How to Get from Kampot to Koh Rong by Ferry
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I'll be traveling with a friend after spending some time in Kep and Kampot (by the way, your Kep guide was super helpful!). We'd love to continue to Koh Rong, but we're wondering if it's worth staying a night in Sihanoukville or if we should go straight to the island. What's the best way to get there from Kampot?
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The best way to get from Kampot to Koh Rong is to take a direct ferry — no need to stop in Sihanoukville. It's easier, faster, and honestly a much more pleasant experience.
The ferry leaves from Kampot Port, about 20 minutes away by taxi or tuk-tuk from the city center. It makes a short stop at Koh Rong Sanloem before continuing to Koh Rong. The journey takes around 2 hours aboard a comfortable catamaran, and costs about 100,000 KHR (25 USD). Price-wise, it's the same as taking a bus to Sihanoukville plus a ferry, but this option saves you time and hassle.
For tickets, it's best to book online, especially in high season to secure your spot. You can also buy them directly at the Kampot Tourist Center, right next to the river in the city center.
Don't forget your passport, and make sure to arrive at Kampot Port at least 30 minutes before departure to check in and clear security. This is considered an international terminal, as ferries also connect to Vietnamese islands.
As for Sihanoukville, it's no longer the must-see stop it once was. The city has changed a lot in recent years, now filled with casinos, abandoned construction sites, and empty high-rises. I passed through myself — while Otres Beach still has charm and there's some local life to experience, it's not really worth a stop if you're short on time.
That said, you can always visit Sihanoukville after your stay on the islands, since ferries between Koh Rong and Sihanoukville are frequent and only take about 1 hour. It also works as a convenient starting point for onward travel to Siem Reap or back to Phnom Penh.