Koh Rong (Lototray Fisherman Village) Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

The journey to Koh Rong begins in Sihanoukville on Cambodia's mainland, where regular ferry services depart throughout the day from the Serendipity Pier and Ochheuteal Pier. The crossing typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour depending on weather conditions and the type of vessel. From Phnom Penh, travelers can reach Sihanoukville via a 4-5 hour bus journey or a shorter 3-hour private taxi ride. Once at the Sihanoukville port, the ferry terminal is easily accessible by tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi from anywhere in the city. For those with luggage, it's advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure times, as boarding can sometimes be a casual affair with limited organization.

Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Rong stands as Cambodia's second-largest island, offering a stunning escape of powdery white beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The island's charm lies in its unspoiled natural beauty, with dense jungle interiors contrasting dramatically with its 43 kilometers of breathtaking coastline. Lototray Fisherman Village represents the authentic heart of Koh Rong, where traditional Cambodian island life continues alongside the growing tourism scene. Visitors arriving by ferry will immediately sense the island's relaxed pace, where time seems to slow down the moment your feet touch the sand.

The ideal window for visiting Koh Rong falls between November and March, when the weather is consistently dry and temperatures hover pleasantly around 25-30°C (77-86°F). April and May bring intensifying heat, while the monsoon season from June to October delivers intermittent heavy rainfall, though many days still offer sunshine between showers. The Christmas and New Year period sees the island at its busiest, with accommodations often fully booked weeks in advance. For a perfect balance of good weather and manageable crowds, consider a trip in November or early December when the rainy season has just ended, leaving the island lush and green, and the sea exceptionally clear for snorkeling and diving.

Koh Rong serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring Cambodia's emerging island scene. The neighboring Koh Rong Samloem, just a 20-minute ferry ride away, offers a more serene atmosphere with fewer visitors and equally stunning beaches like Saracen Bay and Lazy Beach. Koh Ta Kiev, approximately 40 minutes by boat, presents a truly off-grid experience with rustic bungalows and virtually untouched beaches where you might be the only visitor. For those seeking a day trip, the tiny island of Koh Thmei inside Ream National Park can be reached in about an hour, offering excellent birdwatching and deserted beaches. The waters between these islands create a picturesque island-hopping route, with local fishermen sometimes offering private boat tours to secret spots not accessible by regular ferry services.

Beyond its postcard-perfect beaches, Koh Rong offers remarkable natural phenomena like swimming among bioluminescent plankton, which light up the nighttime waters like floating stars, best viewed on moonless nights at beaches away from bright lights. The island's underwater world beckons with vibrant coral reefs where snorkelers and divers can spot seahorses, blue-spotted rays, and colorful nudibranchs among the diverse marine life. Trekking through the jungle interior reveals a different side of Koh Rong, with paths leading to secluded beaches and viewpoints offering panoramic vistas across the island. Culinary adventures await at the beachside restaurants in Lototray Fisherman Village, where freshly caught seafood is prepared with Khmer spices, don't miss amok (coconut curry) made with the day's catch or kdam cha (fried crab with green Kampot peppercorns).

Despite its growing popularity, Koh Rong had no permanent electricity until 2018, with most businesses relying on generators that would shut off at midnight, creating the island's reputation for stargazing. The hit reality show 'Survivor' has filmed multiple international versions on Koh Rong's beaches, using its remote areas as the perfect backdrop for contestants' challenges. Incredibly, some parts of the island remain so untouched that new species are still being discovered, including the Koh Rong bush frog identified by scientists in 2014. The name 'Koh Rong' itself has been subject to various interpretations, with some locals claiming it means 'shelter island' while others suggest it refers to a historical monkey population, adding to the mystique of this Cambodian paradise.