How to get from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong
Why visit Koh Rong?
For many travellers, Koh Rong stands out for its relaxed island life and white sandy beaches with clear swimming spots. The island is known for snorkelling & diving tours, calm bays, and memorable sunset views that give it a true tropical island destination feel. Much of its appeal comes from the clear turquoise water found along the coastline.
Popular Koh Rong beaches include Long Set Beach/4K Beach, Lonely Beach, and Sok San Beach. These beaches are spread across different parts of the island.
What are the 2 ways to travel from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong?
There are 2 ways to travel the 17 kilometre (11 miles) distance from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong. You can choose between the ferry and slow boat. The journey takes 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by slow boat with tickets starting at 20,000 KHR ($5).
Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong by Ferry
Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Rong are sister islands, so not surprisingly, they are located right next to each other.
When travelling from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong, you can catch a ferry with GTVC Speedboat, Chan Moly Roth Transportation and Romny Tour Express Ferry. A one-way journey costs about 28,000 KHR ($7), and the journey takes around 15 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes when the weather is favourable.
Departure and arrival ports
Ferries from Koh Rong Samloem depart from several piers around the island. You can usually catch a ferry from M-Pai Bay, Sandy Beach, Eden Pier, Rumi Pier, or Soon Noeng Pier.
On Koh Rong, ferries normally arrive at Koh Rong Community Pier (Koh Toch Beach), Long Set Pier (Long Set Beach), or Koh Rong Hill Port. All three are on the island’s southeast coast, but they’re a short ride apart. It’s worth double-checking your arrival pier in advance.
TIP: Before booking, double-check the exact departure and arrival ports. This helps you choose the pier closest to your accommodation and makes your transfer much smoother.
Ferry options from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong
Saracen Bay to Koh Toch Beach by Longtail Boats
It is also possible to hire a private longtail boat from one of the beaches in Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Toch Beach. You can ask your accommodation or resort to arrange it for you.
Just know that this option costs quite a bit more than the ferry, and prices can vary since there’s no standard fare. Renting a private longtail boat usually costs around 381,000 KHR ($95), but it can fit 15–20 people, so it’s worth it if you’re travelling as a group and can split the cost.
Don’t expect luxury, though, as these longtail boats actually refer to traditional Khmer fishing boats, not modern speedboats.
That’s why you should always check the weather before heading out. While bigger ferries can handle rough seas, these small wooden boats aren’t built for stormy conditions.
Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong by Slow Boat
The slow boat, often called the supply boat, is the cheapest way to travel from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong. A ferry ticket costs just 20,000 KHR ($5), one-way.
It’s perfect if you’re travelling on a budget, but don’t expect much comfort. You’ll be sharing the space with locals, crates of food, and fresh water being delivered to the islands.
Supply boats often run once or twice a day between the islands. They usually depart from M-Pai Bay on Koh Rong Samloem in the morning at around 08:00, and return from Koh Rong Community Pier (Koh Toch Beach) on Koh Rong in the afternoon at around 16:00.
The journey takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Keep in mind that departure times can often be different, and there’s no online booking for this service. It’s best to buy your ticket once you’re on Koh Rong Samloem, ideally the day before you plan to travel.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong
What is the distance from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong?
The distance from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong is 17 kilometre (11 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong?
The fastest way to get from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong is by ferry and takes 15 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong?
The cheapest way to get from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong is by slow boat with ticket costs starting from 20,000 KHR ($5).
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
