🇰🇭| Did COVID-19 Do THIS? SHOCKING FOOTAGE Of Sihanoukville Cambodia

[@sreymuchchan428]

Heart brakeing. Snooky and Ortres were heaven on earth for me/ I would live there for 6 months at a time,and adored it. Our northern friends have destroyed it not just for forighners but for the Kmere people.. Now happily retired in beautiful Kampot.

[@Chai_Travel]

It is 😕 we’re going to Kampot next episode. It’s a great looking place you live in 🙂 thanks for watching 🏆

[@rogerchesson176]

I have lived in Cambodia for 5 years, the last 2 years in Kampot. I went to Sihanoukville in 2010, such a lovely place back then, I have no desire to go back to Sihanoukville ever again. It is such a shame what the Chinese have done, I feel so sad for the people who have been driven out of their homes and businesses.

[@RetireandGo]

I want to check both places out later this year I appreciate the information

[@jzeng2022]

Should Cambodians be forever poor? China's investment has allowed more people to work here and made the environment less dirty. If I were a tourist, I would also think that China should not build highways and high-speed rails in Tibet, so that Tibet will always be so poor, and let tourists like you see the primitive way of life.

[@tangys383]

So why dun the western people do something,all is Chinese fault....yeah....western people....then dun go there,back to your western country.

[@meh7497]

As a Cambodian, Sihanoukville used to one of the top local tourists spot. But these if you asked people do they plan to visit SHNV they would say no. It's like "Macau" or "Chinatown" in Cambodia full of casino.

[@ShibaCat]

yes, as a Chinese, I visit SHNV 8 years ago, I think it is great and willing to competitive to Pattaya or Phuket, however, China money destory this place.

[@thanglongnguyen9205]

There are many Chinese people and Chinese signs everywhere, making it seem like you are in China

[@nonon0n0o]

Those abandoned towers and houses were because of the laws for Chinese investors and COVID that didn't allow the Chinese to live and work there anymore..(especially those casinos and other illegal jobs which they used to be allowed) Also, lots of Cambodians needed to move out of the city because of a huge cost of livings gained over just a few years.. but now there are still lots of online scamming and something like that in the city, which is very sad for a beautiful city that had so much potential to become one of the greatest city in the Cambodia

[@spencer4932]

Not really. They were abandoned because online gambling was outlawed. The only people to blame for this mess was greedy Cambodian landlords who saw $$$$ signs and did not care about their own country. The Chinese are also to blame but they are businessmen (and gangsters) trying to make money, and also the government are also to blame. Lessons learnt? Probably not.

[@lindachan3115]

Cambodia has come a long way since the Khmer Rouge regime. I feel for the people who endured so much suffering and heartache.

[@RetireandGo]

Hopefully more positive development will continue I’m checking out Cambodia later this year

[@pipatultrainstinct6046]

ผมสงสารชาวเขมร ยุคเขมรแดงที่สุด แต่ในปัจจุบันผมเกลียดยิ่งกว่าขี้

[@moradesu]

As a teenager living in Sihanoukville, It has dramatically changed a lot. Whenever I go to the beach, all I feel is nostalgia. It has truly "lost its soul." But thank you, Chai Travel, for visiting here.

[@Chai_Travel]

Ey, thanks for saying hi. Are also Cambodian? I’m sad to hear from a local you agree with me 😕 I really hope it gets its soul back again ❤️

[@moradesu]

@@Chai_Travel Yes i am Cambodian, and yes it truly lost its soul to chinese investor here, Most of the city were owned by chinese businessmen sir...But still a lovely city overall.

[@Su_that24h]

city ​​of china not cambodia.hahaa 😂😂

[@andrewgibbs7279]

I first went to Sihanoukville in Jan 2010 and loved it. I noticed it changing in subsequent visits in 2011/12, then again in 2017/2018, but man, the change since 2018 has been unbelievable, it's now pretty much unrecognisable. What's happened in Sihanoukville is a perfect example of how we're trashing the planet, replacing nature with concrete...fast. Thanks for posting this video, it's made me very sad, but it's really highlighted how much all the areas of Sihanoukville have changed.

[@tainanking]

not just concrete. But it's another one of those cities for chinese to launder money and do their illegal deeds. I was going to go for a trip there before heading to vietnam but since I had booked the flight, I had no other choice. I scrapped the trip but we still went for overnight instead of a couple days. Hardly left the accomodation because we didn't want to get mugged or murdered. The airport was full of flies. Holy.... stay away

[@SecondLifeTravels1]

What's happened to Sihanoukville is just terrible.

[@petruscaymus7326]

Economic development is bad? The place should forever be a drug infested backpackers paradise, with no future for the locals?

[@SecondLifeTravels1]

@@petruscaymus7326 Tell me you've never been to Sihanoukville without telling me you've never been to Sihanoukville.

[@kevonvideo]

​​@@petruscaymus7326 the local taxi drivers I spoke there were very pessimistic about their economic prospects. They are not profiting: the Chinese business people and gamblers use Chinese services and products (like Chinese taxi drivers and shops), not local ones 😢

[@petruscaymus7326]

@@kevonvideo It's about profiting? or upgraded infrastructure? Locals need to grow some brains on how to exploit the better infrastructure to improve their economic lot.

[@kevonvideo]

@@petruscaymus7326 How can they profit from the infrastructure when all the newcomers only use goods ans services of their own people? Taking away business instead of contributing to it. You only have to follow the money to realise who rules in Sihanoukville.

[@Maipenrai55]

Heartbreaking and appalling. Like others here, spent a lot of time in southern Cambodia 20 years ago. Was fun, funky, provincial. Last visit just went from Kampot to Koh Rong, and skipped Shitville completely

[@wdaniel2221]

This was an interesting one. I always find these towns where there is planned development ahead of a potential influx in tourism to be a bit creepy. I totally got what you were saying about "lost it's soul." Hope Cambodia is fun overall at least. Enjoying the videos so far.

[@wdaniel2221]

Also always love to see Ilona on the channel! You two are great together.

[@Chai_Travel]

Thanks will! Haha yeah sees great 😃 she’s a little camera shy from time to time but whenever its suitable we do videos together :). Cambodia is so much fun. A lot of happy videos coming up. Sihanoukville was just not for us this time. Thanks again Will 🏆

[@RetireandGo]

I need to experience this Cambodia area myself. I’m planning on later this year

[@DiscoDrew]

That isn’t what happened. Hun Sen sold Sihanoukville to Chinese Investors.

[@joshuabray37]

Goodness, I was there in 2004. It was totally different. It was a small town back then.

[@jimellis1810]

We visited Sihanoukville about 4 times before 2015. We haven't been back since they started rebuilding it and have been in Cambodia the last 4 years. Thanks for giving a good overview of what it is now. Obviously, a lot of building was stopped due to Covid-19, but I don't think we'd want to visit again even if that didn't happen as we don't like being around Casino areas. The 15:07 mark looks like a place we used to stop by before.

[@RetireandGo]

Would you recommend a different area of Cambodia for travelers? I’m interested for later this year

[@grahammurray7426]

​@@RetireandGolots of place kampot battambang etc

[@sreymuchchan428]

Youre coming to Kampot,good move. Here are some ideas. Bokor Mountain,Kep Beach and crab markets,night cruise on the river,pepper plantation. And for the best coffe and food in town is Cafe Espresso,dont miss it. Enjoy.

[@Chai_Travel]

Thanks a lot 😃 I have to say I’ve been working ahead already 🙏 unfortunately I couldn’t only make 2videos there I still need to edit. We covered a few things you mentioned 😃

[@peternhim7127]

The reason that this city is empty because many Cambodian both from Cambodia and abroad plus westerners resented the Chinese. All have shifted their vaccination trip to other provinces especially Kampot. I will travel to Cambodia next week but I don’t know if I will visit Sihanoukville. Thank you for visiting my homeland. This is my first time watching your video and I really enjoy it very much.

[@Chai_Travel]

Thank me for that Peter :) we also going to Kampot next episode. Welcome to this channel 😁

[@parttimephilosopher7097]

The bust in Sihanoukville happened well before COVID. When I visited in 2019 it was just horrible. I spent months travelling in SEA for months. I liked almost everywhere else.

[@oetsie]

This is craaaaazy to see. I was on Otres beach in 2015/16 and it was my favorite place in SE asia at that time. Its crazy to see the huge road and boulevard. I dont recognise anything anymore. I remember a little sand road. A beach full of bamboo huts; hostels and restaurants. Crazy little mushroom shaped huts etc. It was just amazing. Sad to see thats it all gone. I hate to see this, eventhough im still in SE asia since, thats exactly the reason why i didn't go back to that place.

[@Chai_Travel]

Unfortunately we have to skip Ko Rong this trip 😅 I want the weather to be good

[@jimjanlekha891]

Long time subscriber ❤️, been following you since Chiang Mai Thailand. Love this episode and thank you for sharing about Sihanouk vile so we can see its current state. So sad indeed 😢. I hope it will be able to find its soul soon.

[@Chai_Travel]

Thank you so much for watching! Aw yeah hopefully indeed :) I'm sure it will do better in the long run 🙏🏼 Have a good night and day 🏆

[@RetireandGo]

Hopefully construction restarts and these buildings get finished I’m not sure exactly where to visit in Cambodia yet

[@danny_and_diggy]

That is mental 🫣🤯🫣 when we were there there was only couple of high rise buildings WOW

[@Chai_Travel]

Yeah pretty shocking right? Especially because there are so many buildings abandoned 😕 thanks for watching 🏆

[@danny_and_diggy]

@@Chai_Travel no worries 😉

[@Bongleang963]

Thanks for visiting Cambodia 🇰🇭 bro❤

[@Chai_Travel]

Our pleasure!

[@gooblio]

I have lived in Cambodia for 20 years and haven't been back to SihanoukVille since 2015 .

[@darcy8104]

Went there in 2013 and it was by far the best and most relaxing place I had been to, people were fantastic, great memories so I went back in 2017 for a look and wow so sad to see what has happened there and now looks a lot worse. Paradise lost.

[@BryansMusings]

Quite an interesting and well intended observation from you, esp your comparison between the decade past and currently. Always love watching your videos, Chai, even though I don't always comment. Stay CHAMP!!!

[@Chai_Travel]

Nice to hear from you brother 😁 I’m still following you too ;) thanks for saying hi champ 🏆 woohoo!

[@RetireandGo]

I appreciate this video I’m looking at Cambodia later this year. I’m in Malaysia now

[@Chai_Travel]

Thanks 😃 I hope some of the videos help a little 🏆 have a beautiful evening. Selamat jalan

[@Chai_Travel]

Thanks 😃 I hope some of the videos help a little 🏆 have a beautiful evening. Selamat jalan

[@angelrivasart]

Is there a town or city in the mountains where you can escape the heat a little? I look on the map but I can't find it. thanks for everything

[@Chai_Travel]

It’s not much of a town but you get pretty cold weather up here: Bokor Hill Station

[@makaraKH1710]

Y do you like to comparing Cambodia to Thailand again and again? Do you know Cambodia has only 23-25 years of full peace to redevelopment in this poor country 🙂💔

[@Chai_Travel]

Hi hi, I love to compare all the countries in south East Asia with Thailand. I will never say it’s better or worse ❤️ just the differents 😊 I hope that doesn’t offend you

[@majorkade]

Thanks, Chai

[@makaraKH1710]

@@mukmuksurin7370 Don't Thai to me

[@pawarit0018]

@MEAKZER only 25years? I thought red khmer end 40 years ago

[@makaraKH1710]

@@pawarit0018 full peace in 1998-2000 🙃

[@samnangtour2023]

Very beautiful and lovely sharing😍😀😘😍👍

[@Chai_Travel]

Thank you 🙏

[@lollofunky]

Went there in May 2023, it looks like a Mad Max, Blade Runner Location!! Crazy ugly fascinating ! I wonder what will happen with all the unfinished buildings. on the Pro side: it has the best roads and nice pavements for walking...

[@lynettepearce6117]

Here now totally agree with you. It looks like a potential venue for the show abandoned engineering. Tragic

[@markwilliams8809]

The only constant is change... Accept it, embrace it, move forward and don't look back!

[@Swampzoid]

Bouncing back from the Covid shutdown is most difficult for the poorer places like this. I think things will be much better eventually. Also, countless cities and towns around the world are losing their soul,

[@Chai_Travel]

Ow man :( where is this going. I hope I can keep giving out positive energy ❤️

[@newgabe09]

IT isn't just Cvd. It's mass Chinese money laundering. Dreadful ruination in many places from this.. like the beachfront of DaNang.

[@garysmith4418]

I went there in 2001/2002 from England and now live in Phnom Penh for 5 years after living in SEA for 23 years.

[@MyLifeThai371]

That's when "Harold Baldr" youtube channel graduated from High School and traveled Thailand and all those countries back then.

[@Chai_Travel]

Thanks for watching Gary :) maybe see you around one day 😁

[@pakulera4663]

1 dollar a gram and 25. cent a beer, this place will never be forgotten!

[@eduardochavacano]

The Backpackers put this on the map. Now they are displaced. Lets hope this progress is a beautiful as it looks. I hope it still has it charm. Id love to be in Cambodia again.

[@Micke12312]

How can it be charming with Chinese around? Impossible

[@daraphorn5275]

Thank you so much for your videos review about my country (Sihanouk) ❤

[@Chai_Travel]

No problem. Have a good day and night

[@daraphorn5275]

@@Chai_Travel you too bro.

[@stevens8785]

Yes it looks neglected which is so sad as it no doubt has huge potential. So many projects half finished and just shells of incomplete buildings everywhere, certainly an eye sore. I think you said it for what it is and all credit for that. People need to know what they are in for and appreciate being pre-warned. A lot of content creators avoid the facts and sugar coat for popularity. I'm so pleased that is not the case with you guys. There are still some nice places to go out there by the looks and your drone footage was excellent and really did reveal from above what real potential the place has for the future if the developers decide to return and finish off what they started. They really do need to reign in the prices and be competitive with the rest of Cambodia if they want to attract tourism there. The place looked bereft of foreign holiday makers in this video and I guess we shouldn't be surprised at that. Excellent work guys and both of you STAY CHAMP!! 🤩

[@Chai_Travel]

Always a pleasure to read your messages Steven 😃 thanks for the compliments and yeah I couldn’t be more positive than I was in this video 😋 hopefully business will pick up again 🙏 have a good day already

[@pp-bf2ec]

I don't know what store this guy visited but in Sihanoukville supermarket prices are same as in Phnom Penh. In restaurants prices are in general 10% higher though. But you can find super cheap restaurants too still. This is form someone who is loving in the city for the past 10 years already.

[@Bongleang963]

Can’t wait to see your video at Koh Rong.

[@Chai_Travel]

Hi hi, sorry, like I’ve mentioned in de video 😅 we’re gonna give it a miss 😕 we were afraid the weather will be gray and wet. We’ll need to come back a different time of the year ❤️

[@simonnz7193]

I spent a few months there in 2017/ 18 and this makes me cry Otres 1 and 2 was a bit rough around the edges but it had such charm, cocktails and some herb on the beach watching the sunset. I stayed next door to the sunset place you were staying but had food at their restaurant many times and also across the bridge , up a dirt track some simple bungalows on the hill. The were talking back then that Otres was going change, it sure has. For the better? Well I guess if you just want to attract hoards of zero dollar Chinese tours. Oh well at least I have my photos & memories, thanks for the vlog.

[@zenkaze5726]

This is China city 1000 % 👍👍👍👍

[@geetraveler5870]

Ik was daar in 2003. Het was toen echt niet meer dan een dorp, met een klein city-centrum met geasfalteerde wegen. De rest van het dorp waren gewoon zandwegen/paden. Héél weinig toerisme, met een hele chille vibe en een authentieke uitstraling. Ik zie dat het nu compleet is weg gevaagd door geld. Onoverkomelijk kapot gegaan door haar eigen schoonheid. Zo ook met Pai in Thailand. Daar was ik toen ook rond die tijd. De hoofdstraten waren 2 grote zandwegen. Ook daar is het allang niet meer zoals toen. Maar ach.... voor een ieder die er voor het eerst komt zal het zeker als paradijs overkomen. Dus reis zoveel mogelijk, zolang dat in je mogelijkheden ligt. En wacht er niet mee! Maar probeer alles zoveel mogelijk normen en waarden te behouden, al zal dat moeilijk (onmogelijk) zijn om op te boksen tegen het grote geld.

[@Chai_Travel]

Aaah ja :) Pai is ook zo. Eigenlijk wel veel plekken die zo ontwikkelen 😕 maar, gelukkig zijn er nog veel plekken niet veel bezocht 😊 bedankt voor het kijken

[@amd.amdamd]

​@@Chai_Travel Ik wist niet dat je een Nederlander bent. Haha. Shoutout uit Vlaanderen, België. 👌😀

[@dksharron]

It sure does not look like it did in 1998 either. :-( Thank you for the update. Look forward to your next stop over.

[@Chai_Travel]

Thanks ds. wow, I’m 1998 I can imagine there was barely any development at the beaches. I’m sure you had it great back then 😊 thanks watching 🏆

[@dksharron]

@@Chai_Travel And Thailand in the late 80's and Vietnam in the very early 90's. It was great for a foreigners, but no doubt, the standard of living is higher for a very large part of the population today.

[@janosch.abroad]

I was there also back on my SEA Travel last year.... Koh Rong is so amazing beautiful but sad to see what happens there in Sihanoukville.

[@Chai_Travel]

I totally agree! Thanks for watching and saying hello 👋

[@fiatfi]

Valiant effort Chai on Sihanoukville and positivity. This place, as you say, used to be a charming seaside Cambodian town. A favourite of backpackers and expats alike. Alas, the Chinese moved in and a combination of Cambodian and Chinese corruption (Hun Sen, etc.) and lack of legal gambling in mainland China led to the abomination that is present day Sihanoukville. Islands off the coast, amazing. Chinese high rise gambling slum in Sihanoukville - to be avoided.

[@Chai_Travel]

Thanks mate. It’s really a shame this city changed so much. But, who knows, it maybe for the better in the long run 🙏 thanks for watching again

[@scubajunkie6591]

You’ve absolutely nailed it ! Well said . ☝️

[@scubajunkie6591]

Was last there 2017, already Chinese were there building their disgusting online casinos. They have destroyed “Snooky “ 😟. Did Some of the best dive trips to Koh Prins and Koh Tang from awesome dive shop called scuba nation. That was so incredibly sad to watch ! Thank you for showing us what once was one of the nicest places to visit. Hopefully they stay out of Kampot. Safe travels

[@damienmanners6337]

Cambodia have a 49/51 ownership ratio. So native people must own majority of business. I paid $4 for a night in shinoukville in 2013. Wow it's changed. :(

[@JohnDoe-fz3dg]

I was there in 2019. Believe me, it was Much Worse. Looks better now construction has somewhat finished.

[@สุทธิศักดิ์มธุรพงศากุล]

In Thailand, it's called " Kang " or mantis shrimp.

[@Chai_Travel]

Ah nice! Thank you 😁

[@spirittravels.]

Nice footage. What vlog camera are you using please? I was here like 15 years ago and of course, it's such a pity it's changed.

[@Chai_Travel]

Thanks! I’ve got a DJIOM 4 with an iPhone13 :) not bad right? 😜

[@RiNa-zj1yr]

I recommend you to go to koh rong it really interesting beautiful island

[@Chai_Travel]

Thank you :) unfortunately due rainy weather we decided to go to Kampot ❤️ we need to go back some day 😁

[@FuRinChan-mq5vo]

Thanks, Chai. Heartbreaking. I love nature and appreciate natural things. It has truly “lost its soul”. This place is like in Vietnam. There are many tourist destinations that only destroy nature, cut down forests to build resorts, hotels and many building are empty. They also bulit locations to look like those in Europe. For example: Da Nang Phu Quoc Da Lat

[@Chai_Travel]

Heartbreaking indeed 😕 thanks for saying hi 👋

[@jf-be4zy]

Well all I can say is it has been looking like that since 2018, just more empty buildings now and a real creepy feel. We only come for the day now and go to Otres beach and every time there is garbage on the beach and sometimes it is really bad. I use to live there until the Chinese came and forced out all the expats and even the Cambodians. A lot of us ended up in Kampot including Cambodians.

[@bornufree]

This folks is ‘development’ One man’s paradise is another man’s hell

[@Chai_Travel]

😕 I have another perspective on development though. It was pretty sad to see. Hopefully it will change for the better ❤️

[@bornufree]

@@Chai_Travel I was being sarcastic

[@Chai_Travel]

Aaah gotcha :p sorry I didn’t get it the first time 😊🙏 thanks for watching

[@kongsovanmony5064]

​@@bornufree sarcasm doesn't translate well through texts.

[@Kim-mz8co]

I've been in SE Asia for about 10 years now and considering a move to the sea. The changes you are showing and describing are what I've been hearing about. Doesn't look like Chinese built empty high-rises and casinos is the way to go for the country. Sad to see.

[@stephentyas4698]

stayed Victory Hill a couple of times in the distant past.Had a nice bar scene at the top of the hill.

[@Chai_Travel]

Thanks for sharing your experience:) also for watching and saying hi 👋🏆

[@swiftshirt1712]

We are deeply saddened that Sihanoukville has its soul as u said, since the rapid development. However, you should visit Koh Rong to enjoy the nature and the island.

[@sukirinmusicchannel6831]

เขมรบอกจะสร้างสีหนุวิลล์เเข่งกับพัทยา😂สุดท้ายเละเทะกลายเป็นเมืองร้าง

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks, Chai. You are turning into an investigative journalist! Empty towns are creepy, like a future world when the population has all been killed off by some disease or something. BTW, sadly my 6 week visit to CM is ending tomorrow, but back in 6-8 weeks. Safe travels.

[@Chai_Travel]

Thanks Randy 🙏 haha! Aw okay! Hopefully you’ll be able to make it back soon again. Save journey

[@RetireandGo]

It was a very interesting video! I’m hoping to visit a few Cambodia locations later this year I will keep getting information

[@manhquang4169]

Covid-19 chỉ là 1 phần nhỏ. Do lúc đầu Cambodia muốn được như Ma Cao họ cho phép các sòng bạc diễn ra 1 số thành phố , nhưng cấm công dân Cambodia đánh bạc. Mặc dù kinh tế phát triển nhưng họ nhận ra có quá nhiều tệ nạn xã hội mà người Trung Quốc gây ra. Người TQ kinh doanh cờ bạc Online nhưng không thuê người Cambodia mà thuê người từ các nước Đài Loan, Trung Quoc, Hồng Công, và 1 số nước Đông Nam Á để làm quản lý. Vì vậy Chính phủ họ ra lệnh cấm các sòng bạc Online. Nhưng hiện nay vẫn còn 1 số hoạt động Sòng bạc online vãn diễn ra nhờ hối lộ các quan chức địa phương.

[@mariettathornton5924]

Love to see Ilona win you Chai! I would most likely feel weird about being in city or village that doesn’t have a soul! I think I know exactly what you mean or how you feel about being in a place like this….thank goodness your girlfriend is with you:) Thank you for sharing this video 😊

[@Chai_Travel]

Hi hi ☺️ me too! Haha I couldn’t be in Sihanoukville without here 🥰 it turned out a nice stay after all :) thanks again 🏆

[@Kaipanzer-r2w]

1:05 Been there last year heavy rain out of nowhere and had to seek shelter n got stuck there for almost an hour

[@georgedonnellan36]

Why do you not mention the price of things like Coconut juice, and loc lak??

[@Chai_Travel]

No reason

[@antruok4950]

Quite a big area - it does seem generally quiet ? - definitely a lot of high rise happening , a business feel , rather than touristy , but has some historical places with its own charm - enjoyed seeing this & Ilona’s & your views 👌👍👋🙏

[@Chai_Travel]

It wasn’t too bad but it changed so much 😅 and I’m pretty sure most of the people who are following this channel wouldn’t really wanna go here right now. Hopefully they make something nice of it.

[@antruok4950]

@@Chai_Travel Thanks No.1

[@manhquang4169]

Một số biển quảng cáo còn không thèm để song ngữ... Họ luôn than phiền về VIệt Nam và Thái Lan mà họ quên rằng Trung Quốc không coi trọng họ trên chính đất nước của mình. Người Cambodia đã chịu quá nhiều đau khổ trong lịch sử nhưng mong họ sẽ phát triển bằng chính đôi tay của mình

[@loulou8384]

Zo n sneu en trieste aanblik ,wat hebben de mensen gedaan! Vernieuwing is niet altijd goed.Inderdaad laten we hopen dat het beter gaat .. Authenticiteit is belangrijker dan die kille niet afgemaakte kapitalistische gebouwen. Ik hoop dat het voor de bewoners daar ook beter wordt en dat de sfeer en warmte weer terug komt . Fijn dat Ilona er was !!

[@adamredford5204]

used to b e great little wild spot 10 - 20 years ago - now I personally wouldnt bother going there anymore -this beach road used to be 2 devided and the place was kinda cosy - looks like little china now

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Is Sihanoukville any worse aesthetically than areas of New York like in Brooklyn??

[@Chai_Travel]

I don’t know. Apparently there have been a lot of cases of human trafficking in Sihanoukville. There are definitely a lot of dodgy things happening there but I've never felt unsafe and it's hard to find out what is actually happening with all the gangs there.

[@internationalfranchisealli5547]

Nice couple. Great work

[@Chai_Travel]

Thank you 😊

[@NS-ve4ms]

Gosh. I can’t wait to visit there soon. Have to be able to book off a month to be able to enjoy it there though.

[@Chai_Travel]

Let’s go! A month is just enough ;) thanks for watching

[@mudvayne6987]

Thanks for your video. I was last there in 2018 and am shocked to say the least. I will not be back again. One note, the background music in this video is way too "in your face". The volume could be half of this and also the selection a lot more subtle, I found it extremely tiring.

[@Chai_Travel]

Thanks for your feedback:) I’ve listed it back and I have to agree with you. I keep it in mind next time. Cheers mate

[@mudvayne6987]

@@Chai_Travel you're welcome. :)

[@angelosupsup3726]

In late 2013 I went to combodia and I was exciting, I strole near immigration borders and cities and I smelled dried anchovies and piggery, but now has changed a lot, it look clean and decent, same with Philippines from smell of slums and trash from the rivers now a smell of modern cities and clean breeze from the ocean water.... Hope we asean countries will be a prosperous like European countries connected with trains and bridges..

[@Chai_Travel]

I hope so too ❤️ thanks for watching

[@chensoiphoin6890]

For whom never come to Sihanouk a few year , after 2021 Sihanouk become the modern city in Cambodia with the beautiful road and skyscrapers, it’s a really popular for Cambodian during their weekend, and Sihanouk have a lot of Chinese restaurants but not mean all are Chinese it’s because of many Chinese come to Sihanouk so they slowly change to Chinese vibe to attract Chinese people

[@HipsterChipster]

I was there in 2011 for a few months. It was the highlight of my recent travels, partly because I met a girl, but the place was beautiful in a shabby kind of way. I took a bike from Kampot to S'ville 4 years ago and yeah, totally shocking. I couldn't even navigate, the layout had changed so much. Sad.

[@Chai_Travel]

You were here in 2011 too? We might have met 😆 man, it’s sad indeed

[@Doddiloddy]

I remember when I was there in 2018, then the whole city was a construction site, with casinos being built all over. Looks like it's the same now

[@Doddiloddy]

Corong is really nice! I love the vibe but on thing, bring alot of cash there is no ATM there only resturant with cash to sale AND there is a big risk of stomach upset there if you get an involuntary gulp of cold water. For beaches they have a really nicet west of the island u need to take a moped to. For some extra information. The Chinese have leased the island for over 100 years. With plans to build hotels etc

[@jackwai8930]

Visit Phuket and Phi Phi island Thailand. The best of the best

[@Chai_Travel]

They are great indeed but I would call them the best though 🤪

[@mimibigdy1917]

Thanks for sharing. Maybe great opportunity to invest.

[@Chai_Travel]

Thanks Mimi 😃 have a good day

[@anhyen5997]

Kết thúc rồi 1 thành phố xinh đẹp của Cambodia

[@AmericanInThailand]

Solid information. Thanks!

[@Chai_Travel]

Thanks mate :) I’m glad you think so 😁 have a good day

[@phallakuy6341]

Chai nice to see u

[@Chai_Travel]

❤️ Thank you

[@YenSokunthea]

Hi chai, I like to watch all your videos about Cambodia. I am Cambodian currently living in Malaysia, but I'm going back to live in Cambodia permanently soon. I like to be in siemreap city. I do hope we could meet you there in siemreap and can have a cup of coffee ☕ for u.

[@Chai_Travel]

Aw thank you 😊 I’ll have to postpone that coffee for our next trip to Cambodia or elsewhere in SEA ❤️ thanks for watching

[@dogfoodtogo]

When it's good everyone wants to own. Enjoy your time in Cambodia 🇰🇭

[@Chai_Travel]

Thank you 🙏

[@AllenTurner-e3w]

what a pitty i really loved sihanoukville i was there in 2015 stayed in ortres beach i remember sitting at my hostel everyone smoking local weed it was also really high grade stuff . went to a jungle rave was one of my best experiences in south east asia. im really sad to see what it has become. went to the island were there was some people living and making absinthe. so so sad

[@wesparsons5331]

I’ve seen a few videos on the destruction in this city. Are there untouched costal cities that people would recommend as alternatives?

[@Chai_Travel]

I'm not too sure if there any alternative beach towns at the moment. I think it's safer to go straight to the island from mainland

[@rimloch3919]

Love your honest and positive thought about Cambodia q❤❤ nice video, The place changed so much that I was there many years ago and it does like a different place. My family laughed so much at one Pizza Restaurant with a unique name starting with F… Pizza😂 have you seen it too?

[@Chai_Travel]

Haha thank you Rim 🤣 I have not seen that restaurant 😝 thank for watching Rim. Have a good day and night

[@elperro3056]

Hey as single male traveler is sihanoukville worth it ? Been in PP three week time to switch it up I heard there not Much there but beach and casino 😉

[@Chai_Travel]

I think the best place to be single, in Cambodia, is Siem Reap :) unless you want to gamble and eat Chinese food I would avoid Sihanoukville for now. But, if you have time and enough money? Why not check it out yourself? 😜

[@philipphofer3774]

I visited Sihanouksville first time in 1999 and i loved it. Last time i been there was in 2019 and i wad shocked. Never will go back to sihanouksville

[@Chai_Travel]

Im sad to hear this but I can understand 😕

[@Harald111th]

I think they not miss you

[@chensoiphoin6890]

Maybe 2019 is the worst year of Sihanouk but after the government change the policy , from 2021 the Sihanouk become to the modern city in Cambodia and now after we have expressway from PP Sihanouk become the popular place during weekend in Cambodia, now 2023 every pth7ng change so fast in Cambodia welcome you revisit and look how Sihanouk look like by ur own eye

[@alinekhiev]

Don’t forget to go to white sand, koh rong island.

[@illeehm9479]

By the time you were there, I think there are more and more Cambodia people revisiting Sihanoukville comparing to the time before Covid because of the express way. It is true that it looks more like China town there but I would recommend the islands, a lot of new developed islands and resorts. And I guess despite the unfinished buildings, you still find the beach is still beautiful. And yeah, maybe after economic crisis, you will find Sihanouk city more well-organized for your next visit even of course there will still have Chinese there. One more thing about Khmer foods, normally you will find the typical and authentic khmer foods at Siem Reap and some restaurants in Phnom Penh because we go to Sihanoukville for Seafood.

[@RetireandGo]

I’m going to check it out. I’m concerned and I appreciate these videos Looking at later this year

[@illeehm9479]

@@RetireandGo looking forward to your visit in Cambodia. Visit and experience it by yourself.

[@RetireandGo]

@@illeehm9479 thank you :-) I want to see Ankor Wat for sure

[@bb4251]

yeah, by 2025 the local govt will make a plan to demolish or repurpose many of the unfinished buildings If the Chinese investors are incapable to finishing it or lack the money and resources to

[@jimtso9802]

What's wrong with many Chinese there? Only white people have the right to live in Cambodia? It's so sad that some Asians adopt the western racism to hate her own race. Maybe some westerners say the same thing about you.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

People say that places in the Southeast Asia are like saunas because of the humidity and heat, making the region impossible to live in because you sweat all the time all year. What's your opinion about this issue?

[@Chai_Travel]

Some month of the year it can be very hot and humid depending where you are. Though if you don’t mind sweating its the best place on earth. It's safe and affordable and when you stay close to a beach or in a mall everyone is having a great time regardless the heat :)

[@CarlosDiegoAmorimpassos]

Maravilhoso

[@ramosdesilva1474]

Very interesting video.!

[@Chai_Travel]

Thank you ❤️

[@KhmerMinnesnowta]

This city was in total ruins and destroyed from the war. I was a first team to work at the seaport by a new government after Pol Pot forces were defeated by Vietnamese government in mid 1979. It took us. a few months to clean up the city with collapsed buildings and houses with some corpses. I was able to speak French and English as I learned in my high school years so they sent me to work at the port. The city was like a ghost town and people were not allowed to live in the city yet until later. I had to leave the country in late 1979 due to a political unrest. I have returned to visit the country every year for the last ten years since my retirement in the US. The country has changed so much for the better or worse but they have come a long way to rebuild the country from ground zero. Be mindful and be happy of what you have now. Be kind whenever possible. Life is short to do the things we don't love doing. Peace out from a genocide survivor 🎉

[@Chai_Travel]

Thank you for explaining 🙏 I’ve gained many respect for the Khmer people since we’ve been here. ❤️

[@leevikiviranta9071]

i was there 2008...now i can´t recognize it anymore. i miss back old times when it was charming little village.....

[@Chai_Travel]

Me too Leevi. Thanks for watching

[@MickSchwager-gu5wp]

I was there about 10 years ago Changed too much

[@Chai_Travel]

I think so too 🙃 hopefully it will change in a good way

[@sophaman9193]

I'm a Cambodian living in Montreal and Toronto canada for the last 40 years and also you have remember Thailand never been in the war fighting each other like Cambodia if Cambodia never been fighting each other never destroyed the country Thailand never compared to Cambodia remember in the 60 Singapore prime Minister came to Cambodia and learned from Cambodia how beautiful and clean Cambodia during that time you know cambodia used to be called pearl country in Asia now Cambodia try to catch up to the neighboring country like Thailand going to take time please don't laugh to my beautiful country Cambodia thanks for your video take care bye from milton Ontario Canada

[@mikebaker7522]

Otres beach was best 20 years ago when there were just a few bars and only non paved roads.

[@Chai_Travel]

Good memories I can imagine :D

[@TheDeciderGod]

They should rename it "Xihanoukville".

[@ClarkeIllmatical]

I lived in Cambodia for a year, and arrived back in 2015. SHK was one of the most popular and up and coming cities in SE ASIA. I don't think they recovered from COVID.

[@Petelaosound]

Great vdo

[@Chai_Travel]

Thank you

[@truesouth4784]

Paradise found has become paradise lost.

[@crinklecut]

WELCOME TO CAMPUCHINA

[@easycooking4392]

I waiting for your kampong cham video brother

[@Chai_Travel]

Ey! Is this you Mr Two? It’s coming up soon 😃

[@stevozrepto5558]

Pattaya changed massively for better , but traffic is fked , beach sand and water filthy , no showers NO toilets etc . . Otherwise fab resorts malls waterparks etc