Cambodia forum

How to get From Siem Reap - Phnom Penh

Aaron88

longtail driver
Posts: 5

Hello,

I've been researching on how to go from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh and I'm have trouble booking flights with Cambodia Angkok Air. I was wondering;

- How to book with them if possible
- Is it better with a private drive? Any contacts? What would the cost be? How long will the trip take?
- I found that you can go by Boat and bus as well. Any recommendations on this would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Aaron

#1 Posted: 24/8/2011 - 23:26
Lawoat

tourist
Posts: 59

Just take the bus, any guesthouse in Seam Reap will be more then happy to sell you tickets...just look around and see what the best price is....Just make sure you are on time at the pick up point, you wouldn't be the first one to sit on a plastic seat in the ail of the bus

Boat is indeed an option as well, but takes quit long if I am not mistaken (someone else will provide you this info

#2 Posted: 25/8/2011 - 00:14
exacto

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I'd probably just take the bus too. It isn't that long of a ride, much cheaper, and you'll get to see more of the countryside that way. I haven't heard too many good things about the boat, in that it is crowded, hot, full of fuel fumes, etc. But if adventure is your game....

#3 Posted: 25/8/2011 - 02:29
busylizzy

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The bus ride is about 6 hours all up, including a 1/2 hour stop along the way at a town where you can grab a bite to eat, use the bathroom, etc.

I think the buses are fine and comfortable. I've done the trip 3 times now and have never seen them so overcrowded that people were sitting in the aisles. Bring some earplugs though to block out the extra-loud DVD's that will be playing. Cost was round $7-8 for a VIP bus 2 years ago, and that normally includes a pickup from your hotel/guesthouse.

I've always enjoyed the trip for the reasons that exacto says - it's an opportunity to enjoy the scenery and rural countryside.

#4 Posted: 25/8/2011 - 03:54

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arah

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Agreed. Great bus trip, if a little bumpy. I've only seen plastic chairs in the aisles in minibuses and the bus we got from PP to SR was a big bus. So might be worth confirming what type of bus it is. In my opinion - and unfortunately experience - boats are risky.

#5 Posted: 26/8/2011 - 10:25

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ajf

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Hi - would anyone recommend maybe hiring bikes (dirt bikes/motor bikes - is this even possible to do?) and riding between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh

#6 Posted: 23/9/2011 - 15:24
eastwest

som tam seller
Posts: 699
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I don't see why you couldn't do it. The road is good enough and not too busy apart from a few places.

Only problem is getting the motorbikes back. If you intend to go back to SR you just rent for as many days as you wish and drive back. As far as I know there is no company that allows you to drop the bike in Phnom Penh. Even if the rental shop has family in PP, where you could drop the bikes, there would still be costs involved with getting the bikes back to SR.

Obviously take care with all the usual stuff concerning safe motorbiking in SE Asia.

#7 Posted: 23/9/2011 - 15:49
eastwest

som tam seller
Posts: 699
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I don't see why you couldn't do it. The road is good enough and not too busy apart from a few places.

Only problem is getting the motorbikes back. If you intend to go back to SR you just rent for as many days as you wish and drive back. As far as I know there is no company that allows you to drop the bike in Phnom Penh. Even if the rental shop has family in PP, where you could drop the bikes, there would still be costs involved with getting the bikes back to SR.

Obviously take care with all the usual stuff concerning safe motorbiking in SE Asia.

#8 Posted: 23/9/2011 - 15:49
Nixxypie

tourist
Posts: 55

I would recommend the bus. We paid either $9 or $10 for an overnight bus, leaving Siem Reap at midnight and arriving in PP at 6am, it was perfect as you had a bed on the bus and could sleep the entire way so you're not missing out on a day, although as someone else mentioned it is bumpy.

With regards to hiring a bike, personally I would only recommend it if you are a competant rider and have an idea of the roads, because 1) I'm an emergency nurse in the UK and have seen too many experienced riders who've been blown off their bike in the wind or hit a bump and have been paralysed for life or worse, and 2) in Vietnam I witnessed a head on collision of 2 bikes which left the men unconscious, bleeding and wrapped around their bikes in the middle of the road, and despite all of my experience at work it was one of the scariest things I've ever seen, especially since no one helped and traffic continued to drive right around them. For the price and the fact you can get the bus during the night I don't see any advantages of hiring a bike, but that's just my personal views.

#9 Posted: 23/9/2011 - 19:47
eastwest

som tam seller
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Surely the bus is easier, cheaper and safer but that's not always the point of travelling isn't it?

I think there is much to be said for driving yourself. The road is scenic and in some parts really worthwhile to stop for a break and take it all in. A much better experience than watching from behind a window in the bus. But as you said it's personal.

Safety is obviously a concern but if you are sensible it shouldn't be a big risk. There are some excellent bike threads on this site as well and well worth reading if you consider this.

#10 Posted: 24/9/2011 - 14:31
LisaH

newbie
Posts: 1

Does anyone have links to airlines who fly between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh?? The bus sounds like the best option but I would like to look at the option of flying. The prices, flight length etc.

#11 Posted: 19/10/2011 - 21:14
gwapo

noodle lady
Posts: 41

Take the Mekong express from SR to PP. They have trips at 6.30 and 7.30,the buses are comfortable and a hostess rides along to look after passengers. The fare is $11 (as of Oct 2011) and includes a bottle of water and a snack.The trip takes 6 hours and there is a 30 minute stop...avoid Paramount,its cheaper but you get what you pay for!

#12 Posted: 7/11/2011 - 10:23
KatMachine

motodop
Posts: 26

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Hi, me and my husband took a bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. I wrote something about it in my travel blog, including where I bought the ticket, the ride, the cost and what to expect in the road. Safe travels.
Edit: snip - please no blog drops like this

#13 Posted: 15/1/2012 - 20:21
andrewlra

newbie
Posts: 3

Hi Aaron, Actually for booking the flight domestic in Cambodia, you can go to the travel agency. I would recommend the one that me and my friend have bought last time hmmmm.. their name is La Route sth but you can check their website : www.laroute-angkor.com.
They can arrange for you with the good price ( cos we have check with the other agency too but the price here is cheaper and fast )

And if you go by bus or boat it take a long journey ( 5 to 6 hours ) but you can enjoy the view along the road Anyhow I would recommend you to consider the bus ticket if you want sth budget but if you have alot of person better try with van rental. For the bus ticket price is around 14 USD / Person, Phnom Penh - Siem reap. You can find the ticket at the agency that i recommend to you as well cos they also supply the bus ticket and boat ticket though. Have a very nice trip or I have their email if you want : rya@laroute-angkor.com

#14 Posted: 1/3/2012 - 22:16
Sampan

traveller
Posts: 100

Hello Aaron88,

Cambodia Angkok Air has an office in Siem Reap (and one at the airport) where you can book/buy tickets. Tickets are also available trough most guest houses/travel agents around town. Shopping for the best price can be a worth it.

Happy trails...

#15 Posted: 2/3/2012 - 00:14