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Published: April 10th 2009
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And what a pleasant surprise it was to find Sihanoukville (Which I still can't say properly!) after Phnom Phen at the end of the rainbow/country. It's basically Cambodia's version of southern Thailand and rightly so. After spending nearly 6 weeks inland it was great to get back to the ocean again.
There are some great beaches there, even greater sunsets and nice selection of good food to choose from. Well worth a visit, just make sure you check out some of the other beaches and islands in the area too if you decided to go, there even better! Two things in particular stood out for me about this beachside town and unfortunately they were both bad! Now, don't get me wrong as it’s a great little town but there was rubbish everywhere (even on the beautiful beach)s and loads of people on the beach trying to sell you anything and everything.
One day I was even on a snorkelling trip to a few different islands and I was literally picking up pieces of rubbish out of the water as we were cruising along between them. So sad, because it’s such a nice place. Also I did hear of a
couple of foreign girls who were actually working locally and helping out, apparently the story goes that they get up early each morning and comb the beach themselves for rubbish... If it's true, I'd hate to see it if they didn't do it.
In terms of all the people on the beaches, some were actually selling things (everything from books to massages to lobsters) but I would say the majority were begging. You had to be really careful about who you did and didn't give something too. You see they are trying to keep the local kids in school and its frowned upon if you help them out, which is really hard because they seem to be the ones who need it the most.
In hindsight I guess it’s a reflection on the country and its economic position generally. Cambodia has really only opened up to tourists in the last 10-15 years and there still trying to get on their feet. The poverty in my opinion is even worse in Cambodia than it was in Laos (which was a surprise) and they still have a long way to go.
On a somewhat lighter note, you'll notice a
lot of pictures or me relaxing on beaches.. these are the beaches both north and south of the town and even a few shots from the nearby islands. Once you got out and did a bit of exploring there really was some great little areas. Sihanoukville is definitely a good place to go for a few days if you need to relax a bit after being in Cambodia (or Laos!). Three hot tips include, Bamboo Island (this is a day trip), Otress Beach (to the north) and a little private beach just 500m south of Sihanoukville which I don't know the name of. All worth a lazy afternoon or two on, trust me.
Now on a somewhat 'shitty' note... (noticed how I saved this till last), I actually lost all my credit cards and licence there too. It was a real pain in the backside and I think it was my fault too which didn't help. I went out one night and had a few too many drinks... anyway long story short, the next day I couldn't find my cards etc.. I think they slipped out of my shorts etc somewhere along the line that night. I went back
to the three places I was at the next day and even had a chat to the local police but no luck. Ha, you know you’re in trouble when you rock up to the police station (baywatch style, actually on the beach) when there all totally pissed of their heads at 11am in the morning hey! I offered a 'reward/bribe' but it didn't help. Luckily I was still travelling with Carla so she helped me out and got me cashed up again..
So in summary, definitely check out Sihanoukville, make sure you go exploring outside of town and look after your stuff if you go a drinking!
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