Over to you… What do you think? Would you visit Sihanoukville? Have you been before? Do you live there? We have a lot more thoughts about the place than we shared here. Maybe another video where we give a full analysis is in order now that we have had a chance to reflect on our visit.
Sihanoukville will be important after the Funan Techo canal project is finished. It takes years to build a city so its just taking a headstart. Sihounoukville will be an important port city for when all the new boats bring in supplies.
Sihanoukville was like a ghost town and I was a first group worker to clean up the city and to work at the port as a cargo controller after Pol Port forces were defeated. Most of the buildings were in ruins a and destroyed from the war. I left this city in late 1979 by boat and came to America in 1981. I've returned my first trip in 1995 to find some old friends and missing relatives. Sharing is caring. Peace ✌️
Sad about the buildings. You are right about the casino shutdowns and Covid restrictions on travel affecting tourism. But #3 - China's economy did not bounce back after years of covid lockdowns. I doubt the Chinese investors will ever return, and if they do, they will not want these old structures that have been exposed to the elements for years. Truthfully, they should tear them down and let Khmer businesses and families create a new beginning for S-ville.
Visited Sihanoukville late 2000 and stayed at the Sokha hotel. The town was a very much 100% Khmer, none of all that high rise buildings and casinos, but just the slow way of life, like the Cambodia we love.
The changes over the last 25 years haven't left much of the old city behind. It's such a big place, too. There are little pockets of Cambodia here and there, but you have to search them out.
@@stevef5812we Khmer people love China, because they’re mostly our ally and trade partner. And I understand that you’re frustrated about the mafias and how the place used to be jungles. But you gotta admit that the reason because Sihanoukville is developed is because of China.
So lucky that we could have visited before àll of this..... for me it is sad and ugly😨 Thank you for your time making this video. As always very helpful! Be safe......🥰
It's progress and unfortunately nothing can stay the same. The infrastructure investment is huge and will help thousands of Cambodians. Yes there is work to be done but I'm sure in time it will all work out, watch this space.
I soooooo miss the good old days of Snookyville. It was such a magical place, with lively ramshackle beach bars and Victory Hill. Alas, those days have gone. Thanks for your report.
Hey Eddie, we have never been to S'Ville before so we can't comment on the past. Yes it's not the prettiest place in parts, but we saw pockets of beauty. The infrastructure invested here will help thousands of Cambodians. Our taxi driver said it best, "Cambodia is poor and no one will give us more for roads. If the Chinese didn't do it no one else would have." Honestly the Chinese investors are the biggest losers in this whole situation. Some Cambodians got very rich and they also got good roads, hospitals and a reliable power supply. Hope to see you in Thailand soon. We will definitely come and have a beer with you.
I'm glad that I visited Sookyville in the late 2000s and got to see its last days as a sleepy town. The tallest buildings were probably the four storey shophouses on the main drag. Even then, there were already signs of impending development with fenced off scrubland on the roads approaching the beaches. The present day downtown is a Temu version of a city somewhere in China. Thanks for the video.
Difficult to watch the extent of failed development in Sihanouk without thinking of what was or could have been. But change is inevitable be it for good or bad. From an urban-explorer view point I see empty canvas, couldn't stop thinking about the enormous street-art possibilities. Time for Khmer rattle-can artists to represent, and they better bring their A game because it's not going to be easy polishing that concrete skeleton turd.
Sihanouk went through a property bubble in 2015-2020 until Covid hit. It is like it is always still under construction, but it has so much potential because it is the main Government target to develop as multi-purpose smart city. Currently Sihanouk Ville has the highest GDP per capita in Cambodia, around $6000 I believe.
@@ForRiel Lot of has been done and already almost 50 projects out of 400 abandoned have continued in last 6 months when the first batch of government aid was launched. In 2021 the city was totally stopped. You couldn't see any machines moving or any people at the constructions sites. It's completely different now
I have visted Sihanoukville a few times before it was ruined by the Chinese, then it was nice and quite, not much more than a village. On the beach they had many restaurants with the old round chairs you showed. The last time we went the Chinese had just started the development and it was not a pretty sight and we decided never to go again. Thank David
So do you think they should've have kept the town undeveloped for your personal enjoyment? Why is it always as issue when an underdeveloped country wants to join the 21st century? Get use to it buddy. The Global Majority is rising.
You are correct David. I've been there a few times BC (before Chinese) and it was a sleepy seaside town. The China pepes only invested because they wanted and got the deep sea port for warships. The Yanks aren't too happy about it. The place is ruined now. Nobody will pay to tear down those cement buildings. Sad.
Those restaurants are still at Occheteul Beach. For example Angkor Beach and Khin's Shack both have been on that beach for 10-15 years. Food and beers almost same price as they were 10 years.
@@jaideedave What the heck are you talking about. Deep sea port is still join venture with Japan and Cambodia. Japanese just announced over 1 billion dollar investment plan for net 10 years.
Those half built buildings remind of the Meccano sets we had as kids - way way back in the good old days. Miss Clare do you know much about the Hospital in SR called "Angkor-JAPAN Friendship International Hospital" , are Foreigners allowed to go there for treatment etc., someone else mentioned it on a Vlog but didn't elaborate any info.
I mourned the death of old SHV. I used to go backpacking during my college days, eating boil crabs while star gazing on the beach. That was in early 00s. Now it mirrors what happens in China where thousands of unfinished buildings dotted the landscape. Sad.
Wow! I'm so glad that you 2 are ok. Very scary, for both of you, and I'm sure it was even worse walking uphill with your knees still shaking! This is a very interesting video, and city!
Sihanouk Ville is the city under construction so it may not be the best at the moment, but the city design, infrastructure and natural scenery and beach are some of the best in the world. It is, however, designed for luxury and high-spending tourists so it is not for everyone. If you are looking for affordability, maybe you can go to Siemreap. Koh Rong is still for backpackers.
I agree, but it was aimed at Chinese investors/tourists mainly. There are hotels and restaurants for every price point. We are far from luxury travellers but we found the prices reasonable and the local people very friendly 😺
As a Cambodian I miss the old Sihanouk ville so much miss the old style of Sihanouk ville province had alot of western backpackers the western restaurants small chill bars along the beach decorated with thatch-roofed mixed with Cambodian Culture and a little bit of western culture everything about this province before 2016 and now this province changes almost everything
Thanks guys I have been to Snooky loads but not for last 10 years or so. It's always been a bit weird which I like, but wow its a shock to see. i would still like to go some amazing contrasts
We aren't in Kansas anymore..... The whole thing is very overwhelming and extremely interesting to us. It could be a tourist hot spot if they did it in stages not just random buildings everywhere.
Shocking! We lived there and left in early 2015 just as there was talk of local people being kicked off their land and having their thriving businesses shut down. Looking at google maps where our small apartment building was is now an unfinished building. So weird and sad.
I can't comment on the forced eviction as we don't know anything about that. A lot of Cambodians would have made a lot of money selling that land. We did see work on several buildings while we were there, so it's always changing.
After much hesitation revisited Sihanoukville in 2023, glad I did. Yes, it changed a great deal, but its not as bad as people make out. There are still many beautiful places to see. Down the coast is Otres Beach which is nice, travel further to see "The Bay of Lights" with its impressive statues and even further there is Ream National Park which is worth visiting.
@@Goorney I’m afraid that I’m one of those people, guilty as charged. I’m very angry at China for ruining what could’ve been a beautiful but simple seaside resort but it’s not fair to have made such critical comments without personally visiting. Kudos to Jeremy and Claire for keeping an open mind.
@@ms1362 Leaving 360 tower blocks unfinished is shameful. It was fascinating to see some locals taking residence in them. Neighboring Kampot in my opinion is becoming too touristy, so visiting Sihanoukville is a better option.
@@Goorney Today, someone asked in one of the Siem Reap FB groups what city in Cambodia could he have the most fun. I replied, “Sihanoukville - win lots of money and live in your very own skyscraper!”
Went to S’ville first time in 2014. Cambodia’s only deep sea port with a colourful past. The most prominent expats in those times were Russian and Ukrainien until around 2016, when scales larger Chinese state and private investment superseded the small time entrepreneurial buccaneering of the previous decade. One prominent expat milked snake venom and ran a restaurant called the Snake House, with snakes exhibited under glass as table tops. He partnered with a young Russian multimillionaire wanted in Russia for massive real estate fraud. When they fell out, it hit the news, reports are still to be found in the newspaper archives… When it all ended and Snake House and the rest of the properties were liquidated, the herpetologist/real estate developer went back to Odessa in the Ukraine, only to have the city bombed by Russians a decade later. In contemporary times, the fortunes of the casino and online gambling is another story, which links to the unfinished buildings, and the wider economic slow-down. I find it worthwhile to dip into history, economy etc, so I can better locate and perhaps appreciate a place in time, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea…
Good video on a forgotten ? Part of Cambodia. Do you guys think it will “ recover “ to a tourist place - I think the skyscrapers 🏙️spoil it - although there was obviously big plans before Covid - Enjoyed the presentation & appreciate your thoughts 👋✔️👍✌️🙏
At least big international hotel chains think it will "recover". Novotel, Wyndham and Ascott already here. Ibis, Marriott and Radisson's projects under construction.
wow I couldn't believe how much it has changed since I was there. I rented a bamboo shack on the beach for only $1 USD per night. with a constant supply of street food vendors offering amazing fresh seafood. it had a good village vibe but the only hassle was that ladies were constantly trying to sell me one of their daughters. that was over 30 years ago when there was only about 15 thousand people living there.
Yeah, now about 200k khmers and 100k foreigners living here. It's a big and important economic city for Cambodia. You still can ear super cheap fresh seafood from those same vendors. I eat at my seafood bbq spot where this lady has been selling 20 years already.
You missed the beautiful beaches with white sand and turquoise water around Sihanouk, the trip into the mangrove, the woods where they did an amazing job, and even the shopping malls... yes, the Chinese people are over there and yes some places are a mess. Maybe you did not go to those areas, but you still find a lot of small shops, pharmacies, motorbike rentals, etc..the bad part is this huge entertainment city they are building around.. But if you leave the city a little, nature is amazing.. it is a personal view absolutely not a judgment
We did visit a few beaches and they were lovely 😍 We did as much as we could in the time and the weather we had. Looking at going back in early November.
I was there 20 odd years ago. Loved it sooo much. Stayed in a family run guesthouse right on the beach. It was cheap, and great fun. Loved the little beach bars and the vibe. I dont recognize it at all 😢
I spent a few days in Sihanoukville, about 8yrs ago, never really liked it, but the time spent on Otres beach was nice. Changed a lot in those 8yrs, don't think I'd care to go back though. A very interesting video, thank you both so very much.❤
paused there for about a week or so with friends - in 2010 - loved it - it was high on my list for relocation - it had a very laid back beach lifestyle - The feel of Khmer culture too. There were signs of change but it was not overwhelming. . I can barely recognise anything in the places you visited. Feels a little sad. For me Cambodia has a wealth of other wonderful places to spend time in .
Yes, it was definitely eye-opening to visit. We had never been before, so the nostalgia for what was lost wasn't there for us. Maybe that made it easier to see the positives.
Appreciate the video. Sadly the place is looking pretty rough since I was there around 12 years ago. Yes at that time there was impending high rise development and that was ok, but the unfinished projects have become something of an eyesore. I hope they tear them down and create something more positive.
I have spent months living there , staying at Beach road hotel and partying at Utopia hotel with many backpackers having a ball . it was a paradise , medium size beach village ... will have fond memories ..
I was in the same Hotel just last month! Haha. I thought the thumbnail looked suspiciously similar to photos I took of the old buildings behind the hotel. Riva Hotel.
Thanks Claire. I spent 2 days there. Same impression. Lots of Chinese Influence such as Banks, Construction finished and abandoned. Went to the beach also. My overall impression was I would go back again but not number 1 on my list. Thanks for your experience. We did not fly but a Van Rental with Driver from Battambang. I got to see plenty of the Countryside to and from. Very beautiful. Stayed at the Mary Beach hotel.outside the city with a view looking back on the coastline. Very nice. We arrived back home in the United States July 31, 2024
Glad you are all right after the 180. Lived in Asia long enough to have seen a few tuk tuk situations that helped its passengers to have an early reincarnation. I may have a proper visit one day, but I still don't feel a strong need for it right now. When I lived in India, 25 years ago, I heard hippies talk about amazing SHNV. It must have been very different back then.
We have seen photos and it looked amazing, but nowhere in the world is the same as it was 20 years ago. Progress is always going to happen, Sihanoukville needs western tourists to support local businesses,.
Few comments from me who has lived in Sihanoukville for long long time: The city is much nicer place to live now then it ever was. The infra is really top notch: I haven't had a single brownout for 5-6 years, and no water shortage or anything. Still 10 years ago these were daily things to happen. Also all the roads are great and beaches are cleaner than they ever been. Same with sea water quality. Before they just spit out raw sewage to sea but now there's ultra modern treatment plants that other Cambodian cities are just dreaming still about. Food scene is amazing. Near your hotel there's amazing Chinese restaurant. Very nice guy from Hong Kong owns it. Lot of Indonesian, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Indian food too. And of course khmer food. The city has grown also a lot in last 10 years. Population has tripled and the city print has went 4 times bigger. We have daily flights to Siem Reap, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thaialand. Before always needed to connect via Phnom Penh if I was flying somewhere. Lot of nice apartments and houses now in different price point too. Before only very basic housing available. I see great future for this city. I'm thinking that in 2030s will be strongly battling with Phnom Penh. Lot of investments coming into seaport, airport and few of the local tech companies have set up offices here too. 12:00 You want to take the maxi / bigger size of Indian tuktuk if you want to go that Pagoda hill or other hills (we have lot of hills and mountains here in Sihanoukville). There's is another road to there which is not as steep. So bit bad driving from the tuktuk driver. 13:30 There's no traditional buildings because the whole city is pretty new. It's basically started t be a village in 1950s when first generation of the port was build. And it only strongly started to grow was in 2010s. 20:00 I hope you tried the fruits. They are much better than the fruits you get in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. The fruits you get in SR and PP tends to be the 2nd quality fruits from Vietnam. When in Sihanoukville (and Kampot and other coastal areas) the fruits are actually local and they are amazing!
Sihanoukville was my Thai visa run go to 2004-05 go to. Just a good visit if in Koh Chang National Park in Thailand, we pop over for a few days of food and people. We met so many friends we returned to see until 2009. I will return next month! 1st time in 12 years
We found several areas that were beautiful and not Chinese at all. Some places where Chinese driven but they are slowly being reclaimed by the local Khmer people.
Thank you, finally someone mentioned the positives of having modern Infrastructure. Sihanoukville is a place I definitely place I live in now as quaint and rustic gets old after a while especially when you live somewhere a long-term. Just my opinions though.
@@ibika9457 Someone who actually is still living with Cambodian wife and her family here, with kids who also work here, might have better knowledge of stuff VS father of daughter who was born here.
Hi, I visited Sihanoukville in 1999. It was a village. The Independence Hotel on the hill was still a wreck, courtesy of the Khmer Rouge. Your video portrays an utterly unrecognizable city. There were no high-rises when I was there. Now, it seems it has been through a boom and a bust. A sad looking place. I was a Kampot recently - a much livelier and more interesting town!
Holy crap I'm glad you guys made it out of that one alive. I'm glad everyone was not injured. But that's crazy my inlaws are there now also. It looks like an urbex paradise and a insurance nightmare. Thanks again for the video next time you don't have to put your lives on the line. we are planning on going in 2 to 3 years but gotta wait for our money to handle that flight
thanks for making this vid. i never been to cambodia, but would love to visit the land where my parents are from one day. sihanoukville would of been amazing if the chinese would of finished everything! besides that, i would visit sihanoukville, because i never been to cambodia. i want to sight see everything, for experience and exploration!
Interesting video to see what it looks like today. My wife and I were there 10 years ago before the major changes took place. We were told by a number of people at the time that Snooky was a dump but we actually enjoyed it. Especially Otres beach. The hill going down from the two lions roundabout out to the ocean used to be full of restaurants, bars, guest houses etc catering to travelers but it seems that is no longer there. It's sad what it has become.
I went once in 2019 I think. The town was in a transition from a beautiful Khmer resort town to a Chinese casino town. Lots & lots of construction. Tons of garbage on the beaches & everywhere. It was a real Hellscape. The Chinese had brought in their own Chinese workers for construction & even for security. The local people were not happy to see their city change & all there jobs lost. It was sad & I never wanted to return.
It was terrifying as we were totally out of control. If you look at the skid marks( on the road). We almost missed the wall and would have rolled down that empty lot 😔
I was there from 2014 to 2018 off on usually for 6 months. Did see you go to the victory beach and Queenco resort. Its all changed as i live in Phnom Penh an will probably take a trip next year to check it out. Thanks for your video 😊.
Unfortunately or fortunately places change and development happens. Sihanoukville is a prime example of greed over common sense. The amount of construction was always going to end its disaster. Hopefully they can get it sorted out 😢
Friday to Monday, it's the wet season so not many people visit this time of year. Cambodian people don't like being out in the sun they swim more early in the morning or late afternoon.
Similar to Thailand, except the Chinese moved in 15 years ago and created extra poverty, garbage, and unfinished buildings. Markets, Fruits, Temples, Monkeys, Tropical. Beach, Unsafe, unlicensed Boats for hire. All good until it isnt. Not worth travelling to IMO
Unsure, some companies do this all over the world to 'hold' land. Happened all over Asia when the Asian Market collapsed. Vietnam had a use it, or lose it rule. The company had to either build and keep the site tidy or lose the land.
I visited siahanoukville last november with my khmer wife and daughter,we stayed 3days after which we couldnt wait to get back to phnom penh,were all the shop signs are in english ,and khmer,my wife hated the fact very little of the shops actually catered for khmer or english speaking...what it was,and what it has become are worlds apart,we have no intentions of returning to this post apocalyptic landscape.
I visited last year, 2023, the high part of city is overcrowded with locals, down on sea level only chinese empty buildings and on the beach chinese restaurants. Didnt visit the islands. Only one mall and casinos. Not sure how safe that is
I remember going to shihanouk Ville during 2018 for a family vacation, and it’s was amazing. Compare to nowadays. shihanouk is very very different from the past. I feel like I’m not in Cambodia anymore. I feel unsafe and uneasy.
Thanks, we wanted to show Sihanoukville isn't a horrible, scary place of death. Most RUclipsrs look for overly dramatic content for views, even if it's not that bad. Always come with an open mind and 😊. If you are tense and already expected the worst you will have a horrible time.
Arrived SHV 2001, left 2019. Otres beach was always the best area imo, and still is by the looks of your vid. The big market was great for fresh produce/seafood etc so thats a plus to see its survived. Huge task ahead to complete or demolish the buildings, fix the infrastructure etc.
I arrived on a Cruise in 2014 decided to look around huge market. Then found wi fi in a bar our surprise was 50 cents Beers. So much cheaper than 9 us dollars on ship
Here are some timestamps to specific sections of the video: 00:00:00 - Introduction and welcome 00:02:00 - Arrival at the airport 00:04:00 - First impressions of the city 00:06:00 - Hotel room tour 00:08:00 - Exploring the streets 00:10:00 - Visit to Wat Leok Pagoda 00:15:00 - Exploring the coastline 00:18:00 - Visit to the market 00:20:00 - Exploring the streets 00:25:00 - Visit to the airport 00:28:00 - Conclusion and call to action
Brings back some great memories for me. Went the first time in 2000 and several times after. Such a shame it has lost so much of its charm and character due to the over development. The beachfront shack restaurants that used to line the beaches were great but sadly all gone now.
No because there’s a loophole in the law which the government can’t intervene which is the reason why they can’t do anything about it but wait for the investor to come back and continue their project.
@@user-broccolishishiYou make me laugh. Loophole in the law? The government sold out the area to the Chinese. They will force investors if and when they can make a profit from it. 😊
@@mick-berry5331 How the government sold when 70% of the prime coast was owned by French and Russian billionaires still in 2015. You should learn who pocketed the biggest money from the Chinese.
@@pp-bf2ec do some in-depth research before spitting nonsense. The land owners are Cambodian and most of the building are built on land under and 50 years+ lease. Foreigners can’t own land permanently in Cambodia nor can Cambodia violate the lease to destruct those building. Maybe feeling some shame before starting to spread misinformation without any research. I agree Cambodian government isn’t always good, but they usually use gap in laws to help them do that instead of doing obvious violations. making a city becoming a ghost town is clearly a mistake but it’s also not something they want.
@@mick-berry5331 loophole in law because they didn’t expect that China will face economic strain, and most of the building are joint development between Cambodian and Chinese costing millions of dollars. Which means land owner had already made contract with the Chinese investor and their partner to grant them land. So even the land owner cannot violate the building that was built by the investor, not even the government. who can take down and build a new building when the contract is still in place? None.
I used to love the beach bars and life style before the Chinese ruined it. I’m going back in September for another look. I’m hoping it can make a comeback.
Been there twice about 15 years ago, didn't recognize anything! In time the empty building will have to be torn down but who is going to pay for that?😢
The Chinese investors did pay for the buildings and land but it was the Cambodian local government that okayed the construction. Sihanoukville should be the best kept city in Cambodia with all the taxes that should have been collected on land sales and earnings.
@@ForRiel If you have visited before 2019, or read news in 2019-2020, you would know that local government has spent half billion dollars for infrastructure improvements in last 5 years. That is more than other cities Cambodia in same time. You probably noticed the big main boulevards with car parkings, pavements across the main streets (less cars parked there than in PP), and beach boardwalk (total of 20km that connects basically all the main beaches). Also modern sewage treatment facilities, fresh water reservoir and piping, flood prevention systems (Sihanoukville had major floods all over city still 7-8 years ago), trash collection (there used to huge piles of trash bags everywhere). It's really like different city just because of these infra improvements. In the pipeline is the city bus network that should be launched within next 6 months hopefully, and private sector (French and Japan) together with Cambodia government are investing total $1,5 billion in seaport and airport.
Paradise lost. I used to go to Sihanoukville 2 or 3 times a year from 2000 to 2017. I stopped going then because it was being destroyed by crime and buildings. It was a quaint little town with a real backpacker vibe.
I think the wild west Sihanoukville is over and hopefully they will get the abandoned buildings situation sorted out. It could be a bit of everything for different tourists, but poor planning is letting it down.
@@ForRielI love you guys but WHO will get the abandoned buildings situation sorted out? The Royal Cambodian Fund For The Demolition and Restoration of Gargantuan Chinese Screw-Ups?
That fruit is a mini-jack fruit. The texture is more sticky than the normal size jack fruit, and when eating the mini-jack fruit, chew well. The texture can stick to your throat and cause you to choke yourself .Be careful.
@@ForRiel that is amazing! My wife and I did the same flight Feb 2023 and it was $200 usd each!!! Worth it tho, as much as I wanted to show my wife my country with a road trip we had to save time flying. Thank u guys for keeping me updated on my country I love so much and I envy u and ur partner too, living the dream !
Im checking out Cambodia. Just started research. That place looked awful. Is that a fair reflection of the infastructure of Cambodia? It reminded me of Vietnam, and I did not like it there. I live in Thailand, so I am used to living in nice places and good standard of facilities. Is that place catering for the Chinese? Hopefully Cambodia has far nicer cities than that...........I will find out.
It's a city in progress, unfortunately it will take a few more years to recover from Covid and several other factors. Thailand is more developed due to it not being involved in a Mass genocide which killed a third of the population 🥲. Cambodia is not for everyone but we love it 😍🥰
Such a shame with those ghostly buildings, shacks, rubbish, etc. a city in shambles. A beautiful coastline that could have been a paradise vacation destination. So much potential.
Over to you… What do you think? Would you visit Sihanoukville? Have you been before? Do you live there? We have a lot more thoughts about the place than we shared here. Maybe another video where we give a full analysis is in order now that we have had a chance to reflect on our visit.
Sihanoukville will be important after the Funan Techo canal project is finished. It takes years to build a city so its just taking a headstart. Sihounoukville will be an important port city for when all the new boats bring in supplies.
I make it a point to visit every single place i haven't been.
@@chaya973 probably correct 🙌
I went about 7 years ago. It was a very pleasant place. Was.
Used to be full of westener backpackers.no Chinese
Sihanoukville was like a ghost town and I was a first group worker to clean up the city and to work at the port as a cargo controller after Pol Port forces were defeated.
Most of the buildings were in ruins a and destroyed from the war.
I left this city in late 1979 by boat and came to America in 1981. I've returned my first trip in 1995 to find some old friends and missing relatives.
Sharing is caring. Peace ✌️
Hello KM 😀
Can't even imagine what it was like 😢
Did you come back to watch the video? 😇✌️
@@Charlie-phlezk Yes,. I did. Good to hear from you too!
Sad about the buildings. You are right about the casino shutdowns and Covid restrictions on travel affecting tourism. But #3 - China's economy did not bounce back after years of covid lockdowns. I doubt the Chinese investors will ever return, and if they do, they will not want these old structures that have been exposed to the elements for years. Truthfully, they should tear them down and let Khmer businesses and families create a new beginning for S-ville.
I have lived in Kampot for the last four years, and I have absolutely no desire to go to Sihanoukville.
Visited Sihanoukville late 2000 and stayed at the Sokha hotel. The town was a very much 100% Khmer, none of all that high rise buildings and casinos, but just the slow way of life, like the Cambodia we love.
The changes over the last 25 years haven't left much of the old city behind. It's such a big place, too. There are little pockets of Cambodia here and there, but you have to search them out.
@@ForRielThank you, let's hope the Kingdom will do something good from it!
That's when I was there
Kampot is the way now huh
The Chinese and casinos absolutely ruined that place.
I should have said the Chinese mafia, Chinese gangsters and Chinese criminals.
@@stevef5812we Khmer people love China, because they’re mostly our ally and trade partner. And I understand that you’re frustrated about the mafias and how the place used to be jungles. But you gotta admit that the reason because Sihanoukville is developed is because of China.
We love China and Chinese people. They invest a lot of money and bring many jobs. I am Cambodian.
Thanks for posting this video. I have never been there and still have no burning desire to go at this time. Thanks again!
It's the gateway to the islands, so it's worth a few days to explore before heading out.
The word repulsive comes to mind. That the goverment allowed this chinese takeover....Better to go inland next time, Banlung or Moldulkiri.
Any option??
So lucky that we could have visited before
àll of this.....
for me it is sad and ugly😨
Thank you for your time making this video.
As always very helpful!
Be safe......🥰
It's progress and unfortunately nothing can stay the same. The infrastructure investment is huge and will help thousands of Cambodians. Yes there is work to be done but I'm sure in time it will all work out, watch this space.
I soooooo miss the good old days of Snookyville. It was such a magical place, with lively ramshackle beach bars and Victory Hill. Alas, those days have gone. Thanks for your report.
HOPE YOU OKAY ED 💯❤️👍 BIG UPS
Hey Eddie, we have never been to S'Ville before so we can't comment on the past. Yes it's not the prettiest place in parts, but we saw pockets of beauty. The infrastructure invested here will help thousands of Cambodians. Our taxi driver said it best, "Cambodia is poor and no one will give us more for roads. If the Chinese didn't do it no one else would have."
Honestly the Chinese investors are the biggest losers in this whole situation. Some Cambodians got very rich and they also got good roads, hospitals and a reliable power supply.
Hope to see you in Thailand soon. We will definitely come and have a beer with you.
I'm glad that I visited Sookyville in the late 2000s and got to see its last days as a sleepy town. The tallest buildings were probably the four storey shophouses on the main drag. Even then, there were already signs of impending development with fenced off scrubland on the roads approaching the beaches. The present day downtown is a Temu version of a city somewhere in China. Thanks for the video.
No problem 😃
Difficult to watch the extent of failed development in Sihanouk without thinking of what was or could have been. But change is inevitable be it for good or bad.
From an urban-explorer view point I see empty canvas, couldn't stop thinking about the enormous street-art possibilities. Time for Khmer rattle-can artists to represent, and they better bring their A game because it's not going to be easy polishing that concrete skeleton turd.
You will need goggles and disinfectant...
Sihanouk went through a property bubble in 2015-2020 until Covid hit. It is like it is always still under construction, but it has so much potential because it is the main Government target to develop as multi-purpose smart city. Currently Sihanouk Ville has the highest GDP per capita in Cambodia, around $6000 I believe.
It sure has endless potential. The government needs to be tough on the owners of the abandoned buildings to complete or lose it.
Yep, and salaries have went up really big time. Salaries basically on Phnom Penh level now days.
@@ForRiel Lot of has been done and already almost 50 projects out of 400 abandoned have continued in last 6 months when the first batch of government aid was launched. In 2021 the city was totally stopped. You couldn't see any machines moving or any people at the constructions sites. It's completely different now
I have visted Sihanoukville a few times before it was ruined by the Chinese, then it was nice and quite, not much more than a village. On the beach they had many restaurants with the old round chairs you showed. The last time we went the Chinese had just started the development and it was not a pretty sight and we decided never to go again.
Thank David
So do you think they should've have kept the town undeveloped for your personal enjoyment? Why is it always as issue when an underdeveloped country wants to join the 21st century? Get use to it buddy. The Global Majority is rising.
You are correct David. I've been there a few times BC (before Chinese) and it was a sleepy seaside town. The China pepes only invested because they wanted and got the deep sea port for warships. The Yanks aren't too happy about it.
The place is ruined now. Nobody will pay to tear down those cement buildings. Sad.
Those restaurants are still at Occheteul Beach. For example Angkor Beach and Khin's Shack both have been on that beach for 10-15 years. Food and beers almost same price as they were 10 years.
@@jaideedave What the heck are you talking about. Deep sea port is still join venture with Japan and Cambodia. Japanese just announced over 1 billion dollar investment plan for net 10 years.
Fascinating insight into what is happening there . Thanks for sharing ❤❤
You really have to visit to get the real feel of the situation 🤯
Those half built buildings remind of the Meccano sets we had as kids - way way back in the good old days. Miss Clare do you know much about the Hospital in SR called "Angkor-JAPAN Friendship International Hospital" , are Foreigners allowed to go there for treatment etc., someone else mentioned it on a Vlog but didn't elaborate any info.
I mourned the death of old SHV. I used to go backpacking during my college days, eating boil crabs while star gazing on the beach. That was in early 00s. Now it mirrors what happens in China where thousands of unfinished buildings dotted the landscape. Sad.
It's a shame what they have done, but hopefully it can be turned around 😔
Wow! I'm so glad that you 2 are ok. Very scary, for both of you, and I'm sure it was even worse walking uphill with your knees still shaking! This is a very interesting video, and city!
As always thanks for sharing. Very interesting
Glad you enjoyed it 🙏😁
... all those people sitting there, in the shade, enjoying life on their phones😂😊
Sihanouk Ville is the city under construction so it may not be the best at the moment, but the city design, infrastructure and natural scenery and beach are some of the best in the world. It is, however, designed for luxury and high-spending tourists so it is not for everyone. If you are looking for affordability, maybe you can go to Siemreap. Koh Rong is still for backpackers.
I agree, but it was aimed at Chinese investors/tourists mainly. There are hotels and restaurants for every price point. We are far from luxury travellers but we found the prices reasonable and the local people very friendly 😺
As a Cambodian I miss the old Sihanouk ville so much miss the old style of Sihanouk ville province had alot of western backpackers the western restaurants small chill bars along the beach decorated with thatch-roofed mixed with Cambodian Culture and a little bit of western culture everything about this province before 2016 and now this province changes almost everything
Thanks guys I have been to Snooky loads but not for last 10 years or so. It's always been a bit weird which I like, but wow its a shock to see. i would still like to go some amazing contrasts
Our pleasure! You definitely should go as it's nothing like we have ever seen before.
Can’t believe it’s the same place! I was there in 2008. Thanks for the update! ❤
We aren't in Kansas anymore.....
The whole thing is very overwhelming and extremely interesting to us. It could be a tourist hot spot if they did it in stages not just random buildings everywhere.
WOW 😲, the little Tuk Tuk that almost made it, that was scary! Eye opening & fun tour of Sihanoukville. Thanks for sharing your thoughts & experience.
Glad you enjoyed it. The ride turned into a unplanned adventure 🙀😎
Shocking! We lived there and left in early 2015 just as there was talk of local people being kicked off their land and having their thriving businesses shut down. Looking at google maps where our small apartment building was is now an unfinished building. So weird and sad.
I can't comment on the forced eviction as we don't know anything about that. A lot of Cambodians would have made a lot of money selling that land. We did see work on several buildings while we were there, so it's always changing.
After much hesitation revisited Sihanoukville in 2023, glad I did. Yes, it changed a great deal, but its not as bad as people make out. There are still many beautiful places to see. Down the coast is Otres Beach which is nice, travel further to see "The Bay of Lights" with its impressive statues and even further there is Ream National Park which is worth visiting.
Thanks for sharing!
That's great you went. So many RUclipsrs just find the negatives and don't even look for the beauty or positives.
@@Goorney I’m afraid that I’m one of those people, guilty as charged. I’m very angry at China for ruining what could’ve been a beautiful but simple seaside resort but it’s not fair to have made such critical comments without personally visiting. Kudos to Jeremy and Claire for keeping an open mind.
@@ms1362 Leaving 360 tower blocks unfinished is shameful. It was fascinating to see some locals taking residence in them. Neighboring Kampot in my opinion is becoming too touristy, so visiting Sihanoukville is a better option.
@@Goorney Today, someone asked in one of the Siem Reap FB groups what city in Cambodia could he have the most fun. I replied, “Sihanoukville - win lots of money and live in your very own skyscraper!”
Went to S’ville first time in 2014. Cambodia’s only deep sea port with a colourful past. The most prominent expats in those times were Russian and Ukrainien until around 2016, when scales larger Chinese state and private investment superseded the small time entrepreneurial buccaneering of the previous decade. One prominent expat milked snake venom and ran a restaurant called the Snake House, with snakes exhibited under glass as table tops. He partnered with a young Russian multimillionaire wanted in Russia for massive real estate fraud. When they fell out, it hit the news, reports are still to be found in the newspaper archives… When it all ended and Snake House and the rest of the properties were liquidated, the herpetologist/real estate developer went back to Odessa in the Ukraine, only to have the city bombed by Russians a decade later. In contemporary times, the fortunes of the casino and online gambling is another story, which links to the unfinished buildings, and the wider economic slow-down. I find it worthwhile to dip into history, economy etc, so I can better locate and perhaps appreciate a place in time, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea…
Good video on a forgotten ? Part of Cambodia. Do you guys think it will “ recover “ to a tourist place - I think the skyscrapers 🏙️spoil it - although there was obviously big plans before Covid - Enjoyed the presentation & appreciate your thoughts 👋✔️👍✌️🙏
I thought it would be prettier. Disappointed when I see the road seems slippery. 😊😊
At least big international hotel chains think it will "recover". Novotel, Wyndham and Ascott already here. Ibis, Marriott and Radisson's projects under construction.
wow I couldn't believe how much it has changed since I was there. I rented a bamboo shack on the beach for only $1 USD per night. with a constant supply of street food vendors offering amazing fresh seafood. it had a good village vibe but the only hassle was that ladies were constantly trying to sell me one of their daughters.
that was over 30 years ago when there was only about 15 thousand people living there.
Yeah, now about 200k khmers and 100k foreigners living here. It's a big and important economic city for Cambodia. You still can ear super cheap fresh seafood from those same vendors. I eat at my seafood bbq spot where this lady has been selling 20 years already.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching! 😁
Thnks for the video I spend quite some time in sinouk went first in 2003
You missed the beautiful beaches with white sand and turquoise water around Sihanouk, the trip into the mangrove, the woods where they did an amazing job, and even the shopping malls... yes, the Chinese people are over there and yes some places are a mess. Maybe you did not go to those areas, but you still find a lot of small shops, pharmacies, motorbike rentals, etc..the bad part is this huge entertainment city they are building around.. But if you leave the city a little, nature is amazing.. it is a personal view absolutely not a judgment
We did visit a few beaches and they were lovely 😍
We did as much as we could in the time and the weather we had. Looking at going back in early November.
I was there 20 odd years ago. Loved it sooo much. Stayed in a family run guesthouse right on the beach. It was cheap, and great fun. Loved the little beach bars and the vibe. I dont recognize it at all 😢
Yes, I'm glad in some ways that we didn't visit back then. The vibe is definitely not low key local anymore.
It looks like it's set up for the Chinese tour operators? Great tour thanks.
I think so! Saying that, it could be a beautiful city if finished.....
I spent a few days in Sihanoukville, about 8yrs ago, never really liked it, but the time spent on Otres beach was nice. Changed a lot in those 8yrs, don't think I'd care to go back though. A very interesting video, thank you both so very much.❤
Thanks for sharing! 😌
I lived in SV from 2010 to 2016. It was the best cheapest town in SE Asia for me then!!!
Could see why people are unhappy in the dramatic change, it would have been perfect.
paused there for about a week or so with friends - in 2010 - loved it - it was high on my list for relocation - it had a very laid back beach lifestyle - The feel of Khmer culture too. There were signs of change but it was not overwhelming. . I can barely recognise anything in the places you visited. Feels a little sad. For me Cambodia has a wealth of other wonderful places to spend time in .
Yes, it was definitely eye-opening to visit. We had never been before, so the nostalgia for what was lost wasn't there for us. Maybe that made it easier to see the positives.
Appreciate the video. Sadly the place is looking pretty rough since I was there around 12 years ago. Yes at that time there was impending high rise development and that was ok, but the unfinished projects have become something of an eyesore. I hope they tear them down and create something more positive.
I have spent months living there , staying at Beach road hotel and partying at Utopia hotel with many backpackers having a ball .
it was a paradise , medium size beach village ... will have fond memories ..
Yes, those days are long gone, I think. Thanks for watching.
@15:50 might be a breadfruit which is a stable for Pacific Islander like Samoan or Tongan people.
It is breadfruit, we have never seen it before
I was in the same Hotel just last month! Haha.
I thought the thumbnail looked suspiciously similar to photos I took of the old buildings behind the hotel. Riva Hotel.
It was a great hotel! Did you enjoy your stay there?
@ForRiel I did! It's one of the best hotel in Sihanoukville. Great pick, you guys.
Visited in 2001 and 2005.. love to go back after this video
You should, they would appreciate the tourism revenue.
Thanks Claire. I spent 2 days there. Same impression. Lots of Chinese Influence such as Banks, Construction finished and abandoned. Went to the beach also. My overall impression was I would go back again but not number 1 on my list. Thanks for your experience. We did not fly but a Van Rental with Driver from Battambang. I got to see plenty of the Countryside to and from. Very beautiful. Stayed at the Mary Beach hotel.outside the city with a view looking back on the coastline. Very nice. We arrived back home in the United States July 31, 2024
Thanks for sharing! 🙏😌
We would go here instead of Kampot or Kep as there is so much more to do, plus visiting the islands.
Glad you are all right after the 180. Lived in Asia long enough to have seen a few tuk tuk situations that helped its passengers to have an early reincarnation. I may have a proper visit one day, but I still don't feel a strong need for it right now. When I lived in India, 25 years ago, I heard hippies talk about amazing SHNV. It must have been very different back then.
We have seen photos and it looked amazing, but nowhere in the world is the same as it was 20 years ago. Progress is always going to happen, Sihanoukville needs western tourists to support local businesses,.
Few comments from me who has lived in Sihanoukville for long long time:
The city is much nicer place to live now then it ever was. The infra is really top notch: I haven't had a single brownout for 5-6 years, and no water shortage or anything. Still 10 years ago these were daily things to happen. Also all the roads are great and beaches are cleaner than they ever been. Same with sea water quality. Before they just spit out raw sewage to sea but now there's ultra modern treatment plants that other Cambodian cities are just dreaming still about.
Food scene is amazing. Near your hotel there's amazing Chinese restaurant. Very nice guy from Hong Kong owns it. Lot of Indonesian, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Indian food too. And of course khmer food.
The city has grown also a lot in last 10 years. Population has tripled and the city print has went 4 times bigger. We have daily flights to Siem Reap, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thaialand. Before always needed to connect via Phnom Penh if I was flying somewhere.
Lot of nice apartments and houses now in different price point too. Before only very basic housing available.
I see great future for this city. I'm thinking that in 2030s will be strongly battling with Phnom Penh. Lot of investments coming into seaport, airport and few of the local tech companies have set up offices here too.
12:00 You want to take the maxi / bigger size of Indian tuktuk if you want to go that Pagoda hill or other hills (we have lot of hills and mountains here in Sihanoukville). There's is another road to there which is not as steep. So bit bad driving from the tuktuk driver.
13:30 There's no traditional buildings because the whole city is pretty new. It's basically started t be a village in 1950s when first generation of the port was build. And it only strongly started to grow was in 2010s.
20:00 I hope you tried the fruits. They are much better than the fruits you get in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. The fruits you get in SR and PP tends to be the 2nd quality fruits from Vietnam. When in Sihanoukville (and Kampot and other coastal areas) the fruits are actually local and they are amazing!
Sihanoukville was my Thai visa run go to 2004-05 go to. Just a good visit if in Koh Chang National Park in Thailand, we pop over for a few days of food and people. We met so many friends we returned to see until 2009. I will return next month! 1st time in 12 years
We found several areas that were beautiful and not Chinese at all. Some places where Chinese driven but they are slowly being reclaimed by the local Khmer people.
Very true, could you message us so we could meet up next time we are heading your way?
Thank you, finally someone mentioned the positives of having modern Infrastructure. Sihanoukville is a place I definitely place I live in now as quaint and rustic gets old after a while especially when you live somewhere a long-term.
Just my opinions though.
@@ibika9457 Someone who actually is still living with Cambodian wife and her family here, with kids who also work here, might have better knowledge of stuff VS father of daughter who was born here.
I stayed in that hotel before. Love the amenities and location. The breakfast is okay, but for a $50 price point it is a deal.
It's a lovely Hotel in a good spot. The breakfast was ok for a $50 Oceanview room.
By the way,love your new digs.❤
Thanks we love it also 💕
Hi, I visited Sihanoukville in 1999. It was a village. The Independence Hotel on the hill was still a wreck, courtesy of the Khmer Rouge. Your video portrays an utterly unrecognizable city. There were no high-rises when I was there. Now, it seems it has been through a boom and a bust. A sad looking place. I was a Kampot recently - a much livelier and more interesting town!
We actually find Kampot depressing as we remember it with way less Girly bars, that have destroyed the vibe there.
Holy crap I'm glad you guys made it out of that one alive. I'm glad everyone was not injured. But that's crazy my inlaws are there now also. It looks like an urbex paradise and a insurance nightmare. Thanks again for the video next time you don't have to put your lives on the line. we are planning on going in 2 to 3 years but gotta wait for our money to handle that flight
It was terrifying 😲🙀
Out of control flying backwards down a steep hill.
Sihanoukville will get better every year.
So sad how that place got changed by the Casinos and then the half built buildings because of the pandemic. Used to be full of life back in the day.
Yeah, if they can get rid of the incomplete structures, things would be a lot better. The beaches are still lovely, if more developed.
Have you been to the water falls there it is a 5 min ride from the port
We will visit next time 😍
thanks for making this vid. i never been to cambodia, but would love to visit the land where my parents are from one day. sihanoukville would of been amazing if the chinese would of finished everything! besides that, i would visit sihanoukville, because i never been to cambodia. i want to sight see everything, for experience and exploration!
You should!
I have to say that some parts of Sihanukville are very beautiful now. But yes it definitely is going through a major growing pain.
Totally agree, it's not as bad as some people say. Yes, it needs a multi stage plan to make it better than ever
Interesting video to see what it looks like today. My wife and I were there 10 years ago before the major changes took place. We were told by a number of people at the time that Snooky was a dump but we actually enjoyed it. Especially Otres beach. The hill going down from the two lions roundabout out to the ocean used to be full of restaurants, bars, guest houses etc catering to travelers but it seems that is no longer there. It's sad what it has become.
Hopefully it will get better 💪💪
For riel i just saw a guy with his pants down pissing against a dumpsters while you guys were walking down the street😜😜
Yeah, gross. I saw it. I think she saw it too, but just kept the camera steady and straight ahead.
I went once in 2019 I think. The town was in a transition from a beautiful Khmer resort town to a Chinese casino town. Lots & lots of construction. Tons of garbage on the beaches & everywhere. It was a real Hellscape. The Chinese had brought in their own Chinese workers for construction & even for security. The local people were not happy to see their city change & all there jobs lost. It was sad & I never wanted to return.
Yes, 2019 was pretty bad for the city. But lot have changed now. Most constructions projects now hire mostly locals and the infra is top notch now.
That was a close call. I'm so glad you're both ok. I mean wtf would I do on Wednesday's? Stay safe, stay Riel ✌️
It was terrifying as we were totally out of control. If you look at the skid marks( on the road). We almost missed the wall and would have rolled down that empty lot 😔
This thumbnail (2010) is the tower just up the hill from that pagoda. Sihanoukville was really nice once.
It has no character now.
Should I visit
I was there from 2014 to 2018 off on usually for 6 months. Did see you go to the victory beach and Queenco resort. Its all changed as i live in Phnom Penh an will probably take a trip next year to check it out. Thanks for your video 😊.
So cool! You should!
SIHANOUKVICE was another GTA in the 2000's / dirt cheap and life was insane. the few foreigners there were living the dream or hell.
Unfortunately or fortunately places change and development happens. Sihanoukville is a prime example of greed over common sense. The amount of construction was always going to end its disaster. Hopefully they can get it sorted out 😢
Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Our pleasure! 😀
What day of the week was it? The town and the beach seem deserted?
Friday to Monday, it's the wet season so not many people visit this time of year. Cambodian people don't like being out in the sun they swim more early in the morning or late afternoon.
Woaahhh haha glad you made it after the tuktuk stunt!
Ps we do all our own stunts.
Warning ⚠️⚠️ do not try this at home.....
@@ForRiel 😂
I've never seen so much abandoned construction
Yes it's next level. The number of buildings is staggering.
Hey Jeremy is a real fun cool guy
I like him too 😻😁
Similar to Thailand, except the Chinese moved in 15 years ago and created extra poverty, garbage, and unfinished buildings. Markets, Fruits, Temples, Monkeys, Tropical. Beach, Unsafe, unlicensed Boats for hire. All good until it isnt. Not worth travelling to IMO
Just like the influx of Russians at the moment, it's the government that needs to be more proactive in controlling the situation.
Nice work love you guys😊
Thank you so much 😀 it was so interesting going there. We will definitely be back to explore and get a better understanding of the place.
Interesting I wonder if the owners of those buildings have plans to finish them?
Unsure, some companies do this all over the world to 'hold' land. Happened all over Asia when the Asian Market collapsed. Vietnam had a use it, or lose it rule. The company had to either build and keep the site tidy or lose the land.
I visited siahanoukville last november with my khmer wife and daughter,we stayed 3days after which we couldnt wait to get back to phnom penh,were all the shop signs are in english ,and khmer,my wife hated the fact very little of the shops actually catered for khmer or english speaking...what it was,and what it has become are worlds apart,we have no intentions of returning to this post apocalyptic landscape.
nicer than expected
It's worth a visit 😀
Next Year I come Campodia 😊
Fantastic 😍😊
Well done!
It's very nice and on a good spot.
i have a good time in SIHANOUK VILLE in may 2016 !! i stay in SMALL HOTEL , sweedish owner , the city was still KMER !!
It has pockets of Cambodian people slowly using the abandoned buildings to their advantage.
I visited last year, 2023, the high part of city is overcrowded with locals, down on sea level only chinese empty buildings and on the beach chinese restaurants. Didnt visit the islands. Only one mall and casinos. Not sure how safe that is
Sihanoukville is huge with many different areas. We found several Khmer run seafood restaurants and attractions.
I remember going to shihanouk Ville during 2018 for a family vacation, and it’s was amazing. Compare to nowadays. shihanouk is very very different from the past. I feel like I’m not in Cambodia anymore. I feel unsafe and uneasy.
It's definitely different, but we never felt unsafe. Definitely it feels like you aren't in Cambodia anymore.
@@ForRiel maybe when I go there again. I might feel different about it. Thank you for the amazing video
@tricter2200 no problem 😸😁
Sihanoukville is very large so we didn't see all of it. But it does seem very safe to us.
Thanks for going there so I dont have to 😊
No problem 😊 it's not for everyone but never say never.
What a unusual thing to say
Love the channel. Very happy to hear you're both safe. I'll probably be coming out that way soon(ish), so I genuinely appreciate all the videos.
Thanks, we wanted to show Sihanoukville isn't a horrible, scary place of death. Most RUclipsrs look for overly dramatic content for views, even if it's not that bad.
Always come with an open mind and 😊. If you are tense and already expected the worst you will have a horrible time.
The Riva hotel looks nice!
I wonder how those same streets and areas look after the sunsets.
We didn't need to go there, but would say it would be very dark 😔
Arrived SHV 2001, left 2019. Otres beach was always the best area imo, and still is by the looks of your vid. The big market was great for fresh produce/seafood etc so thats a plus to see its survived. Huge task ahead to complete or demolish the buildings, fix the infrastructure etc.
I arrived on a Cruise in 2014 decided to look around huge market.
Then found wi fi in a bar our surprise was 50 cents Beers.
So much cheaper than 9 us dollars on ship
They are now 75c 🤯😂
Here are some timestamps to specific sections of the video:
00:00:00 - Introduction and welcome
00:02:00 - Arrival at the airport
00:04:00 - First impressions of the city
00:06:00 - Hotel room tour
00:08:00 - Exploring the streets
00:10:00 - Visit to Wat Leok Pagoda
00:15:00 - Exploring the coastline
00:18:00 - Visit to the market
00:20:00 - Exploring the streets
00:25:00 - Visit to the airport
00:28:00 - Conclusion and call to action
Thanks 😊👍
@@ForRiel ♥️
Seems it has some errors 😅✌️
I'll do it manually next time!
Never been there, Don't planning on visiting after watching this Vid
It's definitely interesting.
A mighty contrast!
It's a real strange mix of WTF and natural beauty 😍
@@ForRielit's a contrast I see a lot in Asia especially. Their new is break neck speed coming in next to the old.
Brings back some great memories for me. Went the first time in 2000 and several times after. Such a shame it has lost so much of its charm and character due to the over development. The beachfront shack restaurants that used to line the beaches were great but sadly all gone now.
Unfortunately nowhere can stay the same, progress is a good thing if handled well. Hopefully they get the balance back between modern and beach vibes.
1996.. there was only a cement footprint of what might be a big hotel.. I will never go back
Never say never, we will be back soon.
honestly, the govt should just take back those properties with the unfinished buildings, it’s just an unsightly place to look at.
No because there’s a loophole in the law which the government can’t intervene which is the reason why they can’t do anything about it but wait for the investor to come back and continue their project.
@@user-broccolishishiYou make me laugh. Loophole in the law? The government sold out the area to the Chinese. They will force investors if and when they can make a profit from it. 😊
@@mick-berry5331 How the government sold when 70% of the prime coast was owned by French and Russian billionaires still in 2015. You should learn who pocketed the biggest money from the Chinese.
@@pp-bf2ec do some in-depth research before spitting nonsense. The land owners are Cambodian and most of the building are built on land under and 50 years+ lease. Foreigners can’t own land permanently in Cambodia nor can Cambodia violate the lease to destruct those building. Maybe feeling some shame before starting to spread misinformation without any research. I agree Cambodian government isn’t always good, but they usually use gap in laws to help them do that instead of doing obvious violations. making a city becoming a ghost town is clearly a mistake but it’s also not something they want.
@@mick-berry5331 loophole in law because they didn’t expect that China will face economic strain, and most of the building are joint development between Cambodian and Chinese costing millions of dollars. Which means land owner had already made contract with the Chinese investor and their partner to grant them land. So even the land owner cannot violate the building that was built by the investor, not even the government. who can take down and build a new building when the contract is still in place? None.
I used to love the beach bars and life style before the Chinese ruined it. I’m going back in September for another look. I’m hoping it can make a comeback.
Hopefully the government will increase the amount of effort to fix this problem 🙏
Sinville use to be good until 2012, then .. but the beaches are nice and clean, at least !
Yes I agree
8:40 Dude taking a wizz !
He thought he was in PP.....
Been there twice about 15 years ago, didn't recognize anything! In time the empty building will have to be torn down but who is going to pay for that?😢
Most likely they will be sold off again at a lower price, as is.
Remember being there in 1972 full of backpacks.So sad what the Chinese have done 😢
The Chinese investors did pay for the buildings and land but it was the Cambodian local government that okayed the construction. Sihanoukville should be the best kept city in Cambodia with all the taxes that should have been collected on land sales and earnings.
@@ForRiel If you have visited before 2019, or read news in 2019-2020, you would know that local government has spent half billion dollars for infrastructure improvements in last 5 years. That is more than other cities Cambodia in same time.
You probably noticed the big main boulevards with car parkings, pavements across the main streets (less cars parked there than in PP), and beach boardwalk (total of 20km that connects basically all the main beaches). Also modern sewage treatment facilities, fresh water reservoir and piping, flood prevention systems (Sihanoukville had major floods all over city still 7-8 years ago), trash collection (there used to huge piles of trash bags everywhere).
It's really like different city just because of these infra improvements.
In the pipeline is the city bus network that should be launched within next 6 months hopefully, and private sector (French and Japan) together with Cambodia government are investing total $1,5 billion in seaport and airport.
For Chinese people Sihanouk is dangerous but for westerner it's really safe
Yes, I agree. I can see how it would be dangerous for Chinese there.
25:52 Copyright Violation !!
It's RUclips approved 😜
26:07 Imagine how hot the frog guy is.... works hard for the money.
Paradise lost. I used to go to Sihanoukville 2 or 3 times a year from 2000 to 2017. I stopped going then because it was being destroyed by crime and buildings. It was a quaint little town with a real backpacker vibe.
I think the wild west Sihanoukville is over and hopefully they will get the abandoned buildings situation sorted out. It could be a bit of everything for different tourists, but poor planning is letting it down.
@@ForRielI love you guys but WHO will get the abandoned buildings situation sorted out? The Royal Cambodian Fund For The Demolition and Restoration of Gargantuan Chinese Screw-Ups?
That fruit is a mini-jack fruit. The texture is more sticky than the normal size jack fruit, and when eating the mini-jack fruit, chew well. The texture can stick to your throat and cause you to choke yourself .Be careful.
I don't think we will be eating it anytime soon 😉
It is not a jack fruit tree, but a Bread Fruit Tree!
It was $27 usd to fly from siem reap to Sihanouk?!?!?
Yes, it was. Great service from AirAsia.
@@ForRiel that is amazing! My wife and I did the same flight Feb 2023 and it was $200 usd each!!! Worth it tho, as much as I wanted to show my wife my country with a road trip we had to save time flying. Thank u guys for keeping me updated on my country I love so much and I envy u and ur partner too, living the dream !
It’s a stretch from any unesco heritage site listing that’s a swerve for me
Im checking out Cambodia. Just started research. That place looked awful. Is that a fair reflection of the infastructure of Cambodia? It reminded me of Vietnam, and I did not like it there. I live in Thailand, so I am used to living in nice places and good standard of facilities. Is that place catering for the Chinese? Hopefully Cambodia has far nicer cities than that...........I will find out.
It's a city in progress, unfortunately it will take a few more years to recover from Covid and several other factors.
Thailand is more developed due to it not being involved in a Mass genocide which killed a third of the population 🥲.
Cambodia is not for everyone but we love it 😍🥰
Such a shame with those ghostly buildings, shacks, rubbish, etc. a city in shambles. A beautiful coastline that could have been a paradise vacation destination. So much potential.