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Sihanoukville Autonomous Port
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Port
The Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) is Cambodia's only deep-sea port and the country's most vital maritime gateway for international trade. Strategically located on the Gulf of Thailand, the port was established in the late 1950s after gaining independence from France to ensure direct sea access without traversing the Mekong Delta. Today, the port handles over 70% of Cambodia's import and export containers, with textiles and agricultural products being the primary commodities. In recent years, PAS has undergone massive expansions, including a new container terminal and the deepening of the harbor basin to accommodate larger vessels. The port is closely linked with the adjacent special economic zone and plays a central role in national industrial policy. Continuous modernization, often with international support, ensures Cambodia's integration into global supply chains.
- Location: Cambodia
- Top sights: Koh puos · One Golden Lion · Cambodia-Vietnam friendship monument
- Nearby: Otres Beach (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 27 | 24 | 72 | 134 | 248 | 380 | 444 | 373 | 426 | 253 | 125 | 48 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Sihanoukville Autonomous Port is Cambodia's main deep-water port, handling the majority of the country's international maritime trade. It is the gateway for exports such as textiles, rice, and timber, and for imports of consumer goods and machinery from around the world.
Visiting
The port is an active security area and not accessible to the public. From the coastal road, however, you can see the container terminals and cranes, especially impressive at sunset.
Where to view it
A good viewpoint for the port and the bay of Sihanoukville is the Phnom Neang Kangrei hill along the coast. From the pier near the main terminal, you can also see incoming ships well.
Local products
In the port area itself, there are no shopping opportunities for travelers. The nearby markets of Sihanoukville, however, offer seafood, dried fish, and imported goods such as electronics and clothing that came through the port.
Active season
The port operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with increased ship traffic during the main textile export season before Western holidays. The quieter period is during the rainy season between June and September.
Nearby
Combine the port visit with the beaches of Sihanoukville such as Otres Beach or Sokha Beach. The offshore islands like Koh Rong are reachable by ferry and offer untouched nature and snorkeling opportunities.
Geography
Facts
- The Sihanoukville Port was officially opened for operations in 1960.
- PAS is listed on the Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX).
- The port facility covers an area of approximately 125 hectares.
- A new multi-purpose terminal was built with support from the Japanese government (JICA).
- The port features a water depth of up to 14.5 meters in the new section.
- Over 1,000 container ships call at the port annually.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (15)
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses Sihanoukville⛪ religious
A simple Kingdom Hall where Jehovah's Witnesses in Sihanoukville hold their meetings.
🌐 jw.org🕒 We 17:30-19:15; Su 09:00-10:45
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port?
It is Cambodia's only deep-water port and a central point for foreign trade.
Can tourists visit the port?
The industrial section is restricted, but cruise ships regularly dock here.
What role does the port play in the economy?
Over 70% of Cambodia's imports and exports are handled through this port.
Is there a visitor center?
There is no traditional visitor center; information is usually available at the administration building.
When should the port area be avoided?
During morning and evening rush hours, truck traffic is often heavy on the access roads.
Sihanoukville Autonomous Port: where is it located?
Sihanoukville Autonomous Port is located in Cambodia.
Sihanoukville Autonomous Port: what is there to see?
Highlights include Koh puos, One Golden Lion, Cambodia-Vietnam friendship monument.
Sihanoukville Autonomous Port: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Sihanoukville Autonomous Port: why is it worth visiting?
The Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) is Cambodia's only deep-sea port and the country's most vital maritime gateway for international trade.
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