Siem Reap To Battambang Route: Bus, Taxi And Ferry Guide

A trip from Siem Reap to Battambang is a good option for tourists interested in experiencing both famous temples and the creative Cambodian countryside with a mix of ancient history, culture, and a laid-back life along the rivers.

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Overview of Siem Reap To Battambang

Visitors often use the travel route from Siem Reap to Battambang to get an idea of a more traditional Cambodian way of life in addition to experiencing the culture’s ancient legacy found at the temples of Angkor Wat and beyond. While Siem Reap is famous for its beautiful and large temple complexes, Battambang is known for its colonial buildings, lush rural scenery, and vibrant arts scene.

Combining visits to Siem Reap and Battambang gives visitors the chance to have the typical sightseeing experience, but also experience remote areas of the country previously unexplored by large numbers of tourists. Visitors can transition from visiting the historic remains of ancient cultures to visiting modern-day riverside towns, traditional villages, and artistic communities, helping to leave tourists with the most holistic and meaningful experiences possible while visiting Cambodia.

How Far Is It From Siem Reap To Battambang?

The driving distance between Siem Reap and Battambang is about 163 kilometers. It usually takes approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes on the road. With upgraded highways, this route is considered one of the easiest and most comfortable intercity trips in Cambodia.

How To Travel From Siem Reap To Battambang?

You have many transport options for your trip from Siem Reap to Battambang, based on budget, time, and other preferences. You can choose between a fast transfer or take the scenic route, with each method allowing for a unique view of this beautiful country outside of its tourist hotspots.

By Minivan or Bus

A bus or a minivan is your best bet for travelling between Siem Reap and Battambang. Generally, it takes approximately 3-4 hours for you to get to Battambang, depending on road conditions and how many short rest stops there are on the way. Prices are typically in the range of US$8-$12, making this a very economical and convenient way to travel. Most of the services will either start from a central point in Siem Reap or drop you off in a central location in Battambang.

By Private Taxi

Private cab hire between the two cities is the fastest and most flexible transport option, with journeys taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, but you should always allow time for food, pictures, or just resting whenever necessary. The cost of hiring a vehicle is from $45 to $60, depending on the type of vehicle and how well you can negotiate with the driver. Private cab hire is a good choice for families, couples, or other groups of fewer people who want the comfort and convenience of travelling by car.

By Boat (Seasonal)

During the rainy season, the boat trip across Tonle Sap Lake is a one-of-a-kind experience in Siem Reap. You will travel for six to eight hours, and there will be many opportunities to see floating towns and rural life found along the riverbanks. The cost of a boat ticket is usually USD 20-30 per person. Although this method of travel is slower than by road, it provides an excellent opportunity to see traditional Cambodian lifestyles and landscapes, as well as a cultural immersion into Cambodian culture.

By Train

Although train travel to Battambang can be inconvenient due to the number of transfers required and slower than bus or taxi services, train travel also allows for an enjoyable experience at a leisurely pace in the Cambodian countryside.

In comparison with two other forms of transport, trains provide a more comfortable environment, while they also allow better sightseeing opportunities along the route. While train fares can be very low, about 5-7 USD, train travel is best suited for travellers who prefer taking their time when travelling, or have flexible travel plans.

Tips For Traveling From Siem Reap To Battambang

Although travelling from Siem Reap to Battambang is simply a mode of transport between two cities, it is also an opportunity to appreciate the rural areas and everyday life of Cambodia. With proper planning, the trip should be smooth and easy, and therefore enjoyable.

Select transportation based on the weather and time of year. For example, during the peak travel months in Battambang (October through March), it is advisable to purchase bus tickets in advance in order to find better prices and to secure a seat.
If you are planning to go on the river, be sure to take a hat, sunscreen, water, and snacks, as this trip can be very long and there will be plenty of sunlight.
Bring plenty of small change in either US dollars or Cambodian riel for purchases made at rest stops (including food and drink) while on the road.
Leave early in the morning so that you will be able to arrive in Battambang before nightfall, and so that you have some free time to see Battambang.
It is better to travel with light luggage, as some buses and boats will not have enough room for large amounts of luggage.

Recommended Stops Along the Way

While traveling from Siem Reap to Battambang, it is not only a matter of moving from one city to another, but also a possibility to visit a variety of interesting places, which can show you the charms of rural Cambodia. While using a private taxi, you can visit these sites.

Phnom Sampov

Phnom Sampov is a famous limestone hill that is not far from Battambang, especially noted for its religious attractions and scenic views. At this hill, you will see temples and prayer rooms dedicated to Buddhism, and observation points with views of rice paddies. Moreover, this site is where the Killing Caves are found. The Killing Caves have a profound history linked to the Khmer Rouge regime. Phnom Sampov is an educational and serene site to visit when you want to learn more about history or simply need a peaceful spot to soak up nature.

Skun (Spider Market)

Skun is a small village famous for a unique local dish, fried spiders. A lot of buses and taxis travel through this point, making it a popular stopover. Apart from this local specialty, Skun is a good spot to stretch your legs, have some snacks, and experience daily life in Cambodia. Street vendors in this place also offer tropical fruits and local cuisine.

Kampong Thom

The province of Kampong Thom is the largest province in Cambodia, and it serves as an ideal location between two of Cambodia’s most well-known cities, Siem Reap and Battambang. Kampong Thom offers several restaurants and markets where you can enjoy traditional Khmer fare. If you have time, you can also explore some of the additional Angkor temples, such as Sambor Prei Kuk, located in Kampong Thom. Stopping in Kampong Thom will allow you to take a short break while allowing you to take in the sights and sounds of other areas throughout Cambodia.

Rural Villages And Rice Fields

One of the best things about this trip is that you get to travel through some of the typical villages and rice paddies. You’ll see what life in a Cambodian agricultural environment is like. When you visit these rural areas, you will see people working their rice fields and children playing along the side of the road. There will be a brief break for photos and visiting with people from the village. An experience such as this will give you a true sense of being in contact with the culture instead of just visiting well-known tourist attractions.

FAQs About Traveling From Siem Reap To Battambang

Many travelers will include the experience of traveling from Siem Reap to Battambang as part of their journey through Cambodia. We have put together a list of commonly asked questions that we hope will assist you with planning an enjoyable and seamless trip.

Is the boat ride from Siem Reap to Battambang worthwhile?

A trip by boat is rather picturesque, with passage through villages on stilts and the countryside along both banks of the river. The best time to do this is during the rainy season when water levels are higher. The trip can take 6-8 hours, which may not always be very comfortable.

Private Boat from Battambang to Siem Reap via Tonle Sap Lake

Are there good places to stop along the way?

Along the route, there are many wonderful locations such as Kampong Thom, village communities, and rural marketplaces. Passengers who are travelling by private taxi will have the opportunity to make stops for photos or food. However, passengers on buses will have fewer stopover options available to them.

Is it safe to travel between Siem Reap and Battambang?

Yes, the path is generally considered to be safe. Tourists and locals alike use this route frequently, and the bus and taxi companies known to be reputable have good records in terms of safety. However, it is always advisable to book your transport through a provider whom you trust, and it is also suggested to keep your valuables secure while travelling on the bus or taxi.

Should I purchase my tickets beforehand?

For peak seasons and public holidays, it would be wise to book your ticket and even your accommodations in Battambang as soon as possible. There are many online companies and local travel agents available for booking. Last-minute tickets may also be available, but they can limit your travel options.

Can I visit Battambang and Siem Reap in a single day?

Yes, it is entirely possible for you to travel between Battambang & Siem Reap within just one day. Numerous visitors leave Siem Reap around noon and arrive in Battambang by mid-afternoon. Once you reach Battambang, you will have sufficient time to explore and get settled before nightfall. You may want to consider taking either an early morning bus or booking a private car for your journey so that you will be more comfortable during the trip.

Should I continue to Battambang after leaving Siem Reap?

Yes, Battambang has a more relaxed way of life that offers an entirely different atmosphere than what you experience in Siem Reap; it is filled with local Cambodian culture as opposed to the touristy parts of Siem Reap. Battambang has beautiful colonial-style buildings, peaceful countryside scenery, as well as many attractions, including the famous Bamboo Train! The perfect way to conclude your visit to the temple ruins at Angkor Wat would be to spend time exploring Battambang.

Final Thoughts

A trip from Siem Reap to Battambang can be a very rewarding experience for you, which will connect you with not only the famous temples in Cambodia but will also introduce you to local culture and a relaxed lifestyle along the banks of a river. If you want to have a meaningful experience in Cambodia, this trip can prove to be a very good option for you. To get a complete briefing on this trip, you can take the guidance of Seni World.

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