About the ride from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem
While the distance from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem (also known as Koh Rong Sanloem) is only 24 km (13 miles), the journey takes you from a vibrant town known for its parties and nightlife to a laid-back island with charming beaches and the clearest blue waters you’ll ever see. Koh Rong Samloem is home to the Lazy Beach, a beach that was once voted one of the best beaches in the world by National Geographic. The island of Koh Rong Samloem is your chance to put your feet up, connect with nature, and of course, work on your tan.
Koh Rong Samloem is only reachable by boat, but with multiple ferry operators offering convenient departure times throughout the day, this means getting to the island from Sihanoukville is a breeze. Most boats leave from the Serendipity Pier in Sihanoukville and take between half an hour to one hour to reach Koh Rong Samloem.
With the Ochheuteal Beach and bars nearby, the Serendipity Pier is a good place to relax and have a beer before you head out on your ferry ride. Since there are a number of ferry companies running services multiple times a day to the nearby islands, it is best to confirm with the staff at the pier that you are, indeed, on the right ferry.
There are multiple piers to disembark at, depending on the ferry carrier you choose. Try to find out which pier your hotel is closest to, so that you can book your ferry ticket according to that. Most hotels or resorts are located in and around Saracen Bay and are easy to reach from the pier. However, if your hotel is not close to any drop off points, definitely call ahead and arrange for a hotel pick up.
Koh Rong Samloem is the perfect place to laze around and recharge your batteries. From snorkeling to kayaking to exploring the island by bike, there is plenty to do on this pristine island. Set off on a day trip and go island hopping to the nearby islands of Koh Rong or Koh Ta Kiev or hike your way from Long Beach to Koh Toch Village. Instagram-worthy pictures can be found in every nook and corner of this beautiful island.
Take an evening boat ride to Long Set Beach to watch the inky blue waters light up with bioluminescent plankton. But, if all you want to do is experience some beachside bliss, the island provides pristine strips of sand to relax and view unforgettable sunsets.
How to get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem?
Take a ferry
The ferry ride from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem is a short one, but it gives you a chance to take in the beauty of the Gulf of Thailand and its crystal clear waters.
While the smaller ferries offer semi-covered seating areas, the bigger boats offer fully-covered, air conditioned indoor seating and toilet facilities. If you are planning a more extended stay in Koh Rong Samloem and are traveling with extra luggage, book your travel with the larger ferry operators. With a 60 kg luggage allowance per passenger, you will have plenty of space for your suitcases.
The ferry rides are also a great place to meet travelers from around the world and exchange stories about your journey in Cambodia. And who knows, you might even get the inside scoop on the best beaches, best restaurants and best bars on the island from a seasoned traveler.
What to see when traveling from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem?
As you leave the Serendipity pier, you can enjoy the Sihanoukville coastline and the Ochheuteal beach. As the town fades into the distance, you will have nothing but expansive views of the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Thailand to revel in. Sit back and read up on the must-see and must-do activities in Koh Rong Samloem or take in the fresh sea breeze.
The main pier of Koh Rong Samloem is located on the beautiful Saracen Bay, the most popular beach on the island. When you approach the island, it will be tough not to be struck by the pristine strips of white sand beaches set against the thick green of the jungles behind. Most resorts are located around Saracen Bay, so getting to your accommodation should be reasonably straightforward. But if your hotel is not close to the main pier, do call ahead to find out where you should get off and arrange for ground transportation.