Plizio Visual Lab
Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) is Cambodia's largest industrial zone and a flagship project of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative. It spans an area of approximately 11 square kilometers near the Sihanoukville International Port. Established in 2008, the zone now hosts more than 170 companies from various countries, with a focus on manufacturing textiles, furniture, electrical appliances, and auto parts. SSEZ functions as a self-contained industrial city with complete infrastructure, including power plants, worker dormitories, and medical facilities. The strategic location enables rapid export via the nearby deep-sea port and contributes massively to the economic growth of Preah Sihanouk Province. The zone is often seen as a symbol of close economic cooperation between Cambodia and China and is a key component of the national strategy to promote the manufacturing industry.
- Location: Cambodia
- Nearby: Otres Beach (9 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 Special Economic Zone is a strategically important industrial area that heavily benefits from Chinese Belt and Road investments. It hosts numerous factories in light industry, electronics, and textiles and is an engine for regional economic development.
Visiting
The factory premises within the zone are private and not open to visitors. From the main roads running through the zone, however, you can observe the modern factory buildings and the bustling business activity.
Where to view it
The best overview of the special economic zone is obtained from the elevated road on the northern edge of the area. From the coast, you can see the cranes of the nearby port facilities that are directly connected to the zone.
Local products
No goods are sold to end consumers within the zone itself. In the shops of Sihanoukville, however, you can find products made in the zone's factories, such as clothing, shoes, and simple electronics, often at favorable prices.
Active season
The factories operate all year round, with peak periods before Western holidays (Christmas, Black Friday) when textile production for export increases. During the Chinese New Year, activity may be lower due to holidays.
Nearby
Combine the visit with the port of Sihanoukville, which directly borders the zone. Ream National Park with its mangrove forests and beaches is also nearby and gives an ecological contrast to the industrial zone.
Geography
Facts
- SSEZ was developed by Jiangsu Taihu Cambodia SEZ Development Co., Ltd.
- The zone provides employment for over 30,000 people.
- More than 150 of the resident companies are from China.
- The total trade volume of the zone exceeded $2 billion in 2022.
- SSEZ is located only 3 kilometers from Sihanoukville International Airport.
- The zone features its own vocational training center for local workers.
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 Special Economic Zone (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who operates the Sihanoukville SEZ?
It is a joint venture between Cambodian and Chinese investors.
How many companies are based there?
Over 150 international companies, mostly from China, have locations there.
Is the area interesting for tourists?
Not really; it is a purely functional industrial zone without sights.
What is the main goal of this zone?
Promoting exports and creating jobs in the region.
How far is it to the port?
The zone is located about 12 kilometers north of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port.
Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone: where is it located?
Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone is located in Cambodia.
Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone: why is it worth visiting?
The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) is Cambodia's largest industrial zone and a flagship project of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Cambodia →
Nearby cities
Otres Beach
A formerly quiet stretch of sandy beach south of Sihanoukville on the Gulf of Thailand.
Sihanoukville
This coastal city on the Gulf of Thailand is Cambodia's only deep-water port and a rapidly growing economic center.
🗺️
Koh Thmei
An unspoiled island located within Ream National Park, known for its wildlife and mangrove forests.
Koh Rong Sanloem
A peaceful and relaxed alternative to its larger sister island, known for tranquil bays and unspoiled natural beauty.
Long Set
Long Set Beach on Koh Rong is a 4-kilometer stretch of white sand.
Koh Rong
Cambodia's largest island, famous for its sparkling white sandy beaches, bioluminescent plankton, and vibrant nightlife.
Kaev Phos
A quiet coastal town in Cambodia, ideal for travelers seeking undiscovered beaches and local peace.
Chi Phat
Chi Phat is a flagship ecotourism project in the Cardamom Mountains.
Daeum Tkov Village
An authentic fishing village in the north of Koh Rong with pristine beaches and local flair.
Phú Quốc
Vietnam's largest island, a tropical paradise in the Gulf of Thailand featuring white sand beaches and world-class resorts.
Phu Quoc
Vietnam's largest island, a tropical paradise featuring white sand beaches, luxury resorts, and a rich fishing heritage.
Tatai
Tatai is located in Koh Kong province and is famous for its wide waterfall.
Pursat
Nestled between the Tonle Sap lake and the Cardamom Mountains, Pursat is a quiet agricultural center renowned for its marble carvings.
Kampot
Picturesquely situated on a river near the coast, Kampot is world-renowned for its premium pepper and relaxed atmosphere.
Nature
Ream Coast
A coastline characterized by mangrove forests and quiet beaches in the south.
Koh Rong Coast
The beaches and coasts of Koh Rong island offer white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Areng Valley
A remote and natural river valley in the heart of the Cardamom Mountains that has fought for its cultural and biological uniqueness.
🗺️
Botum Sakor Peninsula
A large peninsula projecting into the Gulf of Thailand, covered by dense forests.
Tatai River
A picturesque, tranquil river in the Cardamom Mountains, flowing through dense jungle and mangrove forests to the Gulf of Thailand.
More places
Ream National Park
A picturesque coastal national park comprising mangrove forests, sandy beaches, coral reefs, and protected marine habitats.
Sihanoukville Coal Power Plant
A large coastal thermal power plant ensuring a constant energy supply for the growing industry.
Sihanoukville Autonomous Port
Cambodia's primary deep-water port, handling the majority of the country's international maritime trade.
VinWonders Phú Quốc
The largest theme park in Vietnam, part of the Phu Quoc United Center super-complex, with hundreds of indoor and outdoor activities.
Central Cardamom Protected Forest
A gigantic forest corridor connecting various nature reserves, representing one of the most important carbon sinks and wildlife passages …
Phú Quốc National Park
Covering more than half of Phú Quốc island, this park protects a rich diversity of flora and fauna, from dense jungles to pristine coasta…
Bokor Mountain
A prominent mountain in the Elephant Mountains, known for its cool air and historical ruins.
Bokor National Park
Known for its cool highland climate, abandoned French colonial buildings, and the protected habitat of Asian elephants.