A quiet night by the sea either side of the island ferry
Rivers, lakes and beachesType
In short
Otres Beach is a three-kilometre crescent of pale sand about 4 km south of central Sihanoukville, reached in 10 to 15 minutes by tuk-tuk. It is the calmest and least developed of Sihanoukville's beaches, divided into livelier Otres 1 and quieter Otres 2, with shallow water, small resorts and sunset views over the islands. It works best as a one-night stop before or after the ferry to Koh Rong.
South of Sihanoukville town, Preah Sihanouk province
Distance
About 4 km from central Sihanoukville, 10 to 15 minutes by tuk-tuk
Length
About 3 km of sand
Sections
Otres 1 (livelier) and Otres 2 (quieter)
Entry
Free and open to all
Best season
November to April
From Phnom Penh
About three hours by car via the expressway
Island ferries
Leave from the Autonomous Port or Serendipity pier, not from Otres
Time needed
One night, or an afternoon
Lifeguards
None; swim with care
Otres Beach is a three-kilometre crescent of pale sand south of Sihanoukville town, facing the islands of the Gulf of Thailand. It is the calmest and least built-up of the mainland beaches, with shallow water, casuarina trees and a string of small resorts and beach bars. Treat it as a relaxed stop before or after the islands rather than a destination in its own right, and you will enjoy it.
3 kmCrescent of sand
About 4 kmFrom central Sihanoukville
10 to 15 minBy tuk-tuk from town
2 sectionsOtres 1 and Otres 2
1 nightOur suggested stay
For many years Otres was the barefoot, bohemian end of Sihanoukville, known for its bamboo bungalows and sunset bars. A lot has changed since then, but the long sweep of sand, the gentle water and the island views are still there.
Sihanoukville and Otres: an honest picture
Sihanoukville has been through a dramatic decade, and it helps to know the story before you arrive. We would rather set your expectations honestly than oversell it.
2000s to mid-2010s
Otres grows as a laid-back backpacker beach of simple bungalows, bars and guesthouses, a quieter alternative to Ochheuteal and Serendipity.
Mid-2010s
Eviction and “beautification” campaigns clear many of the small beachfront businesses that gave Otres its character.
2017 to 2019
A huge wave of Chinese investment turns Sihanoukville into a casino and construction boom town, with hotels and towers rising across the city.
18 August 2019
Cambodia bans online gambling. Thousands leave within days, businesses close and building sites stop.
2022
Reports count more than 1,100 unfinished construction projects in the city.
Today
The city is quieter, roads and drainage are much improved, and the expressway from Phnom Penh has made it far easier to reach. Unfinished buildings remain part of the landscape.
Otres escaped the worst of the high-rise development, which is why it remains the most pleasant beach on the mainland. Litter can wash up, particularly after storms, and some stretches are cleaner than others. The Koh Rong islands have better beaches and clearer water, so if you have limited time, go there.
Otres 1, Otres 2 and the marina
Otres 1
The sociable end
The northern section, closest to town, with a more continuous line of beach restaurants, bungalow resorts and relaxed bars. Easy for a lazy afternoon and a sunset drink.
Otres 2
Quieter and more spread out
Separated from Otres 1 by an undeveloped stretch, with boutique resorts and bungalows set further apart. Better for couples and families wanting peace.
Otres Village
Inland and local
The small settlement behind the beach, with guesthouses, cafés and a village pagoda, Wat Otres. Simple and friendly, with a slower pace.
Otres Marina
The river side
Behind the southern end of the beach, a quiet river winds through the trees. Calm water here is ideal for kayaks and paddleboards.
Things to do at Otres
Otres is a place for doing very little, which is exactly why it works as a break in a busy trip.
Swim and relax: the water shelves gently and is usually calm in the dry season, though there are no lifeguards.
Kayak or paddleboard: on the sea on calm mornings, or on the sheltered river at Otres Marina.
Watch the sunset: the beach faces south-west towards the islands, and sunsets over the Gulf can be spectacular.
Yoga and wellness: several resorts offer yoga and massage.
Visit a weekend market: Otres has been known for its weekend night market with food, live music and handmade crafts. Its status and location change, so ask locally.
Explore Ream National Park: the protected coast, mangroves and beaches east of Otres make a good half-day trip by boat or road.
Best time to visit
November to April
Dry season: calm sea, sunny days and the best beach conditions
December to February
Peak season: book good resorts ahead, especially around holidays
May to October
Wet season: rougher sea, more rain and more debris on the sand, but quieter and cheaper
Time of day
Mornings for a calm swim; late afternoon for sunset
Entry
Free; the beach is open to everyone
How to get there
Otres lies about 4 kilometres south of the centre of Sihanoukville, measured from the Golden Lions roundabout. A tuk-tuk or ride-hailing car from town takes 10 to 15 minutes.
From Phnom Penh: about three hours by car via the Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville expressway, or a little longer by bus or minivan.
From Sihanoukville airport: by taxi or pre-booked transfer; we meet flights and drive you straight to your resort.
From Kampot and Kep: a half-day drive along the coast road.
To the islands: ferries do not leave from Otres. Transfer to the Autonomous Port or Serendipity pier in town for boats to Koh Rong.
Practical tips
Our advice
Stay one night, not five. Otres is perfect for breaking the journey to or from the islands, or for an easy evening after the drive from Phnom Penh.
Choose Otres 2 for quiet. If you want peace, stay at the southern end rather than near town.
Use a tuk-tuk after dark. The roads between the sections are poorly lit, so do not walk them alone at night.
Swim with care. There are no lifeguards. Stay out of the water in rough weather and after drinking.
Bring cash. Many beach bars and small resorts prefer US dollars in cash.
Please do
Support small, locally run bars and guesthouses
Take your rubbish away with you
Cover up when walking into the village or visiting the pagoda
Use a refillable water bottle
Please don’t
Leave valuables unattended on the sand
Ride a scooter without a helmet or licence
Buy shells or coral from sellers
Swim alone at night
Where to stay
Accommodation at Otres is small-scale: bungalow resorts, boutique guesthouses and a few mid-range hotels with pools, most within a short walk of the sand. There are no big international beach hotels here, which is a large part of the charm.
For a single night, we look for three things: a quiet location on Otres 2 or the southern end of Otres 1, reliable air conditioning and hot water, and a restaurant on site so you do not need to travel into town for dinner. Families usually prefer a resort with a pool, as the sea can be choppy in the wet season. Standards and management change quite often in Sihanoukville, so we check our recommendations regularly rather than relying on old reviews.
Where to go next
Most of our guests use Otres for a night on the way to the islands. From here, take the ferry to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem for the country’s best beaches, or head east along the coast to Kampot and the Kep crab market. See our island experiences for more ideas.
Visiting with My Travel Factory
We tell you honestly what Sihanoukville is like today and use Otres where it helps your trip: a peaceful night by the sea before an early ferry, or a soft landing after the islands. It fits into our Angkor & Koh Rong Island Escape and our Pepper Coast & Islands journey. Tell us your dates and we will choose the right resort and handle every transfer.
Questions travellers ask
Is Otres Beach worth visiting?
As a relaxed night before or after the islands, yes. It is the calmest and least developed mainland beach in Sihanoukville. For a longer beach holiday, the Koh Rong islands have better sand and clearer water.
How far is Otres Beach from Sihanoukville?
About 4 km from the centre of town, 10 to 15 minutes by tuk-tuk or ride-hailing car.
What is the difference between Otres 1 and Otres 2?
Otres 1, closer to town, has more beach bars, restaurants and bungalows and a more sociable feel. Otres 2 is quieter and more spread out, with boutique resorts suited to couples and families.
Is Sihanoukville safe for tourists?
Most visits are trouble-free. Take normal precautions: use tuk-tuks after dark, keep valuables secure, wear a helmet if riding, and avoid swimming alone at night or after drinking.
What happened to Sihanoukville?
A Chinese-funded casino and construction boom from about 2017 transformed the city. After online gambling was banned on 18 August 2019, many businesses closed and hundreds of buildings were left unfinished. The city is quieter now, with better roads.
Can you get a ferry to Koh Rong from Otres Beach?
No. Ferries leave from Sihanoukville Autonomous Port or Serendipity pier, a short drive from Otres.
When is the best time to visit Otres Beach?
November to April, when the sea is calm and the weather dry. December to February is busiest. The wet season brings rougher water and more debris on the sand.
Is Otres Beach good for swimming?
Yes, in calm weather. The water is shallow and usually gentle in the dry season, but there are no lifeguards, so take care.
How do I get from Phnom Penh to Otres Beach?
Drive about three hours via the Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville expressway, or take a bus or minivan to Sihanoukville and a tuk-tuk to Otres.
What is there to do near Otres Beach?
Kayaking and paddleboarding on the Otres Marina river, yoga, sunset drinks, a trip to Ream National Park, and ferries to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem from town.
Phsar Leu is Sihanoukville's main market, a busy covered market on Makara Street in the town centre. It sells fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables, clothes and household…
