Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem: adding the islands
Adding Cambodia’s islands: Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem, speedboats from Sihanoukville, the expressway from Phnom Penh, and how many nights to allow.
A beach on Koh Rong
Researched from published sources
In short
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are the main islands off Sihanoukville, reached by speedboat in roughly 30 to 45 minutes from the mainland pier. Sihanoukville is about two hours from Phnom Penh on the expressway. Koh Rong is larger and busier; Koh Rong Sanloem is quieter. Two or three nights are enough for most trips.
Cambodia’s islands are a good way to end a trip that has been busy with temples, history and long roads. The two most visited, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem, lie off Sihanoukville in the Gulf of Thailand, with white sand beaches and clear water.
Which island
Koh Rong is the larger island, with a busier main village near the pier and more choice of places to eat and stay. Koh Rong Sanloem is smaller and quieter, with accommodation spread along its bays. Both have simple beach bungalows and a handful of more comfortable resorts.
Getting there
Sihanoukville is about two hours from Phnom Penh on the expressway that opened in 2022, much quicker than the old National Road 4. From the mainland, several companies run speedboats to both islands, roughly 30 to 45 minutes, with the first departures in the morning and the last in the afternoon. Timetables and prices change by season and between operators, and the islands use different piers, so we confirm them for your dates.
Weather matters: in the wet season seas can be rougher, and crossings are sometimes delayed or cancelled. Avoid scheduling the island return on the same day as an international flight.
Fitting the islands in
Two or three nights is enough for most travelers. The islands pair well with Kampot and Kep on the way, and with Phnom Penh for the flight home. Our 10-day route shows one way to combine Angkor, Phnom Penh and the coast.
Questions travelers ask
Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem?
Koh Rong is larger, with a busier main village and more choice; Koh Rong Sanloem is quieter, with resorts spread along its beaches. Choose by how lively you want your evenings and where your accommodation is.
How do I get to the islands from Phnom Penh?
Drive or take a bus on the Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville expressway, about two hours, then take a speedboat from Sihanoukville. Leave time for the connection and for weather delays.
Do you arrange island stays?
We plan the transfer and timing and suggest where to stay as part of a route, and confirm boat times for your dates. We do not yet propose specific island hotels we have not checked.
Sources and checks
Time-sensitive details on this page (prices, schedules, travel times, access) were last checked against the sources below on 12 October 2026. They change, so any proposal reconfirms them with the provider first.
Tell us what you want from eastern Cambodia
Share your dates, what you hope to see and how you like to travel. We reply with a first view of the route and, when you are ready, a written proposal with the price, what it includes and who provides each part of the trip.
