Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Ferry Price: What Indians Pay in 2026
✅ Last verified on-the-ground: 2026-07-21
The 2026 ferry Sihanoukville Koh Rong price is ₹2,703 (~28 USD) one-way, plus a ₹483 (~5 USD) port fee most guides forget. Here’s what Indians actually pay, broken down by operator and booking method. See our Sea Backpacking Hub for wider Cambodia planning.
Quick Answers
| What | Answer | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard ferry (Sihanoukville → Koh Rong) | ₹2,703 (~28 USD) + ₹483 (~5 USD) port fee | ₹3,177 (~$32.91) |
| Standard ferry (return, Koh Rong → Sihanoukville) | ₹2,413 (~25 USD) + ₹483 (~5 USD) port fee | ₹2,881 (~$29.85) |
| Speed boat / fast ferry | ₹3,861-₹4,344 (~40-45 USD) one-way | ₹3,853-₹4,335 (~$39.92-$44.91) |
| Best booking method | 12go online | ₹0 markup |
| Worst option | Walk-up at pier with no research | Same price, but wrong ferry, wrong time |
How the Ferry System Works
Sihanoukville to Koh Rong isn’t one ferry. It’s at least four operators running overlapping routes, two island destinations (Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem), and three departure points depending on which company you pick. The pricing reflects that fragmentation. You may also find Currency Exchange Cambodia Phnom Penh Airport useful for this trip.
The main operator is GTVC (Greater Tourism Vessel Co.), which runs the official government-licensed standard ferry. Their pier is at Ochheuteal (Serendipity) Beach, about 10 minutes by tuk-tuk from central Sihanoukville. GTVC runs three to four departures daily, takes around 45 minutes, and lands at Koh Rong Pier (Koh Toch village) on the main island’s east side.
The other major player is Speed Ferry Cambodia, which runs faster boats (25-30 minutes) from a different pier further north near the new container port development. Same destination, smaller boats, rougher ride, higher price.
Then there are the speed boats run by individual guesthouses and island resorts, which quote ₹3,379-₹4,344 (~35-45 USD) one-way and pick you up from the beach in front of your hotel. These aren’t official routes, and the boats are smaller. Travellers report the standard ferry is the safer, more reliable choice in monsoon season (June-September).
Subodh’s Pro Tip: The “₹483 (~5 USD) port fee” isn’t included in any online ticket price. It’s collected separately at the counter when you arrive at the pier. Budget for it.
Comparison of Operators and Routes
| Operator | Route | Price One-Way | Duration | Where to Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTVC Standard Ferry | Sihanoukville (Ochheuteal) → Koh Rong Pier | ₹2,703 (~28 USD)+ ₹483 (~5 USD) port | 45 min | 12go or walk-up |
| GTVC Standard Ferry | Koh Rong → Sihanoukville | ₹2,413 (~25 USD)+ ₹483 (~5 USD) port | 45 min | Pier, day before |
| Speed Ferry Cambodia | Sihanoukville (Sihanoukville Port) → Koh Rong | ₹3,861 (~40 USD) | 25-30 min | 12go |
| Island Speed Boats | Hotel pickup → Koh Rong / Koh Rong Sanloem | ₹3,379-₹4,344 (~35-45 USD) | 30-40 min | Hotel/guesthouse |
| GTVC to Koh Rong Samloem | Sihanoukville → Koh Rong Samloem (Saracen Bay) | ₹2,703 (~28 USD)+ ₹483 (~5 USD) port | 60 min | 12go |
The standard GTVC ferry is the value choice. Indians travelling through Cambodia on a backpacker budget take this 90% of the time, and the only reason to pay more is if you’ve got a tight connection or want to skip the slow boat on a choppy day.
Safety Alert: Monsoon-season crossings (June-September) get cancelled with little notice when swells exceed safe limits. Always have a buffer day in your itinerary. Check the 12go schedule on the morning of departure.
What Indians Pay: Real Breakdown
Here’s the problem with most ferry price guides. They quote ₹2,703 (~28 USD) and stop there. Travellers, especially Indian travellers dealing with USD-to-INR conversion and forex card fees, need to know the actual landed cost.
Total one-way cost, Sihanoukville to Koh Rong:
- Standard ferry ticket: ₹2,703 (~28 USD)
- Port fee at counter: ₹483 (~5 USD)
- Tuk-tuk to Ochheuteal pier from downtown: ₹483 (~5 USD)
- Total: ₹3,668 (~38 USD), or roughly ₹3,661 (~$37.93)
If you book the return at the same time (some operators offer a small discount), the round trip comes to ₹4,826-₹5,116 (~50-53 USD) plus both port fees (₹965 (~10 USD)), so roughly ₹5,792-₹6,081 (~60-63 USD) round trip, around ₹5,778-₹6,069 (~$59.86-$62.87).
For comparison, this is what it costs in rupees at the current exchange rate:
- $28 ticket = ₹2,697
- $33 ticket + port = ₹3,179
- $60 round trip = ₹5,780
- $63 round trip with both port fees = ₹6,069
These numbers sit at the top end of what backpackers want to spend on a single transfer in Cambodia. For context, a dorm bed on Koh Rong runs ₹483-₹965 (~5-10 USD) per night, and a Khmer curry at a beach shack is $3-$5. The ferry cost alone equals two to three nights of accommodation, which is why it matters to get this right the first time.
Where to Book (and Where NOT To)
Best option: Book on 12go
12go is the booking platform used by most backpackers in Southeast Asia. For this route, they list the GTVC standard ferry at the official ₹2,703 (~28 USD) price with no markup. You get a confirmation voucher, you show it at the pier, and you pay the ₹483 (~5 USD) port fee in cash at the counter. This is the cleanest path.
Second option: Walk-up at Ochheuteal Pier
If you’re already in Sihanoukville and your plans are flexible, you can buy tickets directly at the GTVC ticket office at the pier. Same price (₹2,703 (~28 USD)+ ₹483 (~5 USD) port fee). The advantage is you can see the boat before paying, and the staff will tell you which departure has space. The disadvantage is during peak season (December-February and Khmer New Year in April) the morning ferries sell out by 11 AM.
Avoid: Hotel “tour desk” bookings
Most Sihanoukville guesthouses will sell you ferry tickets at ₹3,379-₹3,861 (~35-40 USD), marked up from the official rate. They include “free pickup to the pier,” which sounds good until you realise the pier is a ₹290 (~3 USD) tuk-tuk ride away. Skip this.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: If you’re travelling in a group of 3-4, the Speed Ferry Cambodia option starts to make sense. At ₹3,861 (~40 USD) per person it’s only ₹1,158 (~12 USD) more than standard, but it saves an hour and the boats are less crowded. Solo travellers should stick with GTVC.
How Indians Can Save on the Ferry
The ferry cost is mostly fixed. There isn’t a “local price” or an off-peak discount the way there is for buses or trains. But there are a few ways to bring the number down:
Book round-trip together. GTVC occasionally offers ₹4,826 (~50 USD) for a return ticket if you book both legs at the same time on 12go. That saves ₹772-₹1,255 (~8-13 USD) versus buying two one-ways at the pier.
Skip the speed boat upgrade in calm weather. From October to May, the Gulf of Thailand is calm. The standard ferry is a smooth 45-minute ride, and there’s no reason to pay ₹3,861-₹4,344 (~40-45 USD) for the speed boat. Save that money for the crossing back when conditions are rougher if you’re returning during shoulder season.
Combine the ferry with your visa-on-arrival logistics. Most Indians flying into Sihanoukville International Airport (SAI) are transiting to Koh Rong or onward to Phnom Penh. The ferry pier is en route if you’re heading south, not north. If your itinerary is Koh Rong → Phnom Penh, you ferry back to Sihanoukville and then bus onward, which means paying for the return ferry (₹2,413 (~25 USD)+ ₹483 (~5 USD) port) instead of a one-way to Koh Rong and a separate boat back. Budget for it.
Pay port fees in USD cash, not riel. The port fee counter accepts both USD and Cambodian riel (KHR). They give change in riel at poor rates. Bring exact USD or pay the riel equivalent without needing change. The current rate (verified 2026-07-21) puts ₹483 (~5 USD) at about ₹477 (~20,000 KHR or ~$4.94), but the counter rate is closer to ₹453 (~19,000 KHR or ~$4.69). Small loss, but it’s the principle.
For a deeper look at managing Cambodian riel and avoiding bad exchange rates at ferry counters, check Cambodia banknotes: the Cambodian riel (KHR) and where to exchange.
India-Specific Money Logistics for the Ferry
This is where it gets specific for Indian travellers. You’re paying ₹3,185-₹6,081 (~33-63 USD) for this ferry leg, and the question is which payment method loses you the least.
Forex cards (Niyo, Fi, HDFC ForexPlus): Book via 12go and pay in USD. 12go accepts Indian forex cards with no foreign transaction fee on their side. Your card’s FX markup (2%-3.5% on most cards) applies. That’s ₹80-₹220 (~$0.83-$2.28) in hidden cost on a ₹3,185 (~33 USD) ticket. Not nothing, but manageable.
Indian debit cards with international enablement: ICICI, HDFC, and Axis debit cards work on 12go if you’ve enabled international transactions. Same markup as forex cards, but watch for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) at checkout. 12go defaults to USD billing, which is what you want. If it offers to charge you in INR at the end, decline.
Cash USD: If you’re carrying USD cash from India (you can carry up to USD 3,000 per person if declared, or USD 2,000 per person if undeclared across the Indian customs threshold), you can pay at the pier directly in USD. No markup, no fees. This is the cleanest path if you’ve already got USD in your wallet from a previous Thailand trip.
UPI: Does not work in Cambodia for ferry bookings. UPI acceptance is limited to a handful of merchants in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, mostly in the tourist zones. Don’t count on it for transport.
For more on ATM fees and withdrawal limits in Cambodia, the Using ATMs in Cambodia guide has the current breakdown for Cambodian banks that work with Indian debit cards.
Safety Alert: Always check your government’s official travel advisory before travelling to Cambodia. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs maintains the MEA travel advisory page, and the Cambodian government posts entry updates on the official e-Visa portal. Cross-check both within 72 hours of departure.
When You Get to Koh Rong: What the Ferry Gets You
The standard GTVC ferry lands at Koh Rong Pier (Koh Toch village), which is the busiest part of the island. From here it’s a 5-10 minute walk to the main beach area, where most of the hostels and budget guesthouses cluster. Longtail boats to other beaches (Sok San, Lonely Beach, Coconut Beach) cost ₹483-₹1,448 (~5-15 USD) per boat, negotiable.
If you’re heading to Koh Rong Samloem (the smaller, quieter sister island), make sure you book the ferry to Saracen Bay specifically, not the main Koh Rong pier. The ferries are different and the ₹2,703 (~28 USD) ticket doesn’t transfer between them.
For accommodation options on Koh Rong, the Koh Rong island accommodation guide breaks down dorms, bungalows, and which beaches have what kind of vibe.
Common Mistakes Indians Make on This Ferry
Showing up at the wrong pier. There are two ferry terminals in Sihanoukville. The GTVC ferry leaves from Ochheuteal (Serendipity) Beach pier in the south of the city. The Speed Ferry Cambodia boats leave from the newer port development further north. If your tuk-tuk driver says “ferry pier” without specifying which one, clarify.
Not accounting for the port fee. Every “the ferry costs ₹2,703 (~28 USD)” guide omits the ₹483 (~5 USD) port fee. First-time travellers budget ₹2,703 (~28 USD), show up at the pier, and get caught without the extra cash. Always budget ₹3,185 (~33 USD) minimum for a one-way.
Booking the Koh Rong ticket when they meant Koh Rong Samloem. The two islands are 30 minutes apart by boat and have separate ferry services. A ticket to Koh Rong won’t get you to Koh Rong Samloem. If your hostel is on Samloem, double-check the destination before you pay.
Missing the last ferry back. GTVC’s last departure from Koh Rong to Sihanoukville is around 3:30 PM in low season, earlier in monsoon season. If you’re on a day trip, don’t assume there’s a 5 PM boat. There usually isn’t.
Paying for “insurance” at the counter. There are unofficial “agents” near the pier who’ll offer to sell you ferry tickets at a markup and throw in “travel insurance.” This isn’t a real product. Buy from the official GTVC counter or 12go.
Getting Connected Before You Board
You need data to check the ferry schedule, confirm your 12go booking, and call a tuk-tuk if your plans change. Cambodia has good 4G coverage in Sihanoukville, and you have two main options:
Physical SIM: Cellcard and Smart are the two main operators. A 30-day tourist SIM with 30-50 GB runs ₹483-₹772 (~5-8 USD). Buy at the airport or any Cellcard/Smart shop in town. They’ll need your passport.
eSIM: If you want to skip the airport SIM queue, Get Nomad eSIM covers Cambodia with data-only plans starting from ₹483 (~5 USD) for 1 GB. Activate before you land, and you’re online before the ferry pier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Sihanoukville to Koh Rong ferry cost in 2026?
₹2,703 (~28 USD) for the standard GTVC ferry, plus a ₹483 (~5 USD) port fee collected at the pier. Total ₹3,185 (~33 USD) one-way, around ₹3,179 (~$32.93) at current rates.
Can I book the ferry online from India?
Yes. 12go lists the GTVC ferry at the official ₹2,703 (~28 USD) price with no markup. You get a confirmation voucher, show it at the pier, and pay the ₹483 (~5 USD) port fee in cash. Book at least 24 hours in advance during peak season.
Is there a cheaper local price for the ferry?
No. Cambodian locals and tourists pay the same rate on the standard ferry. The ₹483 (~5 USD) port fee is universal. The only way to pay less is to negotiate a round-trip discount or share a speed boat with other travellers heading the same direction.
How long is the ferry ride?
45 minutes on the standard GTVC ferry. 25-30 minutes on the Speed Ferry Cambodia boat. Both can take longer in monsoon season when swells slow things down.
Are the ferries safe?
The standard GTVC ferry is licensed, insured, and runs a regular schedule. Travellers report no major safety incidents on this route. The smaller speed boats run by individual guesthouses are less regulated. In monsoon season (June-September), services get cancelled when conditions exceed safe limits, and you should respect those cancellations.
What if I miss my ferry?
GTVC runs three to four departures daily in high season, two to three in low season. If you miss your booked departure, you can transfer to the next one at no cost (subject to availability) or buy a new ticket. The return ferry from Koh Rong has limited afternoon departures, so plan ahead.
Subodh’s Take
The ferry to Koh Rong is one of those costs that feels higher than it should because you’re paying in USD and the alternative (a 45-minute boat ride) seems like it should be cheap. But ₹3,185 (~33 USD) one-way is the real number, port fee included, and there’s no clever hack to bring it lower. Book on 12go, show up 30 minutes early, bring exact USD for the port fee, and don’t stress about the speed boat upgrade unless conditions are rough or you’re on a tight schedule. The standard ferry gets you there fine.
