REVIEW · CAMBODIA
Full Day City Tour with A Boat Trip to 2 Islands
Two islands make this full day feel huge. In Sihanoukville, you get a private boat trip to Koh Chalous and Koh Takeiv, with snorkeling and fishing plus unlimited drinks. It is the kind of day where the sea is the main character, then the city rounds it out with market shopping and a temple view.
I like the mix of active time and real downtime. You fish and snorkel during the boat portion, then you land on Koh Takeiv for swimming and a beach BBQ lunch. One possible drawback: even if the listing uses private wording, you may still be on a boat with other people, so confirm your group size.
If you end up with guide Sothy, that tends to show up in feedback for clear English and hands-on care. I also like how the schedule is built around specific locations, not just driving. You meet at the port gate, swap to a boat at Otres Pier, then head back to town for Phsar Leu market and Wat Leu Pagoda before you return to your ship.
In This Review
- Key highlights to know before you go
- Gate 1 to Otres Pier: how the day starts
- Fishing village and floating houses: the local side of the coast
- On the boat at Otres: line fishing, snorkeling gear, and cold drinks
- Koh Chalous Island: snorkeling time plus a beach break
- Koh Takeiv Island: swimming, sand time, and beach BBQ at the right moment
- Back in Sihanoukville: Phsar Leu market and Wat Leu Pagoda views
- Price and value: is $110 fair for this full day?
- What you truly get on this tour, beyond the checklist
- Who this tour suits best, and who should skip it
- Packing list that actually helps on a hot coast day
- Should you book this full day island-and-city tour?
- FAQ
- Where do I meet the guide?
- How do I get from my ship to the meeting point?
- What happens during the boat trip?
- Is snorkeling gear included?
- What is included in the BBQ lunch?
- What time do we leave Koh Takeiv and when do we return to Otres Pier?
- What city stops are included after the islands?
- What is the tour duration and price?
Key highlights to know before you go

- Two island stops with a dedicated Koh Takeiv beach swim window
- Snorkeling plus fishing built into the boat time, with provided snorkel gear
- Unlimited drinks on the boat to keep the crossings easy
- Beach BBQ lunch including squid, shrimp, chicken, beef, salad, bread, and fresh fruit
- Sihanoukville culture stops: Phsar Leu market and Wat Leu Pagoda
- Practical comfort and safety like lifejackets, first aid kits, and a cold face towel
Gate 1 to Otres Pier: how the day starts

Your day begins at the main port gate 1. Your guide holds a sign board with your name, and if you are coming from a ship you use the free shuttle bus to get to that gate. It is a simple start, but it saves time and reduces that awkward, wandering-around-in-the-port feeling.
After you meet your guide, you head for the first land stop: a fishing village and floating houses. This is a good warm up before the water, because it explains what you are seeing and why the coast matters to people who live here year round.
You then move to Otres pier for the boat portion. Otres is where the pace shifts, and you go from city heat and sidewalks to sea air and ocean views.
Fishing village and floating houses: the local side of the coast

This stop is not just a photo pause. You visit a fishing area and see floating homes, which helps you understand Sihanoukville’s coastal life beyond the beach scene. Even if you have been to Cambodia before, this kind of view of everyday routines hits differently than temples or hotels.
Keep your camera ready, but also leave room just to look. The floating homes can feel both familiar and surprising, and the details are worth taking slowly. If you are someone who likes connecting your beach time to real local context, this leg is for you.
Walking here is moderate, so comfortable shoes help. Also bring a hat early. The sun can feel strong once you are outside for a bit.
Other boats worth boarding around Sihanoukville
- Sihanoukville Highlights Day Tour for Cruise Passengers★ 4.5 · 171 reviews
- Sihanoukville Shore Excursion for cruise ship★ 4.5 · 36 reviews
- Day Trip from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh for Cruise Passengers★ 5.0 · 36 reviews
- Exploring Sihanoukville: Shore Excursions from Cruise Ports★ 4.1 · 23 reviews
On the boat at Otres: line fishing, snorkeling gear, and cold drinks

At Otres Pier, you catch the boat to Koh Chalous Island. The tour includes snorkeling and fishing activities, and snorkel gear is provided. You also get lifejackets and first aid kits, plus a cold face towel for refreshment, which is an underrated comfort on a hot day.
One reason this portion feels worth it is the variety. You are not just sitting on a boat and waiting for lunch. You have actual water time right away, with line fishing and then snorkeling.
You also get unlimited drinks on the boat. That matters more than it sounds when you are out on the water for hours, because hydration and shade breaks are part of staying comfortable and happy. Soft drinks, beer, and mineral water are included.
If you are sensitive to motion, be cautious. The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, so if you tend to feel queasy on boats, this is not the best fit.
Koh Chalous Island: snorkeling time plus a beach break

After the fishing time, you go to Koh Chalous Island. This is where snorkeling happens, so the focus is on the water, not a long land walk. If you like seeing fish up close, this is your best chance during the day before you switch to full beach mode on Koh Takeiv.
Once snorkeling time is done, the schedule moves you onward. Then you head to Koh Takeiv Island, where the day slows down into swimming and relaxing.
What I like about this sequencing is how it reduces backtracking. You use Koh Chalous as the active stop, then you use Koh Takeiv as the reward stop.
Koh Takeiv Island: swimming, sand time, and beach BBQ at the right moment

Koh Takeiv is your main beach island. The tour is built around time to swim and relax on the sand, and this is where you can really unwind. One description of Koh Takeiv highlighted a long stretch of beach and a feeling of space once you are on land.
The BBQ lunch is served on the beach, which is exactly what you want after time in the water. The menu includes squid, shrimp, chicken, beef, bread, salad, and fresh fruit. Drinks are also included, with soft drinks, beer, and mineral water.
Timing is clear here. The tour leaves Koh Takeiv at 1:30pm and arrives back at Otres Pier around 2:20pm. That means you get a full lunch window without the day feeling rushed into an early return.
Practical note: bring a change of clothes and a towel. Even with beach time, you will likely want to cool down and dry off before the town portion later.
Back in Sihanoukville: Phsar Leu market and Wat Leu Pagoda views

After returning to Otres Pier around 2:20pm, you head into town. Your next stop is Phsar Leu local market, a place to buy souvenirs at a real local pace. If you like small, practical gifts like snacks, simple crafts, or everyday items, this is where you can spend cash and take your time.
Then you visit Wat Leu Pagoda. The payoff here is the view. The pagoda stop is designed for panoramic sights of the town, so bring your camera for the higher perspective.
This part of the day works well because it breaks up the beach and water time with something different. You get a few more hours to stroll, look, and shop before you return to your ship.
You are back by 4:00pm. That helps if you still want energy left for a dinner walk in Sihanoukville.
Other single days that cover Sihanoukville
Price and value: is $110 fair for this full day?
At $110 per person for a 7-hour tour, you are paying for more than transportation. You are getting two island stops, snorkeling and fishing activities, provided lifejackets and first aid coverage, unlimited drinks on the boat, and a full beach BBQ lunch.
The value equation improves when you look at what is included versus what you would otherwise pay for separately in Sihanoukville. Island boat time plus snorkeling gear plus an on-beach lunch is a solid package for a single day, especially if your cruise schedule gives you limited flexibility.
That said, one thing to take seriously is group size. The tour is described as private, but some real-world experiences suggest the day can still involve other people. Before you book, I recommend you confirm how many guests are on your boat for your specific date. That is the easiest way to protect the feel of the experience you are expecting.
Also check the fit for your body. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, and it is not designed for people who are likely to struggle with water or boat movement. If swimming is not your thing, you may end up feeling like you are missing the whole point.
What you truly get on this tour, beyond the checklist

This experience works best when you treat it like a day with two moods.
First mood: sea time. The boat portion combines line fishing and snorkeling, with unlimited drinks and comfort touches like lifejackets and a cold face towel. You are actively involved, and the sea scenery keeps the time moving fast.
Second mood: town time. After lunch, you shift to Phsar Leu market and Wat Leu Pagoda. That is where you can buy small souvenirs and get your bearings visually, with a higher viewpoint over Sihanoukville.
The best part is the pacing. You are not spending the entire day stuck in a van. You spend real time on the islands, then you do a compact city loop at the end.
Who this tour suits best, and who should skip it

This tour is a great match if you want a full-day Sihanoukville combo that includes the water, the beach, and a bit of town life. It is especially good for couples and friends who enjoy snorkeling and want an easy lunch setup without planning.
You should consider skipping if any of these apply:
- You do not swim comfortably
- You are prone to seasickness
- You have altitude sickness concerns
- You have food allergies (the BBQ includes several items)
- You are traveling with very young children or small kids under 90 cm (3 ft)
The moderate walking is manageable for many people, but it is still walking, so bring comfortable shoes and expect some time on your feet between stops.
Packing list that actually helps on a hot coast day
The included items cover safety and snorkeling gear, but you will still want to bring your own comfort tools. I would pack:
- Swimwear
- Change of clothes
- Towel
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Beachwear you feel good in
- Camera
- Cash for the market
- Snacks if you know you get hungry between meal moments
You do not want to rely on the day’s sun for comfort. A hat and sunscreen make the difference between enjoying the beach and counting minutes until shade.
Also note the rules: smoking, alcohol and drugs, and littering are not allowed. The tour is built to keep things clean and calm for the group.
Should you book this full day island-and-city tour?
If your dream day in Sihanoukville includes a real boat outing, snorkeling time, a beach BBQ lunch, and an afternoon market and temple view, then this is an easy yes. The inclusions are the core of the value, and the schedule gives you meaningful island time before you head back to ship by 4:00pm.
If you are unsure, use two tests. First, decide if you are comfortable being on a boat and swimming. The tour is not a relaxed option for non-swimmers or seasickness-prone travelers. Second, confirm your group size so you know whether you will get the private feel you are expecting.
FAQ
Where do I meet the guide?
Meet the guide outside the main port gate 1. The guide will hold a sign board with your name.
How do I get from my ship to the meeting point?
If you are starting from your ship, you take the free shuttle bus to gate 1.
What happens during the boat trip?
You go to Koh Chalous and Koh Takeiv islands, with snorkeling and fishing activities. You also have unlimited drinks on the boat.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided, and you can bring your own if you prefer.
What is included in the BBQ lunch?
The beach BBQ lunch includes squid, shrimp, chicken, beef, bread, salad, and fresh fruit, with soft drinks, beer, and mineral water.
What time do we leave Koh Takeiv and when do we return to Otres Pier?
The tour leaves Koh Takeiv at 1:30pm and arrives at Otres pier around 2:20pm.
What city stops are included after the islands?
You visit the Phsar Leu local market for souvenirs and Wat Leu Pagoda for panoramic views of the town.
What is the tour duration and price?
The full day tour lasts 7 hours and costs $110 per person.
Other Sihanoukville boats we boarded
- Sihanoukville Highlights Day Tour for Cruise Passengers★ 4.5 · 171 reviews
- Sihanoukville Shore Excursion for cruise ship★ 4.5 · 36 reviews
- Day Trip from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh for Cruise Passengers★ 5.0 · 36 reviews
- Exploring Sihanoukville: Shore Excursions from Cruise Ports★ 4.1 · 23 reviews
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