In Southern Cambodia, Sihanoukville (Khmer: Preah Sihanuk), formerly known as Kompong Som, is considered as the only real beach resort of Cambodia. It was renamed in honor of Norodom Sihanouk, the former king of Cambodia.
The city is linked to Phnom Penh by a 230-kilometer railway which was completed in late 2011 (including upgrade time). Nowadays, the transfer of goods by trucks can be done via road no.4, making the connecting of Phnom Penh and the city done in 4 - 5 hours.
The white sand beaches and various seaside activities like diving around the beautiful islands attract more and more tourists coming to the city. The city welcomes about 300,000 visitors per year, with the rapid growing of hospitality industry, bars and restaurants.
Sihanoukville has a tropical monsoon climate, with rainy season ranges from May to October and a dry one from November to April. Before the rainy season, you may experience the city's hottest time of the year.