From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap or return ?

admin - 1st publication September 29, 2017
Updated on August 6, 2021
NB: Given the closures linked to the pandemic, the prices are likely to be modified when the barrier measures currently underway in Cambodia disappear.

Reach Siem Reap from Phnom Penh with Cambodian cruises

From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, you have many choices between the bus, taxi, plane or the boat.

1/ By land

From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by land, you will need to travel on the national road 6 and travel 314 km.
The most economical way to reach Siem Reap is to travel by bus. You can opt for the company Capitol that charge 7$ per person. The price is very competitive, however, throughout the journey, you will see cambodian people get in and off the bus to make the journey more profitable for the company. The duration of the journey can last more than 8 hours.
For a more luxuous choice, opt for the mini van with Mékong Express (13$) or the bus with Giant Ibis with day and night shifts (15$). You can then reach Siem Reap at 6am in the morning.
You can also decide to rent a private taxi from 75$. If you are travelling with 3 other people, it will cost you 18,75$ per person. You can arrive at Siem Reap in 5 hours approximately.

2/ By river

Cambodian river cruises from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap — Sat Toung boat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap on Tonle Sap lake

If you feel more adventurous, you can opt for a trip by boat. You will travel mainly on the Tonle Sap, the largest lake in Southeast Asia. During the trip, you will observe beautiful landscapes with floating houses, cambodian doing their laundry or men on their fishing boat.
– Contrary to what you will be able to read or find on the Internet, the “express boats” have not worked for over 2 years. They made the trip in 5 or 6 hours unless they broke down, which happened practically on every trip.
– If you want to take your time and get away from the hubbub of the capital, you can also take a cruise from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Cambodian cruises offers you a comfortable 3-day, 2-night cruise with a maximum of 8 passengers on board. The price starts at $ 447 per person including transportation, full board accommodation, excursions, tuk-tuk, community boats, taxis, English speaking guide, and insurance. Travel in peace while respecting nature.

3/ By air

The last option to reach Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is the plane. The airlines operating on this route are Cambodia Angkor Air, Bayon Airlines and the new company JC Airlines. Very fast (around 30 minutes), it will cost you less than 100$ per person.