Getting There & Away: Koh Rong

Air Travel

Flights to Sihanoukville KOS

Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) mainly serves domestic flights from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. It also features a growing number of international routes.

Airlines & Routes

Domestic Flights: Cambodia Angkor Air operates routes between Sihanoukville, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap.
International Flights: Direct routes from regional hubs like Kuala Lumpur via AirAsia.
Flight frequency varies with the tourist season, impacting prices. Check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Sihanoukville Airport (KOS) maintains a relatively small size and basic facilities. You find immigration and customs services upon international arrival. There are a few small shops and cafes.

Transfer Options to Ferry Piers

Taxi/Tuk-tuk: Readily available outside the terminal (US$15-25). Agree on price before travel.
Ride-sharing Apps: PassApp and Grab work in Sihanoukville for fixed prices.
Pre-arranged Transfers: Many Koh Rong accommodations or tour operators arrange transfers from KOS to the ferry pier.

Domestic Flight

Fly from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap to Sihanoukville for quick access to the coast.

Budget Conscious

Consider bus travel to Sihanoukville from other Cambodian cities for economical onward journeys.

Ferry Essential

Access to Koh Rong relies exclusively on ferry or private boat from Sihanoukville.

Land Transportation to Sihanoukville

Bus & Train Options

Long-Distance Bus: Most common and economical from Phnom Penh (4-6 hrs, $10-15) or Siem Reap (10-12 hrs, $15-25).
Train Connections: Royal Railway operates limited passenger services from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, typically on weekends.
Booking: Book bus tickets online via BookMeBus or direct from companies.
Self-driving is possible but not recommended for most tourists due to challenging road conditions.

Road Conditions & Safety

Major roads connecting Phnom Penh/Siem Reap to Sihanoukville are generally paved and improved.
Roads can still have potholes, uneven sections, or ongoing construction.
Exercise caution if traveling by land, especially at night, as lighting is often poor.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement is legally necessary for driving motorized vehicles.

Sea Arrivals to Koh Rong

Ferry Companies & Piers

Koh Rong welcomes access exclusively by ferry or private boat from Sihanoukville. Common departure points include Serendipity Pier or Ochheuteal Pier. Ferries serve Koh Touch Pier, Saracen Bay Pier, and other beaches like Long Set Beach or Sok San Beach.

Major Ferry Operators

Speed Ferry Cambodia (SFC), GTVC Speedboat, Buva Sea Cambodia, and Island Speed Ferry are major companies. Speed ferries typically take 45-60 minutes. Slower local boats take longer (2-3 hours).

Booking & Frequency

Most companies offer multiple daily departures. Advance booking is highly recommended, especially during high season. Book online via platforms like BookMeBus or directly on company websites. Round-trip tickets often prove more economical.

Departure Information

Ferry & Airport Departures

Planning your departure from Koh Rong back to the mainland and onward is important as planning your arrival. Smooth departures rely on understanding exit procedures and timing.

Departure Procedures

Ferry Departure: Arrive at your designated pier on Koh Rong at least 30 minutes before schedule.
Airport Departure (KOS): Arrive at least 1-2 hours before domestic flights, 2-3 hours before international flights.
Onward Travel: Allow 1-2 hours between ferry arrival in Sihanoukville and bus departure.

Exit Fees & Facilities

No specific exit fees or taxes exist for departing Cambodia by air or land, beyond standard visa fees. Ferry tickets include the cost of the journey.

Airport & Pier Facilities

Sihanoukville Airport (KOS): Offers basic check-in, small departure lounge, limited food/beverage.
Ferry Piers on Koh Rong: Simple structures with ticket offices and basic waiting areas.
Expect to wait outdoors or in basic shelter at island piers.

Airline Compensation for Delays

Claiming Compensation

Services like AirHelp specialize in helping passengers receive up to €600 for delayed or canceled flights.
They typically operate on a commission basis (e.g., 15-16.6%) from the compensation received.
Their services often hold a cookie duration (e.g., 45 days) for tracking referrals.

Travel Insurance for Unexpected Events

Comprehensive travel insurance provides peace of mind for unforeseen circumstances that might impact your travel plans.

Coverage Benefits

Medical and travel-related coverage from providers like Insubuy for visitors to the US.
World Nomads provides adventurous traveler insurance.
SafetyWing designs insurance for digital nomads and remote teams.

Important Departure Reminder

Ferry schedules can change based on demand, season, and especially weather conditions.
During the wet season, rough seas frequently lead to cancellations or delays.
Always check updated timetables for your chosen ferry company.

Allow ample buffer time between your ferry arrival in Sihanoukville and any onward flights or bus connections.
Confirm your ferry's specific departure pier in Koh Rong when booking.
Upon arrival in Sihanoukville, taxis/tuk-tuks are readily available at piers for onward transfers.

Onward Journey Resources

Visa Application Services

For a streamlined visa application process before your trip, consider specialized services.

Online Visa Providers

IVisa offers a consumer-friendly online visa application service for various destinations.
VisaHQ provides direct visa and passport services, often simplifying complex applications.
Always verify country-specific requirements directly with official government sources.

Car Rental Services

If exploring mainland Cambodia by road, booking a car rental in advance is a good strategy.

Booking Platforms

DiscoverCars.com offers a comparison of car rental deals from various providers globally.
Remember an International Driving Permit is necessary for driving in Cambodia.
Review local driving laws and road conditions before embarking on a self-drive adventure.

Confirm Bookings

Always reconfirm flight and ferry schedules a day or two before departure.

Pack Light

Lighter luggage makes transfers between boats and mainland transport easier.

Enjoy The Journey

The travel to Koh Rong, while logistical, forms part of the adventure itself.

Overall Travel Planning

Strategic Connections

Connecting smoothly from airports or land borders to the Koh Rong ferries calls for a strategic approach.

Connecting Transport

Plan airport transfers to ferry piers well in advance, especially upon international arrival.
For bus travel, factor in potential delays and bus station locations relative to ferry terminals.
Ensure ferry bookings align with your mainland arrival times to avoid long waits.

Visa & Health Coordination

Seamless entry to Cambodia extends beyond tickets to proper visa and health document management.

Document Readiness

Confirm your passport's validity and visa type before booking any travel segments.
Carry physical and digital copies of all documents.
Have vaccination records and any medical notes easily accessible.

Timely Bookings

Book ferries and connecting transport in advance, especially during peak season.

Flexible Routes

Stay flexible with travel times due to potential weather-related delays.

Information is Power

Current weather forecasts and local travel advisories aid your journey.

Departure Checklist

Prior to Leaving Koh Rong

Ensure a smooth departure from the island by verifying your ferry details and considering onward travel connections.

Reminders

Have your ferry ticket readily available before heading to the pier.
Arrive at your departure pier at least 30 minutes before scheduled ferry time.
Recheck ferry schedules, especially during wet season for potential delays.

Onward From Sihanoukville

For a seamless transition from the mainland to your next destination, plan your connections with care.

Connecting Safely

Allow sufficient time (1-2 hours for domestic, 2-3 hours for international) for airport check-in.
Account for ferry delays and travel time to bus stations if taking an onward bus.
Pre-arranged transfers from Sihanoukville piers can reduce stress.

Logistics Summary

Airport Facilities

Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) maintains basic check-in counters and a small departure lounge.

Ferry Pier Experience

Ferry piers on Koh Rong are simple structures; expect basic waiting areas, sometimes outdoors.

No Exit Fees

There are no additional exit fees or taxes for departing Cambodia beyond what is included in your travel tickets.

Final Departure Check

Plan your departure with similar care as your arrival. This supports a relaxed and efficient exit from Koh Rong and onward to your next destination.

Getting There & Away