Finding a place to live in Sihanoukville

There’s no shortage of accommodation in Sihanoukville, and with new buildings sprouting up all around there is something to suit everyone’s needs and budget. We’ve lived in our apartment for three months now so the process of finding somewhere to live is still fresh in our minds. Here are some of our top tips for finding a place to live in Sihanoukville.

Apartments Sihanoukville

Looking for an apartment in Sihanoukville? We’ve got tips for how to start your search.

Decide where you want to live. If you want to be near the markets and banks, then downtown is for you, but if you’re looking for a more laid back vibe you might want to check out Otres Village and the beaches.

Property-wise you’ll find a range of styles from a basic room with a bathroom, fridge and gas stovetop, all the way to upmarket villas overlooking the sea. Prices vary accordingly, but $150 to $250 per month should secure you somewhere very livable.

Once you’ve decided on an area, take a ride around and keep an eye out for places to with ‘for rent’ signs. There’s a huge number of places that you won’t find online, plus it will give you a feel for the area and you can check to make sure you’re not near a noisy KTV or metal shop!

Use the Sihanoukville Facebook groups, they’re a good source of information and are more up to date than agents’ sites, which have a habit of listing places that are not available or with the wrong prices — at least that was our experience. There are several in town who will be happy to show you some places at the very top of your budget. Bear in mind you’re likely to save money doing things yourself.

You can often find places listed on local notice boards too such as the ones at Samudera Market and Mottha Travel.

Apartment rentals Sihanoukville

Be on the lookout for “for rent” signs to avoid using agents and save some money.

Important things to consider: check how much your electric rate is, as most landlords will add a premium to the local rate. This can add a substantial amount to your outgoings especially if you like AC.

Is there a generator? When the power goes off (which it will) it’s no fun trying to sleep in a windowless bedroom with no fan — we speak from experience!

Most places provide WiFi which is surprisingly fast most of the time, but if it’s important, make sure to use a speedtest app or site when you view. Otherwise, factor in the price of getting your own internet connection. (See our list of Sihanoukville internet providers.)

Is it furnished? If not it’s not difficult to buy your own, if you’re happy with bamboo there are several shops on the KTV end of Makara Street but Western-style furniture can also be found at a few places along Ekareach Street such as Modern Furniture, and you can even have bespoke pieces made by Lemada Furniture.

Sakura Recycle Shop Sihanoukville

The Sakura Recycle Shop is a great place to find second-hand homewares from Japan.

You can buy everyday household things that you might need (pots and pans, etc.) from the market or if you prefer not to haggle over everything, there a few of places worth a visit, Ekareach Book Center and a big shop a few doors down from there. The store is officially called Nai Phally, but confusingly, their sign is for a drink shop. We found prices here on a par with the market and it was easier to have a look around, the 2,500 riel shop (Ekareach Street opposite Orange Supermarket) is also a great place to pick up some bargains on things like kitchen utensils, cutlery and storage (they also sell sunglasses and flip flops).

Another good spot to check for household good, particularly plates and glasses is the Sakura Recycle Shop, which carries second-hand homewares from Japan, all at very reasonable prices.

Modern Furniture
No. 289, Ekareach Street, opposite to the Public Works & Old Transport, Sihanoukville
T: 034 933 858

Lemada Furniture
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday
Street 51, Sihanoukville
T 071 7239 007
facebook.com/lemadafurniture

Ekareach Book Center
Open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
#152 Ekareach Street, Sihanoukville
T 034 933 876
facebook.com/EBC-Ekareach-Book-Center

Sakura Recycle Shop Japan
100 Ekareach Street, Sihanoukville

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