Full Day City Tour with A Boat Trip to 2 Islands

Discover Sihanoukville’s charms on a full-day tour combining city sights with island escapades. For $110 per person, you’ll spend a day exploring the local market and pagoda, then hop on a private boat to visit Koh Chalous and Koh Takeiv islands. The trip wraps up with a delicious BBQ lunch on the beach, complemented by snorkeling, fishing, and unlimited drinks.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this experience are the chance to see local life and culture in Sihanoukville, such as the fishing village and floating houses, and the opportunity to enjoy the islands’ natural beauty—crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches. The boat trip, with its relaxed vibe and fresh seafood, offers a taste of Cambodia’s coastal lifestyle.

One point to keep in mind is that the tour is not entirely private, despite the name. Reviews mention groups of 10-12 people, and some travelers felt they only visited one of the two islands advertised, not both. If you’re expecting a secluded, private experience, this might be a bit of a surprise.

This tour is best suited for those who want a mix of city culture and island leisure, enjoy snorkeling or fishing, and are comfortable with a moderate amount of walking and boat time. It’s ideal for travelers craving authentic, laid-back days with good food and scenic views.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary: Combines city exploration with relaxing island visits.
• Authentic local insights: Visits to a fishing village, floating houses, local market, and pagoda.
• Leisure on the islands: Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and beach BBQ.
• All-inclusive value: Transportation, boat trip, activities, and food included.
• Group experience: Expect groups of 10-12 people, not a private tour.
• Good for: Travelers comfortable with moderate walking, boat rides, and looking for an authentic coastal day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Full Day Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins at the main port gate 1 in Sihanoukville, where your guide will hold a sign with your name. This is a straightforward meeting spot, and a free shuttle bus from your ship will take you there. Expect a quick five-minute walk to assemble with your group. This simple start sets the tone for a hassle-free day, especially for cruise passengers.

Your guide, who will likely speak English or German upon request, makes a good impression with friendly professionalism. The tour lasts roughly from early morning until about 4:00 pm, including travel, sightseeing, and beach time.

Exploring Sihanoukville’s Local Life

Your first stops take you into Sihanoukville’s local scene. You’ll visit a fishing village and see floating houses—a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of fishermen. Many reviews highlight the value of seeing Cambodia’s everyday life away from tourist crowds. One traveler appreciated being taken to a bustling fish market and a beautiful pagoda, which provide cultural insights and great photo opportunities.

The local market—Phsar Leu—offers an authentic chance to browse souvenirs and local produce, making it a pleasant break from the beach and a good spot to pick up a few souvenirs. Afterwards, a visit to Wat Leu Pagoda offers panoramic views over the town and a moment of calm.

The Boat Trip Begins

From Otres pier, you’ll board a private boat (though some reviews suggest it’s more group-oriented), heading toward Koh Chalous Island. The boat is equipped with snorkeling gear, lifejackets, and unlimited drinks, including soft drinks and beer, making the journey both fun and comfortable.

What makes this boat trip especially appealing is the chance to snorkel in clear waters and try your hand at fishing. Several travelers, like Deborah and Patrick, praised the attentive guides, excellent English communication, and the relaxing atmosphere onboard. The boat’s crew grills fresh seafood and meats right there, adding a personal, fresh touch to the lunch.

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Visiting Koh Chalous and Koh Takeiv

Koh Chalous offers a perfect setting for snorkeling and swimming. The water is described as crystal-clear, and the scenic underwater world makes it a favorite stop for those wanting a quick dip or some underwater exploration. You might see coral and fish, especially if you’re into snorkeling—gear is provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.

Next, the boat moves to Koh Takeiv, known for its beautiful, quiet beach. Here, you can swim, relax on the sand, or just soak up the sun. One reviewer noted the beach was ultra-clean with fine sand, ideal for a peaceful break. The lunch on the beach is a highlight; a BBQ feast with squid, shrimp, chicken, beef, rice, bread, and fresh fruit is laid out, with unlimited drinks to keep everyone refreshed.

The Return and City Tour

After a leisurely afternoon, the boat departs around 1:30 pm from Koh Takeiv, arriving back at Otres pier around 2:20 pm. The tour then continues with a visit to Wat Leu Pagoda for the city’s scenic overlook, followed by a stroll through Phsar Leu for souvenirs. This combination of cultural sightseeing and beach relaxation makes for a well-rounded day.

The tour concludes back at the port by 4:00 pm, giving you ample time to return to your ship or continue exploring Sihanoukville.

The Food and Drinks: A Major Plus

The BBQ lunch on the beach is rated highly in reviews. It’s a filling meal with squid, shrimp, chicken, beef, and fresh fruit—an ideal way to refuel after snorkeling and swimming. The unlimited drinks, including soft drinks, beer, and mineral water, add to the relaxed, festive atmosphere. Many travelers appreciated the freshly grilled seafood cooked on-site, which elevates the experience beyond typical packed lunches.

Authenticity and Cultural Touches

From the fishing village to the local market and pagoda, the tour offers enough cultural authenticity to satisfy those curious about Cambodian life. The visit to Wat Leu provides a peaceful moment with scenic views, making it more than just a beach day.

Considering the Drawbacks

A few reviews mention that the tour is not entirely private, with groups of 10-12 people. Some travelers felt they only visited one of the two islands promised. If you’re expecting a secluded, boutique experience with personalized attention, this might be a minor disappointment. If you’re comfortable with small group excursions, you’ll likely find it enjoyable.

Plus, the changing room facilities could be better, as noted by one reviewer. Be prepared for a straightforward experience and plan accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of cultural sights and beach relaxation. It’s a good fit if you want to see local life, try fishing and snorkeling, and indulge in a beachside barbecue. It’s also ideal for cruise travelers or those short on time, as everything is organized and conveniently located.

However, if you prefer total privacy, fewer people, or more exclusive island visits, you might want to consider a private or smaller-scale alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Full Day City Tour with a Boat Trip to 2 Islands offers a well-rounded glimpse into Sihanoukville’s coastal life, with plenty of opportunities to relax, eat, and explore. The combination of local culture, scenic boat rides, snorkeling, and beachside barbecue delivers good value and an authentic experience.

The tour’s flexibility, friendly guides, and stunning scenery make it a memorable outing, especially if you’re looking to get off the beaten track and enjoy Cambodia’s maritime charm. For those who appreciate a laid-back pace, fresh seafood, and scenic views, this trip is worth considering.

If you’re after a balance of culture, nature, and good food, and don’t mind sharing the experience with a small group, this tour should fit the bill. Just keep expectations realistic about visiting both islands and the group size.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but children should be comfortable with boat rides and snorkeling. The tour is not recommended for babies under 1 year or small children under 3 ft (90 cm).

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
Snorkeling gear is provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

How long does the boat ride last?
The boat trip includes stops at two islands, with the overall ride and activities lasting several hours. The boat departs around 9:00 am and returns by 2:20 pm.

Are drinks really unlimited?
Yes, unlimited soft drinks, beer, and mineral water are included on the boat.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring a hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, camera, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for souvenirs or extras.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Non-swimmers should be cautious, especially during snorkeling. It’s best for confident swimmers.

What if I have food allergies?
Some reviews mention the food is well-prepared, but if you have allergies, it’s best to inform the guide in advance.

Are the transportation arrangements comfortable?
Yes, transportation is included, starting from the port with a shuttle and then a boat trip. The boat is equipped for a pleasant experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour good value for the price?
Considering the included activities, meals, drinks, and cultural insights, most travelers find the $110 price reasonable for a full day’s experience.

This tour offers a lively mix of Cambodian culture, scenic islands, and relaxed beach time—perfect for those wanting a taste of everything in a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here: