Getting There and Seasons in Sihanoukville and Koh Rong
Part of the Sihanoukville and Koh Rong travel guide — see every topic in All Sihanoukville and Koh Rong Guides.
Sihanoukville is the starting point for the islands. You can reach it by plane, by road or by train. The expressway from Phnom Penh has made the drive much faster. The weather matters a lot here: the dry season brings calm seas, and the wet season brings rain, wind and rough crossings. This guide covers each way to get there and the best time to visit.
By plane
Sihanouk International Airport has the code KOS. It lies about 18 to 20 km east of the city, near Ream National Park. It has domestic flights to Siem Reap and a small number of international routes, including Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Routes and airlines change often, so check current flights before you plan. From the airport, a taxi to the city or the ferry piers takes about 30 minutes. Many hotels can arrange a pickup. Some travellers fly into Phnom Penh instead, where there are more flights, then continue by road.
By road from Phnom Penh
The Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville expressway opened in 2022. It is a toll road and cuts the drive to about 2.5 to 3 hours. Before it opened, the trip on the old national road often took 5 hours or more. Buses and minivans leave Phnom Penh many times a day, from early morning to the evening. Some bus companies drop passengers near the ferry piers. A private taxi is faster and more comfortable, and can pick you up at your hotel. Book through your hotel, a travel agent or an online booking site.
By train
A train runs between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, with stops including Takeo and Kampot. In 2026 it leaves Phnom Penh in the morning and takes about 6 to 7 hours to Sihanoukville. It is slower than the bus, but the seats are comfortable, and the views of rice fields and villages are pleasant. It is a good choice if you want to stop in Kampot on the way. Tickets often sell out at weekends and on holidays, so book ahead. Check the current timetable with the railway or a booking site before you travel.
Dry season
The dry season runs from about November to April. This is the best time to visit the islands. The sea is usually calm, the sky is clear, and the water is good for swimming and snorkelling. December to February is a little cooler and less humid. March and April are the hottest months, with very strong sun, but the sea is often flat. This is the busy season, especially around holidays. Book ferries and rooms on the islands ahead, especially at weekends and during Khmer New Year in April.
Wet season
The wet season runs from about May to October. Rain usually comes in heavy showers, often in the afternoon or at night. The heaviest rain falls around July to September. The sea can be rough, and ferries may be bumpy or cancelled on stormy days. Some island resorts close or reduce services, and some paths become muddy. But there are fewer visitors, the islands are very green, and prices are often lower. If you travel in the wet season, keep your plans flexible. Leave a spare day before your flight home in case a ferry is cancelled.
Getting There and Seasons at a glance
| Getting there | Fly to Sihanouk International Airport (KOS), or about 2.5 to 3 hours by expressway from Phnom Penh |
|---|---|
| Hours | Buses run from early morning to evening; the train leaves Phnom Penh in the morning |
| Cost | Buses are cheap; private taxis and flights cost more |
| Best time | Dry season, about November to April; wet season about May to October |
| Bring | Flexible plans in the wet season and a spare day before your flight |