“Breathtaking” Excursion from Sihanoukville, Cambodia

There are few exotic attractions in the only local town called Sihanoukville; however, some tiny firms propose to go to the islands to see turtles and dolphins. So, we came.

Two hours on board of a frail, creaking, wood antique “speed-boat” which jumped on the waves up and down.

Excursion from Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

On board of the ship during excursion from Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

Some of «sea dogs» felt sick.

On board of the ship during excursion from Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

Excursion from Sihanoukville. Cambodia

When we asked where the dolphins are, the team gave us quite a logic answer: “There is no guarantees. It depends on themselves.” So we decided to don’t ask about turtles.

Then they dropped us off on the littered island with impoverished fishing village as an attraction…

Fishing village, Cambodia.

Fishing village. Cambodia.

…and gave the lunch which was brought with them (rice and some kind of a national soup were really delicious).

And finally the highlight of the show: snorkeling and diving behind the nearby cape. Plenty of sea urchins on the rocks, a few fish and crabs… Only those who have never been under the sea could be impressed!

Excursion from Sihanoukville. Snorkeling in Cambodia.

After the lunch they suggested to choose: the second round of snorkeling in another location (as if it is even cooler than it was just now), or relaxation on the island in the hammock between the palms near the roaring compressor endlessly pumping the scuba tanks for the next divers. 🙂

Also they promised an incredible sand beach. I guess, this one…

Excursion to the islands from Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The beach.

Excursion to the island from Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The beach.

We stayed on the island to enjoy the sound of compressor. Indeed, my mask—Red Sea snorkeling veteran—burst out laughing after the second proposal to admire the local “beautiful” underwater life.

Excursion to the islands from Sihanoukville

After the second try, divers came back in pensive mood.

Then, we had two hours of the way back to Sihanoukville; however, with smaller pitching, and finally our “breathtaking” excursion came to an end.

Excursion to the islands from Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

Conclusion: If you have ever been on the Red Sea, or on the Maldives, you have nothing to do underwater in Cambodia, at least in Sihanoukville. It’s a lost time, although almost for free.

Unburden your suitcase. Do not take your snorkeling mask to Cambodia!

More from Cambodia:
Banteay Srey: Genuine Cambodian Woman
Ta Keo: Talking with the Temple
Temple and its Killer

46 thoughts on ““Breathtaking” Excursion from Sihanoukville, Cambodia”

  2. Ok thank you Victor for responding.
    Unfortunately, my birthday is in September as well, and want to have a fancy meal in Siem Reap. Some friends recommended the following restaurants; Tonle Sap, Tonle Mekong and the Tonle Chaktomuk. Do you know them by any chance? And if not in which one have you been?

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  3. Unfortunately I am not kidding. Everyone likes something else, so I want more sides of the stories. I love to hear about other peoples holidays. I will read your stories as well, but there popped up a questions about restaurants into my head. I will celebrate my birthday in September when we are in Siem Reap. Could you recommend some hotels that are more fancy?
    Thank you.

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  4. I am going to Cambodia on September this year. Besides Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam are also listed to be visited. But still I have a question about a hotel you might have seen during your visit in Siem Reap. I booked the following hotel: Tara Angkor Hotel. You know if it is a good hotel? I heard good stories about it. What are the best attractions to visit in Siem Reap and in the surrounding?

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  11. Hey Victor, hope you dont mind, i have nominated you to participate in travel photo contest:)
    More info here: travellingcorner.com/capture-the-colour-five-colours-contest/

    Hoep you yoin the contest, i bet you can find many great photos to participate;
    all the best Nina

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  12. The boat is massive compared to the one we took from Da Nang to a small island in the South China Sea. We used buckets to keep it afloat but had a great BBQ on the island.

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  13. Travel brochures really got it wrong on this location. I had a pen pal from Cambodia a long while ago, and he sent me photos of the place which were so intriguing. The statuary and architecture were really interesting and detailed. The natural spots lush and beautiful. I guess you needed a better landing spot. The rocky beach was just like in my recent Maine vacation. I did like it better than sand though.

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  15. Always a thrilling experience riding something squeaking or crossing a path that’s old. I usually brave it up when it comes to those.
    I have a good number of friends that are from Cambodia, and I have been wondering what it’s like over there. Thanks for the pics.
    You really have that hat! Hehe.

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  16. Ah boat excursions in South East Asia, they are never quite as good as they are promised to be. We went on one of the “luxury” boats at Halong Bay in Vietnam, and it certainly was nice except that our cabin was over run with cockroaches. After finding one crawling above my head on the pillow we didn’t sleep much that night. It’s much funnier in hindsight than it was at the time, but I think it is always those kind of travel experiences that make for the best and most memorable stories 🙂

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  19. Reminds me of some of my experiences in India. In that part of the world, you really need to take everything people say with a grain of salt, especially if it’s something that you end up paying money for 🙂

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  21. Victor, my heart sank to the bottom of my boots when I read this post. Thank God for your wonderful, dry sense of humour! What a terrible anti-climax for all those that took the ‘Breath taking’ trip. Great photos as always. My favourite was the limpet on the rock!! 🙂

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