How to Get from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong
Find out how to travel from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong. Compare ferry, speedboat and slow boat crossings, travel times and prices.
Last updated: October 26, 2026
Contents
Hopping between the two largest islands of the Koh Rong archipelago feels like moving between two different worlds. Koh Rong Samloem is the quiet one, with calm bays and a laid-back pace. Koh Rong has more bars, more restaurants and long white beaches. The two islands are only about 4 to 6 km apart,[1] so the crossing is short, and on a calm day it is a highlight of the trip rather than a chore.
Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong by Ferry
Boats connect the two islands several times a day. Three kinds of boat run the route: the high speed ferry, the speedboat and the traditional slow boat. On booking platforms, tickets cost from about $6 to about $13 (October 2026).[2]
High Speed Ferry
The high speed ferry is the most frequent option. The time depends on the piers and the number of stops: the direct hop between the nearest piers takes from about 10 to 15 minutes, while boats that call at several piers take longer, up to about 1 hour 40 minutes.[2]
Speedboat
Speedboats are smaller and faster than the big ferries. Expect more movement on the water, which makes the ride lively and a true island-hopping experience. Like the ferries, they use the island piers, among them M'Pai Bay on Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Touch or Long Set Beach on Koh Rong,[3] and the crossing time depends on which two piers your boat serves.
Slow Boat
The slow boat is the cheapest and most relaxed way across. The journey takes from about 1 hour to 1 hour 40 minutes.[2] There is plenty of time to photograph the turquoise water and the jungle-covered hills of both islands.
Tips for Traveling from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong
- Check your departure pier: Koh Rong Samloem has several piers, among them M'Pai Bay.[3] Make sure your ticket names the pier your boat leaves from, and allow time to reach it.
- Arrival at Koh Rong: Koh Touch is the main village on Koh Rong, in the south-east,[1] and Long Set Beach is another arrival point.[3] If your accommodation is on a more remote beach, you may need a local boat transfer on arrival.
- Book in advance: In peak season, boats fill up quickly, so secure your seat a day or two early.
- Keep electronics dry: Sea spray is common on the smaller boats, so pack phones and documents in a dry bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong, including current prices and schedules.
The slow boat and some high speed ferry operators are the cheapest options. On booking platforms, tickets start at about $6 (October 2026).
The high speed ferry and the speedboat are the fastest. Depending on the piers, the crossing takes from about 10 to 15 minutes.
It takes from about 10 to 15 minutes on the quickest crossing, and up to about 1 hour 40 minutes if the boat stops at several piers or you take the slow boat.
Yes, boats run several times a day. Book ahead in peak season.
The crossing is short. If you are prone to motion sickness, the larger high speed ferries are generally steadier than the smaller speedboats.
Backpack-sized luggage is normally fine, but space can be tight on smaller speedboats. If you carry large items such as a surfboard, ask the operator in advance.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Cambodia Tourism Board: Koh Rong. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: Koh Rong Samloem - Koh Rong ferry timetable. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [3] GTVC Speedboat: GTVC Speedboat. Retrieved October 26, 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.