If you’re traveling to Cambodia, you’re most likely planning to visit one of the world’s best archeological sites, Angkor Wat. This ancient civilization is located in the northwestern part of the country, just a few miles outside the town of Siem Reap.
So how do you actually get to the town of Siem Reap? You won’t find direct international flights from the United States or Europe but lucky for you there are a lot of other options.
Hopefully you’re visiting Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, because getting to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh is the easiest and most convenient way. Siem Reap is about 318 km, or 198 miles, from Phnom Penh and will take anywhere from 45 minutes up to 8 hours to get there.
Even to get to Phnom Penh you’ll have to fly to a much larger city first and then catch a connecting flight. But, once there you’ll have multiple ways of reaching Siem Reap.
Let’s explore all the different ways to get to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh!
Flying to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh
Flying to Siem Reap will by far be the fastest way to get there. A nonstop flight will take approximately 45 minutes, not including the time it takes to check in, go through security, and board the plane. Even with all of that, it’s still the fastest way to get to Siem Reap.
You won’t find direct international flights from the United States or Europe to Siem Reap. You’ll have to fly to another larger city first and then continue on to Siem Reap.
Flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap will range between $50 – $200, one way. Most flights run about $65 but if you’re booking last minute you could end up paying more.
AirAsia Cambodia and Cambodia Angkor Air are the two local airlines that have 2-3 nonstop flights every day between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
There are also 5+ other flights per day that are not nonstop flights. These will connect you to Siem Reap through larger cities like Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Singapore. You definitely want to avoid those flights. That will only cost more money and take up too much time.
Depending on how long you will be in Cambodia, flying might be the best option. If you only have 5 days in Cambodia, then you’ll definitely want to fly to maximize your time. But, if you plan to spend 2 weeks in Cambodia, you’ll have more time to take advantage of some of the cheaper ways to travel.
If you choose to fly definitely take advantage of one of the nonstop flights!
Make sure you check baggage allowances and restrictions. Airlines in Asia typically have smaller weight allowances and it will cost more at the airport to check your bag than paying online when you check in for your flight.
A brand new airport was opened in Siem Reap in 2023 and it’s located about 35 minutes outside of Siem Reap so you will need to catch a shuttle, taxi, or tuk-tuk from the airport to your hotel.
PROS: It’s fast and convenient, especially for tight schedules.
CONS: It will be the most expensive and you’ll need additional time for airport procedures.
Taking a Bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Traveling by bus in Cambodia is a very popular way to get around the country. The buses are large, comfortable, and inexpensive. They also have air conditioning which is very much needed in Cambodia.
Taking a bus to Siem Reap will take about 6 hours and will cost around $6-20 per person. You’ll also have a few breaks along the way to use the restroom and buy some food.
Book your seat to Siem Reap with Giant Ibis.
It’s a really affordable way to travel between cities in Cambodia and there are dozens of bus companies to choose. Some of the more popular ones are Mekong Express, Giant Ibis, and Larryta Bus.
You can even choose to take an overnight sleeper bus saving you at least one night in hotel fees. The overnight buses typically leave between 11 pm and 12:30 am and arrive in Siem Reap around 5 – 6:30 am.
There isn’t one central bus station that all the companies use in Phnom Penh so you’ll need to check the address when you book to make sure you head to the correct place.
PROS: It’s economical, comfortable, and some have amenities like Wi-Fi.
CONS: Longer travel time and could run into traffic issues leaving Phnom Penh.
If you’re heading to Siem Reap to visit Angkor Wat and all of the other cool temples, there are some things you should know.
First, you’ll want to make sure you have your Visa for Cambodia. You can get it online before you leave and it’s good for 30 days.
When you visit any place of worship in Cambodia, including all the temples at Angkor Wat, you will need to follow a strict dress code to enter the temples. Temples are sacred places for Cambodians so you’ll want to make sure you dress respectfully.
You will need to purchase your Angkor Wat Ticket before you enter the Angkor Archeological Park. You can buy a 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day pass either in person or online.
If you’re planning your trip to Angkor Wat and need to know all the important information about what you can expect, take a look at my Ultimate Guide to Angkor Wat.
While you’re in Siem Reap do not skip the sunrise at Angkor Wat. It’s a pretty cool thing to do with a few thousand other people.
Hire a Private Driver to Siem Reap
Hiring a private driver or taking a taxi may seem like a very expensive way to travel but it’s surprisingly not as bad as you think. While this isn’t a typical way to get around in most countries, it’s a very common thing to do in Cambodia and other countries in Southeast Asia.
Book your private driver to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh.
I’ve used 12go.asia many times for booking buses, trains, and private drivers. Once on the page you want, you’ll see all the ways available for transportation. You can choose the individual option of your choice to see what is available.
Getting a private driver is actually affordable if you have multiple people in your party. Taking a taxi or private driver will take around 5.5 hours to travel between Phonm Penh and Siem Reap but you’ll get to choose what time you want to leave and you can stop along the way to stretch your legs.
The cost for hiring a driver or taking a taxi will run between $80 – $140 per vehicle. If you have 4 people in your group that’s only $20 – $35 per person.
PROS: Privacy, flexibility in stops, and direct hotel transfers.
CONS: Higher cost compared to buses and vans.
Van or Mini-bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
There are no shortage of ways to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and taking a mini-bus or van is one of the best. It’s somewhere in between taking one of the giant buses and hiring a private driver.
The vans typically seat between 9-15 people and will take around 5.5 – 6 hours to reach Siem Reap. The cost per person is very affordable at around $10-16.
And since it’s smaller than the bus with a lot less people, you can request to stop for a bathroom break whenever you need it.
TIP: If you want extra space to stretch out, just book an extra seat for yourself. You can split the cost with someone in your group so you both will be more comfortable.
PROS: Faster than buses with more daily departures.
CONS: Less space than a bus seat and it could be cramped.
Take a boat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
If taking a scenic boat ride through Cambodia doesn’t sound like the best way to travel then something is wrong with you!
Okay, it might be one of the most unique ways to travel in Cambodia but before you get too excited about this travel option, certain conditions have to be just right for you to be able to do this.
Yes, it does sound like an amazing thing to experience, however taking a boat to Siem Reap can only happen during certain times of the year. Cambodia has a wet and dry season and when it’s the dry season, the river is way too low for the boat to travel all the way to Siem Reap.
Typically, the water level is too low between March and June so if you’re planning on traveling during this time, you’re out of luck.
If you’re planning to be in Cambodia sometime between August to February then there’s a good chance you’ll be able to catch the boat to Siem Reap.
Travel time will run between 6-8 hours and will cost $35 per person. It leaves at 7:30am and arrives in Siem Reap at 1:30pm. The price even includes a pick up at your hotel in Phnom Penh so you won’t have to try to find the dock.
PROS: Scenic route along the Tonle Sap River.
CONS: Longer travel time and seasonal availability.
Be sure to verify the operational status in advance. IF for some reason the boat can’t run, you won’t have a problem booking another way to travel to Siem Reap.
Tips for traveling on public transportation in Cambodia
It’s about a 6 hour drive from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap so you will want to be prepared for the drive.
- Carry snacks and water with you. The drivers will stop at least once or twice for a toilet break and food (typically a restaurant), but you’ll still want to bring some water and snacks with you.
- Make sure you have some cash for using the toilets. There’s usually an attendant sitting right outside the bathroom to collect the money. It’s around $1 to use the bathroom.
- You should carry toilet paper everywhere you go in Cambodia. A lot of places do not have toilet paper, even in restaurants.
- Make sure you have a lock for your luggage and that all of your hand carried items are secure.
- Be sure to read the reviews and choose a reputable transportation provider. Of course there will always be bad reviews out there because not everyone will have a pleasant experience but it’s still good to go through them for a few minutes to get some insight into what you might encounter.
Final Thoughts on traveling to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh
Getting around Cambodia is fairly easy and inexpensive with all of the transportation options that are available. Decide which option fits your needs the best based on budget, time constraints, and comfort preferences. Happy Travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
You can get to Siem Reap by plane, bus, taxi, private driver, mini-bus, and even by boat at certain times of the year.
Is there a train from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
There are no trains that operate between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
How many days should I spend in Cambodia?
I would recommend spending 1-2 weeks in Cambodia, depending on where you want to visit. Spend 2-3 days in Phnom Penh and 4-5 days in Siem Reap.
There are other popular places in Cambodia to visit such as Sihanoukville, Kampot, and Koh Rong so if you want to visit those places then you’ll need to add in 2-3 days for each of those places.
Can you do a day trip to Angkor Wat from Phnom Penh?
Yes, you could do a day trip but keep in mind that it is a 6 hour drive each way. There’s a lot to see at the Angkor Archeological Park so I recommend spending at least 3 days in Siem Reap.
How many days do you need in Phnom Penh?
2-3 days in Phnom Penh will allow you to see all of the major sites.
How many days should I spend in Siem Reap?
4-5 days should be enough to visit the main temples and explore things outside of the Angkor Wat Park. You could spend longer there and still not be able to visit everything.
Is Cambodia Safe?
Yes, Cambodia is very safe. You will get harassed by vendors a little wanting you to buy whatever they are selling but just tell them no and keep walking if you’re not interested. And like always, it’s always good to keep an eye on your wallet and other belongings.
When is the best time to visit Cambodia?
The best time to visit Cambodia for weather is between October to February. Outside of those months it’s either unbelievably hot and humid or the monsoon season.
