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Koh Rong to Chau Doc is a journey from island beaches to the river life of the Mekong Delta, a city of floating markets and a mix of Vietnamese, Cham and Khmer culture. The classic way to do it runs through Phnom Penh: a boat to the mainland, a bus to the capital, then a speedboat down the river across the border. You can book your onward tickets through GoAsia.cc.
Koh Rong to Chau Doc via Phnom Penh
Start with the ferry or speedboat to Sihanoukville Pier, which takes about 45 minutes.[1] From Sihanoukville, Giant Ibis runs a 4-hour bus to Phnom Penh over the expressway.[2]
In Phnom Penh, the Hang Chau speedboat leaves for Chau Doc every day at 12:30, takes about 6.5 hours and costs 1,580,000 VND.[3] The river ride crosses the border and lands you in Chau Doc in the evening. Because the boat leaves at midday, most travelers spend a night in Phnom Penh and take it the next day.
Comparing Your Options
| Leg | Mode | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Koh Rong to Sihanoukville | Ferry or speedboat | 45 min[1] |
| Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh | Giant Ibis bus | 4h[2] |
| Phnom Penh to Chau Doc | Hang Chau speedboat | About 6.5h[3] |
Tips for Traveling from Koh Rong to Chau Doc
- Visa Preparation: Arrange your Vietnamese visa before you leave Cambodia. E-visas work only at approved border gates, and Vinh Xuong and Tinh Bien in An Giang province are on the list.[4]
- Cash: There are no ATMs on Koh Rong, so take enough US dollars with you before the boat.[1]
- Book the Boat Early: The Phnom Penh boat runs once a day, so reserve your seat before you travel.
- Sun Protection: The ferry and the river boat can be very sunny. Keep sunscreen and a hat in your daypack.
- Arrival in Chau Doc: The boat gets you in during the evening, so book your first night's accommodation in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Koh Rong to Chau Doc, including current prices and schedules.
Take the ferry to Sihanoukville, a bus to Phnom Penh, then the Hang Chau speedboat from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc.
The three legs take about 45 minutes by ferry, 4 hours by bus and about 6.5 hours by speedboat, plus transfers and the night in Phnom Penh.
The Hang Chau speedboat from Phnom Penh costs 1,580,000 VND per person.
The Chau Doc boat leaves Phnom Penh at 12:30 every day, so most travelers stay a night in Phnom Penh.
Arrange your Vietnamese visa before you travel, and check the rules for your nationality. E-visas work only at the border gates on the official list.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Island Speed Ferry: Koh Rong: Cambodia Wild Island Paradise. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [2] Giant Ibis Transport: Bus from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [3] Hang Chau Tourist: Hang Chau Tourist: Hang Chau Speedboat Chau Doc to Phnom Penh. Retrieved November 2, 2026.
- [4] Vietnam National Electronic Visa system: Instruction - Vietnam National Electronic Visa system. Retrieved October 28, 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.