Hi everyone,

So I decided to take a break from everything and would like a beach escape elsewhere, not in Viet Nam, my country. I have been thinking of Sihanoukville as an ideal place with beautiful beaches and maybe a peaceful atmostphere. But from what I have been reading here, it does not really what it seems. As I will be travelling alone and this is the first time I take such a long break in one place, I would appreciate a lot if you could help me with some information.

My concerns are:
1. Safety. I have seen posts about gangs, and crimes and most recently the Australian lady's rape case. It happens just everywhere, I know but is it that dangerous? I mean is it that easy to get robbed like in Phnom Penh? Many of my expat friends have been robbed, whether it is their bags or mobile phones. Is it safe to go out at night? I am not into partying or clubbing as I am travelling alone but I also would like to have some light drinks from time to time. Can I buy chilli spray somewhere? It is banned in Viet Nam so I can not get it from here.
2. Accomodation. Is it possible to find a safe and clean place for rent at 200-250 USD/month? I have looked at some real estates site but they are either overpriced or of very bad quality. Which area shall be good to stay? I would like it to be near the beach but I would also not want to end up in the middle of nowhere, citing poems all by myself
3. What kind of currency is used in Sihanoukville? Is it possible to withdraw US dollars like in Phnom Penh? Should I bring some Riels or USD will be fine? Are there many places that accept debit or credit cards?
4. Is there any other place for yoga other than Vagabond Temple? Is there a good gym in town with a personal coach?
5. What are the available transportation there? Are there city buses? Are taxis and tuks tuks reliable?

Thank a million,

Cheers :

1. Everywhere is as safe as you let it be. Snookie is not an old folks home consisting of angels, nor is it bloods vs. crips territory. You can buy pepper spray but all the data says you're as likely to spray yourself as your attacker.
2. Not much of a budget for 1 month's accommodation is it? You can do well on a long-term lease for that cash but you're looking at fairly yucky guesthouses short-term.
3. US Dollars and Cambodian Riel same as the whole country. Yes, ATMs give dollars. No credit cards and debit cards are not widely accepted.
4. Who knows? Yoga's not very good for your spine.
5. Bus, tuk-tuk, taxi, etc.

traveller wrote: 2. Accomodation. Is it possible to find a safe and clean place for rent at 200-250 USD/month? I have looked at some real estates site but they are either overpriced or of very bad quality. Which area shall be good to stay? I would like it to be near the beach but I would also not want to end up in the middle of nowhere, citing poems all by myself

For that amount you could try Charlie Harpers http://www.charlieharpersbar.com/ which seems to get a good rap. I think OD stayed there at one time and might add some more info.

4. Is there any other place for yoga other than Vagabond Temple? Is there a good gym in town with a personal coach?

Try Charlie Harpers ?
Just kidding.

OP they are looking for people to work at this yoga place: http://www.workaway.info/656581191425-en.html

Or this place has a gym and yoga:

http://www.thisamericangirl.com/2014/06 ... ike-otres/

Footprints
$5 for dorm bed, $15-$25 for private
Otres II

Footprints is a mecca for young traveling beach bums. It has a great location at the end of Otres II with a big beach bar and lounge. The rooms are clean and the facilities are pretty incredible including a boxing gym, a lounge with daybeds and flat screen televisions, and while I was there they had daily yoga classes overlooking the beach. I met a lot of great people here, especially the long term work traders. Even if you don’t stay, be sure to come on Friday night for $5 BBQ, music, and socializing. Every night of the week that have a great selection of Western and local food, even hummus with raw veggies.

Beaches: http://www.sihanoukville-cambodia.com/a ... aches.html

my apartment only costs $110 + Bills, for $250 you can get somewhere pretty decent but the best way to do it is hire a bike out, explore and find somewhere that suits you, theres plenty of accommodation
theres a few different beaches in sihanoukville
serendipity is where all the backpackers are, cheap food and drinks, theres also the golden lion square if you want a few drinks, lots of ladies there to have a drink with
theres victory hill which also has a beach, can get some cheap accommodation there and lots of bars, tends to be more of an expat area, also has plenty of ladies to keep you company and friendly expats too
i think in between them there is independant beach but ive never ventured down to there, my apartment is in downtown not far from Snookys bar, great location as its only 5 minutes to anywhere on my bike

TheGrinchSR wrote:1. Everywhere is as safe as you let it be. Snookie is not an old folks home consisting of angels, nor is it bloods vs. crips territory. You can buy pepper spray but all the data says you're as likely to spray yourself as your attacker.
2. Not much of a budget for 1 month's accommodation is it? You can do well on a long-term lease for that cash but you're looking at fairly yucky guesthouses short-term.
3. US Dollars and Cambodian Riel same as the whole country. Yes, ATMs give dollars. No credit cards and debit cards are not widely accepted.
4. Who knows? Yoga's not very good for your spine.
5. Bus, tuk-tuk, taxi, etc.

Couldn't have put it better myself mate

Kangaroo Kitchen has cheap rooms by the small market and around the cornet from CH. They are usually full so its good to check first. Its downtown and not near the beach, but motos are cheap. For on the beach you could check some of the places out at Otres beach as it is going on low season, they may bring their price down and they are right on the beach, but out of town.