Regular crossings from Sihanoukville (the port area that concentrates traveler activity for the two islands) are provided by speedboat or "speed ferry". Daily, several trips connect Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem; the most booked route is often to Koh Rong Sanloem (numerous departures in the morning until afternoon during high season, depending on the company and schedule). In practice, expect thirty minutes to about an hour depending on whether you are heading to the main village of Koh Rong, Saracen Bay on Sanloem, or another cove.
The well-established companies include GTVC (GTVC Cambodia), Speed Ferry Cambodia, and Island Speed Ferry. They may have different schedules, prices, and sometimes different docks — avoid being at the wrong dock: the journey to the islands is short; the stress comes more from the wrong meeting point than from the crossing itself.
Key information before paying
Where does the boat dock?
On Koh Rong, the most common arrivals are around Koh Touch (a lively village with guesthouses and bars). Other services serve Long Set Beach (often called Long Beach in traveler vocabulary) or Coconut Beach depending on the line and season — specify at purchase what your access block is from the pier.
On Koh Rong Sanloem, the most usual drop-offs are Saracen Bay — a protected bay, ideal as a hub — and at certain times M'pai Bay. Other services mention a point such as Eco Sea Dive (associated center or anchorage area): the exact name must always appear on your reservation; avoid arriving at Saracen if your bungalow is on the M'pai side, unless planned on the island with a transfer.
Booking and payment
Booking only on the same day, during high season, is not always sufficient: boats can be full during peak times (long weekends, holidays, local vacations). An online reservation or a ticket purchased at least the day before significantly reduces the risk of being left without a seat.
On-site, a tuk-tuk from the center to the port area usually takes little time if you show them the address or the screenshot sent by the operator; avoid the implicit assumption "everyone always departs from the same dock," access points can change depending on the season and construction.
Koh Rong / Sanloem ferry tickets — crossings from Sihanoukville.
Pick island and slot on the platform; book at least the day before in high season.
Further reading
To cross-reference our indications with an English-speaking source focused on Koh Rong, the pages How to get to Koh Rong and FAQ from the Visit Koh Rong site list typical routes and frequently asked questions from travelers. Prices and schedules can change quickly — they serve to validate the state of the market, not to guarantee line by line your physical ticket.
Questions fréquentes
These are two neighboring islands from the same port. Sanloem is often perceived as quieter (bays like Saracen Bay); Koh Rong is larger, with Koh Touch for nightlife and Long Set (Long Beach) for long stretches of sand. Travel time and the dock may differ — check your ticket.
In high season (December–February, major holidays or busy weekends), yes — at least the day before or online to secure your slot. In low season, you can sometimes buy at the ticket counter on the same day, but leave some buffer time before a flight or long-distance bus.
Very few ATMs, often none depending on the beaches; cards are not accepted everywhere or incur fees. Bring enough cash in USD from Sihanoukville (and small denominations).
Seasonal offers or direct shuttles may be available depending on the year and operators; they change quickly. A reliable option: the Kampot/Kep road then bus or taxi to Sihanoukville, followed by speedboat. Also, check with your guesthouse for the latest direct trips announced.