Overview
Sihanoukville is Cambodia's original beach resort city, spread along the Gulf of Thailand and best known today as the jumping-off point for the country's finest islands, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. Once a quiet fishing town, it now blends laid-back mainland beaches with a fast-growing casino skyline, though most UK travellers head straight through to the islands or the calmer sands of Otres. Flights to Sihanoukville from the UK always involve at least one connection, but the payoff is powder-soft beaches, warm turquoise water and prices well below neighbouring Thailand.
Best time to fly to Sihanoukville
The dry season, from November to April, is the best time to fly to Sihanoukville, with December to February bringing the most comfortable temperatures and the least rain. March and April turn hot and humid ahead of the wet season. May to October is monsoon season, with heavier downpours and rougher seas around the islands, though flights and accommodation are noticeably cheaper and showers are often short and sharp rather than all-day affairs. Use the price charts on this page to spot which months currently offer the best value fares.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights to Sihanoukville from the UK, so every itinerary involves at least one connection. Airlines such as Qatar Airways (via Doha), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong) and Emirates (via Dubai) fly from London and other UK cities into major Asian hubs, where you pick up an onward connection into Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) or into Phnom Penh with a short road or domestic transfer. Regional carriers including AirAsia and Vietjet operate connecting flights into Sihanoukville itself from hubs such as Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City. All told, expect a total journey time of around 16 to 20 hours from the UK depending on your routing and layover.
Things to do in Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is really a gateway destination, and most visitors use it as a base for island-hopping and beach time. Highlights include:
- Koh Rong: A short ferry ride away, with long white-sand beaches and a lively backpacker scene.
- Koh Rong Samloem: Quieter and more secluded than its neighbour, ideal for snorkelling and relaxed beach days.
- Otres Beach: A relaxed stretch of mainland coastline with beach bars and boutique guesthouses, away from the casino strip.
- Ream National Park: Mangrove forests, hiking trails and boat trips through untouched coastal wilderness.
- Wat Leu: A hilltop temple offering panoramic views over the city and coastline.
At Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS)
Sihanoukville International Airport sits around 18km east of the city centre, roughly a 20 to 30 minute drive. Metered taxis and tuk-tuks operate outside arrivals, and many hotels and island ferry operators can arrange a pickup in advance, which is worth doing if you're arriving on a late or early flight.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Sihanoukville
- Book two to four months ahead for the best availability on connecting itineraries, especially over the December to February peak.
- Flying midweek, particularly Tuesday or Wednesday, is usually cheaper than weekend departures on the long-haul legs.
- Stay flexible on dates and check both Phnom Penh and direct-to-Sihanoukville routings, as one can work out significantly cheaper than the other.
- Compare airlines and hub cities using the When to book chart above, as fares via Doha, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur can vary considerably.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa for Cambodia, either an e-visa arranged online in advance or a visa on arrival at the airport, both typically valid for a single entry and a 30-day stay. The local currency is the Cambodian Riel, but US dollars are used interchangeably for almost everything, so travellers rarely need to carry much local currency. Routine vaccinations should be up to date, and it's worth checking the latest FCDO travel advice and considering hepatitis A and typhoid cover before you go.
