Sihanoukville Shore Excursion: Fishing Port, Waterfall & Temples

Summary

Local Life & Hidden Gems on a Sihanoukville Cruise Tour

If you want an authentic taste of Sihanoukville beyond your cruise ship, this tour packs it in—fishing port action at dawn, waterfalls hidden in jungle, bustling markets full of color (and smells!), peaceful pagodas with sweeping views, plus time for real local food and even a quick beach break.

What’s the experience like?

The day kicked off early with the salty air at Tumnuk Rolok Fishing Port. We watched the fishermen haul in their catch—some still half-asleep from working all night. Nets were everywhere, draped over wooden boats or spread out to dry. The smell of fresh fish mixed with diesel from the engines. Our guide, Dara, pointed out which boats belonged to families who’d been fishing here for generations. I snapped a few photos of kids chasing each other between crates of squid and shrimp.

Leaving town behind, we bumped along narrow roads toward Kbal Chhay Waterfall. It’s not far—maybe 30 minutes—but you feel the city fade away fast. The falls themselves are tucked into thick green forest; you hear them before you see them. In July, after a rainstorm, the water really roars down. Locals set up little stands selling grilled corn and iced sugarcane juice—perfect if you’re thirsty after climbing over slippery rocks. On weekends, Cambodian families picnic here under blue tarps and laugh over big baskets of food.

Back in Sihanoukville proper, Phsar Leu Central Market is loud and busy. You’ll see piles of dragonfruit next to buckets of live crabs and stalls selling cheap T-shirts or gold jewelry. I tried a skewer of something spicy (still not sure what it was) and watched an old woman expertly fillet fish right on her stall’s wooden counter. If you want souvenirs or just to people-watch, this is the spot.

Lunch was at Starfish Café—a quiet garden spot where we could sit outside under shade trees and use the free WiFi for a bit. The place supports locals with disabilities; our server told us about their training program while we sipped strong Cambodian coffee. Some folks went for a quick massage inside before we moved on.

Next up: Wat Leu pagoda sits high above town surrounded by forest. Monks in orange robes swept leaves from the steps as we arrived. From the top, you get a hazy view across Sihanoukville all the way to the sea—on clear days you can spot fishing boats heading back in. We also stopped at Wat Krom with its rows of Buddha statues and incense drifting through the air.

Before heading back to port, Dara took us out to a small village just outside town—wooden houses on stilts, chickens scratching around underfoot, kids waving as we passed by. It felt peaceful compared to downtown’s buzz. Last stop: a quiet stretch of white sand beach where we dipped our toes in warm water and let the sea breeze wash off some of the day’s heat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sihanoukville Shore Excursion Highlights

• Visit Tumnuk Rolok Fishing Port
• Explore Kbal Chhay Waterfall
• Tour Phsar Leu Central Market
• Lunch or coffee break at local café
• Visit Wat Leu and Wat Krom Pagodas
• Village visit and relax at sandy beach

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Yes! Kids are welcome as long as they're with two paying adults—the market and waterfall are especially fun for families.

What should I wear?

A light shirt and long pants work best since you'll visit temples (formal dress code). Bring comfy shoes for walking on uneven ground.

Can I join if my ship arrives late?

If your cruise schedule changes last minute, just let us know—we'll do our best to adjust pickup times so you don't miss out.

Are meals included?

Lunch isn't included but we'll stop at trusted local spots like Starfish Café or Sandan Restaurant where you can order safely.

What’s included

Your English-speaking local guide will meet you at Gate 1 of Sihanoukville Cruise Port (or your hotel), handle all transport and fees, plus keep cold bottled water handy throughout the trip.