Battambang to Phnom Penh Travel Tips You Should Know Once

Battambang to Phnom Penh is a journey that links the heart of Cambodian culture with its capital. It is a well-liked route that has easy transportation, rural countryside scenery, and an effortless switchover from provincial living to urban lifestyle intensity.

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Overview Of Battambang To Phnom Penh

Battambang to Phnom Penh is one of the most travelled routes throughout Cambodia due to its diverse offerings, combining two cities with different experiences that complement each other. The city of Battambang has a laid-back vibe, colonial-style architecture and a rich cultural heritage, while the capital city of Phnom Penh has an eclectic mix of historical and modern influences, riverfront scenery, and high-energy city life. By travelling between the two cities, visitors can easily move from the slower pace of rural life to that of the bustling metropolis.

Many visitors to Cambodia will combine both cities in their travel plans so they can experience both Battambang’s rural life, local art, and traditional markets before arriving in Phnom Penh to see royal buildings, museums, and explore its gastronomy. There are multiple options when it comes to transportation between the two cities, and they provide visitors with an easy, picturesque way to travel to and from Battambang and Phnom Penh, making them ideal for both first-time visitors as well as those who have returned to see more of Cambodia.

How Far Is It From Battambang To Phnom Penh?

The route between Battambang and Phnom Penh goes along a distance of roughly 290 k.m by road, typically taking approximately 4-5 hours to drive, depending on traffic conditions along the route. Because it is the quickest route, this route is considered to be the easiest and most comfortable way to travel long distances.

If you would rather travel via train instead, the train travel distance between Battambang and Phnom Penh is approximately 253 k.m, and the average time taken from Battambang to Phnom Penh is between 6 to 7 hours. However, train travel is seen as a slower option compared to the road route. However, it can take in many more scenic areas. The train gives travelers the opportunity to see the rural parts of Cambodia and offers a more leisurely experience compared to being on the road.

How to Travel From Battambang To Phnom Penh?

There are many convenient ways to travel from Battambang to Phnom Penh. Some of them vary based on budget and time. Below are the preferred methods of traveling from Battambang to Phnom Penh, along with some information that may help you choose the appropriate one for your journey.

By Bus Or Minivan

By bus or minivan, this remains the most popular option due to its cost-effectiveness. The driving distance typically requires 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic flow on National Road 5. Costs vary between $8 and $15, which remains relatively cheap for most travellers. Operated by reputable companies such as Seila Angkor, Meanchey Travel, or regular minivan services, this remains a suitable option with daily departures in air-conditioned vehicles offering basic comfort.

By Train (Royal Railway)

For those who prefer a slower experience, Royal Railway’s train is the best option for viewing the landscapes along the routes in rural Cambodia. The train journey normally lasts for 7-8 hours. While this experience is slower compared to road transport, it is nonetheless memorable. Those who prefer this method should not be in such a hurry.

Another consideration is that it’s usually difficult to confirm the availability of train services. You should consider checking for their availability at the station or on their official websites at Royal Railway Cambodia.

By Private Taxi

Traveling via a private taxi provides travelers with the most comfortable and flexible travel option between Battambang and Phnom Penh. The length of this trip is normally around 4.5-5 hours, which allows for a quicker trip than the bus option.

Pricing for private taxi service is generally between 70-100 USD per vehicle, which tends to be more economical than the bus for larger families and groups. Additionally, you have the freedom to stop at places of your choice.

Tips For Traveling From Battambang To Phnom Penh

When you’re traveling from Battambang to Phnom Penh, planning ahead will help reduce stress and create a more seamless and enjoyable experience as you travel.

The following tips will help you make sure that you have the best bus or train seats available, a good departure time, and that you travel in the most comfortable way possible, whether by bus, taxi, or train.
To ensure a good seat and a preferred departure time on your selected journey, always book your bus/train ticket at least 1 day in advance during peak travel periods, e.g., weekends.
If possible, choose to depart in the morning; the heavy traffic entering Phnom Penh later in the day may delay your arrival.
If your journey is being made via bus or shared van, speak with the bus company about the multiple rest stops along the route so that you can plan out meals and bathroom breaks for your convenience.
It’s good to carry cash in smaller amounts for roadside vendor purchases because many roadside vendors may not accept credit or debit cards for payment.
When taking a long-distance train ride, it is always wise to bring food & drink (especially for the first leg of the trip) because there is often no meal service on board.
When travelling by bus, use a reputable company; if using a taxi, only use licensed services. This will help protect you and improve the likelihood of an enjoyable trip.
Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination (Phnom Penh) in case of delays caused by weather, road conditions, accidents, or traffic congestion.
Sit on the left side of the bus whenever possible; you will have much better views of the scenery along the route.

Recommended Stops Along the Way

The drive from Battambang to Phnom Penh can be very interesting if you allow time to see some of the sites along the way. You will not only get a break from driving, but you will also gain more insights into Cambodian rural life, history, and culture.

Kampong Chhnang Pottery Villages

Kampong Chhnang is also renowned as the potters’ center of Cambodia, and it is one of the few places where visitors can watch the art of pottery making. The villagers here make clay pots, ovens, and household items entirely by themselves in the open workshops set up alongside their residences. A visit to this place will enable you to witness the entire process of making pottery items while learning about the history of this art in the community.

Floating Villages On The Tonlé Sap

The presence of floating villages in the area around Kampong Chhnang provides an interesting insight into life on the water’s surface. Floating dwellings, schools, commercial centers, as well as some temples, can be seen along the riverbanks to accommodate the periodic rise and fall in the level of the Tonlé Sap River according to the seasons. By taking a short trip by boat, one can observe how the locals live their lives by means of fishing, trade, and boat transportation as part of their regular activities every day.

Oudong (Former Royal Capital)

Oudong is a historic royal capital of Cambodia and a religious site of high significance to this day. The region is full of ancient stupas that house the remains of past monarchs, positioned along a stretch of a hill that dominates the landscape. The hike to the top provides a notable respite from Phnom Penh, with panoramic views and a serene setting that is very different from what one finds in a city like Phnom Penh. The historic stop at Oudong is very relevant when heading towards Phnom Penh, especially if one is particularly intrigued by the Sisowath heritage.

Skoun (Spider Market)

Skoun is a renowned roadside stop, especially for its vibrant market and unique rural fare, such as deep-fried tarantulas. While those might be considered adventurous eating, the market itself can also be explored for the ambiance and local treats, fruits, or street food. It’s also a good spot to stretch your legs, snack, or experience the everyday lifestyle in a Cambodian provincial setting. For some tourists, Skoun would turn out to be the highlight or a starting point in conversation at social events or meetings.

Phnom Prasith Temple

Phnom Prasith is a less-visited temple that sits on a hill and provides a quiet place to reflect. This location contains ancient rock buildings and Buddhist idols as well as beautiful views of the plain below. One place that allows people to really take their time and learn about the local culture and religion is Phnom Prasith. This temple would be the ideal place to take a break before ending up in the busy city of Phnom Penh.

FAQs About Traveling From Battambang To Phnom Penh

Here are answers to some common questions that travelers may have as they prepare for their trip from Battambang to Phnom Penh regarding travel method, length, and general comfort.

What is the quickest way from Battambang to Phnom Penh?

The quickest means through which one can travel is by private taxi, which takes about 4.5 to 5 hours. In this mode of transport, one can travel alone without being required to drop off other passengers on the way. This also provides convenience for one to stop for refreshments along the way if they wish. Private taxis can be preferred by people traveling with families or those who value time.

Is the train from Battambang to Phnom Penh worth taking?

A train journey is recommended for passengers who love scenic routes and wish to experience a slower, more local journey experience in their travels to or from their destinations in Cambodia. You will be able to see rice fields, villages, and day-to-day living in rural areas along your journey, since it takes longer compared to road transport, which may be more enjoyable and stress-free for some passengers, although train schedules are limited.

Is traveling from Battambang to Phnom Penh a safe journey?

An important transportation link between Battambang and the capital city, Phnom Penh, has safe routes that are frequently traversed by both locals as well as foreign visitors. The routes in this transport corridor get plenty of traffic, with services running on a daily basis throughout the year. Safety in this transportation corridor can be enhanced by using licensed companies during daytime hours.

Are there good spots where you could stop for a break?

Yes, there are quite a few interesting stops such as Kampong Chhnang, Oudong, and Skoun. Each of these places gives an opportunity to experience the culture. The easiest way to include places of interest on your route will be when you travel through a private taxi. Otherwise, either the train or the bus route has fixed stops and time constraints.

Final Thoughts

To go from Battambang to Phnom Penh isn’t just going from one place to another, but it also allows you to discover the different character styles throughout Cambodia. There are a variety of ways to get from Battambang to Phnom Penh, so there are options available to fit most budgets and travel preferences. You will be able to create your own fun and exciting itinerary based on the types of travel preferences that you have! So, utilize your time wisely by working with, setting up, and organizing your Cambodia itinerary with Seni World Travel!

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