travel agency in sihanoukville

Ana Travel & Tours

We Offer visa extension services.

We are agents for Tours, Island Boat tickets and accommodation for you on Koh Rong, and Koh Rong Samloeum.

Private Taxis

Night buses  to Bangkok, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City

Daily buses  to all provinces in Cambodia

Daily Mini buses  to Kampot and Kep

We only deal with safe operators.

This is a very popular day tour for everyone. For Cruise Ship Visitors: Here is an itinerary for a day ashore trip that is tried and tested and proves to be popular with visitors here. For 2 – 3 clients we will use a Toyota Camry saloon car. For 4 – 8 clients we will use a mini-bus. All vehicles will be in good order with air-con. We guarantee to have you back to the ship in time. SIHANOUKVILLE AREA TOUR START  – PICK-UP FROM THE PORT EXIT GATE IF WE ARE NOT PERMITTED TO GO QUAYSIDE. IF A TENDER BOAT IS USED THIS IS A SHORT WALK MARKET  – COLOURFUL CHAOS – GRAB A BARGAIN.

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PEPPER FARM – SEE HOW PEPPER IS GROWN (IN SEASON ONLY)

PEPPER FARM – SEE HOW PEPPER IS GROWN (IN SEASON ONLY) Cambodia has long been known for having the best pepper in the world. At the beginning of the 20th century Cambodia was exporting around 8000 tons of Kampot pepper. In the 1960 there were still 1 million pepper poles in Kampot, producing around 1000 tons. After the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime, only 4 tons were harvested by the end of the 90’s. Now Pepper is a significant source of income for Khmer people, and is used frequently in local cuisine

Wat Leu for the amazing view over the town and Islands

PRICE – $50 PER PERSON or $55 WITH SIMPLE LUNCH

INCLUDES – ENGLISH SPEAKING DRIVER/GUIDE; SOFT DRINKS; BOTTLED WATER & ALL ENTRANCES FEES – COMPLIMENTARY KRAUMA (SCARF).

BRING – SWIMMING CLOTHES; TOWEL; CAMERA; HAT & SUNSCREEN

WE PLAN TO GIVE YOU A MEMORABLE DAY AND WILL

TRY TO ACCOMMODATE ANY SPECIAL REQUESTS

Contact Mick – [email protected]

• +855 17 234 758
• [email protected]

Welcome to Sihanoukville Tours

Immerse yourself in Cambodian culture and get a real taste of local life while in port in Sihanoukville with this full-day shore excursion. Learn about local beliefs as you admire the Krom temple; soak up the atmosphere at the bustling Phsar Leu market and cool off with a dip at the Kbal Chhay Waterfalls. That’s not all: get the chance to mingle with the locals as you take a peek into traditional Cambodian homes. 

We can provide an itinerary based on your needs and desires, fitting into your budget, and time constraints. Our flexibility is one of our strong points, having a great time at the beach? we can skip the market and have dinner there. We want to make your trip as enjoyable and hassle free as possible.

Best of Sihanoukville Tours

Phnom Penh Full Day Private Excursion Tour From Sihanoukville

Kampot and Kep, Mountains, Sea and In-between, Full Day Private Tour

Bokor Mountain National Park, Preah Monivong Full Day Private Tour

Shore Excursion: A Glimpse of Sihanoukville Private Tour

Snorkeling and/or Fishing Tour Sihanoukville Private Tour

Ream National Park Full Day Tour Private Tour

Private transfers.

Private Taxi Transfer Sihanoukville to Kampot and Kep

Take a reliable and private taxi transfer from Sihanoukville to Kampot and Kep with a reasonable price and English speaking driver. Enjoy relaxing door to door service provided by a friendly and professional ... read more

Sihanoukville International Airport Private Transfer

Take the worry out of your arrival or departure from Sihanoukville International Airport and pre-book a safe and reliable private transfer between the airport and your hotel. Skip the travel hassle and enjoy the comfort ... read more

Private Taxi Transfer Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh

Enjoy a reliable, air conditioned, private taxi transfer from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh with reasonable prices and an English speaking ... read more

Sihanoukville: Private Taxi Transfer to Koh Kong

Enjoy a reliable, air conditioned private taxi transfer from Sihanoukville to Koh Kong with reasonable prices and an English speaking ... read more

About Sihanoukville

• Getting Around Sihanoukville
• Best time to visit Sihanoukville
• Sihanoukville Climate
• Take Tour in Sihanoukville
• Sihnaoukville Travel Tips
• Money Matters in Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville Travel Guide

Wat Leu Pagoda

Koh Rong Island

Independence Beach

Beautiful Beaches

Check out Otres

Browse the Local Market

Visit a traditional home.

Real Cambodian life

Tour a nearby Fishing Village

Tumnub Rolork

Learn About Cambodian Buddhism

Welcome to sk tours.

SK Tours Sihanoukville is a tour agency located in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. SK Tours Sihanoukville provides different tours such as City - Tour , Ream National Park Tour, Island Tour for Cruise passengers and the other tourists that would like to have a visit in Sihanoukville. SK Tours Sihanoukville runs both private and group tours . We have had experience a lot in serving passengers since 2009. Because  tourists more and more increasing demand from year to year, We have decided to open a tours services for passengers to explore Cambodia and learn the real condition of Cambodian lives. 

We are a full-service travel agency, catering to everyone from backpackers to luxury travelers. We love to share the beauty  and culture of Cambodia with the world. We have fluent English, Chinese, German and other languages speaking tour guides. We pride ourselves on our customers service and available. We believe in quality services from our ground staff so as we impart the same to our guests.

Our Profile

In the field of tourism SK Tours Sihanoukville is a reputed name. We provide our satisfactory service to our customers. We arrange tours in Sihanoukville, Kampot province, Kep and Koh Kong province. 

The tour begins at 8:30 (or when agreed upon). SK Tours will pick you up at the port gate. Our first stop will be the local, old-style fishing village. Below is a sample itinerary with an appropriate price from $40 USD.

Sihanoukville 666 pepper farm

Ages pepper farm never looked very interesting until we visited this tiny pepper farm outside of Sihanoukville. SK Tours Sihanoukville wants to educate the world the subtleties of a spice that is often taken for granted, and local recognition for particularly excellent pepper grow in Sihanoukville. It is the only farm where is without chemical fertilizers or insecticides and it is the only place we can learn the process of producing pepper in this small city. In fact, the farm now is being recognized worldwide and it is super popular for tourism destination besides the city tour and the island tour. It is the best time for passengers who are traveling by cruise ship and other tourists that have a short time for the day and want to find out how local people grow pepper, so that passengers do not have to go far to the other provinces because Sihanoukville is available. It is located about 25km or 30 minutes from Sihanoukville. 

Wat Leu Pagoda

Wat Leu Pagoda, also known as Upper pagoda, is one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples of Sihanoukville. Wat Leu is located on the top of the mountain, about 3km away from Sihanoukville Autonomous port. It is a religious and historical site as well as a temple with significant and architecture. Wat Leu pagoda is covered by beautiful taller trees that offering a lot of shade and shelters for the birds and monkeys, so from its location, the pagoda offers visitors an unforgettable and admirable gorgeous sunset panoramas await and the view to Sihanoukville city also the beaches.

As we step into the temple, we will feel peaceful and quiet because of the colorful paintings on the wall of the building and the holy statue of Buddha facing to the door where Buddhist people pray to their ancestors. All the aspects inside the building makes the visitors dumb struck and busy with taking picture of the Buddhism history.

Tumnob Rolok fishing village

It is the biggest fishing village in Sihanoukville, 10 minutes drive from the port. The village was moved from it used to be for allowance of construction of the new port. At the moment fishing village is known as Tumnob Rolok commune and it is the main seafood giver in Sihanoukville. It is not only a fishing village but also a place fishermen build and repair the boats.  Moreover, the houses in the village are built on the surface of the ocean, they are called floating houses. If pay attention to the boats, there will be seen some flowers on the head of the boats which people organized for offering to Grandmother Mao for safety during fishing in the ocean. Usually there  are more than one people working in one boat they all have different position like a boatman, mechanic, fisherman and so on. 

Smach Daeng village

The traditional houses are usually built higher than the land, because some season flooding. Traditional houses always have the basic of structure consists of wooden frame and the roof is erected before the walls on upper floors are inserted. 

The houses are located in Smach Daeng village, Prey Nub district of Sihanoukville, about 23km away from the city center. As we arrive the local houses, first we will see is the spirit shrines that were constructed on the playground just in front of the house. All spirit shrines were built to dedicate to their ancestors who passed away for a long time. At the other side of the house, is the garden where people grow vegetables, at the back side separately from the house, is a very old Khmer style kitchen which all kind of their food is always cooked in that ancient cookers, and behind the kitchen, there is a big shade which is full of their cattle. When we walk around, please do not forget to look at the wall of the house, there are some fishing instruments hanging on for the season of fishing. It is such an ancient house in Sihanoukville and we only can explore the traditional houses at the outside of the city. SK Tours Sihanoukville likes to share the world with the reality of Cambodian lives.  

Samdach Chea Sim Primary school

Well, Education in Cambodia is divided into Pre-school, Primary school, Secondary school, High school and Higher Education. There are two shifts, the morning shift and the afternoon shift. The morning shift starts from 7 o’clock to 11 o’clock and the afternoon shift starts from 1 o’clock to 5 o’clock. The schooldays in Cambodia are from Monday to Saturday morning.

There are five subjects in Primary school: Mathematics, Khmer study, Science, Social study and Sports. The students have to study for six years from Grade 1 to Grade 6 and then they will go to secondary school if they pass the final exam. Three years in Secondary school from Grade 7 to Grade 9 and the other three years for High school from Grade 10 to Grade 12. Thus, that means students spend 12 years before going to Higher Education.

The students wear white shirts with black or blue trousers or skirts and they are allowed to start school until they are from six to thirteen years old. Students go to school by walking and bicycle. In Cambodia schools are free to everyone, so we do not have to pay for the school except the private schools. To get success in study students do not only base on the teachers but also their parents’ motivation or encouragement. Cambodia is a kind of mixed classes- boys can study with girls and girls can go with boys.

Finally, Education in Cambodia is getting better and better and we have more schools than in the Khmer Rouge regime or in the past time.

Phsar Leu Market

The market located on Street 7 Makara (meaning 7,January street). About 5km from the port. The market offers a good selection of food and flowers as well as traveler’s sundries such as shampoo, toothpaste and razors etc.... the market opens and closes with the sun. On the weekend,  the market is the most busiest day, both locals and foreigners go shopping from early morning till lunch time. In addition, the front parts of the market are clothes and shoes stalls. In the back parts it fills up with seafood and all kind of vegetable gathering.

Phsar Leu market is the biggest market in Sihanoukville and it is a place you can buy some souvenirs during your holiday in Sihanoukville, Cambodia and it is the most popular sight for local people from the other parts in Cambodia to enjoy their days off. The market will surprise you with a lot of different from your countries. The sellers and vendors are very friendly, they like calling people to buy their products while they are walking along the way in.  

Naia Resort and Hotel

Located on Otres beach,  5km from downtown. The resort  serves  you with an authentic  restaurant in a tasteful  settings. If you want to enjoy the real Cambodian cuisine in a comfortable restaurant, then Naia is the place. Best enjoyed by sharing the food both Cambodian and Western style with your friends and family, which allows you to sample a variety of flavors and sunbathing along the white sand beach. The beach is called Otres 2, being the relatively new-and smaller-area at the east end. In between is about a mile of unoccupied sandy beach which only really fills up on the weekend.

More recently Otres 2 has been developed, and for those unable to venture to the islands, this area has very much island feel and would be the best setting for your holiday. Beyond the beachfront bars where is rural Cambodia. Otres village lies just back beyond the road and hidden among its rice paddies are some of Sihanoukville’s more unique destinations. The estuary and mangroves are now being developed as an alternative to the white sands, and new business appear every month. As they have recently begun to develop the road linking Otres 2 with the airport, except this section continue growing. For those looking for tranquility, Otres and estuary are the places to go.

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Treasure Sihanoukville Travel and Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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As a leading travel agency in Sihanoukville, Exploring Tourism aims to make your visit truly unforgettable. Our expert Sihanoukville travel agent know all about its vibrant culture, history, and hidden gems, ensuring that you experience all it has to offer during your stay here. When you choose us as your travel agency in Sihanoukville, you gain access to our extensive knowledge and expertise. Every traveler is unique; therefore, we take the time to listen carefully to your preferences and interests before creating tailored itineraries that best meet your needs. No matter whether it is history, food, or adventure you seek, we have something in Sihanoukville just right for you!

Our travel agent in Sihanoukville will take care of organizing all aspects of your trip, from booking flights and accommodations to organizing guided tours and activities. We collaborate closely with a network of trusted partners and local tour operators in Sihanoukville to create an authentic and immersive experience for you in Sihanoukville. From exploring historical landmarks to indulging in culinary delights, we will take you on a journey that showcases the true essence of Sihanoukville.

Sihanoukville is a city steeped in history, boasting numerous iconic landmarks and attractions. From the modern wonders and the historic places, our sightseeing tours ensure you don't miss out on the city's architectural marvels, cultural hotspots, and hidden gems.

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Finding the perfect accommodation for your stay in Sihanoukville is essential, and our travel agency is here to assist you. No matter what your travel budget or style is, our selection of luxurious hotels, budget-friendly options and boutique accommodations has something suitable to meet the needs and preferences of every traveler. We ensure comfortable and convenient stays, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploration.

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Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Sihanoukville with our exciting activities. Experience the thrill of road transport, savor the flavors of authentic Cambodia cuisine during food tours, or indulge in traditional dance and music performances. Our carefully curated activities allow you to create cherished memories during your time in Sihanoukville.

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Sihanoukville is a treasure trove of attractions, offering something for every traveler. Explore the shop for souvenirs at the colorful bazaars, visit the religious places, or take a peaceful stroll in the serene gardens. With our expert guidance, you'll discover the best places to visit and experience the true essence of Sihanoukville.

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Discover the beauty and magic of Sihanoukville with Exploring Tourism, a trusted Sihanoukville travel agency, by your side. Contact us today to start planning your dream trip to this incredible city. Let us create memories that will last a lifetime as we take you on a journey through the vibrant places, ancient monuments, and captivating culture of Sihanoukville.

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We are one of the leading travel agencies and tour operators in Cambodia as well as in Indochina with also extensions outbound tours with many years of professional travel services with International Travel Companies. We provide Cambodia tour packages for all budget types FIT & Group or Small Group: Luxury, standard and budget to suit your choice & pocket. Adventure tours, join small group tour, cycling tours, Cooking Classes, Education Tours, Cruise Tour, Volunteer and Charity Organization, Honeymoon Tours, Muslim Package Tours, Incentive and excursions to major tourist destinations like: Siem Reap (with Amazing Angkor temples), Phnom Penh(Capital of Cambodia), Battambang (was the second largest city of the country), Sihanoukville (unspoiled beautiful white sand beaches and islands). And all around Cambodia.

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Guest reviews, day tours (angkor wat, phnom kulen, tonle sap lake, phnom penh & sihanoukville).

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Sihanoukville Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

Named after the former king Norodom Sihanouk, the city of Sihanoukville is usually a must on everyone’s travels to Cambodia .

The city’s golden beaches originally caught the attention of Cambodia’s jet-setting elite, however, Sihanoukville fell off the map during the tragic and violent reign of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. Years later, it was “rediscovered” and revitalized by the backpacking crowd, evolving into a lazy beach town.

These days, Sihanoukville is now the premier backpacker party city in Cambodia. It’s also popular with, Russian and Chinese tourists who are rapidly changing the face of the city.

While I think the city is a fun place to party, traveling here isn’t going to “wow” you. In fact, the city has become a bit of a mess due to construction, pollution, and casinos in recent years. It’s not very appealing except for a small strip of land by the dock.

That said, the islands off the coast are still a backpacker and budget traveler paradise, so Sihanoukville is still good for a night as you transit to/from the islands.

This Sihanoukville travel can help you make the most of your visit, save money, and show you how to enjoy the islands surrounding this once-sleepy backpacker town.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Sihanoukville

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Sihanoukville

1. Lounge on Otres Beach

There are several good beaches in the area, with Otres Beach being the best for swimming. It also has much clearer water and a more relaxed setting than any beach in Sihanoukville, which is why it’s my favorite. The beach seems to stretch on forever, so finding your own quiet spot is easy.

2. Go on a motorbike tour

Taking a motorbike into the jungle is a fun opportunity for anyone who loves adventure and wants to get off the beaten path. Prices vary for each tour, as they offer budget, standard, and luxury options for every route. They’re not cheap (tours start around $140 USD per day for a reputable company), but it’s a great experience.

3. Visit a pepper farm

Pepper is the biggest commodity here and there are several pepper plantations that offer tours. Guides explain the production process of this spice, which was once the world’s most expensive commodity. They are pretty interesting and the ride there is super scenic. If you want to do a half-day tour, it costs around $25 USD.

4. Relax on Monkey Island

Koh Rong is a 45-minute boat ride from Sihanoukville. Legend has it that this island was once inhabited by a giant King Kong-like ape. If you don’t find this mythical creature, give up your search and spend some time on the beautiful beaches instead. Day trips cost approximately $20 USD and include lunch and snorkeling equipment.

5. Take a booze cruise

A boat jam-packed with drunken tourists in a gorgeous paradise — what could be better ingredients for a wild party? These cruises leave in the morning and visit 3-4 islands during the day while drinking non-stop. Tours start from $15 USD per person.

Other Things to See and Do in Sihanoukville

1. go scuba diving.

The islands around Sihanoukville have great visibility, vibrant colorful coral, and exotic fish. There are a lot of PADI-certified schools on the islands, offering courses, liveaboards, and fun dives — including night dives. For an Open Water certification, expect to pay around $450 USD for the multi-day course. Single-tank dives start at $50 USD.

2. Shop at the market

The Phsar Leu Market, also known as Upper Market, is in the center of Sihanoukville and a good place to shop around and try some of the local foods. Come here for incredibly fresh seafood and marvel at the variety of items on offer. You can also buy clothing and souvenirs here as well. It’s open daily from 7am-5pm.

3. Rent a jet ski

Jet skis and banana boats are very popular around this area. Prices vary based on how long you rent one for but expect to pay at least $30 USD. If you want to rent one, be aware of your surroundings, stay clear of the swimming section, and adhere to safety regulations. There have been numerous accidents in the last few years due to negligence so have fun but drive carefully!

4. Visit Wat Leu

This temple is located on top of the big hill in town. There is a small museum here, and it’s a great place to catch the sunset, as well as take in wonderful views of the area. It’s much less busy than many of the other temples in Cambodia.

5. Day trip to Kampot

Kampot is a small town that is a nice break from the bustling backpacker atmosphere in Sihanoukville. A minibus to Kambot takes around two hours and costs $4-6 USD per person. You can visit pepper farms, beaches, temples, and just relax in a quieter setting. Be sure to eat at The Rusty Keyhole (for the best rib BBQ outside of Texas). If you want to make it an overnight trip, stay at the Bohemiaz Guesthouse. Even if you don’t stay there, you can use their facilities (swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, garden) for free when you eat at or have a drink at their bar/restaurant.

6. Go snorkeling

Almost all the islands around Sihanoukville offer snorkeling opportunities, and the further from Sihanoukville you get the better the visibility and sea life gets. Snorkeling tours average $15-25 USD and include breakfast, lunch, and equipment. The Dive Shop Cambodia is the only dive shop in Sihanoukville itself, though there are plenty of shops on the surrounding islands.

7. Jam with the expats at Otres Market

Every Saturday from midday until midnight the local expats gather to eat, drink, sell handicrafts, and jam to live music. The market is fantastic. The night is lit up with multi-colored lights and funky stands offering everything from passion fruit cheesecake and shots to handmade jewelry, hair dreading, and hippie clothing. Do not miss out on this incredible musical experience!

8. Hang out on Ochheuteal/Serendipity Beach

This is one of the most popular beaches in Sihanoukville. Ochheuteal refers to the entire 4-kilometer (2.5 miles) length of the beach, whereas Serendipity refers to the northern section with bars, restaurants, bungalows, and guesthouses on the sand. However, don’t go in the water here, because the sewage pipes empty right out into the harbor in front of the beaches (if you want to swim, do so in Otres.) It’s the liveliest beach area in Sihanoukville though, and Serendipity Beach Road is packed with bars and cheap guesthouses.

9. Chill on Independence Beach

At 1 kilometer (.6 miles) long, this is a smaller beach area, but it hasn’t been overly developed (yet). There are a handful of beach restaurants in the middle and a large casino and hotel complex at one end of Independence. It’s still mostly a quiet place to relax.

10. Relax on Koh Rong Sanloem

Koh Rong Sanloem Island is a smaller version of Koh Rong, with some really beautiful beaches on the eastern side. The sea life around here is very diverse and makes for great diving and snorkeling. Most day trips cost around $20 USD.

11. Hike in Bokor National Park

Spanning 1,423.17 square kilometers (550 square miles), there’s a lot to do at Bokor National Park. You can hike through a rainforest and see Bokor Hill Station, the atmospheric ruins of the French aristocracy for whom Bokor was a big draw in the 1920s. There are amazing views, ruins, waterfalls, and temples all around. Admission is free too. Group day tours from Sihanoukville start from $20 USD, while a private guide for the day is $40 USD. However, it’s 3 hours each way so it’s best to do it as an overnight trip.

12. Take a day trip to Kep

Like Kampot, Kep is a small, chill town. This quaint beach town and fishing village is the quiet version of Sihanoukville: a nice place to relax near the ocean but without a party atmosphere. It’s famous for its pepper crab and empty beaches. Getting here by minibus takes around two hours and costs $4-6 USD per person. If you want to spend a few days here, you can also visit the secluded nearby Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay).

  For more information on other cities in Cambodia, check out these guides:

• Angkor Wat Travel Guide
• Phnom Penh Travel Guide
• Siem Reap Travel Guide

Sihanoukville Travel Costs

Note: Cambodia uses USD. There’s no real need to carry the local currency, Cambodian Riels (KHR), unless you’re paying for really small things on the street. In a growing number of places, especially in the countryside, you might start getting riels back when paying in USD but you can essentially get by using mostly USD here.

Hostel prices – Hostel rates start around $6 USD per night for a bed in an 8-person dorm. A private double room in a hostel is around $20 USD per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard, but almost no hostels offer free breakfast or have a kitchen. Some hostels have a swimming pool.

Budget hotel prices – Two-star hotels and bungalows start around $20 USD per night, but they’re fairly comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, balconies, and free Wi-Fi. If you want something closer to the beach, you’ll pay about $32 USD per night for a double room which includes all the usual amenities and often also a hotel swimming pool and restaurant.

Airbnb is available in town with prices for an entire home/apartment beginning around $20 USD but averaging closer to $35 USD. As always, the places near the beach are the most expensive.

Average cost of food – Cambodian food is similar to Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Vietnam and Cambodia especially have many dishes in common due to the countries’ shared history of French colonization. For example, the baguette sandwich known as bánh mì in Vietnam is called num pang pâté in Cambodia. Popular Cambodian dishes include num banhchok , a lightly fermented rice noodle dish served for breakfast; amok trei , a fish curry dish; and samlar kako , a hearty soup filled with vegetables, roasted ground rice, and catfish or pork. In general, Cambodian cuisine includes a huge variety of noodle soups, stir-fries, curries, fried rice, and sweets.

Rice and freshwater fish are present in nearly every Cambodian meal. Lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, tamarind, ginger, chili pepper, and kaffir lime are all commonly used spices. Fermented fish paste is another widely used ingredient that adds saltiness and flavor.

Common vegetables include leaf and root vegetables as well as melon, long beans, snow peas, bean sprouts, and eggplant. Dozens of types of fruit are native to Cambodia, with durian being the most infamous. However, there are plenty of less pungent fruits to try, including mangosteen, passionfruit, dragonfruit, and mangoes. Fruit is a popular dessert and snack, either eaten alone or made into a variety of sweets.

Sihanoukville has a surprisingly diverse range of cuisine. Along the beaches, especially at Ochheuteal Beach, there are many food stalls serving grilled meat, chicken, and seafood with fries and a beer for around $3-4 USD. Snacks are even less, around $1 USD or less. I’d stick to the street food as it’s cheaper and tastes better than the restaurants.

Cambodian food at a casual restaurant generally costs $4-6 for a typical dish, such as curry or noodles. There are many western restaurants in town as well that cater to tourists, costing around $5-8 USD for a meal. A pizza or burger costs $4 USD, fish and chips cost $5 USD, a pasta dish costs $6-8 USD.

For drinks, a beer costs less than $1 USD, a glass of wine is $2 USD, and a cocktail is $3-5 USD. A cappuccino is $1.25 USD.

If you plan on buying groceries and cooking your own food, expect to spend around $15-20 USD per week for basic groceries like vegetables, rice, and some meat. However, given that hostels and hotels don’t have kitchens and food is so cheap, I wouldn’t advise cooking your meals while here.

Backpacking Sihanoukville Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Sihanoukville, expect to spend around $40 USD per day. On this budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm, eating food from the street stalls, limiting your drinking, taking the occasional motorbike taxi, and doing mainly free or cheap activities like hanging out on the beach and snorkeling.

On a mid-range budget, expect to spend about $95 USD per day. On this budget, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat some sit-down meals at nicer restaurants, have some drinks, take a tuk-tuk ride to and from the beach, and do more excursions like visiting the islands or going on a booze cruise.

On a “luxury” budget of $130 USD or more a day, you can stay a room at a nice hotel with a swimming pool, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, take more taxis, island hop, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). Prices are in USD.

Sihanoukville Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Despite being a popular tourist destination, Sihanoukville remains affordable. But if you want to save some cash, here are some money-saving tips for Sihanoukville:

• Drink during happy hour – The trend on Serendipity Beach is to advertise a permanent ‘happy hour’ (cocktails for $2-3 USD and draft beer for as little as $0.75 USD). If you’re going to drink, stick to places with cheap happy hour drinks because they add up fast!
• Negotiate with tuk-tuk drivers – Make sure you negotiate the price of your ride before taking off. Moreover, don’t take the first number they give you — it’s inflated. Keep in mind, prices rise around sunset, and negotiating becomes more difficult.
• Work for your room – It’s pretty common to get a job in a hostel in order to stay longer in Sihanoukville so if you stay at a hostel and like the vibe, ask if they’ll let you work there. You usually just need to work a few hours each day in exchange for accommodation.
• Minimize your drinking – Drinks, though cheap, really add up. Every drink is a dollar and before you know it, you’ve spent more money on beer than on food and accommodation. If you drink a lot, you’ll need a slightly higher budget.
• Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Sihanoukville since you can’t drink the tap water here. Save money and thousands of plastic bottles and get a bottle that can purify the tap water for you. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw , as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Sihanoukville

There aren’t many hostels in Sihanoukville; most are on Koh Rong or other nearby islands. Here are my recommended places to stay in the area:

• Onederz Sihanoukville
• Next Beach Club (Koh Rong)
• Mad Monkey Koh Rong Samloem (Koh Rong Samloem)

How to Get Around Sihanoukville

Motorbike Taxis – Motorbike taxis are the most common way to get around Sihanoukville. The standard price for a ride is around $1.25 USD per trip, although expect to haggle at night or if the distance is long. The ride from the new bus station to Serendipity Beach should cost around $3.50 USD during the day.

Tuk-Tuk – If you’re uncomfortable with taking a motorbike taxi in Sihanoukville, tuk-tuks are also plentiful. They’re more expensive than the motorbikes, however, and haggling often doesn’t work as drivers work together to fix their rates. A trip from the city to Serendipity Beach or Otres shouldn’t cost more than $4 USD. Hiring one for a full day costs about $20 USD.

Taxis – Regular car taxis are also available here, but they’re rarely metered and they’re the most expensive option of these three. If you need to get to the airport, you’ll have to get your hotel or hostel to arrange the ride. The entire journey costs about $20 USD. Otherwise, I’d avoid them. Due to construction, the ride to the airport takes a couple of hours. Leave hours before your flight as there are constant delays!

Motorbike/car rental Motorbikes are around $5 USD per day and $30 USD per week. However, with hazardous roads and driving conditions, there’s really no need to rent a motorbike here (especially since you’re likely heading off to the islands).

Car rentals are virtually non-existent here and I wouldn’t recommend driving here anyway as accidents are very common.

When to Go to Sihanoukville

The high season in Cambodia is from November to April when temperatures are mild. This is the best time to visit Sihanoukville (and the coast in general) — the sunshine is constant and so are the blue skies. Daily highs are just under 30°C (90°F), and you’ll be able to enjoy a nice sea breeze on the beach. This is when most people visit, however, so be prepared for large crowds.

If you’d rather avoid peak tourist season, visit from May to the beginning of October. Although this overlaps with the rainy season, generally that just means getting hit with brief heavy rainfall in the afternoons.

April is the hottest month, and the humidity can be unbearable for some. Daily highs are usually 33°C (91°F) or higher. But if you want to avoid hordes of tourists, this is the time to come!

How to Stay Safe in Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville is a safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. Violent attacks are super rare.

Petty theft is the most common type of crime here. Unfortunately, it’s rather frequent on the beaches. Ochheuteal Beach is particularly a hotspot for thieves. Never leave any valuables unattended while you’re here and avoid walking on the beaches alone after dark just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never accept drinks from strangers, don’t walk around alone at night, etc.).

A common scam here involves being distracted by a child (or sometimes an adult) while another person takes your valuables from your towel. Leave your most important valuables in your safety deposit box or locker and always stay vigilant if people randomly approach you.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off, read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Hold onto your bag tightly when you’re riding on a motorbike taxi. Keep your bag in front of you so other drivers can’t snatch it. Bag snatching can occur so always keep your bag secure when out and about.

The people who do tend to get into trouble here are usually involved with drugs or sex tourism. Avoid those and you should be fine.

Avoid dehydration in the heat by making sure you bring lots of water to keep hydrated. Remember that tap water isn’t safe to drink, so bring a water bottle with a built-in filter.

If you experience an emergency, dial 119 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Sihanoukville Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Sihanoukville Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more information on Sihanoukville? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Cambodia travel and continue planning your trip:

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

Backpacking Cambodia: 3 Suggested Itineraries for Your Trip

Experiencing Local Cambodian Culture on Bamboo Island

Phnom Penh, I Love You!

The Tragic Death of Phnom Penh’s Lake Area

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Sihanoukville Tours and Trips 2024/2025

We offer 5 tours in Sihanoukville. Tour durations range from 1 to 10 days and the top tour categories in Sihanoukville are beach, sightseeing tours & local culture. Out of the 5 trips in Sihanoukville, 2 of them are private tours and 3 are group tours. Our Sihanoukville tours are offered by 4 qualified and hand-picked tour operators and each Sihanoukville trip comes with a best price guarantee and no added booking fees.

• Cambodia Travel Guide

5 Trips in Sihanoukville with 1 Review

• Starts Sihanoukville, Cambodia
• Ends Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Explore the Islands of Sihanoukville

• Free cancellation
• Trip customizable
• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities Beach & Active and outdoor Beach , Active and outdoor & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='7379'>+1 more
• Accommodation No Accommodation
• Age Range 5-79 yrs
• Operated in English
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Ream National Park Day Tour from Sihanoukville

• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Wildlife safaris and game drives Sightseeing Tours , Wildlife safaris and game drives & Cruise 'data-more-tripid='7380'>+1 more

Shore Excursion in Sihanoukville

• Best price guaranteed
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & Local culture Natural landmarks sightseeing , Local culture , Beach & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='12401'>+2 more

Kampot and Kep from Sihanoukville: 1-day

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Beach & Sightseeing Tours Beach , Sightseeing Tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='11565'>+1 more

• Starts Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Ends Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Angkor to the Beach Premiere Bike Tour

• Activities Bicycle tours & Kayaking and canoeing Bicycle tours , Kayaking and canoeing , Beach , Local culture , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='39346'>+4 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Boat, Bus, Ferry & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 25-55 yrs

Traveling to Cambodia? Chat with a local travel specialist in Cambodia who can help organize your trip.

Sihanoukville Tour Reviews

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Built around a deep-water port, Sihanoukville is a large industrial city that has succumbed to the dubious allure of cheap travel — backpackers, casinos and budget hotels abound. However, it’s a convenient doorway to the nearby islands of the Koh Rong Archipelago.

This string of islands, stretched out across the mouth of the Bay of Kompong Som, is named after the largest island in the chain. Even in an area known for its beaches, Koh Rong stands out. The silky, sugar-fine beaches stretch for miles and feathery palm fronds cast dappled shade on the sand, which slopes gently down into brilliantly blue waters.

Located a short ferry ride from Sihanoukville, Koh Rong also offers options beyond the beach. The waters support schools of iridescent fish, bright corals, delicate seahorses and cartoonish nudibranchs, which you can admire on a snorkel or dive. Equipment rentals are available on the island. Many snorkelling trips also include an after-dark boat trip to see the glowing plankton that limns the waves with an eerie luminescence. You can visit nearby islands by longboat, trying your hand at the local fishing techniques.

Hotels here range from inexpensive to indulgent. We suggest the Royal Sands, which offers beachside private bungalows and a spa, as well as an infinity pool.

Just off the northeast coast of Koh Rong, Song Saa is a pair of tiny private islands linked by a footbridge. The name is Khmer for ‘the sweethearts’. On the southerly island, you’ll find sybaritic bungalows decorated with driftwood furniture and upcycled wood, some on stilts over clear turquoise waters.

Just a brief walk away, across a curved wooden bridge, is a nature reserve. Here, you can spot kingfishers, sea eagles and Malaysian plovers with a trained member of the hotel’s conservation team.

Best time to visit Sihanoukville

We suggest visiting Sihanoukville between November and April, when the skies are blue and the humidity is low. Temperatures begin at a comfortable 25°C (77°F) and rise steadily until they reach a sizzling 33°C (91°F) by April.

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Sihanoukville by contacting one of our Cambodia specialists

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Suggested itineraries featuring Sihanoukville

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Sihanoukville, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Luxury tour of Cambodia

13 days from £11,900pp

Classic Cambodia tour

14 days from £4,260pp

Cambodia's nature & communities

13 days from £5,690pp

A tale of two cities: Hong Kong & the history of Angkor

14 days from £3,805pp

Grand tour of Cambodia

18 days from £5,190pp

Map of Sihanoukville

Places & hotels on the map, places near sihanoukville.

• Kampot 47 miles away
• Kep 57 miles away
• Koh Kong 78 miles away
• Phnom Penh 117 miles away
• Battambang 173 miles away
• Siem Reap 191 miles away
• Temples of Angkor 195 miles away
• Kratie & Chhlong 215 miles away
• Banteay Chhmar 240 miles away
• Preah Vihear 273 miles away
• Sen Monorom 280 miles away
• Mondulkiri 284 miles away

Photos of Sihanoukville

Accommodation choices for Sihanoukville

We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Sihanoukville. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

Song Saa Private Island

Ideas for experiencing sihanoukville.

Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Sihanoukville, and which use the best local guides.

Visit Ream National Park

Ream National Park is a pristine maritime park just outside Sihanoukville. Notable for its mangrove forests, wildlife and pure stretches of white beach, the park itself is over 21,000 hectares and includes two islands — Koh Thmei and Koh Ses.

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Young U.S. Travelers Ditch Online Travel Agents for Bank Booking Sites: Skift Research

Sean O'Neill , Skift

April 1st, 2024 at 1:20 PM EDT

Young Americans are shunning online travel giants like Expedia and Booking.com in favor of credit card travel portals, such as Chase Travel and Capital One Travel, a Skift Research survey found.

Sean O'Neill

Would you book your next vacation through the reservation platform of your bank credit card, such as Chase Travel or Capital One? Would you turn instead to online travel agencies like Expedia and Booking.com? Or would you book directly with airlines and hotels?

If you’re an American under 35, the likely answer is that you favor your bank credit card’s travel portal, according to Skift Research .

A Skift Research survey found that roughly a third of U.S. Gen-Zs and Millennials book airline and hotel reservations through credit card platforms, while only a quarter use online travel agencies.

This behavior is the opposite for older travelers, who are much likelier to use online travel agencies than credit card portals.

A Rising Generation Opts for Next-Gen Travel Players

Skift Research surveyed 1,001 U.S. travel credit card holders who had taken at least one long-distance, overnight trip in late 2023. The survey was fielded online by a trusted third-party consumer panel provider.

The survey found that between 32% and 36% of travelers between the ages of 18 and 34 booked trips through credit card reservation portals, using their credit cards to either pay or redeem rewards. Between 24% and 25% booked trips through online travel agencies.

The preference for credit card portals was reversed for older travelers. People over the age of 55 booked through online travel agencies about 27% of the time, but they used credit card platforms only about 11% to 12% of the time.

Between 40% and 60% of travelers of all ages said they booked directly.

Online Travel Companies Still Benefit

The bank-led programs have grown quickly. JPMorgan Chase & Co. began pushing its Chase Travel portal to its U.S. customers in earnest in 2022. Last year, Chase Travel processed roughly $10 billion in transactions , making it roughly comparable in volume to established players like American Express Travel. Capital One Travel has similarly grown by leaps and bounds since its 2021 relaunch .

However the credit card travel booking portals source most of their inventory through business-to-business contracts with online travel giants. So companies like Expedia, Booking Holdings, and Hopper still make commissions by providing white-labeled plane tickets and hotel reservations to these banking partners.

It could be a perilous game for online travel giants to let upstart banking players create customer loyalty and habits among young travelers. Agencies’ commissions from powering the bank portals behind the scenes are typically less — and often 50% less — than when customers book at agencies themselves.

If a generational shift in booking patterns holds long-term, it could eventually undermine the margins of online travel companies.

Chase Travel Exec On How In-House Agency and Tech Provide an Edge

Chase Travel and American Express Travel are among the top handful of leisure travel sellers in the U.S. That’s mostly good news for online travel agency partners, as well.

More from Skift Research

Travel tech sector stock index performance year-to-date.

What am I looking at?  The performance of travel tech sector stocks within the  ST200 . The index includes companies publicly traded across global markets including online travel, booking, and travel tech companies.

The Skift Travel 200 (ST200)  combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number.  See more travel tech sector financial performance .

Read the full methodology behind the Skift Travel 200.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Photo credit: Some of the Chase Sapphire credit cards used for booking travel and other things. Source: Chase.

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Solar Eclipse 2024: Will it impact air travel and should you worry?

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL NEWS , WORLD / Created : Apr 2, 2024, 00:00 IST

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Anticipated to traverse Mexico, Canada, and the United States, the eclipse will likely affect air traffic and airports along its trajectory from April 7 to April 10, as stated by the FAA in a notice outlining special air traffic p … Read more

Anticipated to traverse Mexico, Canada, and the United States, the eclipse will likely affect air traffic and airports along its trajectory from April 7 to April 10, as stated by the FAA in a notice outlining special air traffic procedures. This situation may result in delays for air travellers, particularly as the eclipse coincides with spring break travel, as mentioned by the agency. Read less

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Anticipated to traverse Mexico, Canada, and the United States, the eclipse will likely affect air traffic and airports along its trajectory from April 7 to April 10, as stated by the FAA in a notice o...

Marula Hill Travel's Vikki Jackson Celebrates Prestigious Award

Vikki Jackson, co-owner of Marula Hill Travel, has won the Best Boutique Safari Agency 2024 award from LUXlife magazine.

Manchester, England, United Kingdom - April 2, 2024 —

The award recognises Marula Hill Travel's exceptional safari experiences and Vikki's unique journey from the UK to Africa. Born and raised in Manchester, Vikki fell in love with Africa on her 8th birthday when she mistook an olive for a grape. This incident sparked a passion for the continent, leading her to co-found Marula Hill Travel, a bespoke travel agency offering luxurious and authentic African safari experiences.

Vikki said: "Winning this award is a heartfelt honour celebrating Marula Hill Travel's mission to share Africa's soul-stirring beauty and diversity with the world. Marula Hill Travel specialises in custom-designed safaris and travel experiences across Africa, and its recognition by LUXlife's Travel & Tourism Awards highlights our commitment to excellence in providing unforgettable experiences for its clients."

Sian Loehrer, co-founder of Marula Hill Travel said: Vikki's story is about embracing change, pursuing passion, and breaking boundaries. Her transition from a corporate career with IBM to entrepreneurship reflects a bold leap of faith and a commitment to following her heart. As a woman entrepreneur thriving in the safari industry, Vikki inspires many, proving that creating a successful and impactful business grounded in passion and respect for nature is possible."

Marula Hill Travel is more than a company; it's a journey of discovery and connection. This award from LUXlife magazine encourages them to continue pushing the boundaries of luxury travel in Africa. Vikki Jackson's journey from Manchester to the heart of the African bush serves as a powerful narrative of passion, adventure, and success. For more information about the award, visit  www.lux-review.com/issues/travel-and-tourism-awards-2024/18/

About the company: About Marula Hill Travel Marula Hill Travel is a boutique travel agency specialising in luxury African safaris and bespoke travel experiences. Founded on a deep love for the African continent, Marula Hill Travel offers personalised journeys that go beyond the traditional, immersing clients in Africa's rich landscapes, wildlife, and cultures. As a recipient of the Best Boutique Safari Agency 2024 by LUXlife magazine, Marula Hill Travel continues to set the standard for luxury travel in Africa. About LUXlife Magazine LUXlife magazine is a premier digital publication celebrating luxury lifestyle, including travel, cuisine, fashion, and technology. As part of AI Global Media, LUXlife showcases the best luxury experiences and lifestyle trends worldwide. The LUXlife Travel & Tourism Awards honour excellence in the travel industry, highlighting establishments and services that offer unparalleled experiences to their clients. Visit LUXlife Magazine for more information.

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• International

Devastation in Gaza as Israel wages war on Hamas

By Chris Lau, Antoinette Radford and Maureen Chowdhury , CNN

US national security adviser to visit Saudi Arabia this week, official says

From CNN's Kylie Atwood

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will travel to Saudi Arabia this week to continue talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about a normalization deal between Israel and the kingdom, according to a US official. 

No major breakthroughs are expected from the meeting, the official added. 

Sullivan's visit comes less than two weeks after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cited "good progress" in the ongoing talks during his visit to Saudi Arabia .

The potential deal , which many view as a major hurdle that may prove too challenging to pull off — especially while Israel is at war in Gaza — would have many elements, including a US military agreement with Saudi that would support its development of a civilian nuclear program, US officials have told CNN.

But the details of that portion of the deal, as well as many other aspects, remain in the works, the US official said Monday. 

Axios was the first to report on Sullivan's visit. 

Some background: Just weeks before Hamas launched its October 7 attack on Israel, Saudi Arabia said it was  inching closer  to normalizing diplomatic ties with the Jewish state. But months of war in Gaza have left the Arab world seething , jeopardizing any potential deal.

It's morning in the Middle East. Here's what you need to know

From CNN staff

Iran has vowed a "decisive" response after a strike it blamed on Israel killed two of its top commanders and five other officials at its consulate in Syria, in what may be the most dangerous escalation outside of Gaza since the start of the Hamas-Israel war nearly six months ago.

Iranian authorities and state media named senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders Mohammed Reza Zahedi and Haji Rahimi among those killed.

Israel's military said it does not comment on foreign reports, but its spokesperson said the consulate was a "military building of Quds forces disguised as a civilian building."

The Quds Force is a unit of Iran's IRGC responsible for foreign operations.

Here are the latest developments in the region:

• Aid workers killed: At least five aid workers, including foreigners, from a team delivering food to starving civilians in Gaza have been killed in an Israeli military strike, according to non-profit group World Central Kitchen and authorities in the besieged enclave. Australia confirmed one of its nationals was among those killed.
• National security powers: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to shut down Qatari state-backed news network Al Jazeera in Israel. It comes after the passage Monday of a  sweeping law  allowing the government to temporarily ban foreign networks perceived as posing a threat to national security.
• US weapons: The Biden administration is close to approving the sale of as many as  50 American-made F-15 fighter jets to Israel , in a deal expected to be worth more than $18 billion, according to three people familiar with the matter. It would amount to the largest US foreign military sale to Israel since the country went to  war  with Hamas on October 7.
• Ambulances struggle to reach hospital: Ambulances trying to reach Gaza's devastated Al-Shifa Hospital following the withdrawal of Israeli troops are finding it " almost impossible because of the damaged roads," Gaza's Civil Defense told CNN. Israel's two-week military operation at the complex left hundreds dead and survivors malnourished, according to reports from the complex.
• UN will also try to reach Al-Shifa: The UN is planning a mission to Al-Shifa Hospital as soon as it is "allowed to help people receive medical attention and to assess the facility," the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said Monday.
• US pushed for Rafah alternatives: The US has yet to see plans from Israel detailing what a  major military operation into Rafah  would look like, including how Israel would try to protect the more than 1 million civilians in the Gazan city, a US official told CNN on the heels of a meeting between senior officials from both countries.

Japan lifts funding suspension of UN Palestinian relief agency

From CNN's Moeri Karasawa

Japan has lifted its funding suspension of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees , Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa said Tuesday.

Israel has  accused at least 12 staffers  from the UN Relief and Works Agency of being involved in the October 7 Hamas attacks and has alleged that about 12% of the UN Relief and Works Agency's 13,000 staffers are members of Hamas or other Palestinian militant groups. UNRWA says it has fired 10 of the 12 accused staffers and that the other two are dead. CNN cannot confirm the allegations.

Japan's move came after a meeting on Saturday between Kamikawa and Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner General of UNRWA.

In the meeting, Lazzarini laid out the steps the agency was taking to “improve screening and education to ensure neutrality of UNRWA staff,” according to a  statement  from Japan's foreign ministry on Saturday.

UNRWA also agreed to establish a new framework with Japan on project management and monitoring to ensure “transparency and traceability of projects,” the ministry added.

Some background: UNRWA is the primary humanitarian aid group in Gaz a.  About 2 million Gazans rely  on the agency for aid, with 1 million people using UNRWA shelters for food and healthcare amid the fighting in the enclave.

Australian among aid workers killed in Gaza, Australia's prime minister says

From CNN's Hilary Whiteman and Irene Nasser

An Australian is among members of the aid organization World Central Kitchen who were killed in Gaza , Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday.

"Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankcom was doing extraordinarily valuable work. This is someone who volunteered in Australia to help people during the bushfires. This is someone who was volunteering overseas to provide aid through this charity for people who are suffering tremendous deprivation in Gaza," Albanese said. "Australia expects full accountability for the deaths of aid workers, which is completely unacceptable," Albanese said. 

Australia has contacted Israel, Albanese said, adding that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has "requested a call-in from the Israeli ambassador to Australia" to "ask for accountability."

"The truth is that this is beyond beyond any reasonable circumstances that someone going about providing aid and humanitarian assistance should lose their life. And there were four aid workers as well as a Palestinian driver in this vehicle," Albanese said.

The prime minister sent his deepest condolences to her family.

Israeli strike kills 5 aid workers in Gaza, non-profit and officials say

From CNN’s Abeer Salman, Caitlin Hu, Muhammad Darwish, and Eyad Kourdi

At least five aid workers, including foreigners, who were delivering food to starving civilians in Gaza have been killed in an Israeli military strike , according to non-profit group World Central Kitchen and authorities in the besieged enclave.

Videos obtained by CNN show the bodies of multiple people wearing World Central Kitchen vests following an airstrike in the central city of Deir Al-Balah. Passports from Britain, Poland and Australia are seen in the footage.

World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés confirmed the five deaths to CNN.

“Today  @WCKitchen  lost several of our sisters and brothers in an IDF air strike in Gaza,” Andrés  wrote on Twitter . “I am heartbroken and grieving for their families and friends and our whole WCK family.”

“The Israeli government needs to stop this indiscriminate killing. It needs to stop restricting humanitarian aid, stop killing civilians and aid workers, and stop using food as a weapon,” he added.

The IDF said it is “conducting a thorough review at the highest levels to understand the circumstances of this tragic incident.”

Hamas condemned the attack in a statement on Tuesday, urging the international community and the United Nations to “take action.”

Read the full story.

Iran's foreign minister says Israel carried out consulate attack, but that the US is responsible

From CNN's Hamdi Alkhshali

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has blamed Israel for Monday's attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, but also said that the United States was responsible for it because it supports Israel.

The top diplomat's comments underscore the increasing strain between Tehran and Washington, with Iran pointing fingers at the US for its support of Israel.

Conveying the stern message in a post on  X , Amir-Abdollahian said the Swiss chargé d'affaires in Tehran was summoned by Iran's Foreign Ministry early Tuesday to discuss the incident, given Switzerland's role in representing US interests in Iran.

"The dimensions of the Israeli regime’s terrorist attack and crime were explained, and the American administration’s responsibility underlined" in the meeting, the minister said. “An important message was relayed to the American administration as the Zionist regime’s supporter,” he added. “The United States should be answerable.”

Some background: The Israel Defense Forces hasn't commented publicly on the strike that Iran said killed two commanders and several others. But IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari  disputed that the building was a consulate . "This is a military building of Quds forces disguised as a civilian building in Damascus," he said. Separately, The New York Times reported that four unnamed Israeli officials acknowledged that Israel carried out the attack.

Biden administration set to approve $18 billion deal to send fighter jets to Israel

From CNN's Natasha Bertrand, Jennifer Hansler, Katie Bo Lillis and Kylie Atwood

The Biden administration is close to approving the sale of as many as 50 American-made F-15 fighter jets to Israel , in a deal expected to be worth more than $18 billion, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The transaction, which would amount to the largest US foreign military sale to Israel since the country went to  war  with Hamas on October 7, comes as the administration is also expected to notify Congress soon of a large new sale of precision-guided munitions to Israel, the people said.

The new sales of some of the US’ most sophisticated weaponry underscore the extent to which the US continues to support Israel militarily, even as Biden administration officials criticize Israel’s operations in Gaza, which have killed more than 32,000 Palestinians since October, according to the Gaza Ministry of health.

The sale is likely to be hotly debated in Congress, particularly by members of the president’s party. US weapons sales to Israel have come under intense scrutiny in recent months and Democratic lawmakers have called for restricting military aid to Israel until it allows more humanitarian aid into Gaza and does more to protect civilians there.

Since Hamas’  attack on Israel  in October, which killed over 1,200 Israelis, the United States has made more than 100 foreign military sales to Israel. Most of those have fallen under the specific dollar amount that requires a notification to Congress, an official familiar with the matter previously told CNN.

Netanyahu says he will temporarily shut down Al Jazeera news network in Israel

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to shut down news network Al Jazeera following the passage Monday of a  sweeping law  allowing the government to ban foreign networks perceived as posing a threat to national security.

Netanyahu said he intended “to act immediately in accordance with the new law” to stop the Qatari-based news outlet’s activity, according to a post on social media platform X following the passage of the law.

Al Jazeera, which has produced dogged, on-the-ground reporting of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza,  slammed the decision  in a statement, vowing it would not stop the network from continuing its “bold and professional coverage.”

The new law gives the prime minister and communications minister authority to order the temporary closure of foreign networks operating in Israel – powers that rights groups say could have far-reaching implications on international media coverage of the  war in Gaza .

Analysis: Middle East on the brink of an expanded war after attack on Iranian consulate in Damascus

From CNN's Tamara Qiblawi

The attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on Monday may be the most dangerous escalation outside of Gaza since the start of the Hamas-Israel war nearly six months ago.

The attack is the latest in a recent string of apparent Israeli strikes in Syria that targeted the IRGC and Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. So far, the attacks have not provoked a response outside the scope of months-long skirmishes on Israel’s border with Lebanon — despite repeated threats by Iran and Hezbollah’s leadership to respond to Israeli attacks in kind.

Monday’s incident, however, may be the last straw.

Iran’s regional allies say they entered confrontations with Israel on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza, where over 32,000 people have been killed, according to local authorities. This has boosted their regional popularity and shored up their political positions domestically. But they have sought to avoid an all-out conflagration, a relief to Washington, which has thrown its weight into preventing a regional war.

That may be an untenable position after today’s strike, which has again brought the region to the brink of an expanded war.

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