Come find out how to travel from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong. Whether that may be by speed boat, ferry, or the local boat, I will let you know prices, booking tickets, the best companies, and more!
Well nowadays in Sihanoukville, it is best to get out and head straight to the islands. You either have the choice of traveling to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem and there are a handful of different ways you can get there. Personally, I have always chosen to visit both islands, though I will travel from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong first. This is because it is the busiest island so boats are always heading in that direction (most of the time), and it is a bit further away so I like to get the longest journey over with first.
Though what exactly are the best ways to travel from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong? Do you take a speed boat, ferry, or local boat? Also what about if you happen to be staying in a spot on Koh Rong, but not in the main village of Koh Toch, can you still get a direct boat there? Are the boats even safe? I will answer all this and more below in this guide for how to travel from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong.
| Time | Cost | Highlight | |
| Slow Boat | 2.5 hours | $5.00 | Cheapest journey |
| Speed Boat | 45 mins | from $20 open ticket return | Fastest journey |
I have visited Koh Rong a couple of different times throughout my travels in Cambodia and absolutely love it there. if you are looking for a paradise island you have certainly found the right place. From the calm waters to the white sandy shoreline, this island has some truly incredible beaches. Though before you experience them I first need to let you know how to travel from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong.
Sihanoukville To Koh Rong: All Ways To Travel Explained
- Sihanoukville To Koh Rong Distance
- What Beaches Can You Arrive At On Koh Rong?
- Speed Boat or Slow Boat From Sihanoukville To Koh Rong
- Sihanoukville To Koh Toch By Ferry
- Speed Boat From Sihanoukville To Sok San Beach
- Sihanoukville To Long Set Beach On Koh Rong
- Boat From Sihanoukville To Coconut Beach On Koh Rong
- Sihanoukville To Palm Beach On Koh Rong
- Day Trip From Sihanoukville To Koh Rong
Sihanoukville To Koh Rong Distance
Off the coast of Cambodia, you will find Koh Rong. Depending on where you depart your boat transportation will affect the exact distance, though it is approximately 25 kilometers from Koh Rong to Sihanoukville.
As you can see it is not a large distance to travel, though it can take anywhere from 40 minutes to over an hour depending on whether you decide to book a speed boat or slow boat. There are plenty of choices for all budgets, and at the end of the day, the cheaper options don’t actually take too much longer.
Just be aware in Cambodia you can’t rely on things to run on time. Therefore you are best to give yourself an extra hour than stated on your ticket to complete this journey. Also, be aware that if you are traveling during the wet season this trip may take longer again thanks to the ocean currents and waves being a lot more aggressive than during the dry season.
What Beaches Can You Arrive At On Koh Rong?
Finding out what beaches the boats arrive at on Koh Rong can and will affect your holiday. I mean you find the most incredible beach bungalow at a really decent price, though this could be because it is inaccessible and there are no direct boats.
Nevertheless, you will find boats departing Sihanoukville to 5 different piers around Koh Rong. These include:
Koh Toch: This is the main village on Koh Toch and where the majority of boats dock. It is no doubt the easiest to get to, though this doesn’t mean it is the best option. The journey here takes around 45 minutes and costs approximately $15.00 for one way.
Sok San: This is a chill spot that features on my best beaches on Koh Rong list. It is a bit further around the island than Koh Toch, but you can find tickets at $28.00 return.
Long Set Beach: This is one of my personal favorite spots on Koh Rong and is an incredible location to stay. This journey will take 50 minutes and a ticket costs $15.00 for one way. Alternatively, it is about a 30-minute walk along the shoreline from the pier in Koh Toch Village.
Coconut Beach: For a chilled-back experience away from other travelers head to coconut beach. Tickets here also cost $15.00 and the journey is typically around 45 minutes.
Palm Beach: For a deserted island vibe hit up Palm Beach for truly paradise vibes. You can purchase a return ticket for $26.00.
Be aware that you will always be able to find a ferry or boat to Koh Toch, but the other options may be more difficult. This is especially so during national holidays or during the low season. This means you may need to take the boat to Koh Toch and then organize a separate transfer to your desired spot around the island.
Speed Boat or Slow Boat From Sihanoukville To Koh Rong
When traveling from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong you have two different options of a boat, either the speed boat (also known as the ferry) or the slow boat.
Slow Boat: These are much larger, but slower boats that transport goods, materials, and mostly local people from the islands to the mainland. As the name suggests it is a much closer journey taking around two and a half hours. It is near impossible to find schedules online as it depends on which beaches the boat is dropping goods at, as well as the weather. The boats typically depart from the port in Sihanoukville and you need to head here in order to purchase a ticket. Though the bonus is it is your cheapest option costing about $5.00 each way.
Speed Boat: The speed boat, often referred to as the ferry is actually operated by 5 different companies. These are Speed Ferry Cambodia, Island Speed Ferry, Buva Sea Cambodia Ferry, GTVC Boat, and Angkor Speed Ferry. The journey typically takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour, and they essentially all offer the same service and type of boats. In 2017 the government actually started regulating the price of tickets, to a set $20.00 return.
Sihanoukville To Koh Toch By Ferry
The main and most popular ferry route from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong is Koh Toch. This is the main village where you will find the majority of travelers head, but in all honesty, this island has so much more to offer!
Nevertheless, I have made this journey multiple times and have stayed in the village of Koh Toch with bed sheets as a wall. They sure know how to do budget here, though if you think this isn’t your cup of tea I recommend heading to one of the nearby hotels which are about a 10-minute walk away along the beach.
This spot has the most regular ferry departures and you will very easily be able to organize transport to here. If you are staying at another beach you can also travel here and then organize a private boat ride once you arrive at where you are staying. All in all your accommodation should be able to recommend the best option for the area you decide to book.
You can book your boat transfer from Sihanoukville to Koh Toch over on 12.Go Asia. I have booked with them numerous times and always recommend their services. You can also look at reviews on each boat company to see other travelers’ experiences.
Here is the ferry schedule from Sihanoukville to Koh Toch:
| Company | Departure Times | Journey Time | Ticket Price |
| Buva Sea | 08:00, 11:00, 14:00 & 17:00 | 45 mins | $22.00 return |
| GTVC Speedboat | 11:00, 14:00 & 16:00 | 45 mins | $22.00 return |
| Speed Ferry Cambodia | 07:30, 09:00, 11:30, 13:30, 15:00 & 16:30 | 45 mins | $22.00 return |
| Island Speed Ferry | 09:00, 12:00 & 15:00 | 45 mins | $22.00 return |
| Angkor Speed Ferry | 08:30, 11:30 & 14:30 | 45 mins | $22.00 return |
Speed Boat From Sihanoukville To Sok San Beach
Here at Sok San the Beach is basically split into two different areas, the village, and the beach. In the village is where you can find some of the more affordable accommodation options such as guesthouses. Staying here will also give you the chance to learn more about the Khmer culture. The Beach area has numerous beautiful resorts and hotels.
You can also find direct ferries from Sihanoukville to Sok San Beach on Koh Rong making it a straightforward journey to make. The journey will take you around 40 minutes depending on the sea conditions.
Apart from the main ferry companies listed below, Sok San Beach Resort also runs its own boat service. Though be aware priority is given to guests staying with them and nonguests are charged around $40.00 return.
You can book your boat transfer from Sihanoukville to Sok San over on 12.Go Asia. I have booked with them numerous times and always recommend their services. You can also look at reviews on each boat company to see other travelers’ experiences.
Here is the ferry schedule from Sihanoukville to Sok San:
| Company | Departure Times | Journey Time | Ticket Price |
| Island Speed Ferry | 09:00, 12:00, & 15:00 | 45 mins | $27.00 return |
| GTVC Speedboat | 08:00, 11:00, 14:00 & 16:00 | 45 mins | $27.00 return |
Sihanoukville To Long Set Beach On Koh Rong
No doubt one of the best beaches on Koh Rong is Long Set Beach. This spot is also known as 4k beach thanks to its spoilt sprawling shoreline which just stretches on.
It is an easy 30-minute walk from the main village of Koh Toch where the ferry boats arrive so if you choose to stay here you will be relatively close to the action and have plenty of restaurant options. Though if you are traveling with suitcases and don’t want to roll them through the sand, finding a direct boat from Sihanoukville to Long Set Beach is the best choice.
The journey takes approximately 1 hour to complete the journey with calm seas, though things can and do fall behind schedule when traveling so prepare to arrive a little later.
You can book your boat transfer from Sihanoukville to Long Set Beach over on 12.Go Asia. I have booked with them numerous times and always recommend their services. You can also look at reviews on each boat company to see other travelers’ experiences.
Here is the ferry schedule from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong on Long Set Beach:
| Company | Departure Times | Journey Time | Ticket Price |
| Buva Sea | 08:00, 11:00, 14:00 & 17:00 | 1 hour | $25.00 return |
| Speed Ferry Cambodia | 07:30, 09:00, 11:30, 13:30, 15:00 & 16:00 | 1 hour | $22.00 return |
| GTVC Speedboat | 08:00, 11:00, 14:00 & 16:00 | 1 hour | $22.00 return |
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Boat From Sihanoukville To Coconut Beach On Koh Rong
It is a quiet and beautiful bay located on the South Western side of the island and is just a 10-minute walk away from nearby Daem Thkov Village.
There are a few places you can book to stay in this location and enjoy a more peaceful side of the island. These include Sunrise Resort and Restaurant, as well as Coconut Beach Bungalows. Here you can enjoy soft white sand, clear water, and plenty of palm trees.
Currently, there are two different ferry operators offering journeys to Coconut Beach, from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong. These are Buva Sea and Speed Ferry Cambodia.
You can book your boat transfer from Sihanoukville to Coconut Beach over on 12.Go Asia. I have booked with them numerous times and always recommend their services. You can also look at reviews on each boat company to see other travelers’ experiences.
Here is the ferry schedule from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong on Coconut Beach:
| Company | Departure Times | Journey Time | Ticket Price |
| Buva Sea | 08:00, 11:00, 14:00 & 17:00 | 45 mins | $25.00 return |
| Speed Ferry Cambodia | 07:30, 13:30 & 14:30 | 45 mins | $27.00 return |
Sihanoukville To Palm Beach On Koh Rong
If you haven’t won the lotto and have thousands of dollars a night to splash out on the famous Song Saa Private Island Resort, then you can save your money by booking a slice of paradise at Palm Beach. This beach overlooks that famous resort, but you can sleep easy knowing you can save your money for an ice-cold beer.
As the name suggests, Palm Beach is an absolute paradise covered in swaying Palm Trees. It is located around the corner from Lonely Beach and is far enough away from the busy beaches of Koh Rong. There used to be a resort here called Palm Beach Resort, though during Covid this has unfortunately closed down. The only accommodation in the area is in the village of Prek Svay called Firefly Guesthouse.
There is just one company that operates from Sihanoukville to Palm Beach on Koh Rong, This means you are rather limited when it comes to departure times. Though they do offer 3 trips daily which is a bonus.
Here is the ferry schedule from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong on Palm Beach:
| Company | Departure Times | Journey Time | Ticket Price |
| Speed Ferry Cambodia | 07:30, 13:30 & 16:30 | 1 hour | $26.00 return |
Day Trip From Sihanoukville To Koh Rong
Sure if you are short on time you can simply do a day trip style visit to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville. This is easy to organize taking the first boat out and the last boat back to the mainland. Though before you start thinking yes, this is the option for me I highly recommend doing your research into Sihanoukville.
It is a very different place than it once was in the mid 2010s. Nowadays you’ll find the backpackers have been replaced by Chinese tourists and the guesthouses and hostels have been replaced by casinos and 5-star concrete hotels. There are direct flights here from over 29 cities in mainland China, as well as Hong Kong and Macau.
I will say though that Sihanoukville is looking a lot better than it did when I first visited in 2017. During that time there were these huge concrete half-built buildings and dirt roads that had essentially turned to mud. The smell of raw sewage and stale water lingered in the air. In contrast nowadays, the roads are paved and there appears to be some proper basic infrastructure such as drainage. Huge concrete buildings are everywhere and the skyline of the city can easily be spotted from the horizon. Though as this mass construction completes in the main city and starts moving to small beach towns they are quickly turning into a dump as well, such as Otres.
Therefore if I am being honest, skip Sihanoukville and head straight to the islands. They are much better than the mainland, more peaceful, more beautiful, and simply more of a paradise location, well worth spending a few nights enjoying.
Things To Do On Koh Rong
There are plenty of things to do while you are visiting Koh Rong. Whether you are a water baby like me or prefer to keep your feet dry there are actually a surprising assortment of awesome activities to do on this slice of paradise.
Zip Lining & High Ropes: If you are needing a break from the water why not check out the Zip Lining and High Ropes Park on Koh Rong. This is an excellent way to spend a few hours are something different to do during your stay.
Scuba Diving: Of course when you are on Koh Rong you got to experience life in the ocean. Even though scuba diving can be more of a pricey activity, it is 100% worth it, and still a lot cheaper here than in many other places in the world.
Beach Hopping: Sure there is certainly a mix of beaches on the island, such as where all the speedboats arrive, where the locals hang out near their villages, where the waters are calmer and more sheltered, as well as some awesome spots for snorkeling. There are all these and more other options when it comes to beaches in Koh Rong.
Biolumance Tour: Now one of the more popular things to do here, except exploring the beaches, is partaking in a Biolumance Tour. You are able to see the bioluminescence on either Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem. The tours are surprisingly affordable starting around $6.00 per person. You will take a boat to a dark area of the island with no lights from nearby villages and plunge into the dark waters. It’s a scary thought, but doing it and watching the world light up around you is incredible.
Paddle Boarding: If you want to mix things up from just swimming and snorkeling, why not give paddle boarding a go? You will find a few places that rent them out around Koh Touch village and some of the larger beaches on Koh Rong.
Jet Ski: Now the Jet Ski option I say hesitantly. Yes, it can be a lot of fun, though throughout Southeast Asia there are numerous Jet Ski scams that occur, including here on Koh Rong. Sometimes it is just not worth the hassle.
Where To Stay On Koh Rong
Welcome to paradise aka Koh Rong. This is certainly the most built-up island in Cambodia where you can find an assortment of restaurants, cafes, and types of accommodations. Whether you are wanting an all-inclusive 5-star resort or a cheap dorm room, you can easily find it here.
Though you have two options when it comes to booking accommodation. Researching the best beaches on Koh Rong, then checking out nearby accommodation, or instead finding accommodation and hoping there is a good beach. Personally, I prefer the first option.
I don’t recommend staying in the main town called Koh Toch where you arrive straight off the ferry, but instead, somewhere a 10 or 15-minute walk away. This will still allow you to access all the amenities, but also have some privacy and a quiet beach to relax on. For something, more lux check out Long Set Resort, for mid-range prices you have Tree House Bungalows, and for dorms, Nest Beach Club (though it is a party hostel).
Enjoy beachfront living in luxury. Rooms here start from $70.00 per night. BOOK NOW |
One of the best party places on the island. Dorm rooms here start from $5.00 per night. BOOK NOW |
Located on a quieter part of the island. You can find a seaview tent here for $11.00 per night. BOOK NOW |
A short walk from an incredible beach and the main town. Rooms here start at $50.00 per night. BOOK NOW |
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