Sihanoukville history

Foundation History and First Mentions

Unlike many ancient settlements in Cambodia, Sihanoukville is a comparatively young city that did not arise spontaneously but was the result of large-scale state planning. Its history as an urban centre begins in the mid-20th century.

Construction of the port and city commenced in 1955 on the site of a small coastal settlement called Kampong Som. The official opening of the port took place in 1960, and the city received its current name in 1964 in honour of the King Father Norodom Sihanouk, the initiator of this ambitious project.

Key Factors of Formation

The birth of the city was dictated by vital necessity for the young independent state. The main drivers of development were:

• Political Independence: After gaining independence from French Indochina, Cambodia required its own access to the sea. Previously, trade was conducted through the Mekong Delta, but this route became dependent on neighbouring Vietnam.
• Geography: The chosen location possessed unique natural characteristics — a natural depth off the coast allowing for the reception of ocean-going vessels, and protection from storms thanks to a chain of islands.
• Infrastructure: The development of the city proceeded in parallel with the construction of the "Golden Road" (National Road No. 4), connecting the port with the capital, Phnom Penh.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

During its early period of prosperity (the 1960s), Sihanoukville became a symbol of Cambodia's modernisation:

• Architecture: The city was built with the active participation of French specialists. Ideas of "New Khmer Architecture" were embodied here — a style combining modernism with traditional elements.
• Trade: Sihanoukville instantly became the country's main maritime gateway, ensuring the export of rice and rubber, which contributed to the rapid economic growth of the region.
• Recreation: Even in its first years of existence, the city began to position itself not only as an industrial centre but also as a resort for the local elite, thanks to its extensive sandy beaches.

Major Development Milestones

• 1964: Official approval of the name Sihanoukville. The city finally acquires its name and status as the country's main seaside resort.
• 1968: Construction of the Independence Hotel is completed. This building became the pinnacle of "New Khmer Architecture" and a symbol of the city's "Golden Age".
• 1993: Ream National Park is founded. The protection of unique mangrove forests and island ecosystems in the city's vicinity becomes a priority.
• 2007: Sihanoukville Airport resumes receiving commercial flights, significantly simplifying access to the resort for international tourists.
• 2008: Administrative reform: by royal decree, the status of Sihanoukville is upgraded from a municipality to a full-fledged province.
• 2008: Launch of the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ), defining the further industrial vector of the region's development.
• 2016: The beginning of a phase of active urbanisation, characterised by large-scale construction of high-rise buildings and the development of entertainment infrastructure.
• 2022: Opening of Cambodia's first expressway, connecting the port and resort zone with the capital Phnom Penh, reducing travel time to two hours.

Key Stages of City Transformation

The development of Sihanoukville is a story of transforming a wild coastline into a strategic economic hub of Cambodia. Several fundamental transformations can be highlighted that defined the modern appearance and status of the city.

• Construction of the Deep-Sea Port

  The creation of the country's only deep-sea port became the starting point for the city. This event ensured Cambodia's economic sovereignty, opening direct trade routes to the ocean and turning the coastal zone into the kingdom's main logistics hub.

• "Golden Age" Urban Plan

  In the 1960s, the city became a platform for bold experiments in the style of "New Khmer Architecture". The implementation of the master plan with wide boulevards and iconic modernist buildings set a high standard for the urban environment and formed the unique cultural code of the region.

• Industrialisation through SSEZ

  The launch of the Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) became a turning point in the economy. The transition from an exclusively port-and-tourism model to a manufacturing one allowed for attracting large-scale international investments and creating thousands of jobs, strengthening the city's status as an industrial centre.

• Global Reconstruction of Urban Infrastructure

  The implementation of the state project to completely replace the road network (the "34 Roads" project) radically renewed the city centre. Modernisation of drainage systems, lighting, and road surfaces allowed the city to cope with the consequences of the construction boom and prepare to receive a mass flow of tourists.

• Integration into the Expressway Network

  The commissioning of Cambodia's first expressway, connecting the coast with the capital, revolutionised transport accessibility. Reducing travel time to two hours gave a powerful impulse to domestic tourism and simplified cargo logistics.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Sihanoukville represents a unique example for Cambodia of a city that developed in leaps. Two main periods are clearly traceable in its appearance: the era of post-colonial modernism and the modern stage of vertical urbanisation. The city does not have an ancient historical centre, as it was planned and built practically from scratch in the second half of the 20th century.

Era of "New Khmer Architecture" (1950–1960s)

The first stage of the city's development is connected with Cambodia's "Golden Age". At that time, under the leadership of the famous architect Vann Molyvann and his colleagues, a style was introduced that adapted modernism to the tropical climate.

• Style: New Khmer Architecture (Tropical Modernism).
• Characteristic Features: Use of reinforced concrete, structures raised above the ground (on "stilts") for flood protection, complex natural ventilation systems, openwork grilles, and the integration of buildings into the natural landscape.
• Iconic Objects:
  • Church of Saint Michael: A unique building constructed in 1962. Its architecture resembles a ship, and the unusual roof design symbolises sails, emphasising the maritime character of the city.
  • Independence Hotel: A seven-storey building that became a symbol of the era. At the time of construction, it was the tallest building in the country, designed taking into account sea breezes and panoramic views.
  • Housing for National Bank Employees: An example of thoughtful social housing of that era, combining functionality and aesthetics.

Modern Urbanism and High-Rise Construction (since the 2010s)

In the 21st century, the vector of Sihanoukville's development changed radically. The city entered a phase of active transformation from a low-rise resort into a large metropolis with high construction density.

• Style: Modern High-tech, Eclecticism, Functionalism.
• Characteristic Features: Mass construction of skyscrapers, use of continuous glass facades, and multi-functional complexes (housing, hotels, and commerce in one building). Horizontal planning has been replaced by vertical dominance.
• Urban Planning Changes:
  • Renovation of the Road Network: A large-scale project to reconstruct 34 city streets turned former resort roads into wide avenues with modern lighting and drainage systems.
  • "Golden Lions" Roundabout: The city's main landmark. Although the sculpture of the lions itself appeared in 1996, the surrounding development has formed the city's modern business and tourist centre.

Summary of Architectural Styles

Walking through the city, one can notice a layering of eras, where historical villas sit adjacent to new high-rises:

• Tropical Modernism: Preserved public buildings and villas from the 1960s.
• Postmodernism and High-tech: Modern resort complexes and residential towers forming the new coastal skyline.
• Vernacular Architecture: Traditional Khmer elements found in the design of pagodas and markets, which remain islands of tranquillity amidst the urban landscape.

Notable Personalities and Iconic Figures

Sihanoukville is a city with an unusual destiny, created by the will of a monarch and the talent of architects. Here is a list of key figures whose names are inextricably linked with the history and appearance of this coastal region.

• Norodom Sihanouk
  King of Cambodia, Statesman

  The central figure in the city's history, in whose honour it was named. It was Sihanouk who, in the 1950s, made the strategic decision to create a deep-sea port in the bay of Kampong Som to ensure the country's independence. He personally oversaw the construction and the transformation of the worker's settlement into a flourishing resort.

• Vann Molyvann
  Architect, Urban Planner

  The "Father of New Khmer Architecture", who developed the first master plan for Sihanoukville. He designed a number of iconic objects, including the National Bank building complex and the city's industrial architecture, setting the vector for its development as a modern urban centre.

• Xavier-Henri Gaiz
  French Architect, Priest

  The author of the unique Catholic Church of Saint Michael (1962). His design of the building in the shape of a ship with sails became the architectural gem of the city. It is one of the few structures that survived the Khmer Rouge era thanks to its utilitarian function (it was used as a warehouse).

• Jacqueline Kennedy
  First Lady of the USA, Public Figure

  Her visit to Cambodia in 1967 became a legendary event for the city. Jacqueline stayed at the Independence Hotel, which cemented Sihanoukville's status as an elite international resort of the "Golden Sixties". In honour of this event, the hotel still preserves historical interiors.

• M. Mondet
  French Architect

  One of the creators of the famous Independence Hotel (together with Leroy). The seven-storey building he designed on a rocky promontory became a symbol of modernism and remained the tallest structure in the country for a long time, defining the city's sea facade.

• Preah Thong and Neang Neak
  Legendary Progenitors of the Khmer People

  Although these are mythological characters, they have become an integral part of modern Sihanoukville. In 2022, a grand 21-metre statue of this couple was installed in the city, becoming a new symbol of the city that welcomes tourists at the main transport interchange.