A direct boat connects Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, making it realistic to split a longer trip between both islands without returning to the mainland in between.
Where the boat departs from
Departures typically run from Koh Touch village on Koh Rong to Saracen Bay on Koh Rong Samloem, the main hub areas on each island. Confirm the exact departure point with your ferry operator or accommodation, since some smaller boats use alternate piers.
Frequency and schedule
This route runs less frequently than the mainland-to-Koh Rong ferry, often just once or twice daily depending on the operator and season. Checking the current schedule a day ahead rather than assuming multiple daily options is worth doing.
Journey time and cost
The crossing typically takes 30-45 minutes and costs roughly $10-15 one way, similar in price to a standard mainland-to-island ferry ticket despite the shorter distance, given lower overall passenger volume on this specific route.
Booking your ticket
Tickets can be arranged through your accommodation on either island or booked directly at the departure pier. Given the more limited daily schedule, confirming your onward departure a day in advance is a sensible precaution rather than assuming a same-day booking will work.
Alternative: routing back through Sihanoukville
If a direct crossing doesn’t fit your schedule, returning to Sihanoukville and taking a separate ferry to the other island remains an option, though it adds meaningful time and cost compared to the direct route — see our Sihanoukville to Koh Rong ferry guide for that alternative.
Planning your island time around this connection
A common pattern is a few days at Koh Rong first, followed by a quieter stretch at Koh Rong Samloem before heading back to the mainland — see our Koh Rong vs Koh Rong Samloem comparison if you’re still deciding how to split your time.
What to bring for the crossing
As with any open-water crossing here, a dry bag for electronics and valuables is worth having, along with motion sickness tablets if you’re prone to seasickness, particularly during rougher wet-season conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct ferry between Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem?
Yes, a direct boat runs between the two islands, typically once or twice daily, avoiding the need to return to the mainland.
How much does the Koh Rong to Koh Rong Samloem ferry cost?
Roughly $10-15 one way, similar to the mainland-to-island ferry price despite the shorter crossing.
Should I book this ferry in advance?
Recommended a day ahead given the more limited daily schedule compared to the busier mainland routes.
What to expect on board
These boats tend to be smaller than the main Sihanoukville-to-Koh Rong ferries, sometimes with limited covered seating. Expect a more basic, no-frills crossing rather than anything resembling a larger passenger ferry — part of the charm for some, a minor discomfort for others depending on conditions that day.
Luggage on this crossing
Space for luggage is more limited on these smaller boats than the main mainland ferries — if you’re carrying a lot of gear, confirming with the operator ahead of time that there’s room avoids an awkward situation at the pier.
Weather and cancellations on this route
Given the smaller boats used on this specific crossing, rougher wet-season conditions are more likely to cause delays or cancellations here than on the larger mainland ferries. Building a buffer day into your schedule around this crossing during the wetter months is a sensible precaution.
Where to stay before and after this crossing
If you’re ending your Koh Rong stay at Koh Touch before this crossing, see our where to stay on Koh Rong guide for accommodation near the departure point, and our best beachfront bungalows on Koh Rong Samloem guide for options once you arrive.
Combining this with your overall Cambodia itinerary
This crossing works best as a mid-trip connector rather than something to plan a whole itinerary around — most travelers treat it as a logistics step between two island stays rather than an experience in itself, given the more basic boats and limited schedule compared to the mainland routes.
Cash and payment on this route
As with most boat operators on both islands, cash payment in US dollars is the standard expectation — card payment infrastructure is essentially nonexistent for this specific crossing, so arrive with enough cash for your ticket and any onward transport.
The bottom line
This direct crossing is a genuinely useful shortcut for travelers wanting to experience both islands without an unnecessary detour back through Sihanoukville, though it comes with the tradeoffs of a smaller, less frequent, weather-sensitive service — plan with a bit of flexibility rather than a tightly scheduled connection.
Arriving at the pier with time to spare
Given the smaller scale of this operation compared to the mainland ferry terminals, arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure — there’s no large waiting area or clear signage system here, and boats can depart close to on time once enough passengers have gathered.
Whichever direction you’re traveling, double-checking the current schedule with your accommodation the day before remains the most reliable way to avoid a wasted trip to the pier, since this route’s timing shifts more than the busier mainland connections.
Traveling with a group across this route
If you’re traveling as a group of four or more, contacting the boat operator ahead of time to confirm capacity is worth doing, since these smaller vessels have tighter passenger limits than the larger mainland ferries and a fully booked crossing isn’t unheard of during peak season weekends.
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