How to Get From Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem

If you're heading to Koh Rong Samloem, chances are you’ll end up in Saracen Bay. It’s where most travellers stay, thanks to the wide choice of bungalows and beach resorts lining the shore.

Getting to Saracen Bay from Sihanoukville is pretty straightforward. You can take either a fast ferry, which takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, or a slow boat, which takes 3 to 4 hours.

M-Pay Bay is located in the northern part of Koh Rong Samloem. It’s not as busy as Saracen Bay, but it also offers several accommodations to stay.

Fast ferries can take you to M-Pay Bay in about 45m under favourable weather conditions. A ferry ticket costs about $15 (61,000 KHR).

A cheaper alternative is the slow boat, which costs only $5 (20,200 KHR). It’s the same supply boat that makes a stop at Saracen Bay before continuing to M-Pay Bay.

Departure and arrival ports

Just like the ferries to Saracen Bay, all boats heading to M-Pay Bay depart from Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. They dock at the main pier in M-Pay (M’Pai) Bay, right in the heart of the village.

Lazy Beach is a secluded escape on the western coast of Koh Rong Samloem. It's a favourite among travellers who want to slow down and enjoy quiet island life, far from the crowds and music of the main beaches.

There’s only one place to stay here — Lazy Beach Resort — so you’ll need to book early, especially in high season, as spots fill up fast.

Getting to Lazy Beach

To reach Lazy Beach, you’ll first need to take a ferry from Sihanoukville to Saracen Bay, the one that docks at Soon Noeng Pier.

Once you arrive at Saracen Bay, there are two ways to reach Lazy Beach:

• Without luggage: It’s about a 30 to 40-minute walk across the island. The trail starts as a wide gravel path before narrowing into a shady jungle track. You can do it in flip-flops, but trainers make it more comfortable, especially after rain.
• With luggage: Lazy Beach Resort can arrange a free tractor transfer for you and your bags. It’s a bumpy ride through the forest, and honestly, part of the fun.

The journey might take a little effort, but that’s what keeps Lazy Beach so peaceful. Once your feet hit the soft golden sand, you’ll know it was worth every step.

Sunset Beach is an untouched spot on the west side of Koh Rong Samloem, and the only way to reach it is on foot. There is no direct boat or road access, so you first travel to Saracen Bay and then walk across the island to Sunset Beach.

What you get in return is a quiet, laid-back beach with soft sand, clear water and some of the best snorkelling on Koh Rong Samloem, straight from the shore. There are also a few good diving spots nearby.

Accommodation is limited, but you’ll find simple, eco-style bungalows where the sounds of the forest and waves set the pace. There’s not much to do, and getting anywhere else isn’t easy, making it the perfect spot to completely unwind and disconnect from the world.

If you’re looking for peace, nature, and a slower pace, Sunset Beach is exactly where you’ll find it.

Getting to Sunset Beach

Take a ferry from Sihanoukville to Saracen Bay, then hike for around 30 minutes across the island. The path starts as a gravel track before turning into a narrow jungle trail. The final stretch is a steep, rocky descent with a rope to guide you, so wear shoes with good grip and use a backpack.

Avoid flip-flops, suitcases, and hiking at night. If you’re just visiting for the day, leave heavy luggage at Sunny Bungalow on Saracen Bay for about $1 (4,050 KHR).