Sihanoukville – An exciting new addition to some Far-East cruise itineraries….

So, you’ve been to Thailand or Singapore before, and you want something different?  Well why not go on a cruise incorporating the developing town of Sihanoukville, in Cambodia?

An increasing number of cruise lines (currently 12) are now visiting Sihanoukville, including popular mainstream brands such as Holland America, Marella and NCL, plus some of the ultra-luxury brands such as Crystal, Seabourn and Silversea.  Visits by cruise ship are possible from August right through to May (avoiding the rainier months of June and July), and no-one will be stuck for options regarding what to do whilst in port.  Choices include a visit to the historical colonial town of Kampot, or the bustling capital city of Phnom Penh, located on the mighty Mekong river, with the infamous school-turned-detention centre ‘Tuol Sleng’, and the memorial located at the site of the ‘Killing Fields’.

Killing Fields Memorial / Boat racing on the Mekong river:

But the real hidden gems are the offshore islands, including Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem, which are only a 45-minute speedboat transfer away, and boast some of the best beaches in the whole of South-east Asia.

The white sands of Sok San Beach, Koh Rong:

Here you can find a hidden paradise, akin to what you would have found maybe 30 years ago in Thailand, before mass tourism took hold.  Walk just a few minutes inland from the beautiful beaches, and you can hear the calls of monkeys and exotic birds.  But why not just kick-back and savour one of the unspoiled beaches (possibly completely to yourself?!)

The golden sands of Lazy Beach, Koh Rong Sanloem:

So next time you fancy cruising somewhere that little bit different, why not check the upcoming Far East Itineraries, and try to make sure that Sihanoukville is on the list of ports to be visited?  I sincerely recommend it!