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Cambodia

Nestled between Thailand and Vietnam in the east of the Gulf of Siam are the islands and short coastline of Cambodia.

Certainly one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret cruising destinations, this coastline and 32 islands are a bonus to yachts cruising through the region.

Sparsely populated silica sand beaches line the mainland and the offshore islands, away from Sihanoukville proper. Safe, accessible and relatively cheap, the country has recently invited Chinese investment into its coastal tourism in a massive way.

Sihanoukville International Airport serves direct flights to many mainland Chinese hubs, Hong Kong, Kunming, Bangkok and Singapore, as well as locally to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Check-in procedures

10 kilometres south of the Thai border, Koh Kong gives the province its name with town and island joined by a bridge. Cruising yachts coming from Thailand can anchor at Koh Kong, where the Cambodian Tourist office will assist with transport to the border post where entry is simple.

Alternatively, clearance is easier further south at Sihanoukville, the main port and harbour for Cambodia, where the authorities are again allowing yachts to check in, after a few years of making yachts backtrack to Koh Kong. Located on the southern headland of Kampong Saom Bay, and protected by a massive rectangular breakwater just north of Sihanoukville town, is the country’s main commercial port.

Visiting yachts are advised not to steam into the port but proceed another mile south to Victory Beach. The KAMSAB (Kampuchea Shipping and Brokerage) check-in building is up the hill just behind the concrete pier.

We recommend pre-obtained visas for crew and passengers (visit www.evisa.gov.kh). Application for visa on arrival without permission is possible but can cost up to $150 per head for processing on the spot. Visiting yachts and crew are given a 30-day visa on arrival. Currently there are currently no restrictions on destinations or itinerary.

A casino ship anchored just outside the Sihanoukville port | Photo by Bill O’Leary

Anchorages in Cambodia

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<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-style: normal;"> Kampong Saom Port | by Bill O'Leary</p>

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<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-style: normal;"> Song Saa Private Island | by Bill O’Leary</p>

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Fifteen miles offshore are the dozen islands of the Koh Rong Group. Koh Rong is the second largest in the country behind Koh Kong at the Thai border. The main island has four small villages: Koh Tuich, Dam Dkeuw, Prek Svay and Soksan. There are more than 15 guesthouses Read more...