minivan
We provide a comfortable, reliable, and safe transfer from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh via the expressway using clean SUVs, vans, or buses. A professional, friendly driver will pick you up from any Sihanoukville hotel, the boat pier, or the port at your arrival time.
Private Kampot Countryside Tour & Pepper farm, Kep/Crab Market
This flexible and comfortable private tour offers couples, families, and small groups an intimate journey to Kampot’s top attractions and Kep town's crab market. You will enjoy a personalized experience discovering the highlights of both locations.
Cooking class in Kampot
Join our professional chef at our colonial house for a well-organized, relaxing, and fun cooking experience. By booking with us, you will discover how to make and enjoy one of the best meals in Kampot.
La Plantation Pepper Farm, Salt, Secret Lake & a Limestone cave
This half-day tour of the Kampot countryside includes visits to a seasonal salt field, Secret Lake, and the prehistoric Kbal Romeas ancient cave. You can also choose to explore either the La Plantation pepper farm or BoTree, a family-run farm.
Exploring Kampot: A Memorable Tour from Sihanoukville
This tour from Sihanoukville to Kampot immerses you in Cambodia's natural beauty and cultural heritage through visits to Kampot town and the Salt Fields. You will also explore the Phnom Chhngok cave temple, the Secret Lake, and a pepper farm for a gastronomic adventure.
Koh Rong Surfing Experience
Golden Beach Surf Club features Cambodia's only wave simulator where guests of all ages and experience levels can surf, bodyboard, or enjoy beach vibes. With expert instructors and stunning Koh Rong sunsets, this activity offers epic fun for everyone.
Sihanoukville Shore Excursion: 5-Hour Adventures from Cruise Port
This Sihanoukville shore excursion is ideal for first-time visitors wanting to experience authentic culture, local life at Tumnuk Rolok Fishing Port, and Buddhist temples. You will also explore vibrant markets, enjoy lunch at local restaurants, and relax on a scenic sandy beach.
Sunset Scenic Kayaking and Swimming Activity
Join this authentic kayak tour to experience Kampot’s nature as you paddle under a peaceful canopy of plants that filter the sun. This unique journey allows you to enjoy the existing natural beauty before the area grows further.
Kampot Pepper Tour, Salt Field, Cave Temple, Secret Lake
Explore Kampot’s culture and nature through its pepper plantations, salt fields, and the Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple, which offer stunning landscapes for photography. You will learn about pepper and salt harvesting techniques while discovering the hidden dark history of Secret Lake.
Kampot Day Tour "Bokor National Park"
Discover Bokor National Park’s history and landscapes on a day tour visiting Lok Yeay Mao Monument, Popokvil Waterfall, Wat Sampov Pram, and the Old Catholic Church. Experience these breathtaking views and Cambodia's architectural heritage by renting a motorbike or hiring a local guide.
Explore Sihanoukville Dirt Bike Tour
This 80km ride from Sihanoukville is 90% off-road across sandy, muddy, and rocky trails through jungles, rivers, hills, and beaches. You will visit Kabal Chai Waterfall, Ream National Park, Prey Nob mangrove trail, Otres Hill, and Otres Beach while experiencing daily life.
Sihanoukville Highlights Day Tour for Cruise Passengers
We will pick you up at the Independence Monument (War Memorial) shuttle drop-off point, where your guide or driver will be holding a sign with your name. You will visit the Independence Monument and explore the fishing village to see local fishermen preparing their catch.
Small Group Sihanoukville City Tour
Cruise passengers can join this small-group tour of Sihanoukville to see the Independence Monument, traditional fishing at Tomnub Rolork - Koh Preap Pier, and Wat Krom temple. You will also experience local culture by exploring Phsar Leu Market, where you can interact with vendors and sample street food.
Local SIM Card
GigSky eSIMs let you get data both on the ship and while in port. Their Cruise + Asia Pacific plan and Cruise + World plan both cover Sihanoukville as well as supported cruise ships. Choose the data allowance and duration that suit your trip, with a 7-day Cruise + Asia Pacific plan starting at only $19.99 USD for 1 GB.
Visiting Sihanoukville Cruise Deals
Upcoming Cruises to Sihanoukville Cruise Deals
Ships in Port Schedule
Showing 1 ship in the area
No ships scheduled in port today.
Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Sihanoukville
Cruises visiting Sihanoukville during the peak seasons of spring and fall are considerably more expensive than the the low season of winter. Overall Sihanoukville is fairly expensive as a port of call. Take a look at the diagram below for the monthly average cost per day.