How to Get from Koh Rong Samloem to Ha Tien

Leaving behind the turquoise waters and slow-paced island life of Koh Rong Samloem for the bustling border town of Ha Tien marks a transition from Cambodia's pristine coast to the gateway of Vietnam's Mekong Delta. This journey is a favorite for travelers looking to loop through Southeast Asia without backtracking to Phnom Penh. You will trade the quiet sandy paths of Saracen Bay or M'Pai Bay for a multi-modal trip that involves a boat ride back to the mainland followed by a drive through the Cambodian countryside toward the Prek Chak-Xa Xia border crossing.

The logistics of moving from an island in one country to a mainland port in another can seem daunting, but the process is streamlined by operators who offer combined tickets. These packages ensure that your ferry arrival in Sihanoukville aligns with a waiting van, making the transition across the border into Vietnam as smooth as possible. Whether you are heading to Ha Tien to catch a ferry to Phu Quoc or to explore the limestone caves and night markets of the town itself, this route is the most direct path between these two coastal gems.

Koh Rong Samloem to Ha Tien by Ferry and Van

The most common and efficient way to complete this journey is by purchasing a combined transport ticket. This option covers the entire route, starting with a ferry from the island to Sihanoukville and continuing with a van transfer to the border and finally into Ha Tien. Booking these segments together on GoAsia.cc is highly recommended to avoid the stress of negotiating with multiple drivers upon reaching the mainland.

The Island Departure

Your journey begins at one of the main piers on Koh Rong Samloem. Depending on your specific operator, you will board a speed ferry or a catamaran for the 45 to 60-minute crossing to Sihanoukville. It is vital to check which pier your boat departs from, as Saracen Bay and M'Pai Bay are not connected by roads. Once you arrive at the Sihanoukville pier, staff from the transport company will usually be waiting to guide you to the van or minibus designated for the border run.

The Overland Leg and Border Crossing

The drive from Sihanoukville to the Prek Chak border takes approximately three to four hours. The road conditions have improved significantly in recent years, though you should still expect a few bumps along the way. Upon reaching the Cambodian exit point at Prek Chak, you will need to get out of the vehicle, clear immigration, and then walk a short distance to the Vietnamese entry point at Xa Xia. After completing the Vietnamese immigration formalities, your van (or a connecting vehicle from the same company) will take you the final few kilometers into the center of Ha Tien.

The price for this combined service is very consistent, typically costing around $38. The total travel time is estimated at 5 hours, though this can vary slightly based on how quickly the group moves through the border checkpoints. There are two primary departure windows: an early morning start around 06:30 and a mid-morning departure between 09:15 and 09:30.

Comparing Your Options

Tips for Traveling from Koh Rong Samloem to Ha Tien

• Visa Preparation: Ensure you have your Vietnamese visa sorted before you arrive at the border. While E-visas are widely accepted at the Xa Xia (Ha Tien) crossing, you must have it printed out and ready to show the officers. There is no "visa on arrival" facility at this land border for most nationalities.
• Currency: Carry some small denominations of US Dollars or Cambodian Riel for the exit/entry process, though official fees are usually included in your visa cost. Once you cross into Ha Tien, you will need Vietnamese Dong (VND) for taxis and local food.
• Pick-up Points: Confirm your pick-up point on Koh Rong Samloem at least a day in advance. Some boats stop at multiple piers, and you don't want to be waiting at the wrong one when the morning ferry arrives.
• Hydration and Snacks: While the vans are usually air-conditioned, the wait at the border can be hot. Carry a bottle of water and some light snacks to keep you going until you reach Ha Tien.
• Phu Quoc Connection: If your ultimate goal is Phu Quoc island, many travelers aim for the morning departures from Koh Rong Samloem to ensure they reach the Ha Tien ferry terminal in time for the afternoon boats to the island.