How to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap

If you’re travelling across Southeast Asia and are looking to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap, here’s all that you need to know. The cities of Thailand and Cambodia couldn’t be more different. Where Bangkok shines with its metropolitan hustle and bustle, Siem Reap is much more laid back with less glitz and more charm. Those looking to explore Southeast Asia, make trips to both countries for the contrasting experiences. The distance from Bangkok to Siem Reap isn’t a lot. So, if you’re visiting Thailand and also plan on travelling to Cambodia, you could resort to getting there by bus, car, or plane. 

The mode of transport that you pick, to travel, ultimately depends on whether you are planning a luxury trip, a budget trip or something in between. Furthermore, your best option would also depend on whether you are traveling alone or with your family.

Look at a Two Week Cambodia and an One Week Cambodia itinerary 

Travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap to experience the Angkor Archeological Park with its many temples and ruins.

FLIGHTS FROM BANGKOK TO SIEM REAP

Pros: Quickest and most comfortable

Cons: Expensive & the carbon footprint

There are a number of daily flights connecting Bangkok and Siem Reap. You can buy flight tickets to Siem Reap from $45 USD at the cheapest. This is the best option if you are traveling with your family and want to decrease the time you spend traveling to a minimum. The flight duration is just an hour and ten minutes.

The price of these tickets may dissuade backpackers who are traveling on a shoestring budget who are willing to save the extra buck and compromise on longer travel duration. Besides, sometimes the journey is as interesting as the destination, right? If so, keep on reading for a whole host of pocket-friendly travel options!

Flying from Bangkok to Siem Reap is the fastest mode of transport.

Trains from Bangkok to Siem Reap (Phnom Penh)

Pros: Very cheap, reasonably comfortable

Cons: Cumbersome, Far better options available

There are no direct trains available from Bangkok to Siem Reap. The only way for travelling to Cambodia – Siem Reap, is to board a train from Bangkok, which will take you to the border town of Aranyaprathet. From There you can switch over to one which will bring you to Poipet. Siem Reap is a bus or car drive away from Poipet. The whole affair is the cheapest, but also has the longest travel duration.

The entire journey may take up to 16 hours and cost between $40-80 USD depending on how you prefer to travel. Additionally, there are only two services from Bangkok daily. We recommend this route to those who specifically want to travel by train. There are far more practical options available for travelling to Cambodia’s capital city from Bangkok, Thailand.

One can take the train from Bangkok to the border and then cross on foot, taking the bus or taxi to Siem Reap – cheap but not hassle-free!

Bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap  

Pros: Cheap, comfortable, assistance with Cambodian immigration at the border.

Cons: Long travel duration

There are bus services that connect the two cities by road. You can travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap through one of Thailand’s state-run bus services. These services offer the cheapest tickets and are reasonably comfortable too. However, if you are traveling by bus, keep in mind that the journey may take upwards of 10-12 hours depending on the hold up at the Cambodian border. You will also have to switch buses at the border.

If you are traveling to Cambodia by private bus, you will not have to switch buses at the border. This makes the entire process of land border crossing, seamless. They offer a much more premium travel experience at a slightly higher price. The additional bonus of having an English speaking guide along with you for the trip makes the private bus the ideal way to travel if you are considering tracking from Bangkok by bus.

You can catch a bus from the Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok at 5:00 am. You will reach Siem Reap by 6:00 pm. Private buses run their own schedule.

Buses are a great option to cross the border from Thailand to Cambodia as they are cheap and convenient.

Bangkok to Siem Reap by Road (Car)

Pros: Scenic, very comfortable

Cons: Must switch to a new car at the Cambodian border, very expensive

Traveling from Bangkok to Siem Reap by car is the most comfortable of hopping across the border. But keep in mind that the added comfort comes at a price. The whole trip may cost you about $150 USD per person with a guide accompanying you. The journey isn’t straightforward either as you have to switch cars at the Cambodian border.

The car will take 5 hours to reach the Cambodian border from Bangkok. Once you have got your visa sorted out, you will meet your new driver who will take you to Siem Reap. You must book this whole trip from a reliable travel agent. If you do so, you will be accompanied by a guide who will provide assistance with immigration at the border.

Start early to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap by road as traffic in Bangkok might take awhile to navigate out of.

Cambodia Visa on Arrival – At Border

If you are travelling to Cambodia, from Bangkok, Thailand, by flight, you really don’t have to worry about immigration. All formalities can be completed at the Siem Reap airport. Just remember to carry US Dollars along with you as the visa on arrival can not be paid in Thai Bhat.

If you are traveling by private car or bus, the guide on board will sort out your visa at the Cambodian Consulate close to the border. Afterwards the procedure is straightforward: exit through the Thai immigration counter, cross the border and enter Cambodia through the Cambodian immigration where an officer checks the visa, takes your fingerprints and stamps your passport. 

If you make the journey on your own without a guide, you can get a visa on arrival- go to the immigration office between the Thai and Cambodian immigration counters. Make sure you know all about the visa details before you leave for your trip to Cambodia.

You can get an e-visa in advance, visa on arrival or prearranged visa through a Cambodian consulate to cross the border to Cambodia.

Tips to keep in mind for border crossing Thailand to Cambodia  (car, bus or train) 

• It is always advisable to carry cash in USD when you enter a Cambodian immigration office. You can convert your currency to USD at Bangkok itself before you start your journey.
• Cambodian immigration offices open at 7 am and close at 8 pm. Therefore, plan your trip accordingly or else you may get stranded overnight. This is particularly important if you are planning to travel by train.
• Traveling through a travel agency is advised if you are traveling by road as you will be accompanied by a trust worthy agent. They can provide all the help you need when it comes to land border crossing from Bangkok to Siem Reap.

We highly recommend that you travel to Siem Reap by flight or private bus, as these two offer the best deal with an ideal balance between comfort and cost.

To travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap, it’s always a good idea to have some USD ready on hand.

Cambodia is a lot more than just Siem Reap and the world renowned Angkor complex. For the ideal trip to southeast Asia, after making your way from Bangkok to Siem Reap, explore the vibrant culture and rich history of Phnom Penh.  Followed by this, explore the various offbeat regions brimming with gorgeous landscapes untouched by tourism. So, if you plan on travelling to Cambodia, be sure to extend your trip and experience all the amazing places that Cambodia has to offer. Click on the Plan my Trip button to start your planning your Cambodian getaway!