Cambodia forum

Independence Beach Sihanoukville

criss1

newbie
Posts: 2

I plan to stay at the Independence Hotel for 7 days in January with my wife (we are both 60ish) but your travel guide suggests that much of the nearby beach is closed to the public pending 'construction'. Has anyone been there recently or know whats going on & whether any of this is likely to spoil being in what is hoped to be a quiet part of Sihanoukville (especially as it costs more money to stay here). We are trying to be some distance away from where there's lots of nightlife or noisy areas. Any suggestions?

#1 Posted: 6/5/2010 - 20:55
sayadian

under-employed
Posts: 951
Located in:

Private message

Independence beach was one of my favourite beaches in Asia up until the start of the renovations.It's a gorgeous beach with clean water and very quiet.
In their wisdom the local government got rid of the little restaurants on the beach, where you could sit in the shade and eat fresh seafood, and put up an ugly green fence around the land adjacent to it.
At the moment there is a small public area on the opposite end to the Independence hotel where you can buy a drink and sit on some extremely rickety deckchairs.
I'm no expert on the hotel but I've visited the grounds which are quite extensive and beautiful.I believe the beach below the hotel is for hotel guests only.So you will have access to part of the beach.
I was down in Sihanoukville about 6 weeks ago and no work had been started then, these things can take years in that part of the world and with a recession I doubt whether they will be building for quite awhile.Unfortunately, in S.E. Asia noise and dust are not seen as bothersome and if it does start you will not be able to do much more than grin and bear it. I suggest you e-mail the hotel nearer your time of departure to check whether work has started.
If you like a luxury hotel what about The Sokha hotel on the beach of the same name.It's not isolated but it is guaranteed to be quiet with a beautiful private beach and security patrols.

#2 Posted: 6/5/2010 - 23:33

------------------------------
money frees you from doing things you dislike,since I dislike doing nearly everything money is handy'
Munfasa

longtail driver
Posts: 10

did you think to change Sokha beach Hotel?it's nice place and warm regards.

#3 Posted: 13/5/2010 - 01:38
criss1

newbie
Posts: 2

Thanks for the information which was very helpful. The Sokha hotel was one of our options but after further consideration we have decided to stay at the Independence.

#4 Posted: 16/5/2010 - 13:28
Bocomo

backpacker
Posts: 14

Stayed at the Independence Hotel this past weekend. Very nice hotel, excellent service, and best of all a private beach. In fact when I was there there were only a few guest and I had the beach to myself on more than one ocassion. Plus they have a free shuttle service. Food was reasonably priced be western standards though drinks were expensive. Recommended, let me know if you need further info.

#5 Posted: 27/5/2010 - 21:10