A review of the Japanese KiHa 183 series train that operates between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. In 2024 the Royal Railway of Cambodia acquired 11 KiHa 183 series train carriages from JR Hokkaido in Japan. The trains were converted from 1067mm gauge to metre gauge, and a test service began on the Phnom Penh to […]
Notes on Sihanoukville – After the gold rush
Sihanoukville is a beach/port city on the coast of Cambodia. From an international tourism perspective, it was known as a backpacker haven and for retired expats drinking in girlie bars. In the space of about five years, Sihanoukville was transformed almost entirely into a Chinese casino resort destination. I was last in Sihanoukville in January […]
Sihanoukville – The New Macau of Southeast Asia
“Guess how many casinos are in Sihanoukville”, my taxi driver asked as we drove from the train station. “20”, I said with confidence. I had read a news report about it recently and I felt certain with my answer, even though it seemed like a ridiculously high number. “55”, he said. I don’t know if […]
Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by train
The railway line from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville was reopened for passenger services in 2016 after 14 years of being out of action. I’ve been to Phnom Penh numerous times and I have always admired the old train station, hoping that one day that train services would resume. If you want to ride the only […]
The Villa, Sihanoukville – Cambodia
Guesthouse Name: The Villa Address: Karaoke Street 333, Sihanoukville, Cambodia I stayed at The Villa in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. I booked it for its location in Sihanoukville. I wasn’t looking for a beach hotel so it didn’t matter that this was a bit inland of the beach. As the name suggests, the hotel/guesthouse is in a […]
Otres Orchid Beach Resort – bamboo bungalows in Otres Beach, Sihanoukville
Guesthouse Name: Otres Orchid Beach Resort Address: Otres Beach, Sihanoukville, Cambodia [EDIT: This place has closed and Otres Beach has been completely redeveloped, so this page is left as a historical archive.] I stayed at the Otres Orchid Beach Resort in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. This is in Otres Beach, which is at the far end of […]
