Sihanoukville, aka ‘Kompong Som’, was dug out of the jungle in the late-1950s to create the country’s first deep-water port, which Cambodia needed so its trade could bypass neighbouring Vietnam. Since then, however, the four beaches scalloping its headland have become popular weekend boltholes for well-to-do Phnom Penhers, though in the week you can still expect to have most of the sand to yourself.

For more exclusive tropical hideaways, jump on an excursion boat bound for one of the dozen small islands scattered across the bay. And rest assured: the local seafood is as sublime as the colour of the water.