Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

by Annie
(Hong Kong)

We are looking to a take the bus from Phnom Penh up to Siem Reap to see the temples at Angkor Wat.

How far is the trip by bus and how long does it take? I know there is also a boat that we can take but it's hard to locate any reliable information about the boat.

Thanks for your help.

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Answer from Travel-Budget-Asia.com

It's exactly 314 km from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.

It's a 5-7 hour journey by bus but it's a smooth highway up there now. The fare is $4USD - $6USD each way (Depending on where you buy your ticket).

The bus leaves at 7am, 8am, 9am and the last one leaves Phnom Penh at 10am. I always get on the early one because I can get a good sleep on the bus as long as I bring my earplugs. Often they will play Karaoke music on the bus and it can be annoying.

Maybe Karaoke music sounds good when you are drunk and singing but not when you are trying to get some rest. There isn't a ton to see on the way up but if it's your first time then stay awake and watch the countryside go by.

But still get a set of earplugs!

By Air the total flight time from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is 50 minutes. There are 5 flights per day which cost as little as $70USD. Have a look at current Air fares from Airfares from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.

The boat took about four and a half hours and cost $25USD. Everyone thinks the fast boat is the adventurous way to go and compared to the bus it is.

But if the sun is out and shining you won't be able to sit on the top deck of the boat for long. You will suffer dearly if you sit up on deck while the sun is out. The last time I did that, I had heat stroke for 3 days and it ruined my holiday. Take plenty of the best sunblock and wear a hat.

But the views heading down the Mekong toward Siem reap are incredible! Village children often play in the river with their stilted bamboo houses on the banks behind them.

Tickets for EVERYTHING are available at you hotel or Guest House. But always shop around to get the best prices.

Enjoy the Temples!