Santa Rita, Salento: All You Need to Know
April 26, 2024
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If you’re reading this guide, I assume that you’re planning to travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh in 2024. Right? Traveling from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is an easy and popular route in Southeast Asia. It is an exciting journey but can also be a little challenging if you’re new to this region. But no worries. I’m here to help you! In this guide, you’ll learn about the best options to travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: buses, flights, vans, or taxis. I’ll share all the essential information about these options, including duration, costs, ticket booking, departure times, etc. So, without any further ado, let’s begin!
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Colombia
Many travelers to Cambodia visit both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh during their trip. Whether you’re traveling from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh or from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, you can easily get between these destinations.
Siem Reap, located in the northwest of Cambodia, is one of my favorite places in Southeast Asia, and for many good reasons. The city is neither too large nor too bustling!
Siem Reap was the capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th centuries. Today, the city is a popular tourist destination, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Most people come to see the famous Angkor Wat Temple complex – it is even on their national flag. But there’s much more to see in Siem Reap beyond the temples.
You can visit Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s biggest lake, or the beautiful floating village of Kompong Khleang. If you’re looking for entertainment you can visit the ethical Phare circus and in the evening there are night markets where you can eat, shop, and enjoy delicious vegan Cambodian food.
When you’re done exploring Siem Reap and ready to move on to your next destination, Phnom Penh is for many travelers a logical choice, especially when you are doing a grand tour through Southeast Asia.
Arial view over Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Well, before we get into the exact details about how to get from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, let’s talk about why you should visit. If you want to learn about Cambodia’s history, you should consider spending a few days in Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh, nicknamed the “Pearl of Asia,” is Cambodia’s capital. It is located along the banks of the Mekong River and the city is larger and busier compared to Siem Reap.
It has many historic and cultural sights worth seeing, such as the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, and the Art Deco Central Market. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly guesthouses, luxury five-star hotels, fine international dining, or vegan restaurants, Phnom Penh has something for every kind of traveler.
As a traveler, you can easily reach Phnom Penh from different Asian cities via overland border crossings and direct flights. With improved roads, domestic flights, and regular buses from Cambodian towns like Siem Reap, Phnom Penh is a must-visit destination.
Already convinced to visit Phnom Penh? Let’s discuss how to get from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh!
→ Also read: 10 Sustainable Travel Tips For Visiting Cambodia
The distance between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh is about 320 Kilometers (198 miles).
The travel time from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh can vary in duration, typically taking around 5 to 7 hours. The exact time frame depends on certain factors, like traffic conditions, weather conditions, and the mode of transportation you choose.
There are four ways to get from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: a bus (5-7 hours), van (5-6 hours), flight (45 minutes), or taxi (5-6 hours).
When deciding how to travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, you should consider factors such as how much money you want to spend, how much time you have, and the comfort level you want.
If you prefer sustainable traveling, taking a bus is a good idea. Buses are cheap and easy to find. A mini-bus or van might be the better choice if you want a faster experience with fewer stops and fewer crowds.
If you have money and are short on time, you can take a 45-minute flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. If you want a more personalized and comfortable experience, a private taxi can pick you up right from your door.
The best and easiest way to compare different travel options and book your tickets online is through 12Go. Here, you can find all the info you need to plan your trip from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
Below are the 4 best ways to travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Keep scrolling to find the information about each option!
The most economical and popular way to get from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is by bus. It is a popular choice among conscious travelers and expats who like slow traveling and want to see the Cambodian countryside life. You’ll see traditional houses, farmers working in rice paddies, and cows and buffaloes grazing in fields.
At a minimum, the bus journey takes about 5-7 hours, depending on the traffic conditions and the stops they make along the route.
Two types of buses travel on this route: full-size buses and mini-buses. If you want to enjoy the countryside views through more oversized windows at lower rates, full-size buses are the best choice. They are slower than mini-buses and make more stops. A one-way bus ticket costs around $8-20, depending on your chosen bus type and company.
Many popular bus companies offer services between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. They run multiple trips daily, both daytime and nighttime sleeper buses. You can choose the one that fits your schedule!
Most bus companies depart from Siem Reap station, located about 2 km from Nakepeoun Old Market Roundabout. Some companies offer hotel pick-up and drop-off facilities. Make sure to confirm it before booking. You can book your bus ticket online through 12Go.
These buses are the cheapest ones and are popular both among locals and travelers. They may or may not have air conditioning and can get pretty crowded.
You can be sure that they will make many stops along the way to pick up and drop off passengers. Their one-way ticket prices start from $8.
If you want a more comfortable journey, you can book a VIP bus. These buses have reclining seats, WiFi, power outlets, and air conditioning. They are more expensive than local buses, and tickets start from $16.
These buses are perfect for nighttime traveling. They have sleeping berths and reclining seats that are convertible into beds. These luxury buses are equipped with air conditioning, toilets, and curtains for privacy.
They make a stop halfway between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, allowing you to stretch your legs and grab a quick bite.
Here are some popular bus companies to travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh with a good track record!
Giant Ibis is a popular choice among tourists because of its comfortable buses. They offer Universe Luxury buses with electrical outlets for charging your devices and free WiFi. If you stay in one of the company’s partner hotels, you can get a free pick-up service.
Mey Hong Bus is a popular and reputable bus company in Cambodia. They run three trips daily from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, two during the day (8:30 and 13:30) and one at night (23:00).
Virak Buntham Express is a reputable company that offers multiple daily trips on this route. The company runs two sleeper buses, the Hotel Bus and the Luxury Bus. The buses are comfortable and equipped with beds, air conditioning, and WiFi. You’ll also get pillows and blankets during your journey.
Make sure to check the reviews of each bus company on 12Go before booking!
My preferred bus company for traveling from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh and in and around Cambodia is The Giant Ibis. Once you’ve decided on the bus company, you can book a ticket online through 12Go.
Choose the departure time that fits your schedule. Buses depart from Siem Reap as early as 8:30 am, with many departures throughout the day and night.
Travel Tip: Roads in Cambodia can be bumpy, so if you get motion-sick, bring medication, water, and snacks.
The more affordable and faster way to get from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is by taking a van or minibus. They provide a comfortable journey through the Cambodian Countryside with fewer crowds and stops and they travel faster than large-size buses.
You can reach Phnom Penh in about 5-5.5 hours. Mini-buses and vans travel only during the daytime. Their tickets cost slightly more than buses, starting from $12. Ticket costs vary depending on the type of van and company you choose.
You can book your tickets online through 12Go.
Two types of vans travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: standard vans and VIP vans.
Here are some popular van companies with a good track record in Cambodia!
Sarah Transport is a reputable van service in Cambodia. They offer two daily trips from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: 8:15 and 10:30. Their vans are small and clean.
Booking Express is a reputable bus company in Cambodia. They operate buses, mini-buses, and vans from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. They run eight trips daily on this route. You can choose the service that best suits your time and budget.
Cambodia Post VIP Van is one of the popular and reputable companies in Cambodia. They run two daily trips, one in the early morning at 9:00 and one at 2:00 pm. The vans are comfortable and equipped with air conditioning and seat belts.
Make sure to check the reviews of each company on 12Go so you can decide which van service meets your expectations!
If you’re looking for a comfortable and flexible option to get from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, I recommend booking a private car or taxi. Taxis between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh cost around $90 to $150, depending on the car size and company you choose.
The prices are considerably higher than taking a bus or van but it can be convenient when you are traveling in a group and you can split the costs. The great thing is that you can decide your departure time and stop-offs with a private car. If you don’t make any stops, the trip may take less than 5 hours.
If you’re a solo traveler or a small group, you can book a standard car (SUV 3 passengers) or upgrade to a spacious SUV, which can accommodate up to six or seven passengers.
Once in Phnom Penh, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel instead than on the side of the road.
You can book tickets online through 12Go. They have a variety of companies that provide taxi services from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Booking online allows you to pay in advance and avoid last-minute bargaining.
On your departure day, your driver will pick you up from your hotel or pick-up location in Siem Reap. Make sure to get ready on time and to have your luggage packed!
Different companies offer private car services from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Here are some you can travel with!
Angkor Guide Adventure is a popular company that offers taxi rides with online booking. They have different types of vehicles for taxis: SUV 3 pax, SUV 6 pax, and Van 10 pax. You can pick the one that fits your group size and comfort levels.
SIMA Car is a reputable taxi company that provides services between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. They have a good safety record and knowledgeable drivers. You can choose from the SUV 4 Pax, the Minivan 7 Pax, and the Premium Van 5 Pax.
Glassflower is a popular company that has been providing services on this Cambodian route. They offer luxurious vehicles, such as the Comfort Car 3 pax and the Van 9 Pax.
Now that you have learned about each company choose one and book your transfer online through 12Go.
If you’re short on time and don’t mind spending more, you can take a domestic flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Direct flights between these cities are available, but the price might be the deciding factor if you’re traveling with luggage. If you book the economy class, you can carry one-hand baggage items, but check-in baggage is not included in the ticket price.
Flying saves you from spending hours on a cramped bus or van. Instead, you’ll enjoy a quick 45-minute flight. Unfortunately, this is not the most eco-friendly option and I don’t think it is that much faster if you include all the time you need to get to the airport and the waiting time at the airport.
Cambodia Angkor Air is Cambodia’s national flag carrier and offers direct flights between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. The airline has a good safety record and offers onboard amenities like free snacks and drinks. A one-way ticket costs around $138.
Here’s how you can travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by plane:
Flights depart from Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and land at Phnom Penh International Airport. Siem International Airport is about 7km away from the city center.
You can easily get there by taxi or tuk-tuk. Taking a tuk-tuk is a cheaper option, costing around $8. The journey takes around 20 minutes. A taxi costs around $10. Make sure to arrive at the airport three hours before your flight.
The flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh takes around 45 minutes. It is the fastest way to travel between these cities. During the flight, you’ll enjoy a bird’ s-eye view of Cambodian landscapes, like the Tonle Sap Lake and the Mekong River.
Most flights offer onboard amenities like free snacks and drinks, and some airlines also offer in-flight entertainment.
Once you arrive at Phnom Penh Airport, you can easily get to the city but it can be overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with the area. I suggest booking an airport transfer in advance to make things easier.
It costs around $25 and is a feasible option for first-time visitors to the city. The airport is located about 10 km from the city center.
Another option is to book an auto-rickshaw through PassApp that will take you to popular destinations like Riverside or Toul Tom Poung.
If you’re looking for an affordable option, you can take a taxi or tuk-tuk from the terminal to the city. If you don’t want to be scammed, it’s a good idea to walk out of the airport and board a tuk-tuk there. The price will be much cheaper.
The journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap follows the same transportation options but in a reverse route. You can either take a bus, van/min-bus, private car or taxi, or a flight. The journey time and cost will be the same. You can book your tickets through 12Go.
Phnom Penh is not an easily walkable city, so it can be a bit tricky for travelers to get around. The sidewalks are often missing, and the traffic can be dangerous. You can easily walk around in the central area, but you need to find another way to go longer distances.
Unfortunately, Phnom Penh doesn’t have a public transportation system, so the only way to travel long distances is by using auto-rickshaws, taxis, or tuks-tuks. Another option is to download PassApp to book rides easily.
Phnom Penh is a bustling city with plenty of tourist attractions and sustainable activities. Here are some activities you must try during your visit!
I really recommend visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as Security Prison 21 (S-21), to better understand Cambodia’s culture, people, and tragic history. The museum documents the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime.
Before the Khmer Rouge took over, the museum used to be a school. But when they took over, it became one of the cruelest places in Cambodia. Thousands of political prisoners, soldiers, monks, and teachers were tortured here until they confessed to crimes they didn’t do. Once they confessed, they were then sent to the Killing Fields to be executed.
You can see how the classrooms were turned into small cells and some still have beds and chains. There are also many photos of the prisoners on the walls that make the strategy sink in even more.
Choueng Ek Genocide Center is located about 20 km south of the city. Initially, it was a fruit farm, but later, it became a killing field where the Khmer Rouge killed millions of people between 1975 and 1979.
During Pol Pot’s rule in 1970, there were over 300 killing fields across Cambodia. Choueng EK Genocide Center is one of these infamous Killing Fields.
When you visit, you’ll get an audio guide that is narrated by survivors of Choeung Ek. As you walk around the premises, you’ll see graves of over 20,000 people. There is also a tree called the Killing Tree. Many children, babies, and infants were killed here by Khmer Rouge soldiers by just slapping their bodies against the tree.
Although you can visit Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng independently, you can also visit both sites through the Killing Fied and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Tour.
One of the best and most cheerful places to visit in Phnom Penh is the Royal Palace! It is a group of special buildings with soaring roofs and beautiful Khmer architecture. These buildings were built in 1866.
The palace is mainly the royal family’s home, but it also has many religious and political buildings. The Silver Pagoda, also called the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha, is a famous building with beautiful Buddha statues decorated with jewels. Some parts of the palace are not open to visitors but you can still tour the middle section of the palace and learn about its interesting history.
When you visit, make sure your shoulders and knees are covered otherwise, they won’t let you in. The palace is open daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
One of the best ways to explore the Cambodian rural landscapes is by taking a bicycle tour with Grasshopper Adventures. I love that Grasshopper Adventures is a sustainable tourism company that encourages visitors to meet and talk to locals during the tour of the northern Mekong region.
This 2 km flat-track cycling tour departs at 8 am. The tour will take you through never-ending rice paddies, palm trees, and Khmer-style stilted houses. You’ll also visit extravagant pagodas, meet locals, and support sustainable tourism.
If you like to support local communities while traveling, you should visit the Daughters of Cambodia Visitor Center to support victims of sex trafficking. They offer recovery programs and job opportunities for women and it’s a conscious way to spend your money and time.
At the center, you can shop for handmade products like t-shirts, fashion accessories, and jewelry or you can book an appointment at their Hand n Feet Spa for women. Don’t forget to visit the cafe, where you can enjoy delicious food while contributing to a good cause.
The money you spend will help these women by providing counseling and medical care. Take the opportunity to learn about their mission and how you can help make a difference!
From affordable guesthouses and sociable hostels to eco-lodges and luxe hotels, Phnom Penh has a nice range of accommodation options. Most tourists prefer to stay near Riverside (Sisowath Quay), as it provides easy access to must-see attractions. Here are some popular options you can consider when staying in Phnom Penh!
House Boutique Eco Hotel is the best choice for conscious travelers. The hotel features stylish bedrooms, bathrooms, and a pool. Their menu includes a variety of dishes, including a good number of vegan options. Try the sweet potato, pumpkin curry, and mango smoothies. You’ll love them!
Another great thing about the hotel is that they offer free drinking water. Furthermore, its strategic location provides easy access to famous attractions such as the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, The Royal Palace, Boeung Keng Kang Market, and Phnom Penh Airport.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly yet upscale accommodation, YK Art House is a perfect choice. The house features eight rooms with private bathrooms, five one-bedroom apartments, and a studio apartment. The hotel provides an artist residency program where artists can stay, work, and enjoy meals.
They also have a popular vegan restaurant, Bong Bonlai, which serves lunch, breakfast, and dinner to both guests and walk-ins. You must try their hummus-spinach-tomatoes on toast and Khmer-style Ginger Tofu.
And, if you book a stay here, you’ll help support a school for children and local artists!
If you’re looking for a place in Phnom Penh surrounded by nature, I recommend Rambutan Resort. This friendly place welcomes all types of travelers, including LGBTQ+ guests. The resort features 19 guest rooms with hot tubs, a spa, a beautiful saltwater pool, and a lounge bar surrounded by a lush garden.
After a day of exploration, take a dip in your private hot tub or pamper yourself at the spa with Traditional Khmer and Swedish massages. The Rambutan Restaurant offers a variety of Western and Khmer dishes for guests. You can order breakfast, lunch, or dinner either at the restaurant or in your room.
The resort’s beautiful surroundings and luxurious amenities make it one of the great places to stay in Phnom Penh.
Siem Reap is located about 320 km (198 miles) apart from Phnom Penh. You can easily travel between these cities. The popular modes of transportation are bus, van/mini-bus, taxi, and flight.
There is no direct train service between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
The bus takes around 5-7 hours to get from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
I recommend spending at least three full days in Phnom Penh. This will give you a generous amount of time to see all the main tourist spots and some local neighborhoods.
There you go! I hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and tips for your journey.
Traveling from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is a popular and direct route with different transportation options. You can take a bus, van/mini-bus, private taxi, or flight.
No matter how you choose to travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, each option has its pros and cons, so consider your schedule, budget, and comfort level before making a decision.
Be sure to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
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Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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