When visiting Bangkok, many tourists area drawn to the neighboring country of Cambodia and the city of Siem Reap, known as the gateway to the spectacular temples of Angkor. Around 400 kilometers (250 miles) away, the distance is short enough to consider this side trip, and well worth the time and money it will cost you to get to see one of the world’s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Read about:
• Bangkok to Siem Reap by Flight
• Bangkok to Siem Reap by Bus
• Bangkok to Siem Reap by Train and Bus
There’s often a lot of talk around tour companies scamming naïve tourists, so we’ve put together a guide that should help you to make the best decision when it comes to traveling from Bangkok to Siem Reap.
Flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap
As you would probably expect, taking a flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap is by far the quickest way to get to Angkor, but it’s also the most expensive. For some time there was only one airline covering this route, Bangkok Airways, and because they were the only option they charged a very high fare, especially considering the flight is only one hour in duration. Luckily for us, there are now a few other options so an airfare with Bangkok Airways has gone down in price as a result, though bear in mind that this is still the most expensive airline to use.
Bangkok Airways flies from the more modern Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, as do two other carriers: Thai Airways (operated by Thai Smile), and Cambodia Angkor Air. Another option is Thai AirAsia and they fly from Bangkok Don Mueang Airport. When you’re researching flights you should first bear in mind which airport they are flying from and also take a look at things like baggage allowances as these can vary. If you have to pay for extra baggage this can quickly up the price of your airfare, so be sure to consider this. In general, Thai AirAsia should be offering the most affordable flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap but as always, the earlier you book the better the deal you can get.
Although flying is the most expensive option it is by far the quickest, and some say the easiest, way to get to Siem Reap. Once you’ve made your way to the airport the flight takes only an hour and you can pay for a Cambodia tourist visa once you arrive, going through immigration. Outside the airport there are several options for the journey into town. If you’ve already arranged your accommodation there will likely be the option to have your hotel come to pick you up, often for free. Taxis can be pre-paid so you know you won’t be ripped off by a greedy driver, by using the pre-paid booths outside the terminal.
Going by Bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap
It’s the bus operators who have given the trip from Bangkok to Siem Reap such a bad name. There are a number of unscrupulous tour companies who will con you out of far more money than they should, promising to get you your visa etc for an inflated cost. Bus journeys can also be horrendously long, stopping multiple times at places along the way and encouraging you to spend more money. Luckily there is now a far more reliable bus service from Bangkok to Siem Reap, and at a far lower cost than an air ticket, taking the bus is actually a very good option.
A direct bus service travels from the Mo Chit Northern bus terminal in Bangkok with two morning departures every day. For a very reasonable price this bus will take you all the way to Siem Reap, but remember that you are crossing an international border so read on to find out how this all works.
On the direct bus mentioned above, you’ll be taken to the border at Aranyaprathet. Far from just dumping you there and expecting you to make your own way, the helpful staff will tell you what you need to do. Basically it involves getting off the bus (leave your baggage on there but be sure to take your valuables, passport etc with you), walking a short distance to the Cambodian border and buying your entry visa. Once you’ve secured your visa you’ll officially be in Cambodia, in the town of Poipet. The same bus you traveled to the border on will be waiting for you, with your baggage still on there, and it will then go direct to Siem Reap. As buses go, this isn’t the cheapest option, but for convenience and little in the way of hassle, this direct bus is a great choice.
If you’re still hoping to save even more money you should look at some of the other buses available for the trip from Bangkok to Siem Reap. The problem with these buses is that they will only go so far as Aranyapraphet bus station, staying on the Thailand side of the border. This means you’ll have to make your own way from the bus station to the border (about 5 minutes by tuk-tuk), then go through the border (admittedly this shouldn’t be difficult) Next you’ll need to get yourself from Poipet to Siem Reap. The newly paved road makes this journey a little less painful than it used to be! Taxis will cost somewhere between $30 and $50US and should take around 90 minutes, while a bus is a lot cheaper and longer.
Train and Bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap
The final option is affordable but is actually slower than all the other options. Taking a train from Bangkok to the Cambodian border is cheap and if you have the time to spare (takes around 6 hours) it’s actually a very nice and scenic way to travel. With this option you’ll still need to get from the border to Siem Reap under your own steam, after crossing the border, so weigh up the pros and cons as to which method would work best for you according to your timescale and budget.
How do I get from Bangkok to Angkor Wat?
It’s around 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Bangkok to Angkor Wat, and you’ll be crossing from Thailand into Cambodia. The quickest way is to fly from Bangkok to Siem Reap, the closest city to Angkor, but this is also the most expensive way. Take a look at the 12Go website to see all the flights, plus direct buses and private taxi options, then book your tickets online.
How do I get from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
It’s about 400 kms from Bangkok to Siem Reap so flying is the quickest way to get there but going by bus is much cheaper. Take a look at 12Go as they sell tickets for lots of different bus companies and airlines so you can compare costs and schedules easily online. Buses take at least 8 hours whereas a flight is only around an hour, plus airport transfer times.
How long is the bus ride from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
Buy tickets for bus travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap through 12Go. This travel agent sells tickets for Virak Buntham Express, Travel Mart, Giant Ibis, and Transport Co with journey times ranging between 7.5 hours to 9 hours 45 minutes. Remember that you’ll be crossing into Cambodia so travel times can be impacted if there’s a delay at the border, and you’ll need to figure out visa requirements upfront.
Is there a night bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
It takes between 7.5 and 10 hours to travel by bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap, depending on traffic conditions and any delays crossing the border into Cambodia. There are night buses departing from Bangkok with Travel Mart, leaving at 00:45, or with Virek Buntham Express departing at 01:00, but for more choice, look at daytime buses too. All options can be easily booked through 12Go.
Is there a train from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
You can travel over half way from Bangkok to Siem Reap by train, but unfortunately not the full distance. Trains depart Bangkok and take you to the border crossing with Cambodia at Ban Klong Luk, and from here it’s a few minutes walk to Poipet, where you’ll catch a bus to Siem Reap. On 12Go you can compare prices, schedules, and book online for trains, buses and flights.
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