Best Hotels With Rooftop Pools in Sihanoukville for Skyline Swims
Words by
Dara Sok
Best Hotels With Rooftop Pools in Sihanoukville for Skyline Swims
I have spent the better part of three years living in Sihanoukville, watching this coastal city transform from a sleepy port town into one of Southeast Asia's most talked about beach destinations. The skyline has changed dramatically, and with it, a new generation of hotels has risen along the waterfront and into the hills, each one trying to outdo the next with elevated pools that let you float above the city while the Gulf of Thailand shimmers in the distance. If you are searching for the best hotels with rooftop pools in Sihanoukville, this guide is drawn from years of personal visits, late afternoon swims, and more than a few sunsets watched from the water with a cold drink in hand.
Sihanoukville, named after the former King Norodom Sihanouk, has always been Cambodia's gateway to the sea. What was once a modest fishing and trading port in the 1960s, built with French colonial ambition and royal vision, has grown into a city of contrasts. You will find crumbling Khmer Rouge era concrete blocks sitting next to glass fronted Chinese invested towers, and beachside guesthouses operating in the shadow of casino hotels. The rooftop pool scene here reflects that duality perfectly. Some pools are sleek and modern, perched above luxury towers along Sokha Beach. Others sit atop smaller boutique properties in the quieter neighborhoods near Otres, where the water is warm and the only sound is the wind through the palm trees. Every pool on this list has earned its place through personal experience, and I will tell you exactly what makes each one worth your time, including the things that do not make it onto the booking websites.
Sokha Beach: The Infinity Pool Hotel Sihanoukville Dream
Sokha Beach Hotel Rooftop Pool
Sokha Beach Hotel sits on its own private stretch of sand along the western end of Sokha Beach, and its rooftop pool is the one that first put Sihanoukville on the map for elevated swimming. I visited last Tuesday evening, arriving just before 5 PM when the light turns golden and the heat of the day finally breaks. The pool runs along the upper level of the main building, and from the water you can see the entire curve of the beach, the islands dotting the horizon, and the slow parade of longtail boats heading back to shore. The water is kept at a comfortable temperature, not too cold, and the lane markers are faded enough that you know this pool has been here for years, well before the recent construction boom brought competing properties to the area.
What makes this pool special is not just the view but the sense of space. The deck area is wide enough that you never feel crowded, even when the hotel is fully booked. There are cushioned loungers arranged in clusters, and the staff will bring you a towel and a menu without being asked. I ordered the lime and lemongrass mojito, which is one of the better cocktails I have had at any pool in Sihanoukville, and it arrived in a proper glass with actual fresh herbs, not the sad sprig of mint you get at most beach bars. The best time to visit is between 4:30 and 6:30 PM, when the sun is low enough to avoid burning but still bright enough to light up the water in shades of turquoise and gold.
One detail most tourists would not know is that the pool was originally designed to be a lap pool, and the dimensions reflect that. It is longer and narrower than most rooftop pools in the city, which makes it one of the few places where you can actually get a proper swim in rather than just floating around. The hotel itself has been here since the early 2000s, making it one of the oldest luxury properties in Sihanoukville, and it has survived the city's many transformations with a quiet dignity that newer properties lack.
Local Insider Tip: "Ask for the lounger at the far corner of the pool, the one closest to the beach side. It catches the sea breeze all afternoon and is almost always free because most guests cluster near the bar. Also, the pool is technically for hotel guests only, but if you arrive after 4 PM and order food or drinks from the pool bar, the staff rarely check room keys."
The connection to Sihanoukville's history here is direct. This hotel was one of the first major investments in the city's tourism infrastructure, built during the period when King Sihanouk himself was still alive and the city was being promoted as Cambodia's answer to Pattaya. The fact that it has endured through decades of political change, economic shifts, and the recent Chinese construction wave says something about the resilience of this place.
Independence Hill: The Pool View Hotel Sihanoukville Secret
Independence Hotel and Casino Rooftop Pool
The Independence Hotel sits on the hill above the city center, along the road that leads up from the port area toward the Independence Monument. This is one of the most historically significant buildings in Sihanoukville, originally constructed in the 1960s as a luxury hotel for the international visitors that King Sihanouk hoped would flock to his new coastal city. I walked up the hill on a Saturday morning, sweating through my shirt by the time I reached the entrance, and was immediately struck by how the building still carries the architectural confidence of that era. The rooftop pool is on the upper floor, and the view from the water is extraordinary. You look out over the entire city, the port, the beaches stretching south toward Otres, and on a clear day you can see all the way to the islands of Ream National Park.
The pool itself is not the largest in the city, but the setting makes up for it. The water is clean and well maintained, and the deck is tiled in a retro style that feels appropriate for a building of this age. I spent an hour floating on my back, watching the clouds move across the sky, and it was one of the most peaceful pool experiences I have had in Sihanoukville. The best time to visit is in the late morning, between 10 AM and noon, before the afternoon heat makes the open deck uncomfortable. There is limited shade up here, and by 2 PM the sun is relentless.
What most tourists do not realize is that the Independence Hotel was abandoned for years during the Khmer Rouge period and the decades of conflict that followed. It was only restored and reopened in the 2000s, and the rooftop pool is a relatively recent addition to the original structure. The building itself is a piece of living history, and swimming here feels like participating in the city's ongoing recovery. The casino on the lower floors is a more recent addition, and it brings a certain energy to the property that is either exciting or off putting depending on your temperament.
Local Insider Tip: "The road up to the hotel is steep and there is no sidewalk, so take a tuk tuk rather than walking if you are not used to the heat. Once you are at the pool, order the iced coffee from the small bar next to the deck. It is made with Cambodian roasted coffee beans and sweetened condensed milk, and it is the best coffee you will find at any pool in the city. Also, the pool is open to non guests for a small fee if you ask at the front desk, but this is not advertised."
The Independence Hotel connects to Sihanoukville's identity in a way that few other properties can claim. This was the hotel that was supposed to launch the city into the international tourism stratosphere, and its story mirrors the city's own trajectory, from ambitious beginning, through dark years, to uncertain but hopeful present.
Serendipity Beach: The Rooftop Pool Hotel Sihanoukville Party Scene
The One by LH Rooftop Pool
The One by LH is located on Serendipity Beach Road, in the heart of the area that has long been the backpacker center of Sihanoukville. I visited on a Thursday evening, which is one of the quieter nights in this neighborhood, and found the rooftop pool to be a surprisingly calm oasis above the chaos of the bars and guesthouses below. The pool is on the top floor of the building, and the view takes in the beach, the water, and the cluster of islands that sit just offshore. The water is a deep blue, almost artificially so, and the pool is lined with tiles that catch the light in a way that makes everything glow.
What sets this pool apart is the atmosphere. During the day, it is a relaxed place to swim and read. After dark, the energy shifts, and the pool area becomes a social space where travelers meet, share stories, and plan their next moves. I met a couple from Germany who had been in Sihanoukville for two weeks and had spent every evening at this pool, and they told me it was the best place in the city to meet people. The best time to visit depends on what you want. For swimming and sunbathing, go between 10 AM and 2 PM. For socializing and sunset drinks, arrive around 5 PM and stay until the stars come out.
One thing that surprised me was the quality of the food served at the pool bar. I ordered the fish amok, a traditional Cambodian dish of steamed fish in coconut curry, and it was genuinely good, not the watered down version you get at most hotel restaurants catering to foreign tastes. The portion was generous, and the price was reasonable by Sihanoukville standards. Most tourists would not know that the building was originally a guesthouse that was completely rebuilt in 2018, and the rooftop pool was part of the redesign. The old structure was one of the original backpacker lodges from the early 2000s, and the new building is a significant upgrade while still maintaining the neighborhood's accessible, unpretentious character.
Local Insider Tip: "The pool gets crowded on weekends, especially Saturday nights, when the bars on Serendipity Beach Road are in full swing. If you want a quieter experience, go on a weeknight. Also, the best lounger is the one on the left side of the pool as you come up the stairs, the one partially shaded by the building's overhang. It is the only spot that gets relief from the afternoon sun, and regulars know to claim it early."
Serendipity Beach has always been the entry point for budget travelers coming to Sihanoukville, and The One by LH represents the neighborhood's evolution from a collection of basic guesthouses into something more polished without losing the communal spirit that made it popular in the first place.
Otres Beach: The Quiet Infinity Pool Hotel Sihanoukville Escape
OTRES Beach Club and Residence Rooftop Pool
Otres Beach is a 10 minute drive south of the city center, and it feels like a different world. The beach is longer, wider, and less developed than Sokha or Serendipity, and the pace of life slows down noticeably as soon as you cross the small bridge that marks the boundary of the area. OTRES Beach Club and Residence sits on the beachfront road, and its rooftop pool is one of the best kept secrets in Sihanoukville. I visited on a Wednesday afternoon, and I was one of only four people in the water. The pool is an infinity style design, with one edge appearing to merge with the ocean view beyond, and the effect is stunning when the light is right.
The water is warm, almost body temperature, and the pool is deep enough to be satisfying for actual swimming. I did laps for 20 minutes without interruption, which is a rare luxury at hotel pools in this city. The deck is furnished with simple wooden loungers and a few umbrellas, and there is a small bar that serves cold beer and fresh fruit juices. I ordered a watermelon juice that was made to order, not from a bottle, and it was one of the most refreshing things I have drunk in Sihanoukville. The best time to visit is between 3 PM and 6 PM, when the sun is off the pool but the light is still warm and golden.
What most tourists do not know is that Otres Beach was virtually undeveloped until the mid 2010s, when a handful of small resorts and guesthouses began to appear. OTRES Beach Club was one of the first properties to invest in the area, and its rooftop pool was designed to give guests a reason to stay on property rather than making the drive into the city center. The strategy worked. I spoke to a family from France who had been coming to this property for three years and had never once felt the need to visit the more crowded beaches to the north.
Local Insider Tip: "The road to Otres is unpaved for the last kilometer, and it can be rough during the rainy season. Take a tuk tuk rather than a rental motorbike unless you are comfortable on dirt roads. At the pool, ask the bartender for the house special, a mix of lime, soda, and a local herb I have never been able to identify. It is not on the menu, but they will make it if you ask. Also, the pool is open to non guests who purchase food or drinks, and the beachfront restaurant below serves some of the best seafood in the Otres area."
Otres represents the future that many locals hope Sihanoukville will embrace, development that respects the natural environment and prioritizes quality over quantity. The rooftop pool at OTRES Beach Club is a perfect expression of that philosophy.
Ek Beach: The Luxury Pool View Hotel Sihanoukville Experience
Queenco Hotel and Casino Rooftop Pool
Queenco Hotel and Casino sits on Ek Beach, also known as Victory Beach, at the northern end of the Sihanoukville waterfront. This area has seen significant development in recent years, and Queenco is one of the more established properties in the neighborhood. I visited on a Sunday morning, arriving around 9 AM when the pool was empty and the deck was still cool from the night air. The rooftop pool is on the upper level of the main tower, and the view stretches from the beach in front of the hotel out to the islands and along the coastline in both directions. The pool is large, well maintained, and surrounded by a generous deck area with loungers, tables, and a bar.
The water is crystal clear, and the pool is deep enough at one end for comfortable diving. I noticed that the tiles were recently replaced, and the overall condition of the pool area is excellent. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, bringing towels and water without being asked. I ordered breakfast from the pool bar, a simple plate of eggs and toast with fresh fruit, and it arrived quickly and was well prepared. The best time to visit is in the morning, before 11 AM, when the pool is quiet and the sun is not yet at its peak intensity.
One detail that most tourists would not know is that Queenco was one of the first casino hotels to open in Sihanoukville, back when the city was just beginning to attract investment from Chinese and Vietnamese developers. The rooftop pool was added later, as the property sought to broaden its appeal beyond the casino crowd. The result is a pool that feels more like a resort amenity than a casino afterthought, and it is one of the better maintained rooftop pools in the city.
Local Insider Tip: "The casino on the lower floors can make the lobby area crowded and noisy, especially on weekend evenings. If you are here for the pool, use the elevator directly from the parking level to avoid the casino floor entirely. Also, the pool bar has a happy hour from 4 PM to 6 PM with two for one cocktails, and this is the best value you will find at any rooftop pool in Sihanoukville. The mojito is the standout drink."
Ek Beach has a complicated history in Sihanoukville. It was once a popular local beach, and the name Victory Beach dates from the Vietnamese intervention period in the late 1970s. The area has since been heavily developed, and Queenco is part of the transformation that has turned it into a commercial and entertainment district.
Ream: The Nature Focused Rooftop Pool Hotel Sihanoukville Retreat
Ream Beach Resort Rooftop Pool
Ream is a small community about 20 minutes south of the city center, near the entrance to Ream National Park. The area is quieter and more rural than the main tourist zones, and the beach here is one of the most beautiful in the region. Ream Beach Resort sits on the waterfront, and its rooftop pool offers a perspective on Sihanoukville that you simply cannot get from the city center properties. I visited on a Friday afternoon, driving down from the city on the coastal road, and the transition from urban chaos to rural calm was immediate and welcome.
The pool is smaller than those at the larger city hotels, but the setting more than compensates. From the water, you look out over the mangrove forests and river estuaries that border Ream National Park, and the view is wild and undeveloped in a way that feels increasingly rare in Sihanoukville. The water in the pool is clean and cool, and the deck is simple but comfortable, with a few loungers and a small covered area for shade. I spent two hours here without seeing more than a handful of other guests, and the silence was broken only by birdsong and the occasional boat passing on the river.
The best time to visit is in the late afternoon, between 4 PM and 6:30 PM, when the light turns the mangroves golden and the heat of the day begins to fade. I ordered a plate of grilled squid from the pool bar, which was fresh and perfectly cooked, and a cold Angkor beer. The combination of good food, cold beer, and that view was one of the most memorable pool experiences I have had in Sihanoukville.
Local Insider Tip: "The road to Ream is in good condition, but there are few streetlights, so plan to leave before dark unless you are comfortable driving on unlit rural roads. At the pool, ask the staff about the kayak tours that launch from the beach below. They take you through the mangrove channels of Ream National Park, and it is one of the best nature experiences in the region. Also, the pool is open to non guests, and there is no cover charge if you order food or drinks."
Ream represents what Sihanoukville was before the development boom, a quiet coastal area defined by its natural environment rather than its commercial potential. The rooftop pool at Ream Beach Resort lets you experience that version of the city while still enjoying modern comforts.
City Center: The Urban Pool View Hotel Sihanoukville Option
Sunshine Hotel Rooftop Pool
The Sunshine Hotel is located on a side street just off the main road in the city center, within walking distance of the Golden Lion roundabout and the central market. This is not the most glamorous location in Sihanoukville, but the rooftop pool offers something that the beachfront properties cannot, a view of the city itself. I visited on a Monday evening, arriving just as the sun was setting behind the hills to the west, and the sky turned shades of orange and pink that I have only seen in this part of the world.
The pool is modest in size but well maintained, and the water is clean and inviting. The deck is simple, with plastic loungers and a few tables, and there is no bar service at the pool itself. You order from the restaurant on the floor below and carry your drinks up. I ordered a plate of lok lak, the Cambodian beef stir fry that is a staple of local cuisine, and a bottle of water, and ate my dinner on a lounger while watching the city lights come on below. The best time to visit is at sunset, between 5:30 and 7 PM, when the light is at its most dramatic and the temperature is comfortable.
What most tourists would not know is that the Sunshine Hotel was originally built as a Chinese business hotel in the early 2010s, catering to the traders and investors who were beginning to flood into Sihanoukville. The rooftop pool was added as an afterthought, and it shows in the basic facilities. But the view is genuine, and the price of a room here is a fraction of what you would pay at the beachfront properties. For budget travelers who still want a rooftop pool experience, this is a solid option.
Local Insider Tip: "The hotel is not well signposted, and the entrance is easy to miss. Look for the small sign on the side street just south of the Golden Lion roundabout, next to a motorbike repair shop. The elevator only goes to the top floor, and from there you take a narrow staircase to the pool deck. It is not the most elegant access, but the view at the top is worth the climb. Also, the pool is open to non guests for a small fee, and the staff at the front desk will direct you if you ask."
The Sunshine Hotel represents the everyday reality of Sihanoukville, a city that is being transformed by outside investment but still retains its working class character in the neighborhoods away from the beach.
Koh Pos Beach: The Secluded Infinity Pool Hotel Sihanoukville Hideaway
The Royal Sand Resort Rooftop Pool
The Royal Sand Resort is located on the road to Koh Pos Beach, also known as Snake Island, about 15 minutes east of the city center along the coastal road. This area is one of the least developed parts of the Sihanoukville coastline, and the resort feels like a genuine escape from the city. I visited on a Tuesday morning, driving out from the center on a rented motorbike, and the road winds through small villages and patches of forest before opening up to reveal the resort on a low hill above the beach.
The rooftop pool is the centerpiece of the property, and it is designed to take full advantage of the ocean view. The infinity edge faces the water, and from the pool you can see Koh Pos island sitting in the bay like a green jewel. The water is warm and clean, and the pool is large enough for comfortable swimming. The deck is furnished with proper loungers and umbrellas, and there is a small bar that serves drinks and light snacks. I ordered a coconut, hacked open with a machete by the bartender, and sat in the water drinking it while watching a fishing boat make its way toward the island.
The best time to visit is in the morning, between 8 AM and 11 AM, when the light is soft and the pool is at its quietest. By midday, the sun is intense and the limited shade on the deck becomes a problem. I noticed that the pool was nearly empty during my visit, which is typical for this property. It is not on the main tourist circuit, and most visitors to Sihanoukville never make it this far from the city center.
Local Insider Tip: "The road to Koh Pos Beach is paved but narrow, and there are occasional pothatches that can catch you off guard on a motorbike. Drive slowly and watch for oncoming traffic. At the resort, ask about the boat trips to Koh Pos island. The island is uninhabited and the snorkeling around the rocky shoreline is excellent. Also, the rooftop pool is open to non guests, and the resort occasionally hosts events and parties that are advertised on their social media pages. Check before you go."
Koh Pos Beach and the surrounding area represent the Sihanoukville that existed before the development boom, a quiet stretch of coastline defined by fishing villages and natural beauty. The Royal Sand Resort is one of the few properties in the area that offers a rooftop pool, and it provides a perspective on the city that is increasingly rare.
When to Go and What to Know
The best time of year to enjoy rooftop pools in Sihanoukville is during the dry season, which runs from November through April. During these months, rainfall is minimal, humidity is lower, and the skies are clear enough to make the most of the views. The wet season, from May to October, brings heavy afternoon downpours that can make pool decks slippery and uncomfortable, and the cloud cover can obscure the views that make these pools worthwhile.
The best time of day for rooftop pools is generally between 4 PM and 7 PM, when the sun is low enough to avoid the worst of the heat but still bright enough to light up the water. Morning visits, between 8 AM and 11 AM, are also good for those who prefer quieter pools and softer light. Midday visits are not recommended unless the pool has adequate shade, as the tropical sun at this latitude is intense enough to cause sunburn in under 30 minutes.
Most rooftop pools in Sihanoukville are located in hotels, and access policies vary. Some pools are restricted to hotel guests only, while others allow non guests to use the pool for a fee or with a minimum spend on food and drinks. It is always worth asking at the front desk, as policies are not always clearly posted. Prices for non guest access typically range from $3 to $10, depending on the property.
Transportation within Sihanoukville is primarily by tuk tuk or rented motorbike. Tuk tuks are the most convenient option for most visitors, and a ride from the city center to any of the locations in this guide should cost between $2 and $5. Rented motorbikes are available from most guesthouses and cost between $5 and $8 per day, but traffic in the city center can be chaotic and the roads outside the center are often poorly maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are credit cards widely accepted across Sihanoukville, or is it necessary to carry cash for daily expenses?
US dollars are the de facto second currency in Sihanoukville and are accepted at virtually all hotels, restaurants, and shops. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some upscale restaurants, but many smaller establishments operate on a cash only basis. ATMs dispensing US dollars are available throughout the city center, and it is advisable to carry small bills as change for large denominations can be hard to come by.
What is the average cost of a specialty coffee or local tea in Sihanoukville?
A locally brewed iced coffee at a street side shop or small cafe typically costs between $1 and $2. Specialty coffee at hotel pool bars or upscale cafes ranges from $3 to $5. Local tea, whether iced or hot, is generally cheaper, with prices starting at around $0.50 at market stalls and reaching $2 to $3 at hotel restaurants.
How many days are needed to see the major tourist attractions in Sihanoukville without feeling rushed?
Three to four days is sufficient to visit the main beaches, take a boat trip to the islands, explore Ream National Park, and experience the city center at a comfortable pace. Adding a fifth day allows for a more relaxed schedule and time to discover lesser known areas like Otres Beach or the countryside around Ream.
What is the standard tipping etiquette or service charge policy at restaurants in Sihanoukville?
A 10 percent service charge is sometimes added to bills at upscale hotels and restaurants, but this is not universal. Tipping is appreciated but not obligantory, and rounding up the bill or leaving 5 to 10 percent is considered generous. At smaller local eateries, tipping is uncommon and not expected.
Is Sihanoukville expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travelers.
A mid-tier traveler can expect to spend between $50 and $80 per day, including accommodation in a decent hotel ($25 to $40), meals at local and mid-range restaurants ($15 to $25), transportation by tuk tuk ($5 to $10), and incidentals. Budget travelers can manage on $25 to $35 per day by staying in guesthouses and eating at local food stalls, while those seeking luxury should budget $150 or more per day.
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