Phnom Penh To Siem Reap: Distance, Travel Time, And Cost

Travelling between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap bridges Cambodia’s lively capital city with Angkor’s historic temples, one of the best-known travel routes on the globe. With this popular route, there are several transport choices available throughout your trip that provide access to the area’s diverse cultural heritage, traditional lifestyle, and historical landmarks.

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Overview Of Phnom Penh To Siem Reap

A journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is among the most common journeys found in Cambodia, and it provides an easy and convenient solution to exploring the other, completely opposite, side of Cambodia. In fact, by visiting either city, tourists are offered a look into the modern Cambodian society and lifestyle, which is found in Phnom Penh, and, on the other hand, an insight into the ancient history and heritage of the country, which is represented by the city of Siem Reap and the ancient temple of Angkor Wat.

In addition, it is not difficult to move between the two places, which have various transportation methods to cater to every traveler. You can take a bus, a minivan, which takes 5 to 7 hours, ride in a private car, which takes some time but is more convenient, or take a plane ride, which takes merely 50 to 60 minutes. Such convenience allows backpackers and family travelers to take advantage of exploring both places, such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, when traveling around Cambodia.

How Far Is It From Phnom Penh To Siem Reap?

The distance between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is not fixed but depends on the form of transportation you decide to take. Using planes, the distance is approximately 235 kilometers. This is the fastest and most convenient mode of transportation.

In case you decide to go by road, the distance is between 319 and 403 kilometers, depending on which road you take. Although road transportation gives you a chance to see the rural areas and also allows you to visit some rural villages along the way, it is the slowest mode of transportation.

How to Travel From Phnom Penh To Siem Reap?

There are many transportation options available when traveling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, but private taxi transportation is popular with most travelers because it allows you to have your own schedule, enjoy the privacy of your driver taking you directly to your hotel or other location, and be able to set your own schedule.

By Taxi

A taxi from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap usually costs between 65 and 100 USD, but it will cost more during holidays in Cambodia. The cheapest way to hire a private taxi online is about 85 USD; this can take approximately 4-6 hours, depending on traffic and stops.

Minivans can also be hired as taxis at a cost between 120-200 USD and can carry between 10-15 passengers; they are ideal for families and groups who wish to travel as a unit. It is important to check that your van provides seatbelts as well.

Factor	Details
Estimated Price	Standard Taxi: 65 – 100 USD SUV / Online Booked Taxi: Around 85 USD Mini-Van Taxi: 120 – 200 USD
Travel Time	4 to 6 hours
Best For	Individuals seeking the best flexibility, privacy, and comfort while travelling.
Notes	Before departing, always confirm the fare amount and clarify if fuel and tolls are included. Also, rain during the rainy season could affect road conditions. Therefore, it is a good idea to plan to travel during daylight hours for safety and better views.

By Bus

The bus ride between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is a good way to view everyday life in Cambodia, such as the lush green rice paddies, the wooden houses of the villagers, and the slow-moving water buffalo eating the grass along the side of the road. Most of the larger buses provide a superior view because of the larger windows and the increased leg room. Buses are also ideal for people who experience motion sickness because they travel at slower speeds and have a more stable ride than other methods of transportation.

There are dozens of different bus companies serving this route, from very inexpensive to premium buses. Buses at the lower end of the price scale are priced around 6-7 USD. However, many of these buses are older, more crowded, make a lot of stops along the way, and often break down due to mechanical problems. Passengers travelling on more expensive buses will experience a more comfortable ride and the ability to take advantage of additional services on board, making them a good option for those who appreciate comfort and reliability.

Factor	Details
Estimated Price	6 to 15 USD per person
Travel Time	5 to 8 hours
Best For	Budget travelers and those who want a scenic route
Notes	Slower but less bumpy; large buses have better views.

By Flight

The fastest and easiest method of travel between the two cities is by flying from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap on Cambodia Angkor Air, which is the national airline of Cambodia. At present, this airline operates two flights per day in each direction and offers low-cost airfare between 80 and 200 USD one-way.

A flight takes approximately 50 minutes, so it’s perfect for people who have a small amount of time available or for anyone who doesn’t want to spend hours on a bus ride to get from city to city. Currently, you can only reserve a flight on the Cambodia Angkor Air website directly by using agencies such as Seni World, which have an easy-to-use online process to book your flight through them.

Factor	Details
Estimated Price	80 – 200 USD/one-way
Travel Time	Around 50 minutes
Comfort Level	High – fastest and most convenient
Best For	Travelers are short on time, on business trips, and are avoiding long road journeys
Notes	The fastest method to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is by air, which provides streamlined and hassle-free journeys. It is the most expensive travel option but provides a travel time differential of several hours over travel by road.

By Ferry

Ferries usually run from July through March, with a break at the time of low water in the river during the dry months. On all trips, you will see stunning scenery as you travel through Cambodia’s countryside, although most passengers prefer to be seated under an awning on the upper deck to better view the countryside below, so sunscreen and protection from the sun are a must.

Basically, the safe time to travel is during the rainy season when the river is at flood stage, but boats are not necessarily up to the safety standards that most travelers from other nations are accustomed to; therefore, this option to travel is not advisable at this time.

Factor	Details
Estimated Price	35 to 65 USD per person
Travel Time	6 to 8 hours, only during the wet season (July–December)
Best For	Travelers seeking slow, immersive, and scenic travel
Notes	The ferry service used to offer a scenic opportunity to view the people and lifestyle along the edge of the river, but the level of safety was inconsistent, and services were largely dependent on the weather.

Tips For Traveling From Phnom Penh To Siem Reap

The journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap can be made a smoother experience with better travel habits, such as making fewer mistakes. There are a number of things you can do regardless of how you choose to travel that will help make your trip safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable.

If you plan on traveling on a weekend or during high tourism season, you should book your tickets well ahead of time.
Always have your ID or passport with you when you purchase tickets for flights and buses.
Select a bus company that is well-trusted or has good reviews to ensure the safety and comfort of your ride.
If traveling by road at night, attempt to begin your journey as early as possible so as to arrive safely before it gets dark.
Take along a supply of water, and some light snack foods when you travel, as there may be few or no stops on certain routes.
Bring cash with you (USD and Cambodian Riel). Many of the ticket offices will not accept debit cards.
For those who travel by bus, expect to have air-conditioning, and pack a light jacket.
Only use official taxis or private car services, and negotiate the fare before you agree to pay in cash.
Confirm the area where your bag will be stored before boarding the bus, and take valuables with you when traveling by bus.
Before your trip, make sure to download offline maps and save your hotel’s address, as there may be no or weak signals when you arrive.

Recommended Stops Along the Way

Visiting Siem Reap from Phnom Penh can be an adventure in itself. Along with taking a ride from one city to another, you can also visit local culture, amazing views along the river, and many interesting historical towns along the way.

Kampong Thom

Kampong Thom is a sparsely populated town located along the banks of the river, approximately halfway between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. As a result, it is a popular place for travelers to rest, eat, or explore while traveling between these two cities. The town is surrounded by traditional villages that offer a unique window into local lifestyles, as well as beautiful countryside scenery.

The Kampong Thom Central Market is an excellent location to sample Cambodian snacks, purchase fresh tropical fruits, and speak with friendly vendors. In addition to these attractions, Kampong Thom also serves as the primary gateway to Sambor Prei Kuk and is thus an excellent option for travelers interested in exploring ancient civilizations and lesser-known archaeological sites.

Sambor Prei Kuk (UNESCO Site)

Sambor Prei Kuk, which is 30 kilometers from Kampong Thom, is an important archaeological site in Cambodia with a complex that contains over 100 brick temples still standing in a beautiful setting found on quiet paths in the forest. They were constructed in the 7th century.

The site receives significantly fewer visitors than Angkor Wat. Therefore, when walking through the moss-covered ruins and the roots of trees growing into the walls, you will experience an incredibly peaceful, almost mystical, feeling. You may hire a local tour guide and, through their knowledge, you will learn about the Chenla Kingdom and its architectural advances that occurred many centuries before the appearance of Angkor.

Tonlé Sap Lake Villages

You can find one of the most incredible cultural experiences in Cambodia at Tonle Sap Lake, which is located just outside of Siem Reap. Whether you choose to go during the rainy season, when you can see houses that float up and down at the water level, or whether you go during the dry season, when you can see fishermen casting nets from their boats and children going to school on boats, visiting this area will give you a unique cultural experience.

To gain a better understanding of how these communities adapt to the extreme fluctuations between dry and wet seasons in Siem Reap, take a guided boat tour to see how they live every day in these conditions. This is a perfect day trip for photographers, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone who would like to know more about the connection between Tonle Sap Lake and its inhabitants.

Final Thoughts

Taking the trip between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap gives you the chance to discover Cambodia by not only immersing yourself among the fascinating and dynamic people of the capital, but also by becoming part of the timeless Angkor temples. With several transportation possibilities, including buses, taxis, and domestic plane transportation, every individual has the option to take the journey to their destination. Are you ready to start exploring and enjoying the best of the Cambodian experience? Seni World is ready to help you with a Phnom Penh to Siem Reap today!

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