Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville, a coastal city in Cambodia with a population of approximately 89,800 people and 66,700 in its urban center as of 2008, serves as the capital of Preah Sihanouk Province. Located at the tip of an elevated peninsula in the country’s southwest on the Gulf of Thailand, this vibrant city has evolved into a significant economic and tourism hub for the nation.

The city, also known as Kampong Saom in Khmer, was named in honor of former King Norodom Sihanouk. Its development has been intrinsically linked to the construction of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, which began in June 1955. This deep-water port has played a crucial role in establishing Sihanoukville as Cambodia’s gateway to direct and unrestricted international sea trade.

Sihanoukville’s geography is characterized by a string of beaches along its entire coastline and coastal marshlands bordering Ream National Park in the east. The city is traversed by one navigable river, the mangrove-lined Ou Trojak Jet, which runs from Otres Pagoda to the sea at Otres. Several sparsely inhabited islands under Sihanoukville’s administration add to the city’s diverse landscape.

The Sihanoukville Autonomous Port stands as the cornerstone of the city’s economy. As Cambodia’s only deep-water port, it includes an oil terminal and a transport logistics facility. The port area is a hive of activity, hosting numerous shipping companies, freight forwarders, suppliers, and maintenance contractors. The importance of this maritime gateway is underscored by the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville transport corridor, which accounts for approximately 75 percent of Cambodia’s trade traffic.

While the port dominates the economic landscape, Sihanoukville’s economy is diversified across several sectors. The fishing industry, including aquaculture and frozen shrimp processing, contributes significantly to the local economy. The garment industry has also established a strong presence in the city, providing employment opportunities for many residents.

Food production and processing form another vital component of Sihanoukville’s economic tapestry. These industries not only cater to local demand but also contribute to the city’s export potential. The growth of these sectors has been instrumental in driving the city’s overall economic development and providing a range of employment opportunities for its residents.

Tourism has emerged as a burgeoning industry in Sihanoukville, transforming the city into Cambodia’s primary coastal tourism destination. The city’s natural beauty, with its pristine beaches and nearby islands, has been a major draw for both domestic and international tourists. This growth in tourism has spurred the development of a robust service sector, with numerous hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues catering to visitors’ needs.

The tourism boom has had a ripple effect on the local real estate market. As demand for accommodation and commercial spaces has increased, property development has surged, changing the city’s skyline and creating new opportunities for investment. This growth has not been without challenges, however, as the city grapples with balancing development with environmental conservation and maintaining its unique charm.

In recent years, Sihanoukville has also gained notoriety as a gambling destination. The proliferation of casinos has brought both economic benefits and social challenges to the city. While these establishments have contributed to economic growth and employment, they have also raised concerns about social issues and the need for responsible gaming practices.

The city’s infrastructure has developed to support its growing economy and population. Sihanouk International Airport, formerly known as Kang Keng Airport, plays a crucial role in connecting the city to both domestic and international destinations. Located in Ream Commune, approximately 18 kilometers from Sihanoukville City, the airport has seen a significant increase in traffic, particularly from China. As of July 2019, there were close to 200 flights per week from China to Sihanoukville, highlighting the growing economic and tourism ties between the two countries.

Accommodation options in Sihanoukville have expanded to meet the demands of its growing tourism industry. The city boasts around 150 regular hotels across various price categories, complemented by numerous guesthouses. This range of options caters to different types of travelers, from budget-conscious backpackers to luxury seekers.

Sihanoukville’s nightlife is a reflection of its status as a tropical seaside resort. The area between the Golden Lion Plaza and the Ochheuteal/Serendipity Beaches forms the central tourist hub, offering a variety of entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy beachside bars, restaurants, and clubs, creating a vibrant atmosphere that contributes to the city’s appeal as a tourist destination.

However, the rapid development and influx of foreign investment, particularly in the gambling sector, have brought challenges. In 2023, reports emerged of Sihanoukville becoming a center for fraud factories, where human trafficking victims were forced to work in “pig butchering” scams. This development followed the closure of many of the city’s casinos due to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the vulnerabilities in the city’s economic structure and the need for diversification and stronger regulatory frameworks.