If your cruise aboard Seabourn Encore includes a stop in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, you may be wondering how to make the most of your day ashore.

My name is Aya, and I was born and raised in Sihanoukville. For more than 12 years, I have been welcoming cruise guests from around the world and showing them the Cambodia I know and love. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, my tours focus on local life, culture, beautiful viewpoints, and authentic experiences that many visitors would never discover on their own.
Most of my guests choose a private shore excursion, allowing them to enjoy the day at their own pace. If several guests from the same ship are interested, I can also organise a small group tour with a maximum of eight participants, offering a friendly and personal alternative to large coach excursions.
Whether you're travelling as a couple, with family or friends, my goal is simple: to help you enjoy a relaxed, memorable day while ensuring you return to your ship comfortably and on time.
👉 Discover my Private Sihanoukville Shore Excursions and check availability for your cruise date.
When Will Seabourn Encore Visit Sihanoukville?
According to the current cruise schedule, Seabourn Encore is expected to visit Sihanoukville on:
- 26 December 2026
- 13 January 2027
- 24 January 2027
- 6 February 2027
If you're sailing on one of these cruises and would like to join a private excursion, I recommend contacting me in advance. I only accept a limited number of bookings each day to ensure every guest enjoys a personal experience.
Is Sihanoukville Worth Visiting?
This is one of the questions I hear most often.
If you've searched online, you've probably found reviews describing Sihanoukville during a period of rapid development several years ago. Those experiences were real, but the city has continued to change.
Today, visitors often notice the wide new roads, improved public spaces, renovated beaches and greener surroundings. At the same time, the heart of Cambodia is still here—local markets, Buddhist temples, fishing communities and the warm hospitality of the people.
During my tours, I don't just show the city centre. I also take guests to places where everyday life continues much as it always has, giving you a broader and more balanced impression of Sihanoukville today.
I've written a detailed guide explaining how the city has changed in recent years and what cruise visitors can realistically expect today.
👉 Is Sihanoukville Worth Visiting on a Cruise?
Why Choose a Private Shore Excursion?
Many Seabourn guests appreciate travelling independently rather than following a large group with a fixed timetable.
A private tour allows you to enjoy the day at your own pace. We can spend more time where you are most interested, stop for photographs whenever you like, answer your questions about Cambodia, or simply enjoy the journey without feeling rushed.
Every excursion includes:
- Cruise port pickup and return
- Comfortable air-conditioned transportation
- Flexible itinerary
- English-speaking local guide
- Guaranteed return before your ship departs
- No compulsory shopping stops
- No casino visits unless you specifically request one
- Plenty of opportunities to experience local life
- Flexible start time based on your ship's arrival
If enough Seabourn Encore guests enquire for the same day, I can also arrange a small group tour with no more than eight guests, combining the friendly atmosphere of a private tour with a lower cost per person.
What Can You Experience During Your Seabourn Encore Visit ?
Seabourn Encore guests often tell me they prefer a relaxed day with time to explore rather than trying to see as many places as possible. That's why every excursion is flexible and tailored to your interests, your pace and your ship's schedule.
Unlike large coach excursions, every tour is customised. Rather than following a fixed itinerary, we can adapt the day to your interests, the weather and the time your ship spends in port. Whether you'd like to spend more time at a temple, relax on a quiet beach or experience local life, the choice is yours.
Here are just a few of the experiences that many Seabourn Encore guests enjoy during their visit.
Discover Local Life
Step beyond the cruise terminal and experience the Cambodia that local people know. Visit lively markets, see everyday life unfold and learn about local customs and traditions.
Explore Buddhist Temples
Visit beautiful temples such as Wat Leu and Wat Krom, where you can enjoy peaceful surroundings, learn about Cambodian Buddhism and take in panoramic views across Sihanoukville.
Enjoy the Coast
Sihanoukville offers a variety of beaches, from quiet local bays to more developed beachfront areas. Depending on your interests and the available time, I can recommend the beach that best suits your visit.
Every beach is different. Some are perfect for relaxing, while others offer restaurants, cafés and beachfront promenades. I'll be happy to recommend the one that best matches your interests.
👉 Read my Guide to the Best Beaches in Sihanoukville for Cruise Visitors.
Optional Waterfall Visit
If your schedule allows and weather conditions are suitable, we may also include a visit to Kbal Chhay Waterfall, a peaceful natural area just outside the city.
Popular tour options imclude:
City & Local Life Tour
- Local markets
- Wat Leu & Wat Krom
- Scenic viewpoints
- Fishing harbour
- Optional waterfall (time permitting)
City Tour & Beach Escape
- Sihanoukville highlights
- Relaxing time at the beach
- Optional lunch at a local seaside restaurant
👉 View my complete Private Shore Excursion options.
Why Explore Sihanoukville with a Local Guide?
I grew up in Sihanoukville and have watched my hometown change over many years.
Because I live here, I can share not only the well-known attractions but also the stories behind them, explain local traditions and answer questions about daily life in Cambodia.
Many guests tell me that these conversations become one of the most memorable parts of their visit.
Every group is different, so I enjoy adapting each tour to the interests of my guests rather than following exactly the same script every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I return before my ship departs?
Yes. Every excursion is carefully planned around your cruise schedule. Returning to the port safely and on time is always my highest priority.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Private tours are flexible, and I am happy to adjust the itinerary whenever possible.
Do you only offer private tours?
Private tours are my main service because they provide the greatest flexibility. However, if enough guests from the same cruise are interested, I can also organise a small group tour with a maximum of 8 participants.
How do I book?
Simply contact me through the enquiry form on my website. I'll be happy to answer your questions and confirm availability for your cruise date.
Ready to Explore Sihanoukville?
Whether you're interested in local culture, beautiful viewpoints, authentic Cambodian food or simply enjoying a relaxed day with a local guide, I'd love to help you discover my hometown.
Whether this is your first visit to Cambodia or you're returning to explore more, I'll do my best to make your day ashore enjoyable, memorable and perfectly suited to your interests.
Every excursion is carefully planned around your ship's schedule, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time ashore with complete peace of mind.
👉 Check availability for your Seabourn Encore shore excursion.
Helpful Guides for Your Visit
Before your cruise, you may also find these guides useful:
About the Author
Aya | Sihanoukville Guide Service
Aya is a local guide who was born and raised in Sihanoukville and has been guiding international cruise passengers for more than 12 years.
She specialises in private shore excursions and, when requested, small group tours of up to 8 guests, helping visitors experience Cambodia beyond the usual tourist routes.
Aya enjoys sharing local culture, everyday life and the remarkable changes her hometown has undergone in recent years, while ensuring every guest enjoys a relaxed day ashore and returns comfortably to their cruise ship on time.
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