Sihanoukville

Up till the early 1990s this place was a fishing town like Pattaya was in the 1960s. It's progressively developed its industry into one of tourism. By 2008 the city is now considered by many to Cambodia's answer to Pattaya.

It is undeniable that bars, girls and diving now are the big earners for this place. This is matched by wealthy foreigners (mostly russian) who have permanently leased an island nearby which is joined to the mainland by a causeway.
This has been developed into a casino and pleasure palace for those with money to burn and time to kill.

Sihanoukvilles growth is partly to do with the rising cost of living and complex visa clampdowns in Thailand have resulted in a number of the expats migrating from Thailand.

It also stems from the fact that Thailand is now a mature holiday destination and has been thoroughly explored by the backpacker crowds.

'Snooky', as Sihanoukville is sometimes named, has a grittier and rough-at-heel expat and tourist than you'd find in the glitter circles of Bangkok and Phuket. The moniker, 'Failed in Thailand? Try Cambodia!' is a usual consideration when you consider the expat trash that wash up here. Be on your guard and trust none of the wideboy types, unless you want to risk money you can afford to lose.

A ferry port is also set up here for journeys out to Thailand and Vietnam.