How to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, known as two cultural jewels, are definitely must-visit destinations in Cambodia. In this article, you will find out how to get from the capital of the Khmer kingdom to the architectural wonders of the Temples of Angkor and how not to miss anything on the 320-kilometer- road trip between the two cities.

How to get to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh 

Phnom Penh - Siem Reap by Plane

Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap operate international airports. For travelers who are pressed for time, the quickest way to get to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh (and vice versa) is by plane. Departing from the capital city of Cambodia, within barely an hour, you will find yourself in the 8th wonder of the world. By taking the plane, you will be able to admire from your window the contours of the Tonlé Sap, the largest fresh water reserve in Southeast Asia, before landing in Siem Reap. While Cambodia Angkor Air represents the best airline operating this route, you can also use the services of Bassakair and Bayon Airlines, which also operate Phnom Penh/Siem Reap flights. A flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap costs from 35 euros in economy class.

Phnom Penh – Siem Reap by Private car with driver

This mode of transport, which is the most expensive option, allows you to take full advantage of the tourist attractions on the road. Traveling by private car with a driver is most suitable for travelers who have a good deal of time and seek out the Cambodian countryside in its prime conditions, as well as to stop off as and when they wish. This option, combined with the presence of a guide, is the best way to travel in Cambodia.

Phnom Penh - Siem Reap by Boat

Speedboat is another option to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, crossing the entire length of the immense Tonlé Sap lake.

However, only few travelers choose this means of transport due to the following reasons:

- The safety is not optimal.

- Long travel time (6 hours)

- Apart from a few floating villages, there is nothing to see but water, hence the monotonous journey. 

- Impossible to sail in dry season (From February to June)

- High price, around 30 euros/ticket.

If you insist on travelling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by boat, we recommend a company called Mekong Explore.

Besides, if you want to take a cruise in Cambodia, the journey between Siem Reap and Battambang is much more highly suggested.

Phnom Penh - Siem Reap by Bus

For travelers who are on a budget, the bus is a safe option, as bus tickets departing from Phnom Penh range from $11 and there is a departure every hour. The journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by bus normally takes 6–7 hours. We recommend the bus companies Giant Ibis and PSD Express, as they feature large, fairly new buses with very comfortable sleeper seats, air conditioning and toilets. Day and night buses are both available. The night buses, which leave Phnom Penh at 11 p.m. and arrive in Siem Reap at 6 a.m. the next morning, save you time and a night’s accommodation.

Worthwhile stopovers on the Phnom Penh - Siem Reap route

In the event that you decide to undertake the trip by road, here is a compilation of stops we would advise you to make depending on whether you are taking the road that passes east or west of the Tonlé Sap.

In case you pass through the west of the Tonlé Sap

Oudong

Located in Kandal province, about 40 kilometers from Phnom Penh, Oudong used to be the royal residence and capital of Cambodia for more than 250 years. The former capital of the kingdom is today a monumental royal necropolis perched on a hill where some sovereigns rest. The view from the summit is quite exceptional, owing to its unobstructed panorama over the surrounding countryside and the Tonlé Sap. This is a site steeped in history, where in 1863 the King of Cambodia, Norodom, and Admiral de La Grandière signed a treaty guaranteeing France’s protection of the kingdom from Siam and Annam.

Kampong Chhnang

Kampong Chhnang, the capital city of the namesake province, lies around one hundred kilometers northwest of the country's capital. It is also a port on the Tonlé Sap river, from which you can embark on a boat trip to some picturesque floating villages and discover the fascinating authentic aquatic life. Kampong Chhnang is also renowned for pottery workshops, where skilled artisans perpetuate age-old traditional know-how. This city also boasts some beautiful colonial-style buildings and a vibrant market. 

Battambang

Located in the northwest of Cambodia, this city gives a certain charm in the eyes of travelers thanks to its provincial atmosphere. Most of the buildings are in colonial or traditional Cambodian style, clustered along the river and the large, bustling central market with its art-deco architecture. As the country's largest rice-growing province, Battambang is certainly a treat for countryside lovers. A visit to this province will allow you to discover agricultural life and some beautiful Buddhist temples lost in the countryside, such as Phnom Sampheou, an ancient religious center famous for its Buddhist cave temples. The hypnotic countryside can be explored on the "bamboo train", a typical attraction that uses large bamboo trays equipped with a small engine to take you on a wild 6-kilometer ride through the rice paddies. From Battambang, Siem Reap can be reached by boat on a beautiful cruise on the Sangker River, passing through narrow canals, floating villages and marshy areas.

In case you pass through the east of Tonlé Sap

Koh Dach or Silk Island

A charming little island located on the Mekong at the gates of Phnom Penh. A true speck of beauty with rice paddies at its center, where authentic rural Khmer life thrives. It's a pleasure to cycle around Koh Dach and discover local life, especially watching the women weavers who, under their wooden stilt houses, weave beautiful silk or cotton textiles on old traditional looms. There are some magnificent temples and vestiges of the French presence to discover, and at the very north of the island, a beautiful seasonal sandy beach awaits you for a refreshing swim and to admire the sunset over the Mekong. Extend the pleasure and choose to stay at least one night on the island.

Skun Insect Market

A very special stopover that's sure to leave you with unforgetable memories. Located 80 kilometers north of Phnom Penh, Skun village attracts many Cambodians and courageous international tourists for its exotic insect market. Eating insects in Cambodia has been a common thing since the famines caused by the Khmer Rouge and is a culinary practice that you absolutely must discover even if it may seem repulsive at first. Grasshoppers, crickets, larvae, cicadas, scorpions, and spiders such as tarantulas are just some of the delicacies you can try along the way.

Kampong Cham

Come visit this river town, you won't regret it. Immerse yourself in the authentic ambiance of Kampong Cham, accentuated by the captivating remnants of colonial architecture as well as of the lively market. Cross the world's longest bamboo bridge to reach Koh Pen Island, where a mesmerizing, untouched Cambodia awaits your exploration on two wheels. Uncover the well-preserved Chup and Memot plantations, steeped in the rich history of colonial times. Ascend the majestic Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei hills, offering panoramic vistas of the awe-inspiring Mekong. Lastly, be sure not to overlook the awe-inspiring Angkorian temples of Wat Nokor and Wat Hanchey, further enriching your journey through this remarkable destination.

Kampong Thom

Kampong Thom, the powerful capital of Southeast Asia during the Funan reign, is a very interesting stopover for lovers of history and ancient architecture,FF as it is extremely rich in pre-Angkorian temples and sanctuaries. Don't miss out the Kakaoh village which is located 16 kilometers before Kampong Thom, renowned for stonemasons who work mainly for temples and mainly sculpt Buddhas. A small detour allows you to discover the Prasat Phum Prasat Temple, distinguished by its superb brick and sandstone structure dating from the 8th century.

The Preah Khan complex of Kompong Svay

In the process of being classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this exceptional complex houses the largest single-temple enclosure built during the Angkorian empire. Built between the late 11th and 12th centuries, the Preah Khan complex is a veritable treasure trove of Angkorian architecture. We suggest you take advantage of the lake and its surrounding restaurants for a pleasant lunch break!

Kompong Khleang

Before arriving in Siem Reap, stop off at Kompong Khleang, a floating village that has well preserved its charm and authenticity. Located on the eastern shore of Tonlé Sap, the Kompong Khleang floating village is a must-see for its unique aquatic life, resolutely focused on the lake and all its related activities, particularly fishing, which is the livelihood of the Vietnamese and Cham communities that make up the majority of the village. Kompong Khleang is best visited just after the rainy season, in late October and early November.

Related articles:

>> Top 10 tips and tricks for a successful trip to Cambodia

>> When to travel to Cambodia?

>> Vietnam Cambodia tour in 3 weeks: What to do and what to visit?

>> Vietnam Cambodia tour 2 weeks: What to do?

>> How to get from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Phnom Penh