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Leaving behind the ancient stone faces of Angkor Wat for the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand is a classic Cambodian rite of passage. This journey takes you from the country's cultural heart in the north to Koh Rong, an island that still manages to feel like a hidden paradise despite its growing popularity.
There is no direct service to the island: you take a night bus to Sihanoukville and then a boat. You can browse schedules and book on GoAsia.cc.
Siem Reap to Koh Rong by Bus and Ferry
Giant Ibis runs a night bus from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville that leaves at 22:00 according to its schedule.[1] It lists the journey at 11 hours.[2] The bus has sleeper bunks that are 1.8 m long, with a pillow, a blanket and an onboard toilet, and it makes no bathroom stops.[2] The drivers swap during brief stops of about 15 minutes.[2] It arrives at the Giant Ibis ticket office on Phe Street, next to the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port.[2]
On booking platforms, combined bus and ferry tickets cost about $36 to $63 (October 2026).[3] The whole trip including the ferry takes from about 12 hours, longer if the bus and boat connection is tight.[3]
The Ferry Connection
The ferry to Koh Rong leaves from Sihanoukville Pier and takes about 45 minutes, and a return fare is about $25.[4] Buva Sea also runs speedboats from the mainland to Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem and Koh Sdach.[5]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Bus and ferry combined ticket | From about 12h[3] | About $36 - $63[3] |
| Ferry only, Sihanoukville to Koh Rong | About 45min[4] | About $25 return[4] |
Tips for Traveling from Siem Reap to Koh Rong
- Keep Essentials Close: Your large luggage will be stored in the hold beneath the bus. Keep your passport, wallet, phone and a bottle of water in a small daypack that stays with you.
- Check the Pier: The islands have several piers and beaches. Ensure you know which beach your accommodation is on, so you board the right boat in Sihanoukville.
- Bring Cash: There are no ATMs on Koh Rong, so carry enough US dollars.[4]
- Motion Sickness: If you are prone to seasickness, have some ginger sweets or medication ready before you board the boat.
Timetable
| Bus Siem Reap - Koh Rong $ 35.96–62.12 11h 47m – 15h 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Siem Reap to Koh Rong, including current prices and schedules.
Combined bus and ferry tickets start at about $36 on booking platforms (October 2026). They cover both the overnight bus and the boat transfer.
We found no faster land option than the night bus plus ferry, which takes from about 12 hours in total.
Giant Ibis lists the bus to Sihanoukville at 11 hours, and the ferry to Koh Rong takes about 45 minutes. Allow from about 12 hours in total.
The Giant Ibis night bus has an onboard toilet but makes no bathroom stops. The drivers swap during brief stops of about 15 minutes.
It depends on your ticket. Some booking platforms sell combined bus and ferry tickets. If your ticket only covers the bus, book the ferry separately with a ferry operator such as Island Speed Ferry or Buva Sea.
The UK FCDO notes that Cambodia has one of the highest road accident rates in south-east Asia and that travel after dark significantly increases risk. Choose a reputable operator and keep your valuables close.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Giant Ibis Transport: Bus Schedule. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Giant Ibis Transport: Bus from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: 12Go timetable Siem Reap - Koh Rong. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [4] Island Speed Ferry: Koh Rong: Cambodia Wild Island Paradise. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
- [5] Buva Sea: Buva Sea Cambodia. Retrieved October 17, 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.