Cambodia is one of the most stunning countries I have travelled to in the whole world. It’s a truly magnificent destination, absolutely unpredictable, offering a unique natural landscape. One of the most amazing places is Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem, two paradise islands, easily accessible from the mainland. This is all you need to know about how to get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Island in Cambodia.
How to get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong island?
- How: By speed ferry from Sihanoukville. There’s no bridge and no airport on the island.
- Journey time: Usually around 45 minutes; the fastest boats take about 30 minutes.
- Ticket price: Usually around $15–20 one way.
- Operators: The main ones are Speed Ferry Cambodia, Island Speed Ferry, Buva Sea Cambodia and GTVC.
- Main arrival point: Koh Touch pier in Koh Rong’s main village.
- Departures: Roughly between 8 am and 5 pm, several times a day.
If you are traveling to Koh Rong, first you need to reach Sihanoukville. It takes 45 minutes to get to Koh Rong Island, which is located about 25 kilometres from Sihanoukville.
Several ferry companies run the route, from different piers, to different beaches, at different prices. We chose the fast boat, which goes directly from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong. Fast boats are comfortable, providing seating for all passengers.
Koh Rong ≠ Koh Rong Samloem. Koh Rong Samloem (also spelled Sanloem) is a different, smaller island just to the south. Many of the same companies run boats to both, so double-check that your ticket says “Koh Rong” and the right pier.
Sihanoukville bars and nightlife.
Before getting to Koh Rong, we decided to stay one day to travel around this quite big city.
Beer is very cheap; sometimes even for 50 cents. In the southern part of Sihanoukville province, there is Ochheuteal beach, and on the southern end of it lies the most famous Otres beach, beyond the Phnom Som Nak Sdach (Hill of the King’s Palace) headland.
Getting to Sihanoukville
All ferries to Koh Rong leave from Sihanoukville, on Cambodia’s southern coast, so your first job is getting there.
From Phnom Penh by bus or minivan (the most popular option)
Since the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville expressway opened, the drive is much faster than it used to be. Buses and minivans now take about 3 hours.
Bus fares start at around $16, and the ride takes about 2 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes. Giant Ibis and Airbus are popular companies with good reviews for comfort and reliability. Minivans cost around $15 and take about 3–3.5 hours depending on traffic, but they’re more cramped, with less legroom and luggage space.
Each company leaves from and arrives at its own office, so check the addresses before you book.
Exploring Sihanoukville on a motorbike
The rest of the day we were sightseeing in the city on motorbikes. This city is really strange. We were heading to the huge roundabout in the middle of the city centre when a local policeman on a motorbike stopped us, asking for a driving licence.
You need Cambodian’s driving licence to be able to drive there! Of course none of the tourists has it. And obviously it’s a paradox among hundreds of motorbike rentals where nobody cares about your driving licence.
One dollar bribe.
The chat lasted around a minute when a policeman just shouted – one dollar! We were thrilled by this situation, and in that moment we had no idea what to think. I slowly took out a one-dollar banknote. The policeman immediately took it and told us to go.
We just managed to start driving when another motorbike policeman appeared in front of us. He immediately started talking and then we just heard – one dollar! We took out the banknote; he literally grabbed it and let us go.
2 minutes later, we saw a third policeman. We both just shouted – Oh, come on! It’s the third time we’ve been stopped within one kilometre! He just looked at our irritated faces and let us go without saying anything 🙂
Choose your ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong.
There are two types of boat: speed ferries and slow boats. Almost all travellers take a speed ferry.
Speed ferries
Speed ferries take 35 to 50 minutes to Koh Rong. The traditional wooden ferry is scheduled to take about 2.5 hours.
The main speed ferry companies are:
| Company | What to know |
|---|---|
| Speed Ferry Cambodia | Often called the most reliable operator and the one travel agents sell most. Tickets start from about $15 return. |
| Island Speed Ferry | Leaves from the Sihanoukville ferry terminal at the north end of Ochheuteal Beach and stops at several piers on Koh Rong, including Koh Touch. |
| Buva Sea Cambodia | Runs about 5 times a day. Tickets cost $15–18 and the crossing takes about 45 minutes. |
| GTVC | Leaves from the Sihanoukville port (not Serendipity Pier) and has previously offered hotel pickup. |
Timetables: In general, the first departure is at 8 am and the last leaves Sihanoukville at 5 pm, arriving at about 5:30 pm. Schedules change by season and operator, so check your company’s current timetable before you plan the rest of your day.
Prices: Most travellers pay around $17 one way, with fares ranging from about $14 to $36. More expensive tickets are usually for premium boats or specific piers. Return and open-return tickets can bring the price down.
The slow boat.
Slow boats are usually older double-deck boats that carry goods and local people between the island and the mainland. They take about 2.5 hours and usually leave from the port. They’re cheaper, but you’ll need to go to the port to book a seat, schedules are irregular, and they aren’t very comfortable. They’re only worth it if you’re on a very tight budget or want a truly local experience.
How to book your ferry ticket from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong.
Online: Book tickets well in advance – they are often in high demand! The easiest way is to book on 12Go – comparing several companies. You can also book directly on the operators’ own websites. Booking online is the easiest way to guarantee a seat, especially during Cambodian holidays and peak season (roughly November to April).
In Sihanoukville: We bought our tickets at the port but it was low season.
Travel agencies, hotels and the ferry offices sell tickets in town. In low season, you can sometimes buy a ticket at the counter on the day of travel.
Open return: Many companies sell open-return tickets, where you fix your return date later. They’re usually cheaper than two one-way tickets. But check how and when you need to confirm your return trip, and remember you’ll have to travel back with the same company.
Seasickness
The crossing is short, but the sea can be rough, especially in the rainy season. If you get seasick, sit at the back of the boat and near a window, look at the horizon, and take seasickness tablets before departure.
Arriving on Koh Rong
Most ferries arrive at the Koh Touch pier, in the island’s main village. From there:
- Staying in Koh Touch: Most guesthouses are within walking distance of the pier.
- Staying on another beach: Take a boat taxi, arrange a transfer with your accommodation, or take a tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi if your beach can be reached by road. Remote resorts often include boat pickups in their booking.
Money on the island: There are very few ATMs, and some beaches have none. Cards aren’t accepted everywhere, or come with fees. Bring enough cash in US dollars from Sihanoukville, including small bills.
Best time to travel to Koh Rong.
Dry season (roughly November to April): Calm seas, sunny days and the most reliable crossings. This is peak season, so book your ferry and accommodation ahead.
Rainy season (roughly May to October): Rougher seas, more rain and occasional cancellations due to bad weather. The islands are quieter, greener and cheaper, but keep your plans flexible.
Whatever the season, don’t book the last ferry back to the mainland on the same day as an international flight. Weather and delays happen. Give yourself a buffer night in Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh if you can.
Koh Rong to Koh Rong Samloem?
Want to visit both islands? Boats connect Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, so you don’t need to go back to the mainland in between. Several companies combine both islands in one ticket or run inter-island connections. Check the schedules on the spot, because they change often.
What to do in Koh Rong?
Let’s get it straight – Koh Rong is a paradise! The pace of life is slow, it’s not too touristy, and most places are chilled, with beautiful shores.
Two stunning things: Hiking to a hidden paradise beach and diving – Padi Diving Centre at the main pier is fabulous; I spent 3 days underwater.
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