Contents
TL;DR:
| Island Loop Detail | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Recommended duration | 4–5 days |
| Starting point | Sihanoukville, Cambodia |
| First stop | Koh Rong, with Long Set Beach and Koh Touch worth exploring |
| Second stop | Koh Rong Samloem, known for its quieter beaches and coastal trails |
| Where to stay | Accommodation options include Mad Monkey Koh Rong and Mad Monkey Koh Rong Samloem |
| Inter-island transport | Scheduled speedboat or private longtail |
| Return destination | Sihanoukville |
| Recommended route | Sihanoukville → Koh Rong → Koh Rong Samloem → Sihanoukville |
Suggested itinerary: Spend two days exploring Koh Rong, cross to Koh Rong Samloem on Day 3, then spend another day discovering its beaches before returning to Sihanoukville on Day 5.
Four days is possible if your ferry connections line up, but five gives you more time to explore both islands without rushing between boat departures.
How Many Days Do You Need for the Koh Rong to Koh Rong Samloem Island Loop?
Four to five days is a comfortable amount of time to visit both islands. This gives you time to explore Koh Rong, make the inter-island crossing, and enjoy Koh Rong Samloem before returning to the mainland.
Here’s a suggested itinerary:
| Day | Destination | Suggested activities |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Sihanoukville → Koh Rong | Take the speed ferry, check in at Mad Monkey Koh Rong, and spend the afternoon on Long Set Beach |
| Day 2 | Koh Rong | Explore Koh Touch, enjoy the coastline, or join an island activity |
| Day 3 | Koh Rong → Koh Rong Samloem | Take a confirmed inter-island boat and transfer to Mad Monkey’s private bay |
| Day 4 | Koh Rong Samloem | Explore Saracen Bay, Sunset Beach or Lazy Beach |
| Day 5 | Koh Rong Samloem → Sihanoukville | Take the Mad Monkey boat to Saracen Bay and catch a mainland ferry |
If you have an extra day, consider spending it on Koh Rong. There’s more to explore beyond Long Set Beach, and another day means you won’t have to squeeze everything into one afternoon.
You can also reverse the route, starting on Koh Rong Samloem and finishing on Koh Rong. Just check the available boat connections before deciding which island comes first.
Mad Monkey Tip: Don’t plan your mainland return around a tight ferry connection. Sea conditions and boat schedules can change, so leave enough time between your accommodation transfer and your mainland boat.
How to Get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong?
The island loop begins in Sihanoukville, where speed ferries connect the mainland with Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. If you’re heading to Long Set Beach, check that your ferry stops at Long Set Pier before booking. Koh Rong has several arrival points, and choosing the right one can save you an unnecessary journey across the island.
Where to Catch the Ferry to Koh Rong?
If you’re heading to Long Set Beach, look for a direct ferry that stops at Long Set Pier. GTVC Speedboat currently lists four daily departures for this route:
| Departure from Sihanoukville | Arrival at Long Set Beach | One-way fare |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | 8:50 AM | ៛69,000 ($17 USD) |
| 11:00 AM | 11:50 AM | ៛69,000 ($17 USD) |
| 2:00 PM | 2:50 PM | ៛69,000 ($17 USD) |
| 4:00 PM | 4:50 PM | ៛69,000 ($17 USD) |
You can book your crossing directly through GTVC Speedboat, with return tickets at ៛122,000 ($30 USD) per adult.
If Long Set Beach is your first stop, make sure you select Long Set Pier when booking. It’s a small detail, but getting dropped at the right part of the island makes settling in much easier. Travelling from Phnom Penh? Leave enough time for the journey to Sihanoukville so you don’t have to rush for your ferry.
How to Reach Long Set Beach from the Pier?
Once you arrive at Long Set Pier, you’re just a short walk from the beach.
Long Set Beach, also known as 4K Beach, stretches for approximately four kilometres along Koh Rong’s coastline. Follow the path from the pier towards the beachfront accommodation and check your property’s directions before setting off.
You’ll find several places to stay along this stretch, including Mad Monkey Koh Rong, located approximately 200 metres from Long Set Pier. Its beachfront setting, bar, and restaurant make it the best option for travellers looking to stay close to the water without being too far from the island’s social scene.
What to Do on Koh Rong Before Crossing to Koh Rong Samloem?
Give Koh Rong at least a full day before heading to Koh Rong Samloem. The island has a different feel depending on where you spend your time, from the long stretch of sand at Long Set Beach to the restaurants, bars, and ferry connections around Koh Touch. A little time here gives you a chance to experience both sides before moving on.
Where to Spend a Beach Day on Koh Rong? Long Set Beach.
Long Set Beach, also known as 4K Beach, stretches for around four kilometres along Koh Rong’s coastline. It’s a good spot for a swim, a long walk along the sand, or an afternoon with nowhere in particular to be.
Beachfront restaurants and bars are scattered along the shore, so you can easily spend most of the day by the water. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in this area, Mad Monkey Koh Rong is located directly on Long Set Beach, close to the sand and the main beachfront spots.
For a change from typical beachside menus, Sunny Turkish Fast Food is another dining option within walking distance.
Want more ideas for your time on the island? Read our Koh Rong travel guide for tips on getting there and what to do once you arrive.
Where to Eat, Drink and Explore in Koh Touch? Explore Koh Touch
Koh Touch offers a different side of the island. As Koh Rong’s main backpacker hub, its waterfront is lined with restaurants, bars, small shops and ferry connections.
It’s also a good place to arrange activities around the island. Local operators offer snorkelling trips, kayaking, paddleboarding and jungle walks, depending on the season and conditions. If you have time, spend a few hours exploring rather than just passing through on your way to the next ferry.
What Is Koh Rong Like After Dark? Experience Koh Rong’s Nightlife
Koh Rong doesn’t wind down when the beach day ends. Around Koh Touch, the waterfront takes on a livelier feel, with bars, music, and travellers gathering into the evening. Long Set Beach is a different scene, with a more laid-back atmosphere for dinner and drinks by the water.
Mad Moneky Tip: Check your inter-island ferry arrangements before your last day on Koh Rong. Departure points and schedules can vary, and some crossings aren’t available to book online. Confirm the details with your accommodation or boat operator before travelling.
How to Get from Koh Rong to Koh Rong Samloem?
This is where the island loop gets interesting. Instead of heading all the way back to Sihanoukville, you can cross directly from Koh Rong to Koh Rong Samloem by passenger boat. It’s a short journey, but the route you take depends on where you’re staying and which piers are being served that day.
Boats connect different parts of the islands, including Long Set Pier and Koh Touch on Koh Rong, with Soon Noeng Pier and M’Pai Bay on Koh Rong Samloem. Some services also use other designated landing points, so check your arrival pier before booking.
The crossing can take around 15–30 minutes, depending on the route and sea conditions.
What Are the Options for Travelling Between the Islands?
Taking the Boat from Koh Rong to Koh Rong Samloem
You don’t have to return to Sihanoukville to reach Koh Rong Samloem. Direct boat crossings connect the two islands, making it easy to continue your trip without retracing your route back to the mainland.
From Long Set Pier, Romny Tour Express runs a connection to Soon Noeng Pier, with departures at 10:15 AM and 2:00 PM. The crossing takes around 15–30 minutes and costs approximately ៛52,000 ($13 USD) one way.
You can also travel between the islands with CMR Island Crossing, which connects Long Set Beach and Koh Touch with Soon Noeng and M’Pai Bay. Check the CMR Island Crossing schedule for route details and confirm your departure time before travelling.
If you’re travelling with a group, hiring a private longtail boat is another option. You can arrange one through local operators or your accommodation, with the fare depending on your route, group size, and sea conditions.
How Much Does It Cost to Travel Between Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem?
A shared boat between Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem will generally cost around ៛24,000–52,000 ($6–13 USD) per person, one way. The price depends on your departure point, arrival pier, and the service you choose.
One thing to keep in mind is that not every crossing can be booked online. Some boats are arranged directly at the pier or through local accommodation providers.
Mad Monkey Tip: Pay particular attention to where your boat leaves and where it drops you off. A crossing to Soon Noeng, for example, won’t necessarily get you to M’Pai Bay or your accommodation’s private beach. If you’re staying somewhere away from the arrival pier, you may need to arrange another boat for the final stretch. And with sea conditions affecting island crossings, leave a little flexibility in your travel plans.
What to Explore on Koh Rong Samloem During Your Stay?
Once you’ve settled in, make time to see more of Koh Rong Samloem beyond the bay where you’re staying. The island has a few distinct coastal spots, each with its own feel, from the busier beachfront around Saracen Bay to the quieter western beaches.
If you’re still exploring Cambodia’s islands, our guide to the best Cambodian islands also compares Koh Rong Samloem with other island destinations worth adding to your route.
What Can You Do in Saracen Bay, Koh Rong Samloem?
Saracen Bay is one of the island’s main visitor areas, with a long sandy beach lined with accommodation, restaurants and small businesses. It’s also an important transport hub, with piers serving boats travelling between Koh Rong Samloem and Sihanoukville.
It’s a good place to spend a few hours walking along the beachfront, stopping for lunch or checking out some of the island’s other accommodation and dining spots.
Where to Watch the Sunset on Koh Rong Samloem?
On the western side of Koh Rong Samloem, Sunset Beach is known for its west-facing coastline and views as the sun goes down.
One way to reach it is by following the jungle trail from the Saracen Bay area. Allow around 30–40 minutes for the walk, depending on your starting point and trail conditions. The path can be uneven and steep in places, so proper footwear is a better choice than flip-flops, particularly after rain.
The walk is part of the experience, but don’t underestimate the trail. Bring water and give yourself enough daylight to make the return journey.
How to Spend an Afternoon at Lazy Beach?
If you’d rather find a quieter stretch of sand, make time for Lazy Beach. Also on the western coast, it has a more secluded feel, with a restaurant and bar close to the beach.
You can reach it via its own walking trail or arrange a boat transfer. Don’t assume there’s a convenient trail connecting Lazy Beach and Sunset Beach. Unless local staff confirm otherwise, plan them as separate outings.
For more ideas on fitting these beaches into a wider trip, take a look at our 30-day Cambodia backpacking itinerary, which also features Koh Rong Samloem.
Mad Monkey Tip: Check your return boat arrangements before heading out to explore. Some beaches are reached by jungle trails, while others require a boat transfer. Confirm your return plan and allow enough time to get back before the last boat leaves.
How to Get Back to Sihanoukville from Koh Rong Samloem?
All good island loops eventually lead back to the mainland. After a few days of beach-hopping, jungle walks, and slow afternoons on Koh Rong Samloem, it’s time to make your way back to Sihanoukville.
Passenger ferries connect the island with the mainland, but there’s one thing to sort out first: getting from your beach to the right departure pier. Depending on where you’re staying, you might need a short boat transfer before boarding your ferry.
When Should You Leave Koh Rong Samloem?
Don’t leave this until the morning of your departure. Check your ferry time and arrange your transfer to the pier in advance, especially if your accommodation is tucked away in a private bay.
Check your ferry departure the day before and arrange any connecting transport in advance. Don’t leave it until the last minute, particularly during busy travel periods when boats can fill up.
How Long Does the Ferry from Koh Rong Samloem to Sihanoukville Take?
The speedboat ride back to Sihanoukville takes around 45–50 minutes, depending on the operator and departure pier. It’s a relatively short crossing, but remember that different ferry companies use different piers around the island.
GTVC Speedboat and Buva Sea both operate mainland services. GTVC’s Koh Rong Samloem connections include departures from Eden Pier, while other operators serve different points around Saracen Bay.
You can check schedules directly with GTVC Speedboat or Buva Sea, or compare available connections through 12Go.
Heading onwards to Phnom Penh, Kampot, or the airport? Give yourself a decent buffer between your ferry and the next journey. Boats can run late, and sea conditions sometimes have other plans.
One last look at the island, one final boat ride, and just like that, your Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem loop is complete.
Two Islands, One Well-Planned Route
Two islands, two completely different moods, and plenty of reasons to visit both. Koh Rong brings long stretches of sand, lively waterfronts, and evenings that tend to turn into stories. Koh Rong Samloem offers a slower rhythm, hidden coastal corners, jungle trails, and sunsets worth sticking around for.
So don’t rush the crossing, don’t pack every hour with plans, and definitely don’t settle for seeing just one island. Get out on the water, explore both coastlines, and let a few unexpected moments find their way into your Cambodia backpacking story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Direct passenger boat services connect the two islands, so you can visit both without returning to Sihanoukville in between. A four-to-five-day itinerary gives you time to explore each island, provided your travel dates line up with available boat services.
A direct speedboat can take approximately 15–30 minutes, depending on the departure and arrival piers. Boats with additional stops may take longer.
Recent listings show shared inter-island services starting at approximately ៛24,000 ($6 USD), with some routes listed around ៛52,000 ($13 USD) one way. Prices depend on the operator, route, and availability.
Starting on Koh Rong and finishing on Koh Rong Samloem is a good option if you want to move from a more social beachfront setting to a quieter private bay. However, you can reverse the route depending on available ferry connections and accommodation arrangements.
A practical four-to-five-day itinerary gives you around two days on Koh Rong and one to two days on Koh Rong Samloem, with the remaining time used for transfers. If you want more time for beach exploration, consider adding another day.
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