Koh Rong Samloem (Sunset Beach) Ferries

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

Most travelers access Koh Rong Samloem via ferry services departing from Sihanoukville on Cambodia's mainland, with journeys typically taking 40-60 minutes depending on the boat type and weather conditions. The mainland port is easily reached by bus from Phnom Penh (4-5 hours) or Siem Reap (8-10 hours), with taxis and private transfers also widely available. For international visitors, Sihanoukville International Airport offers connections to several Asian cities, with the ferry terminal just a 30-minute drive away. If arriving by car, several secure parking options are available near the Sihanoukville ferry terminal, though advance booking is recommended during peak season.

Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Rong Samloem offers a tranquil escape from the mainland with its pristine white beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This idyllic island, known for its spectacular Sunset Beach, presents the perfect balance of natural beauty and low-key development. As a ferry destination, it provides travelers with the chance to experience a more relaxed and authentic side of Cambodia's coastal treasures.

The dry season from November to April offers the most reliable weather for visiting Koh Rong Samloem, with sunny days, calm seas, and optimal conditions for swimming and snorkeling. December to February brings slightly cooler temperatures (25-28°C) and the clearest waters, making it ideal for underwater exploration. The shoulder months of November and March-April maintain excellent conditions with fewer visitors and more competitive accommodation rates. While the May-October rainy season brings occasional heavy downpours and rougher seas that may affect ferry schedules, many travelers appreciate the lush landscapes, dramatic sunsets, and significantly lower prices during these months.

Koh Rong Samloem serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring Cambodia's southern islands. A 20-minute ferry ride connects you to Koh Rong, the larger sister island known for its vibrant beach bars, glowing bioluminescent plankton, and longer stretches of sand. Day trips to the tiny, undeveloped Koh Koun offer exceptional snorkeling among coral gardens just 30 minutes away by boat. More adventurous travelers can arrange island-hopping excursions to Koh Ta Kiev and Koh Thmei, where jungle trails and secluded beaches await exploration. The journey between islands often reveals dolphins playing in the boat wake, making transfers an experience in themselves.

Sunset Beach lives up to its name with spectacular evening displays that paint the sky in vivid oranges and pinks as the sun dips below the horizon. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts will appreciate the island's vibrant marine life, with colorful coral gardens accessible directly from the shore at Lazy Beach and Marine Park. Hiking trails crisscross the island's interior, leading to the charming lighthouse on the southern tip and through dense jungle where exotic birds and butterflies flit between the trees. Culinary highlights include freshly-caught seafood barbecues on the beach, traditional Khmer fish amok served in banana leaves, and tropical fruit smoothies from beachside shacks. The laid-back M'Pai Bay fishing village offers a glimpse into local life and hosts several relaxed restaurants serving authentic Cambodian cuisine.

Despite its growing popularity, Koh Rong Samloem remains electricity-free in many areas, with generators and solar power providing limited hours of electricity, creating a truly disconnected experience. The island was once used as a base by the Cambodian Navy, and remnants of military structures can still be found hidden among the jungle foliage. At night, swimming in certain bays reveals the magical phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton that light up like underwater stars with every movement. Unlike many Southeast Asian islands, Koh Rong Samloem has maintained strict development restrictions, ensuring its beaches remain among the most pristine in the region.