4 ways to get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem
There are four ways to travel the distance of 24 km (15 miles) from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem: by ferry to saracen bay (45 minutes-2 hours), ferry to m-pay bay (45 minutes), ferry to lazy beach (2 hours) and ferry to sunset beach (3 hours). The journey takes between 45 minutes - 3h and the quickest way is by ferry to saracen bay. The lowest priced tickets start from €8.00 ($10) for the ferry to lazy beach.Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem by Ferry to Lazy Beach
Lazy Beach is a private getaway destination located on the southwestern coast of the island. It’s highly recommended by travellers who wish to enjoy the quiet and laid-back island life. However, you have to book your stay far in advance as there are not many accommodations to choose from.
From Sihanoukville, Lazy Beach company operates a ferry that departs from Serendipity Beach Pier at 12 noon daily. Meet-up is at the Lazy Beach Booking Office along Serendipity Beach Road. The ferry takes you directly to Lazy Beach.
A one-way ferry ticket costs $10. The trip may require passengers to swim or wade a short distance to get to the island when the ferry cannot dock close to the shore. Don’t worry, they provide large dry boxes to keep your bags dry.
On some occasions, the ferry cannot dock at Lazy Beach when the weather is really bad. In this case, the ferry will depart from Royal Pier Ferry Dock, Sihanoukville and arrive at Saracen Bay. Passengers will have to walk from there through the jungle trail. This takes about 20-30 minutes.
Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem by Ferry to Sunset Beach
The Dive Shop operates a ferry once a day, which leaves at 7:00 in the morning. It takes 3 hours to reach Sunset Beach and costs $10. Passengers meet up at The Dive Shop located on Serendipity Beach Road.
In poor weather conditions, the ferry docks at Saracen Bay. The passengers then trek through the jungle trail for 45 minutes. The trail can be steep and rocky so wear shoes that are suitable for the trek.
Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem by Ferry to M-Pay Bay
M-Pay Bay is located in the northern part of Koh Rong Sanloem. It’s not as busy as Saracen Bay, but also offers several accommodations to stay.
Fast ferries can take you to M-Pay Bay in about 45 minutes under favourable weather conditions. Expect to pay $22-$25 for a return ticket. Return trips should be arranged in advance.
Ferry schedules from Sihanoukville to M-Pay Bay
Buva Sea
You can book your one-way ferry ticket with Buva Sea at 12go.asia.
GTVC Speedboat & Speed Ferry Cambodia
Note that Speed Ferry Cambodia also makes a stop at Saracen Bay. Also, they have ferries that make a stopover at Ecosea Resort. You can arrange this with the company beforehand.
Note: Ferries do not always dock at their specified ports in bad weather. Depending on the conditions, they will dock on the pier that is most safe for their passengers.
Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem by Ferry to Saracen Bay
You will find the largest choice of bungalows and resorts at Saracen Bay. Most travellers also opt to stay on this side of Koh Rong Sanloem.
Sihanoukville to Saracen Bay by Fast Ferry Service
To get to Saracen Bay, you can book a ferry with one of 5 fast ferry operators. You can buy tickets at the ferry offices near the port in Sihanoukville or at your hotel.
We recommend buying your ticket at least one day in advance. When you book your ticket online, you can check all the companies which still have tickets available. If you buy your ticket in Sihanoukville, they will likely recommend travelling with the company they have a business relationship with.
Ferry to Saracen Bay options from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Sanloem
All tickets are open return and include a tax of $2. You can still decide later on which day you want to return. Also here, we recommend letting the company know at least one day in advance when you wish to return to Sihanoukville.
You can book via BookAway if you prefer to buy a single-journey ferry ticket. This costs $14.
The ferry companies also provide a pick-up service so make sure to mention your accommodation when you book.
All ferries depart from Serendipity Beach Pier in Sihanoukville. They provide comfortable chairs and life jackets.
Speed Ferry Cambodia
Speed Ferry Cambodia will go to M-Pay Bay after making a stopover at Saracen Bay. So don’t forget to get off the ferry at Paradise Pier (Saracen Bay) if you booked with Speed Ferry Cambodia.
They can also accommodate other stops on the route to M-Pay Bay, but this has to be arranged with them in advance.
Buva Sea
Buva Sea has ferries that dock at Freedom Pier. If your hotel is close to this pier, you can book your ticket with them.
Note: In case of bad weather (July-September), trips might be cancelled or postponed. That’s why it is always good to check the weather forecast the day before you depart from the island. It is also a good plan to stay one night in Sihanoukville on the day of return from Koh Rong islands.
Sihanoukville to Saracen Bay by Slow Boat Service
There are a few slow boats that head to Saracen Bay for $5-$10 along Pier 52 or Royal Pier Ferry Dock.
Expect to be packed between food, goods or even mattresses that go to the island. It will be a great local experience, but don’t expect any comfort with these slow boats.
Docking Ports
Buva Sea & GTVC Speedboat
Speed Ferry Cambodia & Island Speed Ferry
Angkor Speed Ferry
If the ferry dock of your company is far from your hotel, it’s a good idea to arrange a pick-up service in Koh Rong Sanloem. Hotels may charge $2-$10.
Another option is to swing your backpack on your back and walk through the white sand beach to your hotel.
Tip: Transport options are limited around the island. Always check if the pier is close to your hotel, so you don’t end up taking the wrong one!
Frequently Asked Questions about Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem
What is the distance from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem?
The distance from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem is 24 km (15 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem?
The fastest way to get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem is by ferry to saracen bay and takes 45 minutes-2 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem?
The cheapest way to get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem is by ferry to lazy beach with ticket costs starting from €8.00 ($10).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem. 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!
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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.
