A Cambodia cruise calls at the coastal port of Sihanoukville, the country’s gateway from the sea. It opens onto a nation defined by the staggering temple complex of Angkor, the moving recent history of the Khmer Rouge era, and a warm, resilient people. It is important to be clear up front. The legendary temples of Angkor are a long way from the coast, so reaching them on a cruise call is a major undertaking. Many itineraries treat Cambodia as a beach-and-islands or a Phnom Penh access stop instead.

For cruisers, the key is understanding what a Cambodia port day realistically offers. Sihanoukville itself has beaches and nearby islands, and it provides access to the capital Phnom Penh on a long day trip, with its Royal Palace and sobering Killing Fields history. Reaching Angkor Wat near Siem Reap typically requires a flight or an overnight, so it is usually a pre- or post-cruise extension rather than a day excursion. Set expectations accordingly, and Cambodia is a rewarding, meaningful stop.

Quick Facts

Best Time to Cruise

Cambodia’s cruise season runs November through April, timed to the dry season and to avoid the summer monsoon. Peak season is December through February, with the most reliable dry weather and comfortable temperatures, the biggest crowds, and the highest fares, coinciding with the winter escape.

The best value sits in the shoulder months of November, March, and April, when the weather is still largely dry but fares ease, though April grows very hot. Browse the latest Asia cruise deals for shoulder-season sailings.

The wet monsoon season runs roughly May through October with heavy rain, so most cruises sail in the November-to-April window. For the best balance of dry weather, comfortable temperatures, and value, sail in November or March rather than the peak of winter or the heat of April.

Top Cruise Ports

Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s main coastal cruise port, a beach town that has seen rapid, sometimes chaotic development. It serves primarily as a gateway, since the country’s headline sights lie far inland. Ships dock here for access to the coast and beyond.

The draws near the port are the beaches and the offshore islands like Koh Rong, while longer trips reach Phnom Penh. Insider tip: be realistic about distances from Sihanoukville, since Angkor Wat is not a day-trip option. Either enjoy the nearby beaches and islands, or commit to the long but meaningful haul to Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh (long day trip)

Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, is reachable from Sihanoukville on a long day trip of several hours each way. It is a serious commitment that fills the entire port day. It holds the country’s royal heritage and its most sobering modern history.

The draws are the ornate Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the National Museum, and the deeply moving Tuol Sleng and Killing Fields memorials of the Khmer Rouge era. Insider tip: the Phnom Penh trip is long and emotionally heavy given the genocide memorials. Go prepared for a sobering but important day, and only if your ship offers enough hours in port.

Which Cruise Lines Sail Here

Cambodia features as a stop on Southeast Asia itineraries, so a range of lines call at Sihanoukville. The luxury and premium lines lead. Silversea, Regent, Oceania, and Azamara include Cambodia on port-rich regional itineraries, often with the time needed for the longer excursions.

The mass-market and premium lines call too, with Princess, Celebrity, and Norwegian including Sihanoukville on Southeast Asia routes linking Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.

Most Cambodia cruises come as part of a 7-to-14-night Southeast Asia voyage. Read our Silversea review, our Princess review, and our Celebrity Cruises review to match a line to your trip, and for Angkor consider a separate land extension.

Shore Excursion Tips

Cambodia genuinely rewards realistic planning, since the famous Angkor temples are far from the coast and not a day-trip option from Sihanoukville. For the port day itself, the choice is between the nearby beaches and islands and the long, organized trip to Phnom Penh.

Book through the ship or a reputable operator for the Phnom Penh day trip, where the long distance and a strict return time make an organized excursion essential. Beach and island trips near Sihanoukville can be arranged locally or through the ship.

Khmer is the language, with English in tourist areas, and the riel is the currency. US dollars are so widely used that they function as a de facto currency, though, so carry small dollar bills. Tipping is appreciated. The Khmer food is delicious and distinct. For more, see our guide to cruise shore excursions, and consider Angkor as a land extension.

Sample Itineraries

A 7-to-10-night Southeast Asia cruise on a Princess or Celebrity ship includes Sihanoukville alongside Thai and Vietnamese ports, from around $1,199 per person. It is the common way to include Cambodia.

A 12-to-14-night Southeast Asia cruise on Silversea or Oceania pairs Cambodia with the wider regional coast at a port-rich pace, from around $6,499 per person.

A cruise-plus-land package adds a pre- or post-cruise extension to Siem Reap for Angkor Wat, the only realistic way to see the great temples, pricing varying by arrangement. Compare current sailings on the deals page before you book.

Packing & Practical Tips

Pack light, breathable, modest clothing, since Cambodia is hot and humid and temples and the Royal Palace require covered shoulders and knees. Bring comfortable walking sandals, strong sun protection, insect repellent, and a light layer. Carry small US dollar bills, since they are used everywhere alongside the riel.

Cambodia uses the riel but runs largely on US dollars, and a mix of plug types (Type A, C, and G), so bring a universal adaptor. Stick firmly to bottled water. Arrange any required visa on arrival or e-visa in advance. Dress respectfully at the temples and memorials. For the full list, see our cruise packing guide.

The Verdict

Cambodia is a meaningful and rewarding cruise stop, provided you arrive with realistic expectations about its geography. The legendary Angkor temples are too far inland for a day trip from Sihanoukville. So a port day means either the nearby beaches and islands or the long, sobering, and worthwhile haul to Phnom Penh. The warmth of the people and the depth of the history make it memorable, especially if you add Angkor as a land extension.

Book a Southeast Asia cruise that calls at Sihanoukville if you want to add Cambodia’s coast and access to Phnom Penh’s heritage and history. Be realistic that Angkor needs a separate land extension, choose between the beaches and the long Phnom Penh trip, and carry small US dollar bills. For the best mix of dry weather and value, sail in November or March.

Related Guides (internal links)

• Asia Cruise Guide: the full regional overview
• Read our Silversea review
• Read our Princess Cruises review
• Read our Celebrity Cruises review
• Cruising Vietnam: Halong Bay and the coast
• Cruising Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket and the islands
• See this week’s Asia cruise deals
• Compare cruise lines side by side
• Plan your route with the Itinerary Planner

Last updated: May 23, 2026. Written by Helena Marsh, Editorial Director.