Sihanoukville vs Phnom Penh...and others

[Zasp]

Hello,

Is Sihanoukville or Phnom Phenh generally a cheaper city? I've been looking at Sihanoukville because I would love the ocean view/surf fishing -- but, not sure the difference in the cost of living. I work telecommute and make $1,200-$1,600 USD per month. This involves some VoIP -- what is the "average" internet speed? VoIP generally prefers 1Mbps+ upload/download for non-choppiness/working while on phone. I would also like to buy some 3G/4G accessories as well in case the wired ISP dies.

I've been reading a lot of the Housing threads here, and I must say the pricing looks good! Only problem I really see is that most of the threads (well, almost all) don't have any accompanying pictures -- is there a good website for rentals WITH pictures? It seems like a nice apartment with balcony can be had for $3-400. Sweet!

Phnom Penh has a lake(s), and Sihanoukville has the Gulf of Thailand (if I've been doing my research properly). Is there much difference in the night life/stuff-to-do of the two cities? They appear to be about 4-5 hours apart, so want to make sure pick the "right" one. Is the surf fishing good in Sihanoukville? I remember boat rentals might be cheap, but am not sure?

Finally....whats the marijuana prices like? It seems like it's offered openly.

Thanks very much for your time!

[SunSan]

Stay in Phnom Penh, go to S'ville during the weekends.

Apartments with balcony start at about half what you mentioned, unfurnished.

[Aus Rascal]

Hey,

I'm fairly new to the country although I've spent a fair bit of time here on previous trips.

You can always just google realestate in whatever area your looking otherwise try bongthom.com, I've found all the guides/topics regarding renting really helpful on this forum, they'll have pretty much everything you need.

I had the same dilemma a couple of weeks ago - deciding where to live. In the end I chose phnom penh as sihanoukville is more of a holiday place I think and the availability of clean cheap drugs would be too detrimental to my health.

[Edited my mod - No giving advice on who sells the best drugs. GM]

I'd say phnom penh would be the best Internet speeds but sihanoukville is a fast growing tourist hub so it can't be far behind.

Hope this helps a little, I'm sure the others have plenty of info they can share.

Connor

Hope my limited knowledge helps. I'm sure the other guys have plenty more info aswell.

Connor

[Aus Rascal]

2 signatures... Love the way the iPhone does stuff on it's own.

[Zasp]

Thanks for the replies guys! It looks like Phnom Penh it is. I will only be making $1,200 for awhile -- looking at rent/food prices, looks like that may be a fair wage for a single dude by himself. Then again, finding actual pictures of the places (not just descriptions) is kinda daunting. Bongthom.com is pretty sweet ! Wish a majority of the realtors would get websites though. :/

Any idea on the fishing?

[angsta]

There was a fishing topic recently but the fresh water type. Try a search.

Unless your spending big money of rentals then you won't see any photos. Well I never see any anyway. It's a turn up and put in the ground work type situation.

[Phuket2006]

just for ur info, a friend of mine just got a 2 bedroom flat, top floor, air con, hot water and furniture wit views on the harbor for $200 in Shianoukville

the places u get for under 200 in PP all seem to be apts with the bedroom in the middle.

[Zasp]

Thanks for all your help guys!

It seems $1,200 will support a single guy fine in Phnom Penh/"S'ville".

Can't wait...too bad can't shoot rocket launchers at goats anymore (apparently) .

[speargun]

Thanks for all your help guys!

It seems $1,200 will support a single guy fine in Phnom Penh/"S'ville".

Can't wait...too bad can't shoot rocket launchers at goats anymore (apparently) .

no thats cows,goats are too small and youd probably miss

[Blue]

I use to stay in Phnom Penh but now I move down to Sihanouk Ville 1 year a go. I'd say SHV environment is much better and cost of living is cheaper then PHP. Houses rental price around $300 or $400 with hot water and A/C, furniture. The internet speed u can get what u want. The big ISP here is Online and Ezecom but Online is without doubt the most experienced and reliable internet provider in Cambodia. It was started in the 90 by the major Aussie company Telstra. A lot of other companies provide equivalent or cheaper prices - but they all lack the essential backup - reliability and service. Online provides fibre optic and WiMax. Online's prices now are very competitive with all other ISPs. You can have the package 1Mbps with free VOIP call or more. Please feel free to contact on 081 783278 for Internet services.


Hope this helps a little,

[SunSan]

Certainly helps Online

[officialcambodia]

Hello, any update now ? prices in Sihanouk are still better than PP ?

Thanks,