Unlike some smaller “speedboat” operators that overload vessels, Seatin’s boats felt reasonably maintained. They provided life jackets without being asked, and the captains slowed down noticeably in rough seas. The Bad: Reality Checks You Need to Know 1. Punctuality is a Guideline (2/5) Let’s be blunt: The posted schedule is a suggestion . On my departure from Sihanoukville, the 9:00 AM boat left at 9:45 AM. On the return from Koh Rong, the 2:00 PM ferry departed at 2:50 PM. This seems to be the norm, not an exception. Don’t book a flight or an important meeting within 3-4 hours of the scheduled arrival time. Seatin blames tides, passenger volume, and pier congestion—which is fair—but it’s still frustrating.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5 Reliable for transport, less so for luxury or punctuality. seatincom cambodia
If you book a “combo ticket” (ferry + minivan from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap), the handoff is seamless. Their coordinators hold signs at arrival points and guide you from van to boat to island. For first-time visitors to Cambodia, this hand-holding prevents the chaos of the Sihanoukville port. Punctuality is a Guideline (2/5) Let’s be blunt:
Seatin doesn’t control the public pier, but they do use it. The pier area is chaotic, hot, and filled with touts and dust. Their check-in “booth” is a small folding table. While staff are nice, waiting there for a delayed boat under the Cambodian sun is not a vacation highlight. This seems to be the norm, not an exception
Weather in the Gulf of Thailand is unpredictable. Seatin allows you to change your ferry time or date for free (subject to availability) up to a few hours before departure. When a sudden downpour hit, I was able to shift my return trip back by 3 hours without any fee or hassle. Try that with a ticket bought at a random pier booth.
The boats are fast compared to a cargo ship, but don’t expect a smooth hydrofoil. The 45-60 minute crossing to Koh Rong can feel like 90 minutes if the sea is choppy. Several passengers (myself included) felt queasy. Bring motion sickness pills before boarding.