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Phenom Penh to Siem Reap Travel Guide

How to get from Phenom Penh to Siem Reap

If you need to get the bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Phenom Penh, and you do not know what means to use, have no worries. This guide will carefully and thoroughly detail each and every means of transport that you can use, as well as the prices. Before we get started, did you know that Phenom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia? 

It is also the most populated city in the whole of Cambodia. It was once known as the “Pearl of Asia.” This city is hailed for its beautiful architectural and historical interests that make it a tourist attraction. Phenom Penh’s official name, if translated, means “City of Four Faces.” Literally, it means “Hill Temple.” 

Basic knowledge about Siem Reap.

Siem Reap is a popular tourist destination with numerous tourist attractions. The main tourist attraction is the Angkor Temples. It is the capital city of Siem Reap province in northwestern Cambodia. 

By bus:

Phenom Penh to Siem Reap flight

Giant Ibis buses commute daily from Phenom Penh to Siem Reap. They are specifically for tourists. The roads are smooth, and you get to see the countryside. There is onboard Wi-Fi (password: giantibis) as well as international style plugs on power outlets. If you travel during the day, you are likely to see water buffalo, rice paddies, ducks, and traditional Khmer homes. 

The buses are equipped with safety measures such as seatbelts and a maximum speed of 60kph/37mph. Their staff speak English as well. The night buses are equipped with beds, so you can rest if you had a tiring day. Two bus drivers switch places if one of them is tired. All in all, it takes about six hours by bus from Phenom Penh to Siem Reap. 

There are other bus services, of course, but Giant Ibis is the best in terms of safety, schedule, and comfort. Other bus services drive dangerously at night and make numerous stops. You can also make bookings for this bus online. 

The schedule is as follows: 

Phenom Penh to Siem Reap (and vice versa) 8.45 a.m., 9.45 a.m., 12.30 p.m., 11 p.m. (night bus), 11.30 p.m. (night bus). 

Cost: 15$ or 60,975 Cambodian Riel. 

Mekong Express is also a safe way to travel. It takes 5 to 6 hours to reach Siem Reap. However, we would not recommend this bus if you are on a time constraint, as it makes stops on the way to pick up other travelers. This is a Cambodian bus service. 

The schedule is as follows: 

Phenom Penh to Siem Reap: 7.30 a.m. (VIP van), 8.30 a.m. (bus), 2.00 p.m. (VIP van), 3.00 p.m. (bus), 11.30 p.m. (night bus). 

Cost: 12$ and a surcharge of 5% (which is 60 cents) or 51,219 Cambodian Riel. 

Check Availability

By taxi: 

Phenom Penh to Siem Reap flight

Private taxis are a comfortable way to travel from Phenom Penh to Siem Reap. You probably want to make bookings for a private taxi online. This will save you last-minute price increment and unnecessary arguments. Making online taxi arrangements will guarantee an SUV type vehicle, which is very comfortable. If you make a booking via a travel agent, you will get a salon-type car like a Toyota Sedan. Which may not be the best option in case you have luggage. 

If you are in a group and do not want to use the bus, you can also hire a mini-van, which can carry about 15 people. 

A shared taxi is also another option. However, this means of transportation is very uncomfortable. 5-seater Toyota Camrys are packed with at least seven people. And that includes the driver as well. You can get shared taxis in Phenom Penh at the central market, and you will have to wait until enough people are going to Siem Reap.

The schedule is as follows: 

Phenom Penh to Siem Reap (and vice versa): Any time of day or night: 

Private taxi: cost: 65$-100$ or 264,225-406,500 Cambodian Riel. 

Minivan taxi (Cambodia Post VIP van taxi, Larryta express) 7.00 a.m., 8.00 a.m., 9.30 a.m. 2.00 p.m. cost: 120$-200$ or 487,800-813,000 Cambodian Riel. 

Shared taxi (any time of day or night) cost: 6$-12$ per person. Or 24,390-48,780 Cambodian Riel. 

The charges may be a bit higher if you are taking a taxi directly from the airport. 

Check Availability

By flight: 

Phenom Penh to Siem Reap flights

Flying is the most expensive way of getting from Phenom Penh to Siem Reap. However, it is also the fastest and takes about an hour. The most reliable flight is the Cambodia Angkor Air. Domestic flights in Cambodia regularly suffer delays. 

The schedule is as follows: 

Cambodia Angkor Air 50 minutes flight: 4 to 5 flights a day (flight times regularly change). Cost: 70$ one-way ticket and 140$ return ticket. 284,550 and 569,100 Cambodian Riel. 

Bassaka Air 45 minutes flight: flies once a day (flight time’s change regularly). Cost: 19$-50$ on a one-way ticket. 77,235- 203,250 Cambodian Riel. This flight is not recommended as a connecting flight for an international flight. 

Cambodia Bayon Airlines 50 minutes flight: flies once a day (flight time’s change regularly). Cost: 32$ on a one-way ticket and 64$ for a return ticket. 130,080-260,160 Cambodian Riel. This particular plane has been banned in several countries for safety issues. However, if you are feeling adventurous, you can try it. 

Check Availability

By Ferry: 

Ferries are available in the wet season only. They are not available in the dry season because water levels are low. Between July and March, the wet season is the best to travel by Ferry. It takes 8 hours to get to Siem Reap from Phenom Penh. Passengers like to sit outside to take in the beautiful scenery. It costs 32$ per person. Departure is at 7.00 a.m. daily, and tickets need to be purchased one day before. 

By express boat trip:

The Angkor express boat links Phenom Penh and Siem Reap. It is definitely faster than the Ferry that takes 8 hours. The express boats take 6 hours. However, just like the Ferry, the express boat services are not available in the dry months. 

The schedule is as follows: 

Angkor express boats: cost: 25$ per person or 101,625 Cambodian Riel. The departure is at 7.30 a.m. daily. 

Check Availability

Happy travels! 

 

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