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Kampong Saom (Khmer: កំពង់សោម, Kâmpóng Saôm, Khmer pronunciation: [kɑmpɔŋ saom]) a coastal city in Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia. The city was officially established in 28 August 2024 by sub-decree of the Royal Government of Cambodia as part of a national administrative reorganization. The city encompasses coastal and peri-urban areas within Preah Sihanouk Province and serves as an emerging urban and tourism center along Cambodia’s southwestern coastline.

Kampong Saom កំពង់សោម
City and Municipality
Krong Kampong Saom ក្រុងកំពង់សោម
City location in Preah Sihanouk
Interactive map of Kampong Saom
Coordinates: 10.585413°N 103.644678°E / 10.585413; 103.644678
Country	Cambodia
Province	Preah Sihanouk
Municipality	Kampong Saom
Quarters	6
Villages	23
Established	28 August 2024
Government
• Type	City Municipality
• Mayor	Nuon Bunthol (CPP)
Area
• Total	364 km2 (141 sq mi)
• Land	154 km2 (59 sq mi)
• Water	210 km2 (81 sq mi)
Elevation	13.72 m (45.0 ft)
Highest elevation	277 m (909 ft)
Population  (2019)
• Total	41,568
• Rank	N/A
Time zone	UTC+7 (ICT)
Postal code	180600
Geocode	1806

History

Etymology

Main article: Sihanoukville

Mile stone of National Road 4 near Ream

The name Kampong Saom (Khmer: កំពង់សោម), historically romanized as Kampong Som, reflects the city’s long-standing connection to maritime trade and coastal settlements. The word “Kampong” is of Malay origin, traditionally meaning “village” or “port,” and in the Cambodian context often refers to a coastal landing place or harbor. The element Saom is believed to derive from the Sanskrit saumya, meaning “moon-like” or “gentle,” possibly also linked to soma, the sacred ritual drink, and indirectly associated with Shiva in classical Hindu cosmology.

This combination suggests a meaning along the lines of “Harbor of the Moon” or “Sacred Port”, highlighting the area’s early importance as a strategic landing point and local trade hub along the southwestern coast of Cambodia. Historical records indicate that the name Kampong Saom remained in local usage even as colonial and post-independence authorities referred to the area by different names, reflecting both cultural continuity and the region’s maritime identity.

Creation of Kampong Saom City

The modern city of Kampong Saom was officially established on 28 August 2024 through a royal sub-decree by the Government of Cambodia, marking a significant administrative restructuring within Preah Sihanouk Province. The new city was formed by elevating five sangkats Ream, Bith Trang, O’Oknha Heng, Boeung Ta Prohm, and O’Chrov from the former Prey Nob District into a municipal urban framework.

The creation of Kampong Saom City was part of a provincial development strategy aimed at:

• Improving urban governance and public administration
• Supporting coastal infrastructure development including roads, utilities, and waterfront access
• Preserving cultural and environmental assets while accommodating rapid urbanization.

The city’s administrative office is located in Sangkat Ream, which serves as the hub for municipal operations and urban planning. The formation of Kampong Saom City expanded Preah Sihanouk Province’s administrative hierarchy, introducing a dedicated city council responsible for urban management, development regulation, and coordination with provincial authorities. This restructuring positioned Kampong Saom as a strategic urban center along Cambodia’s coast, bridging traditional maritime communities with modern urban governance and economic development initiatives.

Geography

Kampong Saom City is located along the Gulf of Thailand in southwestern Cambodia, within Preah Sihanouk Province. The city is bordered to the north and northwest by Prey Nob District and to the south and southwest by areas formerly administered under Sihanoukville Municipality. Its eastern and northeastern boundaries face the Gulf of Thailand.

Main article: Geography of Cambodia

Topography

Kampong Saom City lies within the coastal lowland zone of southwestern Cambodia, characterized by flat to gently undulating terrain. The city’s landscape consists primarily of coastal plains that gradually rise inland into low hills, with sandy shorelines, estuarine wetlands, and forested areas typical of the coastal region of Preah Sihanouk Province. Mangrove ecosystems are present along parts of the coast, contributing to natural coastal protection and biodiversity.

Rivers and Ecology

Kampong Saom City is traversed by several waterways that flow toward the Gulf of Thailand. The most notable of these is the Preak Teuk Sab river (also spelled Preaek Tuek Sab or Prek Toek Sap), a coastal stream originating at Kbal Chhay Waterfall in the inland highlands of Preah Sihanouk Province and flows through the coastal plains of the city before emptying into the Gulf of Thailand.

The lower reaches of Prek Teuk Sab support mangrove forests, estuarine wetlands, and tidal channels that are crucial for maintaining local biodiversity. According to provincial sources, the stream’s surrounding areas are rich in mangrove vegetation and fauna, including fish and bird species, and the riverine corridor has potential for eco‑tourism development due to its natural environment and biodiversity.

In addition to Prek Teuk Sab, smaller seasonal streams and tidal channels run through the city’s coastal plain. These waterways collectively form part of the city’s natural drainage system, contributing to nutrient cycling, wetland productivity, and the overall ecological health of the coastal environment.

Islands

Koh Ta Kiev

Kampong Saom City possesses maritime frontage along the Gulf of Thailand and includes several coastal and near-shore islands within its administrative maritime zone. These islands contribute significantly to the city’s ecological diversity, fisheries, and tourism development. Characterized by tropical vegetation, sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and surrounding coral ecosystems, the islands form part of the coastal landscape of Preah Sihanouk Province.

Many of the islands remain sparsely populated, while others support small-scale tourism facilities, fishing communities, or conservation areas. Their proximity to the mainland makes them accessible by small boats and local tour operators.

The principal islands associated with Kampong Saom City include:

• Koh Thmei - relatively small, forested island located near the northern part of the Ream coast. It features dense mangrove stands and sandy beaches along its eastern shoreline. The island serves as an important nesting site for coastal birds and provides sheltered waters that support artisanal fishing. While largely undeveloped, the island has been included in eco-tourism planning due to its natural biodiversity.
• Koh Seh - known for its extensive coral reefs and rich marine life surrounding the island. Its shallow lagoons and tidal channels make it a prime location for small-scale fishing and snorkeling activities. The island is uninhabited but plays a crucial role in sustaining local fisheries by serving as a breeding ground for many coastal fish species.
• Koh Ky - a small, uninhabited island located just offshore near Koh Seh. It features scattered tropical vegetation and serves as a resting and feeding spot for coastal birds. Its shallow surrounding waters support local artisanal fisheries, but the island itself remains undeveloped and inaccessible to tourists due to its limited size.
• Koh Russei (Bamboo Island) - a small near-shore island within Kampong Saom City’s maritime zone. The island features mixed tropical vegetation, including bamboo stands, sandy beaches, and some small bungalows or eco-resorts for tourists. Its surrounding shallow waters support artisanal fisheries, while the island itself contributes to the city’s coastal tourism and ecological diversity.
• Koh Ta Kiev - the largest island within Kampong Saom City’s jurisdiction. It combines sandy beaches, rocky headlands, and forested interiors. Limited eco-tourism lodges exist on the island, catering to low-impact visitors seeking hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife observation. The island’s coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves form a vital ecological network supporting coastal fisheries and local biodiversity.
• Koh Chanloh - A small offshore island located along the coastal waters of the city. The island features dense coastal vegetation, rocky shoreline segments, and narrow sandy areas, giving it a diverse coastal landscape. Human activity is minimal, and no permanent infrastructure is visible. The island preserves a natural environment that supports coastal flora and provides habitat for local wildlife. Its combination of rocky and sandy shorelines also makes it a notable landmark for navigation along the municipality’s coast.
• Koh Chraluh - Characterized by rocky coastal formations interspersed with small sandy beaches and areas of natural vegetation. The island remains largely uninhabited and maintains its natural landscape and ecosystem, with no significant human development documented. Its shoreline and surrounding waters contribute to the diversity of the municipality’s coastal geography, and the island serves as a visual reference point for maritime navigation.
• Koh Sramaoch - An offshore island located near the mainland coastline of the city. The island is covered with natural vegetation and is surrounded by shallow coastal waters and sandy shoreline areas. Satellite imagery indicates limited visible infrastructure, and the island appears largely undeveloped. Some portions of the island may be privately owned, though details about current or planned development remain unclear.
• Koh Sampoch (Thinker Island) - A small offshore island located off the southern coastline of the city. Despite its relatively small size, the island has gained recognition as a local tourism destination due to its natural coastal scenery, clear waters, and surrounding shallow reefs. The island and adjacent shoreline have been associated with coastal tourism development initiatives, including nearby projects such as Golden Beach and Silver Beach, managed by Yeejia Tourism Development Co., Ltd.. Visitors are drawn to Koh Sampoch for its picturesque vistas, opportunities for water-based activities such as kayaking and snorkeling, and tranquil natural environment, while the majority of the island remains in a relatively natural state, preserving its coastal vegetation and ecosystem.

Beaches

Kampong Saom City boasts a coastal frontage along the Gulf of Thailand, featuring several sandy beaches that are important for recreation, tourism, and local fisheries. These beaches vary in size, accessibility, and development, with some offering resorts and eco-tourism facilities, while others remain largely natural and quiet.

The major beaches of Kampong Saom City includes:

• Ream beach - located on the northern coastline of Kampong Saom City and is part of the Ream National Park. The beach features long stretches of fine sand backed by mangroves, tropical forest, and coastal wetlands. Its protected status within the national park preserves the surrounding ecology, making it a haven for coastal birds, migratory species, and marine life. The beach is relatively quiet compared to the central city beaches, making it popular for eco-tourism, birdwatching, and nature excursions. Its coastal waters are also used by local fishermen for small-scale fishing.
• Koah Sramaoch Beach - A mainland coastal beach near Kaoh Sramaoch, currently underdeveloped. The beach features sandy shorelines, coastal vegetation, small local paths, and areas used for artisanal fishing and community recreation. Its underdeveloped status preserves much of the natural environment while allowing opportunities for future small-scale tourism and eco-friendly leisure activities.
• Preak Chak Beach - relatively long beach with natural sand and minimal infrastructure. The area is lightly visited by locals for recreation and small-scale fishing, with most of the shoreline remaining untouched.
• Golden Beach - Located on the coast of Koh Thmei, Golden Beach is under development by Yeejia Tourism Development Co. Ltd. The area features natural sandy shorelines and coastal vegetation, with limited infrastructure. Development plans focus on resorts and tourism facilities while maintaining large portions of the natural environment.
• Sliver Beach - A long beach along the city’s coastline, mostly undeveloped and uninhabited, with natural sand, coastal vegetation, and minimal infrastructure. Some sections show minor human activity, but the majority of the beach remains in a natural state. It is currently owned by Chinese investors and is earmarked for future resort and tourism development by Yeejia Tourism Development Co. Ltd., balancing potential tourism growth with preservation of its natural environment.

• Koah Sampoch Beach - A mid-sized beach along the southern coastline of the city, characterized by shallow, clear waters and fine sand. The beach is suitable for water-based recreation such as kayaking and snorkeling. Small-scale tourism facilities, including eco-lodges, are present, while the surrounding area remains largely underdeveloped, preserving much of its natural charm and coastal environment.
• Thma Thom Beach - A mid-sized beach along the mainland coastline, featuring natural sand, coastal vegetation, and some rocky areas. The beach has a few small fishing ports and a small homestay providing basic accommodation for visitors. While primarily used by locals for recreation and artisanal fishing, the area’s natural environment remains largely preserved, maintaining its coastal charm and ecosystem.
• Sihanoukville Pov Machov - A mostly undeveloped beach in the southern urban zone of the city. The shoreline features sandy stretches interspersed with rocky areas, and minimal infrastructure exists. The beach is primarily used by local residents for leisure, with much of its natural environment and coastal vegetation remaining intact.

• Otres Beach (3) - A coastal segment located along the southeastern shoreline of Kampong Saom, representing the eastern continuation of the Otres coastal system. Unlike Otres 1 and Otres 2 situated closer to central Sihanoukville, Otres Beach 3 remains comparatively less urbanized, characterized by wide sandy shores, coastal vegetation, and ongoing low-density tourism and residential development. The area forms part of the municipality’s expanding coastal zone influenced by recent urban growth toward Ream and surrounding coastal districts.
• Chumteav Mao Beach - mid-sized, mostly natural beach along the mainland coastline. It features sandy shorelines and coastal vegetation, with a few small local paths for visitors. The area supports local recreation and artisanal fishing, while preserving much of its natural environment.

Architecture and Urban Layout

Kampong Saom City’s urban fabric is evolving rapidly following its formal establishment in August 2024 as a new city carved from five former communes of Prey Nob District -Ream, Bit Trang, O’Oknha Heng, Boeung Ta Prohm, and O’Chrov. The administrative office for the city is located in Sangkat Ream, marking the beginning of a structured municipal governance and urban planning framework designed to accommodate growth in both population and economic activity.

Urban Development and Structure

Unlike older Cambodian cities with historical colonial grids or Angkor‑era cores, Kampong Saom’s layout reflects contemporary urban planning priorities. The city is being shaped as an integrated coastal urban centre with mixed residential, commercial, and administrative zones. Major arterial roads connect the city centre to neighboring districts and coastal areas, facilitating traffic flow and access to beaches, ports, and tourism sites. Infrastructure upgrades, including road improvements and expansion of utilities, are underway as part of broader provincial development strategies emphasizing connectivity and investor attractiveness.

Kampong Saom’s urban landscape is expected to balance high‑density development with planned green spaces and waterfront precincts. This reflects the province’s master development strategy, which seeks to position the coastal region as an economic corridor with world‑class services, technology sectors, and tourism facilities.

Public Art and Monuments

Statue of Preah Thong, Neang Neak

Public art and monumental structures play a growing role in the region’s urban identity. Though not strictly within the city limits, the Preah Thong and Neang Neak statue a 21‑metre copper monument inaugurated in 2022 and located near the coastal roundabouts of Preah Sihanouk Province has become a symbolic focal point for the coastal region’s cultural modernization. The statue, representing legendary ancestral figures in Khmer tradition, is among the largest copper sculptures in the country and underscores a wider effort to integrate cultural heritage into urban spaces.

Other public artworks and installations are planned as part of Kampong Saom’s evolving cityscape, promoting both local culture and tourism appeal.

Environment

Main article: Environment of Cambodia

Protected Areas and Conservation Framework

Ream National Park

Kampong Saom City falls within a coastal zone that is subject to Cambodia’s national protected area legislation and environmental regulatory system. Portions of the city’s administrative territory overlap with designated conservation lands, most notably areas associated with Ream National Park, which was established in 1993 under the national protected areas framework. These designations place certain coastal and peri-urban zones under formal legal protection, restricting incompatible land uses and requiring state oversight for development activities.

Ream National Park, covering approximately 146.76 km² in Preah Sihanouk Province, functions as a Category II protected area under International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines. Its protected status establishes regulatory boundaries for land management, infrastructure expansion, and commercial activities within and adjacent to park limits. Oversight is administered by Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment, which coordinates enforcement, land-use control, and protected area governance in cooperation with provincial authorities.

Beyond formally designated protected lands, Kampong Saom City operates within a broader environmental management framework that integrates national legislation, environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedures, and urban zoning controls. Major infrastructure, tourism, and port-related developments are subject to regulatory review processes intended to mitigate environmental degradation and ensure compliance with state conservation policies. This governance model seeks to balance economic expansion with statutory protection mechanisms, embedding conservation considerations into long-term urban planning and coastal development strategies.

Urban Development and Environmental Management

Kampong Saom City has experienced accelerated urban growth driven by tourism, infrastructure expansion, and coastal economic development. This rapid transformation has required the integration of environmental considerations into urban planning frameworks to mitigate ecological degradation and maintain long-term sustainability.

Urban expansion has included improvements to transportation corridors, port facilities, residential districts, and tourism-related infrastructure. However, such development has also increased pressures on coastal systems, particularly through land conversion, shoreline modification, and stormwater runoff into rivers and estuarine environments.

To address these challenges, municipal and provincial authorities have implemented environmental management strategies aligned with national conservation policies. Key measures include:

• Integration of environmental impact assessments (EIAs) into infrastructure projects
• Zoning regulations to limit development in ecologically sensitive coastal and wetland areas
• Shoreline stabilization and drainage improvements to reduce erosion and flooding
• Regulation of construction near river mouths and estuarine systems
• Promotion of sustainable tourism models that minimize habitat disturbance

Environmental governance in Kampong Saom emphasizes coordination between urban planners, conservation authorities, and community stakeholders. By embedding environmental safeguards into development policy, the city aims to enhance resilience to climate change, reduce ecological vulnerability, and ensure that economic growth does not compromise coastal and marine ecosystems.

Long-term planning strategies increasingly recognize the importance of balancing urban modernization with ecosystem protection, positioning Kampong Saom City as a developing coastal center integrating environmental sustainability within its growth trajectory.

Climate

See also: Climate of Cambodia

Kampong Saom City lies within the tropical monsoon (Am) climate zone under the Köppen climate classification. Its climate is strongly influenced by maritime conditions along the Gulf of Thailand and the seasonal reversal of regional monsoon wind systems.

Temperature

Temperatures remain consistently warm throughout the year, with limited seasonal variation due to the city’s coastal setting.

• The mean annual maximum temperature is approximately 31–32 °C (88–90 °F).
• The mean annual minimum temperature averages around 24–25 °C (75–77 °F).

During the late dry season, particularly in April and May, daytime temperatures frequently exceed 33 °C (91 °F) and may rise above 37–38 °C (98–100 °F) prior to the onset of monsoon rainfall. Night-time temperatures rarely fall below 20 °C (68 °F), with January generally representing the coolest period of the year. Coastal breezes moderate extreme heat but maintain persistently high humidity levels.

Seasonal Pattern

The climate is divided into two principal seasons:

• Wet Season (May–October) - The wet season is governed by the southwest monsoon, which transports moist air masses from the Indian Ocean across Mainland Southeast Asia. As Kampong Saom City lies along the coastal fringe, orographic uplift from nearby uplands enhances precipitation during this period. Rainfall is typically intense and concentrated in convective afternoon storms, often accompanied by strong winds and brief coastal squalls. Prolonged overcast conditions are common between July and September, the peak monsoon months.

• Dry Season (November-April) - The dry season is influenced by the northeast monsoon, bringing comparatively drier continental air masses. Skies are generally clearer, sea conditions calmer, and humidity levels somewhat reduced, particularly between December and February. March and April mark the transitional buildup toward monsoon onset, characterized by rising temperatures and increasing atmospheric instability.

Precipitation

Worldwide zones of tropical monsoon climate (Am)

Map of rainfall regimes in Cambodia, source: DANIDA

Total annual rainfall averages between 2,000 and 2,400 mm (79–94 in), with more than 75 percent occurring during the monsoon months. July, August, and September consistently record the highest monthly totals.

Short-duration heavy downpours contribute to rapid surface runoff in low-lying coastal plains and estuarine systems, influencing sediment transport and shoreline dynamics.

Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions

Kampong Saom experiences consistently high humidity throughout the year, a consequence of its coastal location along the Gulf of Thailand. During the wet season, which spans May to October, relative humidity often exceeds 85–90 percent. Even during the dry season, humidity typically remains above 60 percent, influenced by persistent maritime breezes.

Tropical cyclones rarely make direct landfall in this portion of Cambodia, but peripheral storm systems can enhance rainfall and coastal winds during active storm periods. These occasional events create short-term fluctuations in humidity and wind conditions, particularly across low-lying coastal and estuarine areas.

Administration

See also: Administrative divisions of Cambodia

Ream Bridge

Kampong Saom City, officially established in 28 August 2024, represents a significant administrative transformation along Cambodia’s southwestern coastline. The city was formed from five former communes of Prey Nob District: Ream, Bet Trang, Ou Oknha Heng, Boeng Ta Prum, and Ou Chrov reflecting both strategic urban planning and demographic growth. This reorganization was designed to align governance structures with the city’s increasing socio-economic and maritime importance.

The city is organized into five sangkats, each functioning as a primary administrative unit under the municipal authority. These sangkats are responsible for coordinating local development projects, implementing municipal regulations, managing civil registration, and overseeing public services. Each is headed by a Sangkat Chief supported by a council that ensures effective communication between municipal authorities and local residents. This governance framework enables targeted urban planning, efficient resource allocation, and responsive community management.

The principal sangkats and their constituent villages of Kampong Saom City include:

Communes and Villages of Kampong Saom Municipality
Source: National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development, Cambodia Postal Code
#	Postal Code (Communes/Sangkats)	Communes (Sangkats)	UNGEGN	Romanization	# of Villages (Phums)	Postal Code (Villages/Phums)	Villages (Phums)	UNGEGN	Romanzation
1	180601	រាម	Réam	Ream	4	18060101	អុង	Ông	Ong
						18060102	រាម	Réam	Ream
						18060103	ស្មាច់ដែង	Smách Daêng	Smach Deng
						18060104	ថ្មធំ	Thmâ Thôm	Thmor Thom
2	180602	បិតត្រាំង	Bĭt Tráng	Bet Trang	3	18060201	ចំណោតរាម	Chamnaôt Réam	Chamnaot Ream
						18060202	គគីរ	Kôkir	Kokir
						18060203	ពូធឿង	Pu Thoĕng	Pu Thoeang
3	180603	អូរឧកញ៉ាហេង	’Ŏ Oknha Héng	Ou Oknha Heng	5	18060301	បត់គគីរ	Bat Kôkir	Bat Kokir
						18060302	អូរចំណារ	’Ŏ Chamnar	Ou Chamnar
						18060303	អូរតាប៉ាង	’Ŏ Ta Pâng	Ou Ta Paing
						18060304	អូរតាសេក	’Ŏ Ta Sék	Ou Ta Sek
						18060305	អូរឧកញ៉ាហេង	’Ŏ Oknha Héng	Ou Oknha Heng
4	180604	បឹងតាព្រហ្ម	Bœ̆ng Ta Prum	Boeng Ta Prum	6	18060401	បឹងជុំ	Bœ̆ng Chum	Boeng Chum
						18060402	បឹងតាព្រហ្ម	Bœ̆ng Ta Prum	Boeng Ta Prum
						18060403	បឹងតាស្រី	Bœ̆ng Ta Srei	Boeng Ta Srei
						18060404	ដូនលយ	Doun Lôy	Doun Loy
						18060405	ភ្នំតូច	Phnôm Tôch	Phnom Touch
						18060406	ទឹកចេញ	Tœ̆k Chénh	Tuek Chenh
5	180605	អូរជ្រៅ	’Ŏ Chrauv	Ou Chrov	5	18060501	កោះខ្យង	Kaôh Khyang	Kaoh Khyang
						18060502	អូរជ្រៅ	Ou Chrauv	Ou Chrov
						18060503	ស្រែចាមក្រោម	Srê Cham Kraôm	Srae Cham Kraom
						18060504	ស្រែចាមលើ	Srê Cham Leu	Srae Cham Leu
						18060505	ស្រែក្នុង	Srê Knong	Srae Knong

The administrative restructuring of Kampong Saom City emphasizes a modernized governance approach. By consolidating administrative duties at the sangkat level, the city streamlines operations across multiple villages, facilitating better infrastructure management, improved service delivery, and enhanced investment in public amenities, such as healthcare facilities, schools, and transportation networks. This approach also strengthens the municipal capacity to implement environmental planning, disaster preparedness, and economic development initiatives, all of which are crucial for a coastal city experiencing rapid urbanization.

The transition from commune to sangkat governance also allows the city to coordinate more effectively with provincial authorities. Through regular reporting and policy alignment, municipal leadership ensures that national standards for urban planning, public safety, and service provision are implemented locally. The framework also fosters civic participation, as local councils can relay community needs, feedback, and development priorities directly to municipal decision-makers.

Transportation

See also: Transport in Cambodia

Kampong Saom City is strategically located along Cambodia’s southwestern coastline, functioning as a key urban center linking residential communities, coastal zones, and regional infrastructure. The city’s transport system integrates national highways, municipal streets, and air access, supporting both economic growth and tourism development.

Roads and Streets

Vishnu Roundabout at Ream National Park entrance

The city is connected to the national network via National Road 4 (NR4), the primary arterial route linking Cambodia’s southern coast to Phnom Penh and inland commercial centers. NR4 accommodates the majority of inter-provincial traffic, including commercial logistics, passenger vehicles, and tourism circulation.

National Road 45 (NR45) provides dedicated access to Ream National Park and its surrounding natural areas, while also serving peripheral neighborhoods of Kampong Saom City. NR45 is critical for eco-tourism, park management, and regional connectivity, ensuring seamless access between protected zones and urban districts.

Within the city, an extensive network of municipal streets and secondary roads connects sangkat centers, residential neighborhoods, administrative buildings, beaches, and tourism hubs. Recent urban improvements have included road paving, upgraded drainage systems, and intersection enhancements to mitigate seasonal flooding, improve traffic flow, and accommodate increasing vehicle density.

Aviation

See also: List of airports in Cambodia

Sihanoukville International Airport

Kampong Saom City is served by Sihanouk International Airport, a critical air gateway located within the municipal boundaries of the city. The airport, while often associated with the larger Sihanoukville area, is geographically positioned to provide direct access to Kampong Saom’s urban core, surrounding sangkats, and coastal tourism zones, ensuring seamless connectivity between the city and domestic as well as regional destinations.

The airport infrastructure includes a single asphalt runway, capable of accommodating medium-sized commercial aircraft, along with a modern terminal designed for both passenger and cargo operations. The facility serves as the primary point of aerial entry for tourists visiting Kampong Saom’s beaches, Ream National Park, and newly developed urban zones, supporting the city’s growing hospitality, logistics, and service sectors. Seasonal flights and scheduled regional services link the city with Phnom Penh.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Cambodia

Kampong Saom City’s economy is diverse and rapidly evolving, shaped by industrial expansion, trade linkages, and coastal urban growth. Its strategic position along Cambodia’s southwestern corridor has attracted investment in manufacturing, logistics, services, and tourism, making it a key economic centre within Preah Sihanouk Province.

Industry and Manufacturing

Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone

Industrial activity in Kampong Saom City is influenced by the broader economic development occurring across Preah Sihanouk Province, particularly the growth of export-oriented manufacturing zones in the region. A key industrial complex nearby is the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ), which hosts numerous factories engaged in garment production, luggage manufacturing, electronics assembly, and other light industrial activities.

The zone was developed through cooperation between Jiangsu Taihu Cambodia International Economic Cooperation Zone Investment Co., Ltd. (majority owned by Hongdou Group) and Cambodia International Investment Development Group. Industrial facilities within the zone focus primarily on export-oriented manufacturing and assembly operations serving international markets.

Although the industrial zone itself is located outside the central urban districts of Kampong Saom City, it has a significant economic influence on surrounding communities. Many residents are employed in factory production, logistics, transportation, and construction services supporting industrial operations. The presence of manufacturing activity in the wider region has contributed to population growth, infrastructure development, and the expansion of supporting commercial services.

Fisheries

Fishing remains a traditional economic activity for coastal communities within Kampong Saom City. Small-scale fishing vessels operate along the Gulf of Thailand, harvesting marine resources such as fish, shrimp, squid, and crabs for local markets and restaurants.

Several coastal villages continue to depend on fisheries as an important source of livelihood. Fresh seafood supplied by local fishermen contributes to the food supply of nearby towns and tourism areas throughout Preah Sihanouk Province. In addition to capture fisheries, some communities engage in limited aquaculture and seafood handling activities.

Commerce and services

Commercial activity in Kampong Saom City has expanded alongside population growth and infrastructure improvements in southern Cambodia. Local businesses include retail shops, markets, transportation services, construction companies, and small enterprises serving both residents and visitors.

The municipality benefits from road connections linking coastal districts with inland provinces, facilitating the movement of goods, workers, and agricultural products. Economic activity is also indirectly supported by the nearby Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, which functions as Cambodia’s principal maritime gateway for international trade.

Demographics

Hun Sen Ream Primary School

Population of each division in Kampong Saom
#	Communes (Khums)	Romanization	Population (200)	Population (200)	Population (2019)

The population of Krong Kampong Saom reflects a combination of long-standing coastal communities and more recent migrants who have settled in the area as economic activity expanded along the southern coastline of Cambodia. Located within Preah Sihanouk Province, the city forms part of a region historically associated with maritime trade, fishing, and coastal settlement. Population growth has been influenced primarily by rural-to-urban migration, employment opportunities, and the gradual development of infrastructure and tourism along the coast.

The population is predominantly Cambodian (Khmer), who make up the majority of residents and constitute the cultural and linguistic foundation of the city. Khmer families in Kampong Saom include both long-established coastal inhabitants and migrants from other provinces who relocated in search of employment and economic opportunities. Many Khmer residents are engaged in occupations linked to the coastal economy, including fishing, seafood trading, transportation services, small retail businesses, tourism-related activities, and construction. As the surrounding region developed economically during the 2000s and 2010s, migration from rural provinces increased, bringing workers and families seeking better livelihoods. Khmer language and cultural traditions dominate everyday life, while Theravada Buddhism remains the principal religion practiced by the majority of the population.

A smaller but historically significant minority group in the area is the Cham community, an indigenous Muslim ethnic group in Cambodia. Cham populations have long maintained connections with riverine and coastal trade routes throughout the country and are historically known for their involvement in commerce, fishing, and small-scale trading. Some Cham families migrated to the Kampong Saom area from provinces such as Kampong Cham and Kampong Chhnang, where larger Cham communities are traditionally located. In the city, Cham residents are commonly engaged in fisheries, food businesses, and market trade, while maintaining distinct cultural traditions and Islamic religious practices. Mosques and Cham community institutions serve as important social and religious centers for these communities.

The Vietnamese community represents another minority presence in the city, reflecting long-standing patterns of migration across Cambodia’s southern coastal region. Vietnamese families have historically settled in coastal areas due to their involvement in maritime industries, particularly fishing, boat maintenance, and seafood processing. In Kampong Saom, Vietnamese residents often reside in coastal neighborhoods and are associated with fishing fleets, seafood markets, and small commercial enterprises connected to the maritime economy. Cross-border cultural and economic connections between southern Cambodia and neighboring Vietnam have historically facilitated this migration and contributed to the city’s demographic diversity.

Migration has played a central role in shaping the modern population structure of Kampong Saom. The development of coastal infrastructure, improvements in transportation networks, and the growth of tourism and related industries have attracted workers from many parts of Cambodia. Migrants often arrive from rural provinces seeking employment in construction, tourism services, hospitality, fisheries, and small-scale commerce. As a result, the city’s population includes a large proportion of working-age residents, many of whom relocated in search of economic opportunities. This pattern of migration has contributed to the gradual transformation of the area from small fishing settlements into a growing urban community.

The demographic profile of Kampong Saom therefore reflects both traditional coastal livelihoods and newer economic activities associated with urban development. Khmer majority communities, together with smaller Cham and Vietnamese populations, illustrate the mixture of cultural influences typical of Cambodia’s southern coastal regions. Continued economic development and infrastructure expansion are expected to shape the city’s demographic trends in the coming decades as additional residents move to the area for employment and business opportunities.

Tourism

Otres Beach

Tourism in Kampong Saom City is influenced by its coastal geography along the Gulf of Thailand and its proximity to several natural and recreational attractions within Preah Sihanouk Province. The municipality contains sections of the province’s southern shoreline, where sandy beaches, coastal vegetation, and marine environments support leisure and tourism activities.

Several coastal areas within the city’s administrative boundaries provide opportunities for beach recreation, boating, and seaside hospitality services. Compared with the more intensively developed resort zones of Sihanoukville, many of these beaches remain relatively less urbanized and are characterized by quieter environments and emerging tourism facilities such as guesthouses, beachside restaurants, and small resorts.

The municipality also benefits from its proximity to Ream National Park, one of Cambodia’s important coastal conservation areas. The park features mangrove forests, estuaries, tropical vegetation, and diverse wildlife habitats, attracting visitors interested in eco-tourism, nature exploration, and boat excursions through protected waterways.

Tourism activity in Kampong Saom City currently consists mainly of domestic travel, eco-tourism, and small-scale coastal recreation. With ongoing infrastructure improvements and regional development initiatives across Preah Sihanouk Province, the municipality is expected to gradually expand its role within Cambodia’s southern coastal tourism network.

Religion

Entrance of Oudom Vinhean Ream Pagoda