The quickest way to Koh Sdach, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem is from Kampot.
Last updated: 17th March, 2026: Article updated to reflect the additional ferry service by GTVC.
TL;DR:
You've probably heard about Sihanoukville and why many travellers choose to skip it right? It is still worth a visit if you have time, especially for the beach; but if you're strapped for time, departing from Kampot is perfect for most travellers.
It's quick, just as affordable as going from Sihanoukville, and a lot less hassle as there is no bus transfer needed. The terminal and facilities at Kampot are newer, the town itself is worth a day or two, and now with two ferry operators to choose from, you have genuine flexibility on price and timing. A tuk-tuk to the terminal won't set you back much, and as both services grow we'd expect hostels and hotels to start offering pick-ups and shuttle services before long.
In a Facebook post from Buva Sea Cambodia, it was officially confirmed that the direct ferry from Kampot to Koh Sdach, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem resumed from the islands to Kampot on 6th March, with services from Kampot to the islands beginning on 7th March. The high-speed catamaran was due to launch earlier but was delayed due to a combination of regional border tensions and low visitor numbers. A one-way ticket from Kampot to Koh Rong costs $23.75, and the journey on the high-speed catamaran takes around 2 hours 15 minutes.
Kampot → Islands (from 7th March 2026)
DepartureRoute
8:30am
Kampot → Koh Rong Sanloem → Koh Sdach → Koh Rong
Islands → Kampot (from 6th March 2026)
DepartureRoute
12:30pm
Koh Sdach → Kampot
1:30pm
Koh Rong → Kampot
1:45pm
Koh Rong Sanloem → Kampot
Times are subject to change — confirm directly with Buva Sea before travel. Book on VET Express or RedBus
GTVC has also launched a direct ferry service connecting Kampot to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem. At $15 one way, it's the more budget-friendly option of the two.
Kampot → Koh Rong Sanloem → Koh Rong
DepartureRoute
9:30am
Kampot → Koh Rong Sanloem → Koh Rong
Koh Rong → Koh Rong Sanloem → Kampot
DepartureRoute
1:00pm
Leaves Koh Rong (Long Set Beach)
1:15pm
Leaves Koh Rong Sanloem
1:45pm
Arrives Kampot
Times are subject to change — confirm directly with GTVC before travel. Book at GTVC or RedBus
Price:
Buva Sea $23.75 one way
GTVC: $15 one way
Journey time:
Buva Sea: 2h 15m
GTVC: TBC
Islands served
Buva Sea: Koh Sdach, Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem
GTVC: Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem
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