Paradise Lost?

Hey everybody, my friend has been missing since January 4th, last confirmed location was him checking out of Onederz hostel in sihanoukvile. The 2nd photo is the most recent photo of him taken mid December in Bali before coming to Cambodia. He is a very kind and helpful person to everyone. He never boarded his return flight to Canada on January 25 that was booked. His family has filed a missing persons report to the Cambodian police and to the Canadian consulate. He has been posted in Facebook groups before. Any sightings, tips or anything could be helpful in locating him. Please reply here and/or email helpfindtibaker@gmail.com

u/helpwhatbitme

After a gym session today, I decided to walk back to the hotel instead of grabbing a ride — wanted to soak in a bit more of Sihanoukville and see it from a different angle. For context, I’m here playing poker. I’ve got a host who sets us up with a room, dinner, and whatever else we need. My friend and I also play and interact with a few of the Chinese "Bosses" at the tables.

When people talk about Sihanoukville, you usually hear stuff like gambling, crime, kidnappings, etc. That’s not what I saw. The vibe I got was more like abandonment. The population dropped from 900k+ to around 300k after COVID, and the economy tanked. There are abandoned construction projects everywhere. But land prices haven’t dropped, and the owners aren’t selling or developing — so these half-built structures just sit there, and some locals have started using them as shelter.

What stood out to me most, though, was that people didn’t seem like they were chasing. No one was flaunting fake designer stuff. When I bought things, I’d just hold out some cash and let them take what it cost — and they always took the right amount. If you smile and give a respectful nod, people return the same energy.

Toward the end of the walk, I took a turn down this alley that dead-ended at a gate, one side slightly open. I figured the map was wrong and this was private property. But when I stepped in a bit, I saw a few monks and realized it was the back entrance to a Buddhist temple. So I went in, lit some incense and did a little chant, gave some donations (including supporting the girl with the birds), and made my way back to the hotel.

What started as just a walk for some extra steps turned into a pretty memorable little experience — and gave me a fresh lens on this place.

a little creepy, scary, snooky

If so how was it? Most of the posts on here seem to be 1+ year old and I’m looking for any recent experiences. If so where did you stay? Was it busy? What beaches would you recommend? I like the look of Novotel. Also wondering for anybody who lives there has there been any progress on the unfinished high rises? I like a city with a bit of an edge and different vibe. Sihanoukville really fascinates me so was thinking to spend a weekend there on my next SEAsia trip. Thanks!

I live in Sihanoukville as a local but honestly have no clue what’s really going on here. I’ve known for a while about foreigners from lower-income countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Pakistan working in the scamming industry. But lately, I’ve noticed quite a lot of workers from Western countries — Russians, Americans, Spaniards, Brazilians, etc.

The difference is, they somehow manage to get work visas under “self-employed” status, so I guess that makes them legal. I was even dating one of them, and he showed me his visa and called himself a “freelancer.”

My question is: what field are these people actually working in? Why Cambodia, when they’re from developed nations with way more job opportunities and higher salaries?

I’ve engaged with some of these Westerners and noticed a lot of suspicious things, so I eventually cut all contact. But I can’t help wondering — if you’re from a developed country and have worked here under this kind of setup, what’s your actual experience like

Does anybody know a good moto rental shop in KPS that doesn't demand a passport as deposit?

Bro I got here 3 hours ago and it literally feels like there’s a countdown towards my death going on. I read all of the stuff online about the unfinished buildings and the casinos and the trafficking and scamming and frankly, it made me curious. I like a bit of sleaze lmao. Like I love Las Vegas for example, but this place is so different. There’s such a dark energy here that’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt… the unfinished buildings and Chinese investment everywhere are super creepy and whereas Cambodian people in the other places I’ve visited have been very warm and quick to smile at you, a lot of the people here have a very different demeanor and a lot of them I feel are sizing me up, idk. And I’ve had many horrible experiences with dogs in my time in SEA but this place is probably the worst in that regard. I keep seeing them in packs and a large percentage of them have barked and run up to me all crazy like they’re on the payroll of the organ-harvesting people. This is crazy 😅. I’m literally going to go try to rent a motorbike tomorrow just so I don’t have to deal with them on foot (do you know where I can rent one?). And unsurprisingly, it took me forever to find my hotel and it’s unfinished. Not a fan at all 🥴. So yeah, I guess idk why I’m writing this other than to find out if it’s safe here/whether or not I’m overreacting. I welcome any and all information you have for me. Oh and also, should I be concerned about the texts in Chinese I’m getting?

Ps: as long as I’m still alive, where should I get some good Khmer food in sihanoukville? I was sick in Phnom Penh (where I came from) so I didn’t get to try much except pork + egg and rice

Hey,

A group of 5 of us need to get from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville to then catch a ferry to Koh Rong.

Cambodia Airways have just cancelled our flight and there are no other flights that work with our travel days.

We are currently exploring options, either:

1. Do a full day drive with a private driver from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville

2. Split the drive over two days with a night in Phnom Penh (we aren't going to Phnom Penh as a few people in our group have been before)

3. Fly to Phnom Penh and organise a driver to Sihanoukville.

I would love your suggestions of which option is best. Any other ideas. Rough cost of a driver for that long of a journey and recommendations for drivers in Cambodia.

Thanks for your help!

I have stomach pain during BM and after it for hours. So ten hours a day I have abdominal pains on the Center left of my tummy. Stool tests thrice PLUS Albendazole and Ivermectin 2X rules out parasites Ova and Protozoa.

Done Bismuth, Flagyl, Tinnidazole, Ciprofloxacin and Nifuroxazide 2X.

Went on for months and changed my diet from Cambodian-Hong Kong-Philippines

Charcoal binders.

Many herbal teas to flush out.

Still in pain. Any Cambodians know what is it?

Edit: I read a few comments it is diverticulitis. However I read the symptoms that it less commonly has diarrhoea and occurs in episodes.

However mine has been occurring continuously for months almost a year and it is diarrhoea of 6-8 times per day

Hey everyone,

I've been following the whole scam compound (scam centres) situation in Cambodia (but also in Myanmar)  for a while now, and honestly the more I read about it, the more questions I have.

Most of what you find online are news articles, but I'm curious about the actual human side of this.

I’m working on a personal project to understand what people actually go through and how they manage to get out.

If you've been in one of these places, or know someone who has, I'd really appreciate hearing about it. 

I’m trying to learn and, if possible, share general lessons that might help others avoid the same situation

What was it actually like day to day? How did you realize what was happening? And if you got out, how did that happen?

I know it's probably not easy to talk about, so no pressure at all. You can DM me if you prefer to keep things private, and I’ll be glad to talk with you.

Mods: if this isn’t appropriate for the sub, please let me know and I’ll remove. I’m happy to follow any guidance to keep everyone safe.

Thanks for reading, and stay safe out there.

Sharing some of the photos that i recently took in Sihanoukville..

It's feel good to be back.

Also, I'm going to Koh Rong in coming days, do hit me up if you want to join.

I noticed that there is even no western tourists in Sihanoukville. Anyone could comment what happens?

I’m planning a visa-run trip from Ho Chi Minh City and considering the overland route:

HCMC → Hà Tiên → Prek Chak border → Sihanoukville → Koh Rong.

Before jumping, I wanted to get locals' feedback on the safety situation, especially around:

• Hà Tiên / Prek Chak border crossing
• Overland travel through Cambodia (Kampot → Sihanoukville)
• Sihanoukville transit (ferry connection to Koh Rong)

I’ve seen mixed information online ranging from “totally normal tourist route” to more serious claims about scams, coercion risks, or general instability in certain parts of Sihanoukville.

What I’m trying to understand is:

• Is this route considered safe for independent travel right now?
• Are there any specific segments to avoid or be cautious in?
• Any issues with border crossing procedures / informal fees at Hà Tiên?
• Is Sihanoukville still just a transit hub if you stay near the ferry area, or is it worth avoiding altogether?
• Any practical tips to reduce friction (transport, timing, etc.)?

Main goal is a low-stress, fairly comfortable overland route to Koh Rong, not budget backpacking at any cost.

Would really appreciate recent, on-the-ground experiences rather than general travel advice.

Thanks in advance 🙏

i came here a decade ago; it was beautiful it felt full of life and well now! ohohogoh mann im actually upset, it just doesnt have that specific shine to it anymore.. but still it’ll always have a special place in my memories 😕

To make a long story short, I met a Cambodian girl in Thaland where she worked as a medical interpreter, we moved to live together immediately and things got serious to the point where after an unstable rollercoaster and toxic relationship for a year now, we moved to live in Sihanoukvile where her sisters reside.

Typical to Sihanoukvile, in her past, she worked as a scammer for a year in many of the call centers in the city, and now she's thinking to do it again for the time being as we are facing financial difficulties since my income as a digital nomad can no longer sustain us.

Given that my me mental state from the relationship with her is compromised to say the least, I'm lost and desperate. It crossed my mind to give it a try as well and join her for a short time in order to assist and bring stability due to our circumstances.

She has a scheduled interview for today and I'm considering wether I should join.

I'm writing this because I've just bumbed upon a post about Sihanoukvile and it got me worried about how people could get trafficked and kidnaped for ransom or forced to work as scammers in this city.

Am I completely oblivious to what's going around me and where I'm at?

I don't want to be paranoid but could it be that she's trying to traffic me and it's just part of her plan all along?

Edit:

If that makes a difference, to all the critics about the immorality of the thing (and rightfully so), from her experience she said that you can only pretend to scam and never success and still get paid. The intention is not actually to scam innocent people but the scammers.

Please also let me know of a actual clinic if there is cheaper. I dont want to be scammed. Only in the sihanoukville area please and thank you 🙏🏽

Long story short, i’m investigating scam centres in Cambodia because one of my friends from China was taken by human traffickers to a scam centre somewhere in Cambodia. He figured out a way to contact us through Chinese TikTok, and the only info we have is that the scam centre is somewhere on a mountain. I’ve never been to Cambodia and am not familiar with any location there, but I managed to find one suspected scam centre at Bokor Mountain. Yet, i don’t know if it’s still an active scam centre.

We are desperate cuz we can’t bear to imagine our friend being beaten and being threatened every single second. Does anyone familiar with that area know if Bokor mountain is still an active scam centre? Or any info about similar scam centre that is located in some mountains could help us a lot.

Seeking advice

I was trafficked into the country by Chinese people under the pretense of a job offer. I left my home and decided to start a new job. Upon arriving, I was picked up from the airport and placed in a vehicle and taken to a building woth over 13 floors. I was forced to work and and tortured when I did not produce the results these chinese people desired. I had to work under deplorable conditi9ns scamming us citizens until I had the opportunity to run away. I escaped but they have my passport and everything. I had some money in the bank thay I managed to get a hold of and reached out to a visa place to help me reach my.country to get back my passport. Turns out they are a scam. Any way, I am here in cambodia (female) and just completely lost and traumatised. I'll ask around and told that the police are heavily paid off by these scammers and I'm afraid to go to them because I don't want them to take me back there Sigh.

the sun is prettier in sihanoukville

https://x.com/jacobincambodia/status/2008756663805972752

'Police say one man has been arrested after the chase near the expressway exit at Km 114 around 2:00 PM on January 6, 2026, but two other suspects are still at large. They’re asking the public to help identify them, and a reward is being offered.

Hotlines:
097 778 0008 (Khmer)
011 526 677 (English)
011 506 677 (Chinese)
011 516 677 (Chinese)'

Crazy video, one suspect has been apprehended but two are on the loose. Help catch these shitstains and you might even get some cash!