Tropical storm Noul disrupts business on Cambodian islands

Tropical storm Noul disrupts business on Cambodian islands

Pchum Ben holidays have been running over the last few days in Cambodia but a storm has disrupted businesses and holidaymakers alike.

Tropical storm Noul has hit the islands 25 kilometers off of the coastal city of Sihanoukville causing boat companies to suspend boats coming to and from the islands.

Wind speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour saw all boat companies cancel any trips for the safety of tourists and staff. This then caused cancellations on bookings at guesthouses.

“The weather has been a real issue over Pchum Ben holidays, we did have an influx of customers before boats were canceled but we do usually have weekend customers who come to visit and they were unable to do so,” said Dave Dobson owner of Reef on the Beach.

However, because of no boats running, tourists have been stuck on the island causing them to book an extra couple of nights as well as spend that little extra on food and drink.

Ali Calder, a tourist who has been spending his holidays on Koh Rong Sanloem said: “The boats have been canceled for a couple of days now, we are a little worried because we do need to leave and head back to Siem Reap for work commitments.

It has been a real experience being on the island whilst the storm hit but we have been well looked after, we can’t thank the staff on the island enough.”

Thousands are believed to be stranded on island resorts and accommodations off the coast of Preah Sihanoukville because of the storm. Khmer Times