Complete Planning Guide
Everything you need to plan
Your authentic M’Pai Bay adventure
— from ferry bookings to budget planning.
Getting to M'Pai Bay
Ferry schedules, booking platforms, and transport from major cities
Make Note: Not All Ferries Stop at M’Pai Bay
Many Koh Rong Sanloem ferries only service Saracen Bay, which would require an expensive $30-45 longtail transfer to reach M’Pai Bay. Always confirm your ticket specifically says “M’Pai Bay” before departing.
Ferry Companies with Direct M’Pai Bay Service
Four ferry companies currently provide direct service to M’Pai Bay from Sihanoukville Autonomous Port
(the old Serendipity pier is no longer operational):
| Company | Daily Departures | Journey Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
GTVC Speedboat
Most frequent service
|
8:00 AM
11:00 AM
2:00 PM
4:00 PM
|
45-60 minutes |
$25 USD return
$12-14 one-way
|
|
Speed Ferry Cambodia
Reliable service
|
9:00 AM
11:30 AM
3:00 PM
|
45-60 minutes |
$25 USD return
$12-14 one-way
|
|
Island Speed Boat
Limited schedule
|
9:00 AM
3:00 PM
|
45-60 minutes |
$25 USD return
$12-14 one-way
|
|
Buva Sea
Afternoon departures
|
2:30 PM
5:00 PM
|
45-60 minutes |
$25 USD return
$12-14 one-way
|
All prices include a mandatory $2 conservation tax.
The budget alternative is the supply boat from Pier 52 at 2pm
($5 each way, 2-4 hours duration), though it’s uncomfortable and unreliable.
Booking Platforms
- BookMeBus.com – Most popular local platform with mobile app
- 12go.asia – Good for international travelers
- Direct booking through ferry company websites
During peak season (November-April), advance booking is essential as ferries sell out.
Getting to Sihanoukville First
From Phnom Penh: Bus journey takes 4-4.5 hours ($11-22) with companies like Giant Ibis or Virak Buntham.
The Royal Railway train runs Friday-Monday for $7-11 (6-7 hours, scenic but slow).
From Siem Reap: Overnight bus journey takes 10-12 hours ($15-33).
Visas & Entry Requirements
Updated requirements including the new mandatory e-arrival card
Make Note: New for 2025: Mandatory e-Arrival Card
Cambodia now requires a mandatory e-Arrival Card submitted online within 7 days before arrival at arrival.gov.kh. This is separate from your visa and applies to all tourists.
Visa Options
- e-Visa ($36 total) – Apply via evisa.gov.kh with 3-day processing
- Visa on Arrival ($30) – Available at major airports and land borders
- Embassy Application – Apply in advance at Cambodian embassies
All tourist visas permit 30 days stay with single entry, extendable once for an additional 30 days at immigration offices.
Overstays incur a $10/day fine.
Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with one blank page
- Passport photos (for visa on arrival)
- Cash payment for visa on arrival (USD only)
ASEAN nationals from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam receive visa exemptions for 30-day stays.
Ready to Book Your Stay?
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