Announcing the tourist tax, the governor of Preah Sihanouk Province said the plan was to use the income generated for conservation so that the islands would remain attractive for future generations. Yun Min noted that if the islands were not spoilt they would attract even more tourists.
He continued by saying that boat operators and travel agents would probably not absorb the extra cost themselves and would tack it on to the price of tickets. He finished off by saying the price increase was nominal and did not think it would put visitors off travelling to the islands if they had already planned to do so.
Tour operators in the Cambodian seaside town were not happy about the new tax and said they would only start applying it if forced to. The islands boast stunning beaches, pristine jungles and a laid-back atmosphere and are an essential visit when in Sihanoukville.
12GO ASIA offers a ticketing service for travel from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. Our partner is Giant Ibis Buses. The arrival station in Sihanoukville is close to the landmark Golden Lions roundabout and a short walk, or moto taxi ride, from the Ochheuteal-Serendipity Beach ferry pier.
Authorities in Sihanoukville introduce island tour boat tax
News in Asia
Local government authorities in Sihanoukville have introduced a tax for tickets on charter boats travelling to offshore islands. The US$3 surcharge came into effect earlier this month and is applicable to all tickets to either Koh Rong Sanloem or Koh Rong.