Full Day City Tour with A Boat Trip to 2 Islands

Sihanoukville’s best feature is the quick change from town to open sea. One hour you are looking at fishing boats and floating houses, and soon after you are aboard a traditional 40-foot fishing vessel, heading toward Koh Chalous and Koh Takeiv. The boat on some outings has been powered by two car engines, an unusual local touch.

I like the mix of local life and island time. The market and pagoda give you a look at Sihanoukville beyond its beaches, while fishing, snorkeling, swimming, and a beach BBQ fill out the sea portion. I also like that drinks, safety gear, transport, and lunch are included, so the $110 price is easier to judge.

The main caution is that the private-tour wording needs checking before you book. One account found a group setting and reached only one of the two advertised islands, so confirm the boat arrangement and island plan if those details matter to you.

Key points to know before booking

• A traditional fishing boat: Some outings use a 40-foot vessel powered by two car engines, giving the trip a distinctly local feel.
• Two very different parts of Sihanoukville: You visit a fishing village and floating houses, then Phsar Leu Market and Wat Leu Pagoda.
• Sea activities included: Snorkeling, fishing, lifejackets, first-aid kits, and unlimited drinks on the boat are covered.
• A full beach lunch: The BBQ includes squid, shrimp, chicken, beef, bread, rice, and fresh fruit.
• A tight port schedule: You are expected back at the ship by 4:00 PM, with the boat due at Otres Pier around 2:20 PM.
• Not ideal for everyone: Non-swimmers, people prone to seasickness, and anyone with food allergies should think twice.

From the port gate to Sihanoukville’s local side

Your day begins outside the main port at Gate 1. If you arrive from a ship, take the free shuttle bus from the ship to Gate 1, then walk about five minutes to meet the guide. The guide holds a sign with your name, which makes the meeting point fairly easy to spot.

The first stops show you a side of Sihanoukville that can be missed on a beach-only outing. At a fishing village, you see working boats and floating houses. This is not a polished attraction built for photographs. It is a brief look at how people connected to the sea live and work, and it gives the island trip some useful context.

Transport is included, but the exact vehicle is not fixed in the details provided. One past outing began with a private tuk-tuk pickup, while the standard port plan uses transport to the city and Otres Pier. If you have a large amount of luggage or need a particular type of vehicle, ask ahead.

The boat ride to Koh Chalous

From the fishing village, the route continues to Otres Pier. Here you board the boat for Koh Chalous. The boat ride is a major part of the experience, not just a transfer between stops.

The traditional fishing boat used on some trips is about 40 feet long and has been described as running on two car engines. That detail tells you what kind of day this is: local and practical, rather than a sleek luxury cruise. You should expect a working-style boat and an open-water outing, not a resort vessel with a quiet cabin and polished fittings.

Fishing takes place from the boat, and the catch can become part of lunch. That is a particularly nice touch when conditions cooperate. It gives the meal a connection to the sea instead of making the BBQ feel like food brought in from somewhere else.

Unlimited soft drinks, beer, and mineral water are included on the boat. This is useful in Cambodia’s heat, though you still need to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a change of clothes. The rules prohibit smoking, alcohol and drugs, and littering, so the included beer should be understood within the operator’s rules and responsible-use expectations.

Snorkeling and fishing around Koh Chalous

Koh Chalous is the first island stop named in the route. The activities here are snorkeling and fishing, with equipment provided for snorkeling. You may bring your own gear if you prefer a familiar mask or snorkel.

The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, and that warning matters. Even if you plan to spend most of your time sitting on the boat, the activity is built around the water. Ask the guide about conditions if you are not a confident swimmer, and use the supplied lifejacket when appropriate.

Snorkeling quality depends on sea conditions, visibility, and the exact stop chosen that day. The tour promises access to the water, not a particular type of marine life or a protected reef. You should book it for the combination of boat time, swimming, fishing, and scenery rather than for a guaranteed underwater spectacle.

This is also the point where seasickness can become an issue. If you are prone to it, take sensible precautions before boarding and stay aware that the day involves several hours around the sea. The boat carries first-aid kits and lifejackets, but those do not replace preparation.

Koh Takeiv and the beach BBQ

After the water activities, the boat continues to Koh Takeiv. The island is described as having a beautiful sandy beach, and the plan is to swim and relax there. This gives the day a slower middle section after the movement and activity around Koh Chalous.

Lunch is served on the beach. The BBQ menu includes squid, shrimp, chicken, beef, bread, rice, and fresh fruit. Soft drinks, beer, and mineral water are included, so you do not need to buy lunch or carry a full picnic.

I like this meal arrangement because it makes good use of the setting. You eat by the water, then have time to swim or sit on the sand. Still, food allergies are listed as a reason not to book, and that warning should be taken seriously. The menu includes seafood, meat, and several items prepared as part of a group meal. Ask about ingredients before booking if you have any allergy or dietary restriction.

The published timing has you leave Koh Takeiv at 1:30 PM and reach Otres Pier at about 2:20 PM. That is a firm part of the day, so your time on the beach will not be open-ended. You get a useful swim and lunch stop, but not an entire afternoon at the island.

How private is the boat trip?

The experience is presented as a private boat trip, but you should not assume that means a private day for only you and your companions. One past account found the outing operated as a group tour. That distinction affects the feel of the day, especially at the beach, during lunch, and while using shared snorkeling equipment.

I would ask two direct questions before paying: Is the boat reserved only for my booking, and are both Koh Chalous and Koh Takeiv planned stops on that date? The advertised route includes both islands, but one outing reached only one of them. Weather, sea conditions, timing, or local operating decisions may affect the plan, but you should know what flexibility exists.

This is not a reason to reject the tour. A shared boat can keep the price reasonable and make the day more social. It simply means that private boat should be confirmed rather than taken at face value.

Phsar Leu Market and Wat Leu Pagoda

After returning to Otres Pier, the land portion continues to Phsar Leu local market. You have time to buy souvenirs and see an everyday market rather than a purpose-built tourist shop.

The stop is fairly practical. If you want gifts, carry cash and keep your purchases modest enough to manage during the remaining sightseeing. Personal expenses are not included, so anything you buy is on your own budget.

The final major stop is Wat Leu Pagoda. Its appeal here is the view over Sihanoukville. After a day at sea, the pagoda gives you a different way to understand the town, with the port, roads, and built-up areas spread out below.

You should dress in comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking, and remember that a pagoda is a religious site. The tour information does not give a detailed dress code, so modest beach-to-temple clothing is the sensible choice. A swimsuit and towel are useful on the islands, but you will want something suitable for the town and pagoda afterward.

Timing, transport, and the return to your ship

The full experience lasts about seven hours. The stated end point is back at the meeting point, and the planned return to the ship is by 4:00 PM.

That makes this especially useful for a port day, but it also leaves little room for delays. The boat is expected back at Otres Pier around 2:20 PM, followed by the market and pagoda visits. If your ship has a strict all-aboard time, verify the return plan and allow a margin for road traffic.

The free shuttle from the ship to Gate 1 is helpful, but you are responsible for reaching the correct port gate at the start. Wear shoes that handle walking, and do not count on spending the whole day barefoot on the sand. The tour includes a cold face towel, which is a small but welcome comfort in the heat.

Is $110 a fair price?

At $110 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Sihanoukville. The value comes from how much is bundled into one day: port transport, a guide, a boat trip, snorkeling, fishing, drinks, a beach BBQ, a market visit, and a pagoda stop.

If you arranged each piece separately, you would need to organize transport from the port, find a boat, obtain snorkeling equipment, buy food and drinks, and keep track of the return time. For a cruise passenger, that convenience has real value.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a quiet beach day. You are paying for the city stops and the island activities, not just for time on Koh Takeiv. It is also less appealing if the two-island route or private-boat setup is not confirmed.

A rating of 4.4 from 10 published ratings suggests a generally positive experience, but the small number of ratings calls for sensible expectations. The strongest parts are the boat outing, fishing, beach lunch, and friendly guiding. The weak point is the gap that can occur between the advertised private two-island plan and the actual group itinerary.

What to bring for a smoother day

Pack a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, beachwear, a towel, a change of clothes, and a camera. Snacks are also recommended, even though lunch and drinks are included. Bring cash for the market and any personal purchases.

Your camera should be ready for the floating houses, the boat ride, the islands, and the view from Wat Leu Pagoda. Keep it protected from spray and sand. A waterproof pouch is sensible, though one is not listed as included.

Snorkeling gear is provided, but you may bring your own. Comfortable clothes and walking shoes matter more than fancy beach gear because the day switches between port, village, boat, sand, market, and temple.

Who should book this Sihanoukville tour?

I would recommend this to you if you want one organized day that combines local sights with time at sea. It suits active visitors who are comfortable swimming, fishing, walking, and moving between several locations.

It is also a good fit for cruise passengers who want a planned return to the ship rather than arranging several independent rides. The guide speaks English, and a German-speaking guide may be available on request.

I would not choose it for a non-swimmer, someone who often gets seasick, or anyone with a serious food allergy. It is also not suited to very young children: babies under one year and children under 90 centimeters are excluded. People with altitude sickness are listed as unsuitable too, though the day itself is not an inland high-altitude activity.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if the appeal is the full mix: fishing village, floating houses, a traditional boat, snorkeling, fishing, beach swimming, BBQ lunch, market shopping, and a pagoda view. The food, drinks, transport, and activities make $110 reasonable for a tightly organized port day.

Before booking, confirm the two points that can change the experience most: whether the boat is truly private and whether both islands will be visited. If the operator confirms those details and you are comfortable in the water, this is a well-filled way to see Sihanoukville from both land and sea. If you want guaranteed solitude or a long, unhurried stay on one beach, choose a simpler island trip instead.

FAQ

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet the guide outside the main port at Gate 1. The guide will hold a sign with your name. From your ship, take the free shuttle bus to Gate 1, then walk about five minutes to the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. The planned return to the ship is by 4:00 PM.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The planned route includes Koh Chalous and Koh Takeiv. You should confirm the day’s island plan and boat arrangement before booking, since the actual route can differ.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The beach BBQ includes squid, shrimp, chicken, beef, bread, rice, and fresh fruit. Soft drinks, beer, and mineral water are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear, lifejackets, and first-aid kits are provided. You may bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.