retreats

Sihanoukville has stunning white sand beaches, budget guesthouses, rustic outdoor beachfront restaurants, a national park and diving excursions to nearby islands

Main: Rabbit Island, Kep

Clockwise from Bottom Left: Guesthouse, Kep Brise De Kep curry, Kep Ruined Mansion, Kep Serendipity Beach, Sihanoukville

Kampot sunset

Serendipity Beach, Sihanoukville Kep Beach Crab Market, Kep Sunset, Independence Beach, Sihanoukville

Travel noTebook C AMBODIA’S COASTAL RESORT TOWNS

G ETTING THERE Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Thai Airways or Vietnam Airlines fly to Cambodia. Jetstar Asia and Bangkok Airways also fly there. From Phnom Penh buses depart frequently for both Sihanoukville and Kep. Journey time is under 4 hours. Many travellers also arrive in Sihanoukville by bus from Bangkok, taking around 9 hours. Kep is very close to Vietnam and travelling onto Phu Quoc Island is highly recommended.

W HERE TO STAy The top beachfront choice in Sihanoukville in the 1960s, the Independence Hotel has been given a stylish redo. 855-34-943-300; www.independencehotel.net In Kep, Kep Lodge provides bicycles, and meals taken in the open air dining room are a highlight. 855-092-435-330; www.keplodge.com Other choices include the Beach House, La Villa de Monsieur Thomas a restored colonial villa, and the Veranda Natural Resort.

W HERE TO EAT Hawker markets are lively, great fun and provide an excellent introduction to Malaysian cuisine. KK is one of Malaysia’s most ethnically diverse cities, reflected in the variety of cuisines available including Malay, Indonesian, Filipino, Chinese, Indian and local dishes from Sabah, including jungle ferns.

TIP

Take crisp US dollars in small denominations since most restaurants, hotels etc., charge in US currency. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Canby Publications has free guides available from hotels with maps and info.