How to Get from Koh Rong Samloem to Kampot
Contents
Leaving the white sands of Koh Rong Samloem for the sleepy riverside charm of Kampot marks a shift from island seclusion to colonial nostalgia and pepper plantations. The journey has two stages: first a boat to the mainland at Sihanoukville, then onward by land along the coast.
You can check the options on GoAsia.cc, but plan the two legs together so that the boat arrives well before your onward departure.
Step 1: Koh Rong Samloem to Sihanoukville by Boat
Buva Sea runs speedboats from the mainland to Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem and Koh Sdach.[1] Check the operator's current timetable for the crossing you need. The UK Foreign Office warns that boats have had accidents when overloaded or poorly maintained, and that tourist boats sometimes sail despite weather warnings, particularly between Sihanoukville and the nearby islands.[2] Skip a crossing in rough weather.
Step 2: Sihanoukville to Kampot by Train
Royal Railway Cambodia's southern line runs from Phnom Penh to Takeo, Kep, Kampot and Sihanoukville.[3] On the day we checked, the train left Sihanoukville station at 14:00 and reached Kampot at 16:12, a ride of 2 hours 12 minutes. A normal seat cost 7 USD and first class 17 USD (17 October 2026).[4] Make sure your boat arrives in Sihanoukville well before 14:00, and check the timetable for your travel date.
Comparing Your Options
| Leg | Operator | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Koh Rong Samloem to Sihanoukville | Buva Sea and other boat operators | Check the operator's timetable[1] |
| Sihanoukville to Kampot | Royal Railway Cambodia | 14:00 to 16:12, normal seat 7 USD, first class 17 USD (17 October 2026)[4] |
Tips for Traveling from Koh Rong Samloem to Kampot
- Book in Advance: In the dry season boats and trains can fill up. Book a few days ahead so you are not stranded on the pier.
- Check Your Pier: Koh Rong Samloem has several piers, including Saracen Bay and M'Pai Bay. Make sure your ticket matches the pier closest to your accommodation.
- Leave a Buffer: The ferry operator and Royal Railway sell their own tickets, so leave a comfortable gap between the boat's arrival and the train's departure.
- Keep Cash Handy: Carry small notes in US dollars or riel for snacks, water and a tuk-tuk at the other end.
- Sun Protection: The sun reflecting off the water can be intense. Keep sunscreen and water in your daypack.
Timetable
| Bus Koh Rong Samloem - Kampot $ 24.06 4h | |
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| Ferry Koh Rong Samloem - Kampot $ 24.83 1h 30m | |
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| Van Koh Rong Samloem - Kampot $ 24.06–24.54 3h 30m – 4h 35m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Koh Rong Samloem to Kampot, including current prices and schedules.
The cheapest way is the boat to Sihanoukville followed by a normal seat on the Royal Railway train, which cost 7 USD on 17 October 2026. Check the boat operator's current fare.
The train from Sihanoukville to Kampot takes 2 hours 12 minutes. The boat crossing comes on top, so the total depends on how well the boat connects with the 14:00 departure.
The train leg takes 2 hours 12 minutes. Add the boat crossing to Sihanoukville and a buffer for the connection.
Yes. The boat operator and Royal Railway Cambodia sell their own tickets, so book each leg and leave a buffer between them.
The UK Foreign Office warns that accidents have happened when boats are overloaded or poorly maintained, and that tourist boats sometimes sail despite weather warnings. Avoid crossings in rough weather.
If the boat arrives after the 14:00 train has left, check the Royal Railway timetable for another departure or arrange other transport to Kampot. Leave a generous buffer from the start.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Buva Sea: Buva Sea Cambodia. Retrieved October 17, 2026.
- [2] UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: Cambodia travel advice: Safety and security. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Royal Railway Cambodia: Passenger train. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] Royal Railway Cambodia: Sihanoukville to Kampot train booking. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.