Sihanoukville, Coastal city with deep-water port in southwestern Cambodia
Sihanoukville is a coastal city in southwestern Cambodia with a deep-water harbor on the Gulf of Thailand. The built environment spreads across an elevated peninsula with sandy shores, wide traffic routes, and multistory concrete buildings.
Harbor construction began in the mid-1950s as the country's first deep-water access, leading to the city's founding two years later. Architect Vann Molyvann then shaped the early building phase with several designs in the New Khmer Architecture style.
The settlement honors King Norodom Sihanouk, who commissioned the harbor during his reign. Today residential quarters alternate with commercial streets where market vendors offer fresh fish and seafood.
The journey from the capital follows National Highway 4 through the southern plain over a distance of roughly 230 kilometers. Vehicles need several hours to reach the coast depending on traffic.
A small river called Ou Trojak Jet crosses the area and links a pagoda to the sea through a mangrove belt. The riverbed remains filled with water even during dry periods and serves fishermen as a landing point.
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