Phnom Penh To Angkor Wat Guide: Distance And Transport

Traveling from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat offers a journey from Cambodia’s bustling capital into the heart of its ancient Khmer heritage. Many travelers are drawn by the iconic temples, rich history, and cultural depth of Siem Reap.

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Overview of Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat

Traveling from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat is among the most famous travel experiences in Cambodia, bridging the country’s political capital with its most revered cultural and historical site. On one hand, Phnom Penh is known for its royal history and culture, and on the other hand, Angkor Wat symbolizes the core of ancient Khmer Civilization.

One of the reasons why many visitors opt to visit these two places at once is based on their historical ties and good travel connectivity. Preceding a visit to Angkor Wat, a trip to Phnom Penh will allow tourists to experience both the past and present of Cambodia in one continuous trip.

How Far Is It From Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat?

The distance from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat is about 320 kilometers, or around 200 miles. The journey would take one from the busy capital into the most sacred and world-famous heritage site of Cambodia. Most visitors go to Siem Reap first, the city serving as the main entrance to Angkor Wat and the whole Angkor Archaeological Park. The route is well-traveled, offering up a mix of bustling highways and views across the rural countryside with peeks into the everyday life of Cambodians on the way.

Travel time varies according to the transport method. If travelling via road, the trip generally takes 5-6.5 hours, and travel times may change based on road conditions, traffic, weather, etc. However, for those wanting to speed up their travels, flying from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap only takes 45 minutes, making flying the fastest and most convenient travel option available. Regardless of your method of travel, arriving in Siem Reap marks the start of an incredible cultural experience as you get closer to discovering Southeast Asia’s largest ancient wonder.

How to Travel From Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat

There are numerous options available for traveling to Angkor Wat via Phnom Penh based on your individual preference for convenience; Angkor Wat is one of Cambodia’s most popular tourist destinations, so it is a well-worn path.

3.1. By Motorbike

The cost of travelling from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat (Siem Reap) via motorbike will be around 15-25 USD for fuel to travel 320 km. If you choose to rent a bike for this trip, the cost will typically be between $8-$15 per day, resulting in a total travel cost of between 25-40 USD.

Generally, this route can take anywhere from 7 to 9 hours, depending on your motorcycle riding skills and if you like to take your time for long-distance trips/experience the thrill of travelling this way. Most individuals who will find this to be their preferred mode of travel are experienced motorcycle riders who like to have flexibility during their time in Cambodia, will enjoy the potential adventure that a motorbike trip might provide, and are comfortable dealing with variable weather and road conditions.

Factors	Details
Price	Taking a motorbike from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat costs about 15-25 USD for the gas alone in order to complete the entire 320 km distance. If you have to rent a motorbike, it will be 8-15 dollars a day. Thus, the total cost is usually around 25-40 dollars,
Time	Traveling by motorbike from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat (Siem Reap) usually takes around 7 to 9 hours.
Best for	This option is best for experienced riders who enjoy long-distance travel, flexibility, and adventure, and who are comfortable with varying road and weather conditions.

3.2. By Bus or Minivan

One thing to take into consideration for travel from Phnom Penh to the Angkor Wat complex in Siem Reap would be a bus or a minivan, which should cost between $10 and $18 per person, depending on the class of travel.

The approximate time involved in the journey will be 6 to 7 hours, along with some resting points in between. The bus and minivan transport services will prove to be the best option for those people who are looking for a hassle-free journey experience without the worry of driving a vehicle.

Factors	Details
Price	Traveling by bus or minivan from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat (Siem Reap) usually costs around USD 10–18 per person for a one-way trip, depending on the service and comfort level.
Time	Traveling by bus or minivan from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat (Siem Reap) usually takes about 6 to 7 hours, including short rest stops along the way.
Best for	Traveling by bus or minivan from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat is ideal for budget travelers, solo travelers, and first-time visitors who want a convenient, affordable, and stress-free journey without driving themselves.
Notes	When traveling by bus or minivan from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat, book your ticket in advance and arrive early at the pickup point. Keep your passport and valuables with you, secure

3.3. By Private Car

The average price to hire a private driver and car from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap – the home of Angkor Wat – is approximately US$90-120 for a standard sedan (3-4 seats). Other vehicle types (SUVs/minivans) cost more depending on what type of vehicle you select and how many people will be riding. There are also different charges based on how far in advance you book.

If you are travelling as a private group, hiring a private driver and vehicle will give you greater flexibility and comfort during your trip. You choose what time you would like to leave and when you want to stop throughout the journey; therefore, you can take your time to relax and not feel rushed during this trip, which can greatly benefit families and other groups of friends that want to create a more customised travel experience together.

Factors	Details
Price	Traveling by private car from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat (Siem Reap) typically costs around USD 90 – 120 per vehicle for a one-way trip. The price depends on the car type (4-7 seats), travel date, and included services such as a driver, fuel, and toll fees
Time	Traveling by private car from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat (Siem Reap) usually takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the number of rest stops along the way.
Best for	Traveling by private car from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat is best suited for families, couples, or small groups who value comfort, privacy, and flexibility. It is ideal for travelers who prefer a direct journey with personalized stops and a relaxed travel experience.
Notes	While taking a private car from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat, make sure you clarify the total cost before the trip and see what is to be included in this cost, such as fuel expenses, toll taxes, and cost of the driver.

3.4. Self-Drive Car Rental

Renting a vehicle to drive yourself from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat in Siem Reap provides you with privacy, and flexibility to do things at your own pace. A self-drive option is recommended for confident, experienced drivers and couples or small groups who are comfortable with long-distance driving and Cambodian road conditions.

Before beginning the journey, you need to make sure that you have all of the necessary documents available (valid driver’s license, passport, and rental agreement), check with the rental agency about insurance coverage, inspect the vehicle before leaving, and plan your route ahead of time, as well as where and when you’ll be stopping for breaks, delays, and other unforeseen occurrences.

Factors	Details
Price	Self-drive car rentals from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat (Siem Reap) would cost about USD 50–90 per day for a small sedan or compact SUV, while larger SUVs come at about USD 90–120 per day.
Time	Traveling by self-drive car from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat (Siem Reap) usually takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and rest stops along the way.
Best for	Renting a self-drive car from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat is best for confident and experienced drivers who value privacy, flexibility, and traveling at their own pace.
Notes	While traveling in self-driven cars from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat, you need to make sure you have a valid driver’s license, a car rental contract, and insurance. Examine your car thoroughly, pre-plan your itinerary, follow local traffic guidelines, and factor in time for resting and unplanned halts.

Tips For Traveling From Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat

A journey to Angkor Wat, which begins at Phnom Penh, is among those enjoyable rides that transport you from the bustle of the Cambodian capital to the most famous ancient monument in the land. With a little planning and some useful tips, your journey can prove to be a very memorable experience.

It is best to take the early morning trips from Phnom Penh that leave between 6:00 and 7:00 AM because there will be little traffic, the weather is cooler, and you can arrive in Siem Reap and rest before you explore the city.
If you take a bus or a minivan, you should purchase your ticket in advance through reputable sources or popular companies to obtain a good seat, particularly during weekends and holidays when the vehicle might be fully occupied.
If you are traveling by motorbike, prepare your motorbike before leaving, wear a proper helmet, and never travel at night due to a lack of light on the roads. Always carry a raincoat to protect yourself from the changes in the weather at times.
While driving, it is important to make time to rest after every 1 to 2 hours to avoid getting fatigued. Some of the eating places along National Highway 6 have nice rest stops.
Bring your own supply of drinking water, snacks, sunblock, and money in small denominations, since there may not be ATMs or convenience stores.
When possible, consider purchasing the Angkor Pass the day before you go to the temple sites to escape the lines at the ticket office early in the morning.

Recommended Stops Along the Way

While the journey from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat is rather straightforward along National Highway 6, there are some worthy stops for any traveler to take in the local culture and scenic views:

Kompong Thom Town

If you’re travelling northward, Kompong Thom makes for an excellent stopover point; it is located on the banks of the Tonle Sap River and has several restaurants and cafes that serve delicious local cuisine. It is a nice place to stop if you need to stretch your legs and eat some basic Cambodian fare.

Sambor Prei Kuk Temple Complex

If you’re interested in exploring Khmer history prior to reaching Angkor Wat, a detour to this UNESCO World Heritage Site located close to Kompong Thom is highly recommended.

FAQs About Traveling From Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat

The journey between Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat remains one of the best experiences for any tourist in their quest to learn further about Cambodian culture. The following are some of the questions that are worth considering in determining various modes of travel and planning an enjoyable journey.

Is there a direct bus at night that travels straight to Angkor Wat from Phnom Penh?

However, yes, there are some companies that have night buses, which usually run between 10:00 PM and 12:00 AM, reaching their destination the next morning.

Are full package tours available?

Of course, there are also agencies that provide tourist packages for transportation and hotel stays, as well as visiting the temples of Angkor Wat.

How easy is the road from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?

The roads on National Highway 6 are quite smooth altogether. This is why it is safe to pass through it by means of cars, buses, and motorbikes.

Can I ride a motorbike from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat?

This is also yes, but for advanced riders only, because of the long distance and weather conditions.

Final Thoughts

A trip to Angkor Wat, which originates in the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, can be very enriching, as it allows you to link the Cambodian capital with this popular historical site. Whether you make the trip by bus, motorbike, personal car, or rental, you will see a different side of the country and its cultures every time. But this trip can also prove to be very enriching if you plan ahead of time. For all your transportation and trip requirements in Cambodia, you can rely on Seni World.

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