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  Sihanouk-Ville (Kampong Som)  
  Sihanouk-Ville, with a population of some 18,000 people, is Cambodia's coastal gem. The clear, emerald-green Gulf of Thailand Laps placidly onto powdery, white sand beaches. Coconut palms and casuarinas trees line the shore, swaying gently in refreshing onshore breezes. Grassy bluffs rise over the waters' edge. Uninhabited islands-perfect for snorkeling, hiking and picnicking -dot the seas offshore. The sun sets can be spectacular. Sihanouk-Ville (or Kampong Som, as it is often called) is the postcard-perfect tropical beach getaway.Only 230 kilometers from the capital Phnom Penh, a short three-hour journey by rented car or bus, highway number 4 from Phnom Penh has been totally rebuilt and is decidedly the country's best stretch of pavement. Outside Phnom Penh, neon-green rice fields reach for the horizon, before giving way to the lush Elephant Mountains. On the other side await cool sea breezes, crystal-clear waters, international-class accommodations and seafood revered throughout Asia, if not the world. All this in Cambodia.

 
  Sihanouk-Ville, is the only developed area along Cambodia's 354 kilometers of coastline. Though one can hardly call this quaint, sleepy coastal community truly developed. The town rests on a grassy, windswept headland ringed by sandy white beaches. The four beaches most popular with tourists are Sokha Beach, Independence Beach, Victory Beach and Ocheteal Beach, Of the four, Sokha is perhaps the most popular. Even at high tide, there's plenty of sand left for stretching out and sunning or grilling freshly-caught crab over an open fire. Both Ocheteal Beach and Victory Beach are better visited at low tide, when there's plenty of sand for seashell hunting and tidal pool exploring. visited at low tide, when there's plenty of sand for seashell hunting and tidal pool exploring. Independence Beach was once a coastal playground for Phnom Penh's before the Independence Hotel (the old Hilton) was gutted by the Khmer Rouge. But, today-with peace in Cambodia- the beach has regained its popularity with both local and foreign tourists alike.
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  Close to Sihanouk-Ville is the government-protected Preah Sihanouk ''Ream National Park", which includes the lush islands of Koh Thmei and Koh Ses. Other popular islands close to Sihanouk-Ville include Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. Although the beaches and water-sports are Sihanouk-Ville's biggest draw, visits are in order to the town's bustling market and to Sihanouk-Ville's colorful fishing port. Visitors can also hike to the summit of 132-meter -high Sihanouk-Ville Mountain for fantastic views for fantastic views of the coastline and to explore hilltop Wat Leu. Wat khrom also makes for a nice visit and commands panoramic vistas of Gulf of Thailand.

 
  Sihanouk-Ville is a must in Cambodia, and Angkor Horizon Travel can take you there.