Is Sihanoukville the most dangerous place in SE Asia?

phuketrichard · May 3, 2015

shv is a great place to live if u enjoy the worst Cambodia has to offer along with $.50 beers and $100 rooms/month

not to mention getting hit by police everytime u go out on ur motorcycle for $1

TheSiemReaper · May 4, 2015

Sihanoukville's not somewhere I'd want to live, that's for certain but neither is it a war zone or a gangland nightmare. Many folks live there and love it. Others don't. Neither is the end of the world but the melodrama on this thread is incredible.

NickJ · May 4, 2015

Right place for some , wrong for others....street smarts cant be learned fromthe internet.....some people buy a backpack when in reality they should just watch the travel shows.

Who puts all there important stuff in one bag? Who wears a necklace thats worth a years or more local salary thwn walks around drunk??? And drugs.....just an open invitation for any cop or cop informant to rob you.

Edited May 4, 2015 by NickJ

ding · May 5, 2015

more evidence of danger in Sihanoukville.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/australian-woman-raped-in-cambodian-beach-party-town-20150502-1myicd.html

Ugly - really ugly thing to do.

ghworker2010 · June 30, 2015

Here is another negative blog in Sihanoukville. There are hundreds of comments about dodgy things that have happened to travellers all over Cambodia. Is it changing for the worse???

http://www.adventurouskate.com/cambodia-has-changed-and-not-for-the-better/

TheSiemReaper · June 30, 2015

Here is another negative blog in Sihanoukville. There are hundreds of comments about dodgy things that have happened to travellers all over Cambodia. Is it changing for the worse???

http://www.adventurouskate.com/cambodia-has-changed-and-not-for-the-better/

Adventurous Kate is a self-obsessed gobshite who dangles her possessions in front of poverty stricken people and is amazed when things go wrong for her. Me, I've been here 3 years and never had so much as a sniff of trouble anywhere in Cambodia... and yes, I travel with more expensive kit than most too.

There's no dramatic increase in crime. Just a dramatic increase in people whining about petty crime... which occurs absolutely everywhere and not just in Cambodia.

Catoni · July 8, 2015

Snooky is where the failed expats from LoS ended up. Some real pieces of work there trust me, I knew a few unfortunately. Last visited the place and will not return.

Mitsubishi.... you still here? Wonder if you could elaborate on your post. Can you go into the explanation a bit more of Snooky being where failed expats from Thailand end up ? ? And what examples can you give. Why are they a "real piece of work." ? ?

I loved living in Chiang Mai, Thailand.... but thinking of going to Siem Reap or Sihanoukville. Not because I'm a failed expat.... (I'm not) but just for a change...

I'd really appreciate further information....perhaps some of the other members here would ..also. Thanks...

Edited July 8, 2015 by Catoni

hawksway · July 8, 2015

My Wife and I visited Sihanoukville three times over 2013/14 and not a hint of violence or trouble. Good clean Beaches. Cheap happy hour beers and wonderful Evening seafood barbecues. Great days to off shore islands. Really good Western Restaurants and coffee shops. Wiith LCC Carriers waiting to fly into Sihanoukville airport it's going to become even better. I can see so many people from Pattaya wanting to move here.

The Cambodian Police here seem fair and are visible.

TheSiemReaper · July 9, 2015

My Wife and I visited Sihanoukville three times over 2013/14 and not a hint of violence or trouble. Good clean Beaches. Cheap happy hour beers and wonderful Evening seafood barbecues. Great days to off shore islands. Really good Western Restaurants and coffee shops. Wiith LCC Carriers waiting to fly into Sihanoukville airport it's going to become even better. I can see so many people from Pattaya wanting to move here.

The Cambodian Police here seem fair and are visible.

Good clean beaches? Sihanoukville? You have to be joking. Yes, we can also see the scum of Pattaya and Phuket coming to join the Cambodian community when they can't get a visa any more too. As for the police being fair and visible; the corruption of that particular force is world famous.

Oil Baron · July 16, 2015

I've travelled to Poi Pet, Ban Hat Lek, PP and SNV before with my mates. All of us biggish blokes, not like that would put them off mind you.

There is definitely a sense of lawlessness that prevails. It's almost an air of unpredictability, coupled with an uneasy feeling of malice that hangs in the air. A sense that anything can, and could possibly happen.

Now in my younger days I would have loved that. I'd be actively seeking out the darkest bar in the town, as you may or may not do. When you're young, you usually have no sense or fear or consequences. You think you're naturally impervious to all troubles, and bullets will effectively brush off. But like the saying goes, with age comes wisdom! I guess if you have at least a modicum of wit about you, then you should be OK. Some people are just radars for trouble. You can just spot the "easy pickings" so to speak...

I met an African guy that told me he was hit on the head with a brick and robbed at 11pm at night. And judging by the big bandage on his head, I took him at face value. Now this was a big dude too. By looking at him, he wouldn't have been the obvious or first choice for someone to roll. But then again, I'm not a thief, and guess it all depends on how hungry you are. Plus little in the way of ramifications or retribution could possibly add some gas to your tank.

This wasn't an isolated incident. I also know a friend that lost all his money at the hotel. He's a seasoned campaigner, but he made a critical faux pas that one time. We've all done something similar no doubt. He didn't even bother to report it to the police. He chalked it up as his own fault.

It's not for the faint hearted, in my own humble opinion. I'm in no hurry to rush back. I can tell you that for free.

Edited July 16, 2015 by Oil Baron

tomhell · August 20, 2015

I live since 6 months in Sihanoukville and have no problems but here are a lot of sex and alcohol addicts and these kind of people have to be careful.

The cambodians very easily see your weak spots and exploit it.

For me it´s a good training to live here. When I am mindful everything is ok. When I am distracted problems arise very quickly.

fey · September 7, 2015

was pretty grotty last time i was there. low season almost nobody around, empty. not jack to do.

some real obvious drug addict ladies roaming around, jonesing. they have no services for them there and they just end up dying. pretty sad and depressing place really.

the expats living up on victory hill really are on a final push, many drug addicts and people looking like they just gave up on life and ended up in a $50 small room somewhere.

no fun at all.

DavePerkes · September 7, 2015

"Yes crime happens here but no more than any other town or city..
And please have a little respect for the people here trying to make a living and supplying job to Khmer people to help improve there lives.."
Soorry But Disagree.
Shihanouville is an evil place with a police who don't care. I know of many people who have been robbed, attacked and mugged in this town. Its reputation is justified. The last incidence in January was a close friend who was getting out of a minivan , 2 thugs on a moto grabbed her bag and dragged her down the road. She lost all she had. Anothe friend was mugged a month later and had all his cash and Credit cards stolen. On the few occasions I have been there I have had no incidents but I do not feel comfortable there.
The Police oe local gov't appear to have done nothing to imporove the situation.

Edited September 7, 2015 by DavePerkes

Tomtomtom69 · September 8, 2015

After having just returned from Siem Reap a couple of weeks ago and having a fantastic time, I can't see what all the fuss is about with Sihanoukville being dangerous. I'm pretty sure it depends on how you behave and what you do.

Just reading some of the crap that goes on in Thailand and how apparently there is this underlying torrent of hostitily towards foreigners in Thailand now (I'd get out now in the aftermath of the bombing and stay away for a while if you have the choice) it quickly becomes apparent that Cambodia, including Sihanoukville appears to be a lot safer and friendlier than Thailand.

And sure, while I have never felt my life to be in danger or threatened in any way in Thailand, there are places I would never go to. For example, while I have no problem driving past Khlong Toei provided I'm not the only vehicle on the road, that's about as close as I'd want to be. No way would I dare go anywhere near the shantytown there on foot. Could be quite dangerous. Most cities have their dangerous parts, Sihanoukville is probably no different but if you keep your wits about you I don't see any problems.

bikkalad · September 9, 2015

It ain't no Garden of Eden or Hanging Gardens of Babylon....... but an up and coming 3rd world country...... been there a few times over the years and enjoyed every stay,be it low/high season....... Siam no more for me I'm afraid ...... Have to be cautious where ever you travel these days.....,and remember it's a jungle out there ??? Cheers

fey · September 12, 2015

The scary thing about sihanoukville is if something does happen, your completely on your own. If your traveling alone your crap out of luck. Maybe could turn to the hotel if your staying in a decent place, but that's about it.

Any kind of medical, you get stabbed, or whatever and your looking to bail the country. Nobody to help. Thailand you can goto the police in an emergency and there are other services around. Not in cambodia. I really felt like i was on borrowed time while there, even though i had no negative

One thing that was amazing about the place was that you could matter of factly ask random people up to your room and they would agree without much deliberation.

Edited September 12, 2015 by fey

Bernard Flint · September 12, 2015

was pretty grotty last time i was there. low season almost nobody around, empty. not jack to do.

some real obvious drug addict ladies roaming around, jonesing. they have no services for them there and they just end up dying. pretty sad and depressing place really.

the expats living up on victory hill really are on a final push, many drug addicts and people looking like they just gave up on life and ended up in a $50 small room somewhere.

no fun at all.

Most expats do not go to Cambodia/ snooky, to enhance their lifestyle,more like ed visa frauds, who move out of Thailand before getting thrown out, or the illegal sellers of footie shirts, steroids, ciallis etc etc

Bernard Flint · September 12, 2015

The scary thing about sihanoukville is if something does happen, your completely on your own. If your traveling alone your crap out of luck. Maybe could turn to the hotel if your staying in a decent place, but that's about it.

Any kind of medical, you get stabbed, or whatever and your looking to bail the country. Nobody to help. Thailand you can goto the police in an emergency and there are other services around. Not in cambodia. I really felt like i was on borrowed time while there, even though i had no negative

One thing that was amazing about the place was that you could matter of factly ask random people up to your room and they would agree without much deliberation.

Men???????

dennis123 · September 29, 2015

I wonder if 'sheryl' has even been to snookyville? It is a dodgy place for tourists to visit and a high percentage do get robbed or worse in that place. Maybe PP is rated worse on the danger aspect but this is only due to population numbers. For a small place like snookyville with small population it does have a high danger element to it and backpackers should be aware.

I personally cant think of anywhere more dodgy in SE Asia than Sihanoukville for a backpacker and I have travelled everywhere

I've been drugged and robbed there in the short time I've been there so I guess that says something.

ghworker2010 · October 10, 2015

more evidence..

http://aecnewstoday.com/2015/rapes-assaults-against-tourists-tarnishes-sihanoukvilles-charm/#axzz3o8zcU8jq

StephanieGodfrey · February 1, 2016

NO, not at all! this is a laid back place, a heaven for who seek for tropical beach

philipines · March 30, 2016

I live in a G.B.T. facility not far from the little market near Charlie Harpers. You will hear stories of police corruption so here is MY story of police corruption. Befriended a lady at the beach near Golden Lions and she phoned me one night so I invited her back over. Said I needed some change at the ATM and she not only walked with me but phoned some of her friends. I don't speak the language so was unaware of what exactly was said. I "donated" $20 to her and she started screaming it wasn't enough. Her friends were waiting across the street whereupon 3-4 ran up and attacked me, causing a fractured wrist, head injuries and bleeding on both knees. After freeing me of my $40, they all vanished.

Next morning around 0800 she returns to my apartment window saying the $40 stolen wasn't enough. I tell everyone there is indeed a God, because if my hand wasn't swollen and in pain she would have been tossed off the balcony and I'd be in some foreign prison for murder. She threatened to call the Police and I slammed my window and told her get her butt away and call whomever she wanted.

3 cops in uniform and 1 in plain cloths arrive shortly afterwards for the shakedown that cost me $300 to get out of. One cop was about 168lbs 5'6", brown color and had one eye that slightly looked in a different direction. You can't miss him. No matter what I said, because they usually split the amounts collected between the complainer and the Police, no matter what I said he agreed with me but demanded I pay. Which I did.

Another time near that beach we took a tuk tuk to the nearby Casino where I needed change for a Benjamin. The casino gave me 4 20's, 1 10, a 5 and 5 singles. Coupla days later I'm at the supermarket attempting to pay with one of the $20's and they refuse to accept it. I discovered the paper was thinner than the regular $20 bills.

Been here 8 months and that's about all I can say. Otherwise I've had no problems the average tourist doesn't have.

TheSiemReaper · March 31, 2016

NO, not at all! this is a laid back place, a heaven for who seek for tropical beach

Lol. You must have led a very sheltered life to consider Sihanoukville heaven. There are many, many nicer (and equally cost-effective) beach resorts in South East Asia.

mike2011 · March 31, 2016

philipines, sorry for the mess. You might have liked to add a bit more detailed about the 'lady's' professional background. There might be a whole range of drug-related offenses to her credit.

On a positive note, you were lucky with the ATM adventure. That could have turned out really bad. I never use these machines at night and would never allow anyone to accompany me.

G.B.T. is perhaps not the best location. The scene knows these places better than the cleaning woman will ever do. Some online reading on G.B.T. and the drama that regularly evolves in those facilities might be a shocking warning.

Stay safe!

slipperylobster · March 31, 2016

Tondo..in Manila...has it beat by light years.

jim cortesos · July 8, 2016

Good fyi stuff.May go to Phonm Pehn some day..Bangkok 's safer than Farang vllle where I live most of time

manow manow · July 17, 2016

Returned there this year for a few weeks, after enjoying 2 months there in 2008. This time round through a mixture of perhaps bad personal experiences and a definite negative change to the town I had a very unpleasant stay. The place is full of scammers, corrupt cops and a dirty spoiled enviornment. I crossed the border to thailand and ko chang and it was like a different world. I will not be going back.

mike2011 · July 21, 2016

I was there recently. The cops are as bad as ever and waiting for bike drivers to extort money. The well-promoted cleanup was for the papers only. They traffic checks are like toll booths and expensive ones at that.

Positive: The slow removal of illegal structures from the beach. This has potential and will improve the area a lot.

The crowd was as good or bad as usual. But the heavily pregnant and tattooed 65+ yrs male crowd has more and more problems walking and stick to a few spots. Easy to avoid.

My views might not be too representatives as I have my places to go to and to stay at.

I noticed a strong Chinese influx in family tourists.

shirtless · August 5, 2016

Sihanoukville can be dangerous , but nothing like Thailand.

shirtless · August 5, 2016

On 3/30/2016 at 7:21 PM, philipines said:

I live in a G.B.T. facility not far from the little market near Charlie Harpers. You will hear stories of police corruption so here is MY story of police corruption. Befriended a lady at the beach near Golden Lions and she phoned me one night so I invited her back over. Said I needed some change at the ATM and she not only walked with me but phoned some of her friends. I don't speak the language so was unaware of what exactly was said. I "donated" $20 to her and she started screaming it wasn't enough. Her friends were waiting across the street whereupon 3-4 ran up and attacked me, causing a fractured wrist, head injuries and bleeding on both knees. After freeing me of my $40, they all vanished.

Next morning around 0800 she returns to my apartment window saying the $40 stolen wasn't enough. I tell everyone there is indeed a God, because if my hand wasn't swollen and in pain she would have been tossed off the balcony and I'd be in some foreign prison for murder. She threatened to call the Police and I slammed my window and told her get her butt away and call whomever she wanted.

3 cops in uniform and 1 in plain cloths arrive shortly afterwards for the shakedown that cost me $300 to get out of. One cop was about 168lbs 5'6", brown color and had one eye that slightly looked in a different direction. You can't miss him. No matter what I said, because they usually split the amounts collected between the complainer and the Police, no matter what I said he agreed with me but demanded I pay. Which I did.

Another time near that beach we took a tuk tuk to the nearby Casino where I needed change for a Benjamin. The casino gave me 4 20's, 1 10, a 5 and 5 singles. Coupla days later I'm at the supermarket attempting to pay with one of the $20's and they refuse to accept it. I discovered the paper was thinner than the regular $20 bills.

Been here 8 months and that's about all I can say. Otherwise I've had no problems the average tourist doesn't have.

Hey Mason nice post how are you . Sihanoukville women a treacherous

Sign In

Is Sihanoukville the most dangerous place in SE Asia?

Recommended Posts

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Create an account or sign in to comment

Create an account

Sign in

Recently Browsing 0 members

Announcements

Topics

Latest posts...

Popular in The Pub

ASEANNOW

MORE INFO

POPULAR AREAS

CONTACT US