Koh Rong (Palm Beach) Ferries

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

The journey to Koh Rong begins in Sihanoukville, Cambodia's main coastal city, where regular ferry services depart throughout the day. From Phnom Penh, travelers can reach Sihanoukville via a 4-5 hour bus journey, while those coming from Siem Reap should plan for an 8-10 hour trip by bus. Once in Sihanoukville, the main ferry terminal at Serendipity Pier offers multiple daily departures with the crossing taking approximately 45 minutes to an hour depending on sea conditions. For those arriving by car, several secure parking options exist near the pier, though many travelers find it more convenient to use taxis or tuk-tuks to reach the ferry terminal.

Koh Rong, home to the stunning Palm Beach, stands as Cambodia's second-largest island and a jewel in the Gulf of Thailand. With its powdery white sand beaches stretching for miles, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush jungle interior, this island offers the quintessential tropical getaway. As a key ferry destination from mainland Cambodia, Koh Rong provides visitors with that perfect balance of natural beauty and developing tourism infrastructure while still maintaining its laid-back island charm.

Koh Rong enjoys a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons that shape the island experience. The ideal time to visit falls between November and April during the dry season when clear skies, calm seas, and temperatures hovering around 25-30°C (77-86°F) create perfect beach conditions. December through February offers the most comfortable temperatures and reliable ferry crossings with minimal disruptions. The wet season (May to October) brings occasional heavy downpours, higher humidity, and sometimes choppy seas that may affect ferry schedules, though prices are lower and crowds thinner. For a truly magical experience, plan your visit during the darker months when bioluminescent plankton light up the nighttime waters around Palm Beach.

Koh Rong serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring Cambodia's southern islands. Just a 30-minute ferry ride away lies Koh Rong Samloem, a smaller, even more tranquil island known for its pristine beaches and laid-back atmosphere. For those seeking complete seclusion, the tiny islands of Koh Ta Kiev and Koh Thmei can be reached within 1-2 hours, offering untouched beaches and rustic bungalow accommodations. Mainland Sihanoukville, with its developing waterfront and access to Cambodia's road network, is just 45 minutes away by fast ferry. The waters between these islands create a picturesque island-hopping experience, with opportunities to spot marine life during the journeys.

Palm Beach itself offers some of the finest swimming and sunbathing on the island, with its stretch of pristine white sand and shallow, clear waters perfect for families. Adventure seekers can explore the island's interior jungle trails, leading to hidden viewpoints and the charming fishing village of Prek Svay on the northeastern shore. The island's waters are perfect for snorkeling and diving, with vibrant coral reefs just offshore housing colorful tropical fish and other marine creatures. Culinary explorers will delight in the fresh seafood barbecues that light up the beach each evening, where local fishermen's daily catches are served alongside cold Angkor beers. For a unique nighttime experience, take a boat tour to witness the magical bioluminescent plankton that illuminate the waters around the island.

Despite its growing popularity, Koh Rong only received 24-hour electricity in most areas around 2018, with some remote parts of the island still relying on generators. The island's name translates roughly to 'Cave Island' in Khmer, referring to the numerous limestone formations along its coastline that were once used by local fishermen during storms. Before becoming a tourist destination, Koh Rong was primarily home to small fishing communities whose traditional wooden boats can still be seen dotting the horizon at dawn. The waters surrounding the island contain one of the largest concentrations of bioluminescent plankton in Southeast Asia, creating the natural phenomenon of 'blue tears' that make nighttime swimming a magical experience.