Travel

We’ve compiled some useful tips about the different ways of getting to and around Siem Reap!

VISAS

Most nationalities can get a visa-on-arrival at the airport in Phnom Penh/Siem Reap, or at the border crossing of Poipet between Thailand and Cambodia. A tourist visa costs $30 (valid for one month). Most ASEAN nationalities do not require visas unless you are planning to stay for a longer duration. You can also apply for a visa online. (E-Visa Online: https://www.evisa.gov.kh)

However, visitors from certain countries (Iran, Bangladesh etc.) cannot apply for visa-on-arrival or an e-visa, and must obtain a visa from a Cambodian embassy before arriving in Cambodia. (Note, these nationalities also cannot arrive through border crossings and must enter via an airport.)

AIR TRAVEL

Many airlines fly to Siem Reap, including budget airlines Jetstar Asia and AirAsia. The Siem Reap airport is only about 15 – 20 minutes away from the town centre. When you arrive, hire a tuk-tuk or taxi to bring you directly to your hotel/guesthouse.

Tip: Get yourself a local sim card at the airport for internet access to use ride-hailing apps Passapp and Grab for tuk-tuks!

PHNOM PENH TO SIEM REAP

Cheaper to fly to Phnom Penh? There are domestic flights and buses travelling daily from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, leaving almost every hour from 6am to midnight. Minivans cost (US$8-10) and take about 6-7 hours. Big buses are cheaper but may take up to 7-9 hours. We do NOT recommend travelling at night, as the roads are dangerous. To book a ticket, go into any travel agency to ask about the different bus companies and available timings. Be sure you get a seat number!

(Tip: We recommended: Larryta (Minivan) / Giant Ibis (Bus) and please avoid Vireak Buntham at all costs!)

Useful Links (Move to Cambodia blog): How to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (and vice versa)

Useful Links (Move to Cambodia blog)

BUS/TRAIN FROM BANGKOK

Find your way from Bangkok either by bus or train to the border crossing of Aranyaprathet (Thai side) / Poipet (Cambodia side). The customs close at around 10pm daily.

BUS FROM BANGKOK (ABOUT 8 HRS)

There is now a direct bus service from Mochit bus station to Siem Reap! It departs at 0900hrs daily and cost about 750Baht. The same bus will take you from Bangkok to the border, and wait for you in Poipet to continue the journey to Siem Reap.

Most travel agencies on Khao San Road offer deals with mini-buses leaving early in the morning. You can also go directly to the Mochit bus station where buses travel from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet every half-hour.

Once at Aranyaprathet, cross the border on foot. Get through the Thai customs, walk past the strange hotels and casinos, and head to the Cambodian Customs Office if you need a Cambodian visa-on-arrival. Once through Cambodian customs, you’re now in Poipet!

Catch a bus or a shared taxi to Siem Reap. The best way is to share a taxi with other travellers, and it will cost about US$35 for the whole car, or around US$9 for a seat on a minivan.

TRAIN FROM BANGKOK (ABOUT 8 HRS)

Coming by train is the cheapest way of coming to Siem Reap from Bangkok, but it isn’t always the easiest! From Hualamphong Train Station (near Khao San), you can buy a train ticket for 50Baht from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet (free seating). Trains leave at 0555hrs and 1305hrs daily and the journey is typically about 6 hours.

At Aranyaprathet, you need to take a short tuktuk ride to the border (share a tuk-tuk with fellow travellers for about 70Baht in total). Cross the border on foot. Get through the Thai customs, walk past the strange hotels and casinos, and head to the Cambodian customs office if you need a Cambodian visa-on-arrival. Once through Cambodian customs, you’re now in Poipet!

Catch a bus or a shared taxi to Siem Reap. The best way is to share a taxi with other travellers, and it will cost about US$35 for the whole car, or around US$9 for a seat on a minivan.

SCAM ALERT!!

* Some buses from Bangkok will stop at a private office before Thai customs, encouraging you to apply for your Cambodian visa in advance. Just ignore this and stay on the bus. THIS IS A SCAM. Apply only at the official building which is AFTER Thai customs. * When you arrive in Cambodia, some tuk-tuk drivers will try to bring you to a recommended guesthouse (even if you tell them not to). Be firm and clear about where you want to go.