Ferries in Cambodia
Complete Guide to Booking a Ferry in Cambodia: Routes, Operators, and Fares
Cambodia relies on an extensive network of marine transportation to connect its mainland cities with offshore islands and neighboring provinces. Travelers primarily use passenger boats to cross inland lakes, navigate river borders, and reach popular coastal retreats. Taking a ferry in Cambodia offers a scenic and direct alternative to long bus rides over unpaved roads.
Whether you are heading to tropical beaches or exploring the Mekong river network, planning your water transit requires knowing the right departure points and schedules. You can check updated timetables and book your ticket on 12Go to guarantee a seat, especially during the dry season when tourism peaks.
Popular Ferry Routes and Destinations
Water travel in the country divides into coastal island-hopping and inland river journeys. The majority of leisure travelers focus on the southern coast, while local commuters and long-haul tourists utilize the major river systems.
Sihanoukville to the Coastal Islands
The busiest maritime corridor in the country operates out of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. This deep-water facility serves as the primary gateway for speedboats heading to the Gulf of Thailand. Ferries depart multiple times a day to drop passengers at various piers across Koh Rong and its quieter neighboring island, Koh Rong Samloem.
Community travelers note that Koh Rong island is accessible via a combination of shared van services from major cities and direct ferry connections from the Sihanoukville coast.
Inland River Connections
For those traveling inland, a passenger ferry occasionally operates between the capital city of Phnom Penh and the temple city of Siem Reap. This route crosses the Tonle Sap lake, providing sweeping views of floating villages and local fishing communities. However, ferry services between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are not consistently available. They are highly seasonal and are often suspended entirely during the dry season due to low water levels.
Cross-Border Ferry Transit
Travelers combining their itinerary with neighboring countries frequently utilize short maritime crossings along the coast. While there is no direct sea link to Thailand, a popular multi-leg journey connects Cambodia with the Vietnamese islands.
Travelers report that a ferry service connects Phú Quốc port and Hà Tiên port in mainland Vietnam, allowing tourists to cross the land border into Cambodia shortly after docking.
Operators and Companies
The marine transit market features a mix of modern high-speed fleets and traditional riverboats. Coastal operators generally offer air-conditioned cabins, open-air sun decks, and life jackets for all passengers.
High-Speed Coastal Operators
Several competing companies run identical routes out of Sihanoukville. GTVC Speedboat Cambodia (also known as GTVC Speedboat or G.T.V.C Boat) provides marine transportation, including speedboat services to islands along the southern coast. They operate a modern fleet of catamarans known for stability on open water.
Buva Sea Cambodia (also known as Buva Sea) provides speedboat ferry services targeting the same tourist destinations. Buva Sea Cambodia travels to Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, and Koh Sdach, often dropping passengers directly at their resort piers.
Other reputable operators running daily coastal departures include Island Speed Ferry, Speed Ferry Cambodia, and Romny Ferry. All of these companies enforce baggage limits, so travelers with heavy luggage should verify allowances prior to booking.
Local and River Transport
Local river operators manage short-distance commuter crossings and sightseeing tours. The Areyksat ferry runs short hops across the Mekong River just outside Phnom Penh, utilizing flat-deck barges designed for both foot passengers and vehicles. In Phnom Penh, travelers navigating the river often depart near the main cambodia ferry building or local pagoda ferry docks along the Mekong. Further south, smaller local boats operate chartered trips through the Mekong Delta.
Prices and Fares
Ferry tickets remain an affordable transport option. Prices vary based on the vessel type, travel distance, and whether you book an open-return ticket.
Ticket Cost Comparison
Coastal speedboat operators maintain highly competitive pricing. Fares are usually quoted in US Dollars (USD), which are widely accepted alongside the local Cambodian Riel (KHR).
| Route | Operator Type | Estimated Fare (One Way) | Estimated Fare (Round Trip) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sihanoukville to Koh Rong | High-Speed Ferry | $12 - $15 | $22 - $25 |
| Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem | High-Speed Ferry | $12 - $15 | $22 - $25 |
| Phnom Penh to Siem Reap | River Ferry | $49 (when operating) | N/A |
| Phnom Penh to Areyksat | Local River Barge | $0.25 (Foot) / $1.00 (Car) | N/A |
Booking and Boarding Norms
As of 2024, most island operators require passengers to exchange digital booking confirmations for physical boarding passes at the pier. Arrive at the ticket office at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Reserving your tickets early secures your spot, which is critical during the busy months of November through April.
Journey Duration
Travel times on the water depend heavily on weather conditions, vessel speed, and the number of pier stops scheduled along the route.
Coastal Speedboat Times
The trip from Sihanoukville to the main tourist islands is relatively fast. Speedboats complete the journey to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem in 45 minutes to 1 hour. If your boat makes multiple stops at different beaches (such as Saracen Bay followed by M'Pai Bay), the total travel time can extend up to 90 minutes.
Inland River Times
Navigating the inland waterways requires significantly more time. When operating, the ferry between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap takes between 5 and 8 hours. During the dry season (February to May), low water levels on the Tonle Sap lake routinely force boats to travel slower or suspend operations entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of taking the ferry from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
When available, tickets typically cost around $49 for a one-way journey. However, ferry services between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are not consistently available, as they are often suspended during the dry season due to low water levels in the Tonle Sap lake.
How do I route my trip using a ferry from Phú Quốc to Hà Tiên?
To reach Cambodia from Vietnam's island of Phú Quốc, you must first take a domestic Vietnamese ferry from Phú Quốc port to Hà Tiên port. Once you arrive at the mainland port in Hà Tiên, you can hire a taxi or shared van to cross the nearby Prek Chak international land border into southern Cambodia.
What documents do I need to travel by cross-border ferry into Cambodia?
When arriving via an overland border crossing after a ferry trip (such as the Hà Tiên route), you need a passport valid for at least six months and a Cambodian visa. Visa-on-arrival and e-Visa options are widely supported at major checkpoints, though travelers should confirm current immigration policies for their specific nationality before transit.
Can I bring a car onto the ferry returning to the city from Areyksat?
Yes, the Areyksat ferries are roll-on/roll-off river barges designed to transport vehicles across the Mekong River. You can easily drive a car or ride a motorbike straight onto the deck for a small additional fee.
What are the options for boat trips or floating market tours in the Mekong Delta?
Travelers exploring the Mekong Delta can book guided sightseeing boats locally to visit floating markets and river communities. These are typically chartered long-tail boats rather than scheduled point-to-point passenger ferries, and can be arranged through local guesthouses or tour offices.
Is there a direct ferry from Cambodia to Koh Samui?
No direct ferry service exists between the Cambodian coast and Koh Samui. Travelers wishing to make this journey must travel overland into Thailand via the Koh Kong or Poipet borders, transit to the southern Thai town of Surat Thani, transfer to the Donsak pier, and board a Thai domestic ferry from there.
