How to Get to Koh Rong. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Flights to Sihanoukville KOS

Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) primarily serves domestic flights from The Vibrant heart of cambodia and Siem Reap. It features a growing number of international routes.

Airlines & Routes

Domestic Flights: Cambodia Angkor Air operates routes between Sihanoukville, The City of four faces, and Siem Reap.
International Flights: Direct paths 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 essential facilities. You find immigration and customs services upon international arrival. There are a couple of 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 function in Sihanoukville for established prices.
Pre-arranged Transfers: Many Koh Rong accommodations or tour operators arrange transfers from KOS to the ferry pier.

Domestic Flight

Fly from The City of four faces or The Gateway to angkor wat to Sihanoukville for quick access to the coast.

Budget Conscious

Consider bus travel to Sihanoukville from other Cambodian metropolises 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 plus budget-friendly from The City of four faces (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 straight 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 chuckholes, 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 operating a vehicle 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 coastlines 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. Reserving ahead is highly recommended, especially during high season. Book on the internet via platforms like BookMeBus or directly on company websites. Round-trip tickets often prove more economical.

Departure Information

Ferry & Airport Departures

Preparing to depart from Koh Rong back to the main landmass 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 An Island in cambodia at least 30 minutes before schedule.
Leaving The airport (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 application costs. Boat tickets encompass 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 bureaus and fundamental waiting areas.
Expect to wait outdoors or in basic shelter at island piers.

Airline Compensation for Delays

Claiming Compensation

Services like AirHelp focus on helping passengers receive up to €600 for delayed or canceled flights.
They usually 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 offers tranquility for unforeseen circumstances that might impact your travel plans.

Coverage Benefits

Medical and travel-related coverage from providers like Insubuy for people coming to the US.
World Nomads provides adventurous traveler insurance.
SafetyWing designs insurance for location-independent professionals and 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 boat arrival in Sihanoukville and any onward flights or bus connections.
Confirm your ferry's specific departure pier in Koh Rong upon booking.
When you arrive in Sihanoukville, taxis/tuk-tuks can be readily obtained 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

While discovering mainland Cambodia by car, booking a car rental in advance is a smart 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 setting off 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 admission to proper visa and health document management.

Document Readiness

Confirm your passport's validity and visa type before booking any travel segments.
Bring tangible 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 support your journey.

Departure Checklist

Prior to Leaving Koh Rong

Ensure a smooth departure off the island by verifying the ferry you are taking details and considering onward transport links.

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 shift from the mainland to your next destination, plan your links with care.

Connecting Safely

Allow sufficient time (1-2 hours for domestic, 2-3 hours for international) for airport check-in.
Account for the 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 straightforward structures; expect basic waiting areas, sometimes outdoors.

No Exit Fees

There are no extra 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 a arrival. This supports a laid-back and efficient exit from An Island in cambodia and onward to your next destination.

How to Get to Koh Rong