Cambodia is famous for its Khmer temples and it is well deserved. But there is much more to see in this beautiful country than just beautiful stones. Cambodia is also rich in heavenly beaches
When we talk about Cambodia, we think of many things: the temples, the gastronomy, the dictators’ deliriums and why not Angelina Jolie, a great lover of this country.
But if we let go of the conversation “beaches of Cambodia”, eyes get rounded and eyebrows do a questioning flexion. “Beaches in Cambodia, seriously?”
Well yes, the southwest of Cambodia is rich in paradisiacal coastline.
These beautiful white sandy beaches have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of when compared with their neighbours in Thailand, they are just as beautiful
The water is beautiful, the sand is soft, there are even small islands planted with palm leaf huts, far from the tourist frenzy where it is good to forget your worries.
The beaches of Cambodia, on the side of Sihanoukville have an important asset: they are vast. Coconut palms sway in the wind, lobster and coconut cake sellers come to offer their wares to the holidaymakers. In the evening, it is often a party, feet in the sand, a beer in hand.
Small curiosity, the beaches are raked by Cambodian women who offer hair removal by thread. What’s that?
With the help of two crossed threads that these ladies skilfully slide over the skin, the hairs are twisted inside and pulled out neatly. It’s no more painful than tweezers or electric hair removal, but it’s much more fun. There are often several of them, and at the same time as they are doing the skin to the hairs, lying on the sand, we chat, get to know each other and make smiles at each other. We come out well depilated and not ruined. Eyebrows, armpits, half-legs, the hunt for hairs is open!
The atmosphere of the Cambodian beaches is still the one that we look for a long time and that we rarely find: quiet
They are still untouched by the hordes of sun-sick tourists and deckchairs. The hostels have a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. The mattresses are thin, the toilets are basic (a hanging pipe surrounded by palm leaf partitions) and the service is non-existent.
But that’s what makes the place so charming.
On the beach of Sihanoukville, I was able to admire one of the most beautiful sunsets imaginable
A true chromatic symphony. We were all, without exception, hypnotised by the celestial spectacle. Nobody said a word. These are rare moments. A sunset, you will say to me, yeah, there is one every day. Well no, sometimes they connect you as if by magic to the great mysteries of existence, to the present moment, to emotion. That emotion you feel when you love deeply and are sure to be loved in return. Of the one that warm up, that gives us confidence.
Cambodia is an enchanting country. The men, the stones, the history, the adventure delight the traveller. It would be a pity to miss its wonderful beaches.
