How to get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem

From Sihanoukville’s busy piers to the barefoot sands of Koh Rong Samloem, this guide walks you through every practical way to make the short island hop safely and smoothly.

At A Glance (Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🛳️ Fast Boat Ferry (Sihanoukville → Koh Rong Samloem)	~45–60 minutes on water (+ check-in / boarding)	Most travelers, simple & quick transfers
🏷️ Cost: ~US$14–30 one-way (standard speed ferry). » compare ferries | alt. listings
🚕 Door-to-Door Transfer + Boat (Hotel/City Pickup)	~1.5–2.5 hours door-to-door (within Sihanoukville)	First-timers, families, heavy luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~US$22–45+ per person depending on pickup point and boat class. » combined tickets & tours | round-trip boat deals
⛵ Local / Slow Boat (supply & village boats)	~1.5–2.5 hours (route & stops dependent)	Budget travelers, flexible schedules, local feel
🏷️ Cost: ~US$10–20 one-way, usually cash-only and booked via local guesthouses.
🛥️ Private Charter Boat (Longtail / Private Speedboat)	~45–80 minutes (direct to your beach)	Groups, off-schedule travel, remote beaches
🏷️ Cost: Roughly US$120–200+ per boat depending on size and season. Check listings or negotiate directly with island resorts or local operators.

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & most convenient: For most travelers, Option #1 – Fast Boat Ferry is the sweet spot between price, speed, and reliability. Multiple departures per day and arrivals at Saracen Bay or M’Pai Bay make planning easy.
• Cheapest & most economical: If you’re time-flexible and on a tight budget, some guesthouses can arrange Option #3 – Local / Slow Boat. It’s slower, seats are basic, and schedules are less predictable, but fares can be slightly cheaper than the main ferries.
• Most hassle-free: If you don’t want to think about taxis, timetables or where the pier is, choose Option #2 – Door-to-Door Transfer + Boat. You’ll be collected from your hotel or bus stop and dropped at your beach on Koh Rong Samloem with one bundled ticket.
• Most flexible & scenic: For sunrise/sunset trips, unusual arrival times, or if you want to land directly at a smaller beach such as Sunset Beach, Option #4 – Private Charter Boat is ideal, especially for small groups to split the cost.
• Bad-weather strategy: In rough seas, operators sometimes consolidate departures or cancel sailings. Bundled door-to-door tickets and reputable speed ferry companies are usually the first to communicate changes and offer rebooking.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Book your ferry in advance in high season: From December to March and on public holidays, seats can sell out. Comparing speedboat schedules and prices on 12Go Asia or browsing ferry options on Klook and Trip.com helps you lock in a departure time.
• Bundle transport where it makes sense: If you’re coming from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, you can buy combined bus/van + ferry tickets through platforms like GetYourGuide transfers or 12Go, so your mainland arrival lines up with your boat.
• Sort your hotel before you choose the pier: Different ferries serve different piers (Saracen Bay, M’Pai Bay, Eco Beach, etc). It’s easier to first pick accommodation on Booking.com for Koh Rong Samloem, then book a boat that lands at the closest pier.
• Plan how you reach Sihanoukville: Flights or overland travel into Cambodia can be combined with car hire or onward buses. You can search regional flights on Booking.com Flights and look at Cambodian car rental options via Booking.com Cars if you want to drive to Sihanoukville yourself.
• Airport and city transfers: For airport pickups in Phnom Penh that connect with buses to Sihanoukville, you can pre-book private cars through Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer. In major cities like Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, the Grab ride-hailing app is a common alternative to flagging a street taxi (coverage near Sihanoukville airport can still be patchy, so keep a fallback plan).
• Luggage strategy: Boats can get wet and storage space is limited. Use dry bags and keep valuables with you. If you have extra luggage you don’t need on the island, consider leaving it in Phnom Penh with a hotel or at a luggage storage service such as Radical Storage before continuing south.
• Motorbike riders: If you’re exploring Cambodia by bike, rental hubs in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap can be browsed online at sites like BikesBooking. Check carefully whether your chosen ferry accepts motorbikes and whether island tracks are suitable before bringing one over.
• Safety & weather: Seas can be choppy in the rainy season (roughly May–October). Try to travel morning or midday rather than late afternoon, wear your lifejacket, and follow crew instructions. If conditions look bad, be prepared to postpone by a day.

🛳️ Option #1 — Fast Boat Ferry (Most Popular, Good Value)

Fast Frequent departures Moderate cost

• Overview: High-speed ferries connect Sihanoukville (mainly Serendipity Beach Pier or the nearby port) with Koh Rong Samloem’s main piers at Saracen Bay, M’Pai Bay, and a handful of resort jetties. Crossing time is usually around 45–60 minutes, plus check-in and boarding.
• Typical operators: Common companies include Island Speed Ferry, Buva Sea, GTVC Speedboat, Romny Tour Express, and Speed Ferry Cambodia. Schedules change seasonally, but there are usually several departures in the morning and early afternoon.
• How to book (with price): Expect around US$14–30 one-way depending on operator and time of year. You can compare times and operators on 12Go Asia’s Sihanoukville–Koh Rong Samloem page, or buy open-return tickets and speed ferry passes through platforms like Klook’s Speed Ferry Cambodia product or tour combos on GetYourGuide. Many hotels also sell tickets at reception.
• Pros: Fast, frequent, and straightforward; choice of piers; easy to rebook if seas are rough. Online booking gives clear departure times.
• Cons: Can be bumpy in choppy seas; luggage storage is basic; departures sometimes consolidated or delayed in bad weather.

Step-by-step: Fast Boat Ferry Sihanoukville → Koh Rong Samloem

1. Plan your dates & choose your beach: Decide whether you want to stay on Saracen Bay (more developed, wide beach), M’Pai Bay (more local village feel), or a quieter cove. Book accommodation first via Booking.com’s Koh Rong Samloem listings so you know which pier is closest.
2. Compare ferry departures: Use 12Go Asia to check which companies serve your preferred pier and what times they depart. Alternatively, look at speedboat options and combo tickets on Klook or island transfer products on Trip.com.
3. Get to Sihanoukville: Travel down from Phnom Penh or another Cambodian city by bus/van or private transfer. You can find intercity transfers and shuttles on GetYourGuide or 12Go Asia Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville routes. If you’re flying into Cambodia and then heading south, check flights and car rental options with Booking.com Flights and Booking.com Cars.
4. Reach the correct pier: Confirm on your ticket whether your boat leaves from Serendipity Beach Pier (the main tourist pier) or another nearby terminal. From town, take a tuk-tuk or taxi; in bigger cities like Phnom Penh a Grab car/tuk-tuk is handy, but in Sihanoukville you’ll usually hail local tuk-tuks or use pre-booked taxis.
5. Check in early: Aim to arrive 30–60 minutes before departure to exchange your online voucher for a paper ticket if needed. You’ll be tagged with a colored sticker for your island/stop.
6. Board & stow luggage: Follow the crew’s instructions when boarding; they may stack large backpacks on the roof or in the bow area. Keep valuables and electronics in a small daypack with you, ideally in a dry bag.
7. Disembark at your pier: Listen carefully for announcements for Saracen Bay, M’Pai Bay, or specific resort jetties. Some boats call at Koh Rong first, then Koh Rong Samloem, so don’t get off too early.
8. Final hop to your accommodation: In Saracen Bay, many resorts are walkable along the sand; for more remote spots, a small shuttle boat or pre-arranged pickup may meet you at the pier. Confirm details with your hotel the day before.

Getting to the main embarking points (Sihanoukville Piers)

• From Sihanoukville town center: Tuk-tuks and taxis are the default way to reach Serendipity Beach Pier or the nearby ports. Agree the fare beforehand and show the driver the pier name on your ticket.
• From Sihanoukville Airport (KOS): Official airport taxis and pre-booked cars meet arrivals; journey time to the ferry area is around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Grab coverage around the airport can be limited, so a booked transfer via your hotel or a service like GetTransfer is often more reliable.
• From Phnom Penh Airport (PNH) or city: If you’re flying into Phnom Penh and continuing to Sihanoukville, private airport transfers arranged through Welcome Pickups, Klook airport transfers, or GetYourGuide Phnom Penh transfers make it easy to reach bus stations or private drivers heading south.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚕 Option #2 — Door-to-Door Transfer + Boat (Most Hassle-Free)

One ticket Hotel pickup Less flexible

• Overview: Door-to-door services bundle hotel pickup (in Sihanoukville or sometimes Phnom Penh) with a speed ferry ticket to Koh Rong Samloem. A driver meets you at your accommodation, takes you to the correct pier, and coordinates the boat check-in.
• How it works: You choose your pickup point, time, and island destination when booking. On the day, you’re collected by van or car, dropped at the pier, and escorted to the ferry counter, where you receive boarding passes and stickers.
• How to book (with price): Expect around US$22–45+ per person depending on pickup point (city or just within Sihanoukville), whether the transfer is shared or private, and whether it includes a return ticket. You can look for bundled transfers and ferry combos on GetYourGuide’s Koh Rong/Koh Rong Samloem activities, island transfer deals on Klook, or package boat tickets on Trip.com.
• Pros: No haggling with taxis; less chance of missing your boat; helpful if you’re arriving tired or with children and lots of luggage.
• Cons: Slightly higher cost than walking or taking your own tuk-tuk to the pier; changes must be made through the agent rather than directly with the ferry company.

Step-by-step: Door-to-Door Transfer + Boat

1. Choose your base city: Decide whether you want pickup from Phnom Penh, Kampot/Kep, or just within Sihanoukville. Many products specify exactly which neighborhoods or hotels are included.
2. Book online: Search for “Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem” or “Koh Rong boat transfer” on GetYourGuide, Klook, or the transfers section for Cambodia on Trip.com. Check whether your hotel is in the pickup zone.
3. Confirm pier & island stop: Ensure the ticket specifically mentions Koh Rong Samloem (not just Koh Rong) and ideally the bay where you’re staying (e.g. Saracen Bay or M’Pai Bay). Cross-check with your hotel booking on Booking.com.
4. Meet your driver: On the day, be ready in your lobby or at the agreed meeting point. Drivers usually hold a sign or contact you via the booking app. If you’re landing at Phnom Penh airport, private car services such as Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer can be used to reach the starting hotel if needed.
5. Check in for the ferry: At the pier, your driver or local staff will help you exchange vouchers for paper tickets and direct you to the right boat. Keep your passport details handy as some operators request them.
6. Travel to Koh Rong Samloem: The boat ride itself is the same as in Option #1 – you’ll simply have less to organize before boarding.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel Pickup Zones)

• Within Sihanoukville: Most shared transfers include central Sihanoukville, the popular beach areas (e.g. Occheuteal and Otres), and hotels near main roads. Out-of-the-way resorts may require a small surcharge or a meeting point on a main street.
• From Phnom Penh: For early-morning departures, many travelers stay near the riverfront or central districts, using Grab or private transfers to reach the pickup location. Airport pickups into the city can be arranged via Klook airport transfers or similar services.
• From Kampot/Kep: Some agents run combined van + boat tickets from Kampot and Kep to the islands. Check regional transfer listings on 12Go Asia and confirm inclusion of the boat leg in the fine print.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

⛵ Option #3 — Local / Slow Boat (Budget & Local Experience)

Low cost Local flavor Irregular schedules

• Overview: In addition to the main speed ferries, there are occasional slower supply boats and local services between Sihanoukville, Koh Rong, and Koh Rong Samloem (especially to M’Pai Bay). These boats can take around 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on stops and sea conditions.
• How they operate: Local boats often serve cargo, villagers, and resort supply runs, with a handful of passenger seats. Timetables are flexible and can change at short notice.
• How to book (with price): Expect roughly US$10–20 one-way, paid in cash. They are usually arranged directly via your guesthouse in Sihanoukville or Koh Rong Samloem rather than online. Some small tour agencies in town also know the latest departure days and times.
• Pros: A more local experience, sometimes cheaper than the main ferries, and occasionally the only way to reach smaller villages on certain days.
• Cons: Fewer safety features and less comfort; limited or no lifejackets on some boats; delays and cancellations are common. Avoid in very rough weather or if you are prone to seasickness.

Step-by-step: Local / Slow Boat

1. Base yourself in Sihanoukville or M’Pai Bay: Stay a night on the mainland or at M’Pai Bay so you have time to ask around in person and stay flexible with dates.
2. Ask local guesthouses: Talk to your host about slow boats and supply runs for the next few days. They’ll usually know whether a boat is going and what time to be at the pier.
3. Confirm safety basics: Check that the boat isn’t overcrowded and that at least basic lifejackets are available. If it looks unsafe, wait for a regular speed ferry instead.
4. Carry small cash: Bring small USD bills or Cambodian riel; there may be no card facilities and change is limited. Agree the fare before boarding.
5. Board early: Arrive early to secure a seat. Expect basic benches, minimal shade, and possible spray from waves – keep valuables in a dry bag.

Getting to the main embarking points (Local Piers)

• Sihanoukville fishing or local piers: Many slow boats use smaller local jetties rather than the main tourist pier. Your guesthouse will specify the meeting point; allow time to find it and use a tuk-tuk if needed.
• Koh Rong / M’Pai Bay connections: Some slow boats run between Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem rather than directly from the mainland. Clarify your route to avoid multiple backtracks.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🛥️ Option #4 — Private Charter Boat (Flexible, Great for Groups)

Custom schedule Direct to your beach Higher cost

• Overview: Private longtail boats and charter speedboats can take you directly from Sihanoukville to your chosen bay on Koh Rong Samloem, or between smaller beaches such as Sunset Beach, Lazy Beach, and M’Pai Bay. They’re ideal if your arrival time doesn’t match scheduled ferries.
• How to arrange: Most travelers arrange charters via resorts, dive shops, or local agencies in Sihanoukville or on the island. You can also sometimes find private options listed among transfers and boat tours on platforms like GetYourGuide, Klook, or Trip.com.
• How to book (with price): Budget roughly US$120–200+ per boat depending on boat size, time of day, and whether you’re chartering from the mainland or another island. Prices are usually per boat, not per person.
• Pros: You choose the departure time; ideal for sunrise/sunset cruises or catching flights and buses; direct drop-off at smaller jetties or even right on the beach in good conditions.
• Cons: Most expensive option; may be cancelled in bad weather; you’ll want to choose reputable operators with proper lifejackets.

Step-by-step: Private Charter Boat

1. Confirm your group size & luggage: Count how many people and bags you have; this affects the size of boat you need and your quote.
2. Contact your accommodation: Message your hotel on Koh Rong Samloem (or Sihanoukville) and ask if they can arrange a private transfer. Many resorts have trusted boat partners and can provide up-to-date prices.
3. Compare with online offers: Check island boat tours and transfer listings on GetYourGuide and Klook to ensure the quote is reasonable for the distance and time.
4. Agree safety & timing: Confirm that lifejackets are provided for everyone, that the boat will not be overloaded, and that the departure time avoids the worst heat or waves (morning is often calmest).
5. Pay the deposit: Many charters require a cash deposit or full payment in advance – small USD bills are useful. If paying online, use reputable booking platforms.
6. Meet at the agreed pier: Arrive early, especially at night or at sunrise when visibility is low. Double-check that the boat name matches what your hotel or agent gave you.

Getting to the main embarking points (Charter Piers)

• From Sihanoukville: Charters usually leave from Serendipity Beach Pier, nearby private jetties, or occasionally the main port. Your resort or agent will send a pin or map link – show this to your tuk-tuk driver.
• From other islands: If you’re chartering from Koh Rong or another island, check carefully which beach the boat will depart from and how long it takes you to walk or ride there.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem)

How long does the boat from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem take?
Most modern speed ferries take around 45–60 minutes from the Sihanoukville piers to Koh Rong Samloem, depending on sea conditions and how many stops they make on Koh Rong or at different bays.

How much does it cost to get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem?
Standard one-way tickets on the main speed ferries typically cost around US$14–30 per person, with return tickets discounted slightly. Local slow boats can be a little cheaper, while private charter boats cost significantly more but are priced per boat.

Which pier do boats leave from and arrive at?
Most tourist ferries leave from Serendipity Beach Pier or the nearby Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. On Koh Rong Samloem, the main arrival points are Saracen Bay (the most developed), M’Pai Bay (a village area), and a few resort jetties on quieter beaches. Always check your ticket and hotel instructions before you travel.

Can I visit Koh Rong Samloem as a day trip from Sihanoukville?
Yes, day trips are possible, especially in the dry season, but you’ll need the earliest boat out and a mid-afternoon boat back. Many visitors find the island so relaxed that staying at least one or two nights is more enjoyable than rushing in a single day.

Do boats run in bad weather?
If seas are rough or there is a storm warning, operators may cancel or consolidate departures at short notice for safety reasons. In that case, your ticket is normally moved to the next available sailing or refunded through the agent you booked with.

Can I take a lot of luggage on the boat?
Most ferries are used to backpackers and can handle one large bag plus a smaller daypack per person. Very large suitcases or lots of gear may incur extra fees or need to go on a different boat, so check in advance with your operator or booking platform.

Is card payment widely accepted for tickets and on the island?
Card payment is increasingly accepted for online bookings and at some mid-range resorts, but much of daily life still runs on cash. Bring enough USD and Cambodian riel for tickets, small boats, food, and activities, especially outside high-end resorts.