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How to Get from Bangkok to Siem Reap by Road – A Detailed Guide

How to get from bangkok to siem reap by road: a detailed guide, looking for a road trip to angkor from bangkok here is your essential overland travel companion between thailand and cambodia.

For many travelers, a visit to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat and the charming town of Siem Reap is at the top of their Southeast Asia itinerary. The overland journey between Bangkok and Siem Reap by road is now easier than ever, with improved infrastructure and transportation options connecting Thailand and Cambodia.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap entirely by road. We’ll cover detailed directions, tips, and advice for buses, private transfers, car rentals, border crossings, and more.

Whether you’re looking for affordability, flexibility, or just an adventure, this guide has all the information to help you plan your road trip from Thailand’s capital to Cambodia’s famous temple town. Let’s hit the road from Bangkok to Siem Reap!

Key Takeaways:

• Distance between Bangkok and Siem Reap is approximately 250 miles (400km).
• Total drive time averages 7-12 hours with border crossing.
• Direct buses take 7-10 hours and cost $25-$45 USD.
• Private transfers range from $47 to $137 USD per person, depending on your group size, but require vehicle change. See the dedicated page for Siem Reap to Bangkok [or Bangkok to Siem Reap] by road with private transfer.
• The border crossing can take 1 hour (or more during the high season), be sure to prepare your visa.
• Ideal time to drive is during cooler months of November-February.

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Table of Contents

How Far is Bangkok from Siem Reap?

The distance between Bangkok and Siem Reap is approximately 250 miles (400km) as the crow flies. By road, the journey spans 275 miles (443km).

Driving time averages around 5-6 hours just for this portion, not including the border crossing wait. The road conditions are decent, with a well-paved 4-lane highway nearly the entire route from Bangkok to the border.

After crossing into Cambodia, the main road is paved but narrows to 2 lanes. Driving speeds may be slightly slower, but the road is still in reasonable condition. Total road trip duration averages 8-12 hours door-to-door depending on traffic and the border wait.

Now let’s look at the step-by-step directions and transportation options for road tripping between Bangkok and Siem Reap.

Directions from Bangkok to Siem Reap by Road

Here is an overview of the route by road from Bangkok to Siem Reap:

• Leave Bangkok and drive east on Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road)
• Continue on Hwy 1 to Hin Kong intersection
• Turn left onto Highway 309 towards Aranyaprathet
• Drive to the border crossing at Aranyaprathet/Poipet
• Cross border into Cambodia at Poipet and continue on NH5
• Follow NH5 north to Siem Reap

This route sticks to major highways and is pretty straightforward with clear signage along the way in both Thai and English.

Next, let’s look at the options for getting from Bangkok to Siem Reap by bus, private transfer, rental car, or ride share.

Bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap

For budget travelers, taking a direct bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap is a convenient option. You can sit back and relax while the bus handles the driving and border crossing.

Bus Route from Bangkok to Siem Reap:

• Depart Bangkok from Khao San Road or Morchit Bus Terminal
• Drive east on Highway 1 to Aranyaprathet (3.5-4 hours)
• Stop at border for visa processing (1-2 hours)
• Continue on NH5 from Poipet to Siem Reap (2.5 hours)
• Arrive in Siem Reap town center or bus station

Several bus companies offer direct service including Giant Ibis Transport, Transport Co., Travel Mart, and Nattakan Transport.

Buses depart Bangkok in the morning and arrive in Siem Reap in the evening, taking ~7-11 hours total. Tickets cost $25-45 USD one-way. Be sure to book 1-2 days in advance.

Tips for Taking the Bus:

• Depart Bangkok 7:30 – 9 am to arrive Siem Reap by dinner
• Book tickets online and print/save e-ticket
• Confirm if visa is processed by bus company
• Have small bills ready for potential tips at border
• Keep valuables with you when crossing border

Pros of taking the bus are the low cost and convenience of direct service. Cons are the early departure time and long travel day. But it’s a comfortable way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap overland.

Hop Aboard: Bus Companies for Travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap

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Extra Tip from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet – Poipet border

The land border crossing between Aranyaprathet, Thailand and Poipet, Cambodia is a key junction on the road from Bangkok to Siem Reap.

You can also reach the Aranyaprathet border point by train from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong railway station, which takes around 5 hours. Local transport like tuk-tuks and mini-vans from the train station shuttle passengers the short distance to the border crossing. Just be prepared to negotiate fares in advance.

Whether you arrive by road or rail, these tips will help streamline your border passage as you make your way from Thailand into Cambodia on the famous Bangkok to Siem Reap route.

Trains from Bangkok to the Border

Ban Klong Luk Border Location :

Private Car or Van Transfer

For flexibility and convenience, consider booking a private transfer by car, van or minibus to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap.

Transfer Route from Bangkok to Siem Reap:

• Hired car picks you up in Bangkok
• Drive east on Hwy 1 to Aranyaprathet border (3.5-4 hours)
• Change vehicles and guides at border
• Continue in new car from Poipet to Siem Reap (2.5 hours)
• Arrive at your Siem Reap accommodation

Because vehicles can only be licensed in their country of registration, you must switch cars and drivers at the Thailand/Cambodia border during a private transfer.

Private transports, which necessitate a change of vehicles, cost between $47 and $137 USD per person and are accessible to groups of varying sizes.

The benefit is door-to-door service and flexible timing. Just be sure to confirm all pricing ahead of time.

Private Transfer Tips:

• Ideal for groups of 3+ to save costs
• Agree on vehicle size, total pricing, amenities
• Reconfirm border transfer process
• Keep passport handy for easy access
• Stop for snacks/photos along the way

This option allows you to fully customize your itinerary between Bangkok and Siem Reap. You could even add stops at attractions along the route.

Driving Route from Bangkok to Siem Reap:

• Pick up rental car in Bangkok
• Drive east on Hwy 1 and cross at Aranyaprathet border
• Continue driving through Poipet and on NH5 to Siem Reap
• Return rental car in Siem Reap or Bangkok

This gives you maximum flexibility tocruise the open roads of Thailand and Cambodia. Just be prepared for the challenges of navigating a foreign country on your own by vehicle.

You can rent cars or motorbikes in Bangkok through rental agencies like Avis, Hertz, or local companies. Daily rates start around $30 USD for motorbike rentals to $70+ USD for car rentals, depending on vehicle size.

Be sure to verify:

• International driving permit requirements
• Rental insurance options & waivers
• Border crossing documentation
• Drop-off fees if returning in Siem Reap

The independence of a rental car or motorbike lets you tour at your own pace. But driving in Southeast Asia can be stressful, so weigh the pros and cons.

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Carpooling from Bangkok to Siem Reap

If you want to share the drive, consider carpooling to split costs between Bangkok and Siem Reap.

• Use apps like Karoo Road or PickMe to find carpools
• Match with drivers going from Bangkok to Siem Reap
• Meet driver in Bangkok and start your road trip
• Switch vehicles at the border along with fellow riders
• Continue on to Siem Reap together

Carpooling is affordable and sustainable. Just be sure to vet driver profiles and reviews first. Apps tend to offer verification.

Costs vary by occupancy but expect to pay around $15-30 USD per person for carpooling from Bangkok to Siem Reap.

Carpooling Tips:

• Review driver profile and past reviews
• Confirm vehicle meet point in Bangkok
• Don’t pay full amount until arrival
• Bring snacks and music to share
• Get to know your fellow passengers

This option gives you the benefit of shared costs while still being transport door-to-door from Bangkok to Siem Reap.

The Ultimate Showdown – Siem Reap Elephant Tour vs. Siem Reap Countryside Tour

Crossing the Border Between Thailand and Cambodia

However you choose to travel by road from Bangkok to Siem Reap, you’ll need to cross the border. The main land border crossing used by travelers is between Aranyaprathet, Thailand and Poipet, Cambodia.

Here’s what to expect:

• Long lines on Thai side for exit stamp
• Walk across ~100 yards of “no-man’s land” – Cambodia visa processing and entry stamp
• Transport waits on other side to continue

It’s best to arrive early morning when offices first open to avoid long queues. Weekends and holidays also tend to be busier.

The visa-on-arrival for Cambodia costs $30 USD cash only. Be sure to have small US bills ready, as officials may claim they cannot provide change. There are often separate windows for visas and stamping.

If using a bus or transfer service, they will assist with the border crossing process. Going independently requires navigating each step yourself using local transport like tuk-tuks or minivans.

Overall, the Thailand-Cambodia border crossing tends to be straightforward if busy at times. Just practice patience and go with the flow.

Escape to the Cambodian Countryside – A Journey Off the Beaten Path

What to See and Do Along the Way

The route between Bangkok and Siem Reap travels through the Thai countryside before crossing into Cambodia. Here are some noteworthy stops and attractions along the drive:

In Thailand

• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – See vendors paddling boats of local fruits and foods to trade
• Phanom Rung Historical Park – Tour the beautifully restored Khmer-style temple ruins from atop an extinct volcano
• Prasat Muang Tam – Admire the picturesque, partial restoration of a Khmer temple near the border
• Local farms and fruit orchards – Stop for tropical fruit snacks like freshly picked mangoes

In Cambodia

• Banteay Chhmar Temple – Marvel at the atmospheric sprawling temple complex with elaborate carvings
• Beng Mealea Temple – Wander the jungle-entwined ruins, like a less-crowded version of Ta Prohm near Angkor
• Khleang North Bridge – Instagrammable colonial-era bridge near Siem Reap surrounded by rice fields
• Treat yourself to a fish pedicure or massage in Poipet town

Don’t rush – leave time to pull over and enjoy sights along the Bangkok to Siem Reap road trip!

Where to Stay Between Bangkok & Siem Reap

You’ll need to decide whether you want to tackle this road trip all in one long day, or spread it over two days with an overnight stop midway:

Option 1: Break up over 2 days

• Day 1 – Drive Bangkok to Aranyaprathet
• Overnight in Aranyaprathet or nearby town
• Day 2 – Cross to Poipet and continue to Siem Reap

Option 2: Drive nonstop

• Depart Bangkok early morning
• Complete drive with minimal stops
• Arrive Siem Reap just after dusk

For a 2-day road trip, the best place to overnight is Aranyaprathet. There are hotels for all budgets close to the border.

Top picks are Prachak Resort (mid-range), Home Hug Hotel (budget), or for a splurge, try Rattanachol Hotel & Serviced Apartments.

With an early start, you can drive the Bangkok to Siem Reap route nonstop in about 12 hours. Having a second alert driver is advisable for this marathon option.

Driving Your Own Vehicle Between Thailand and Cambodia

If you’re considering driving your own vehicle from Bangkok to Siem Reap, here are some key tips and requirements:

• Your home country driver’s license is valid in Thailand and Cambodia
• But an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended
• Purchase extra auto insurance for travel between both countries
• Carry vehicle registration papers, proof of ownership
• Allow extra time for border customs procedures
• Only right-hand drive cars are allowed in Thailand
• Car Rental companies may prohibit cross-border travel

Thailand and Cambodia drive on the left so steering wheel placement is important. Expect added paperwork and inspections during the border crossing with your own vehicle.

Hiring a driver for your own car or renting a vehicle is usually easier than navigating the bureaucracy of cross-border vehicle paperwork. But with preparation, it’s possible.

When is the Best Time to Drive from Bangkok to Siem Reap?

The cooler dry season months of November to February are ideal for road tripping between Bangkok and Siem Reap. Benefits include:

• Pleasant daytime temperatures in the 80s F / high 20s C
• Low chance of rain along the route
• Lush green scenery and rice paddies
• Less crowded at Angkor temples and Siem Reap
• Peak conditions for sightseeing along the way

The hot season between March and May can see temperatures top 100°F (38°C) which may be less comfortable for long drives without AC. Just stay hydrated!

Other items to note:

• Monsoon rains run from May to October
• Busy travel times are Christmas/New Year and Thai school holidays
• Avoid major Thai holidays for less traffic

Whenever you go, this road trip from Bangkok to Siem Reap will give you fond memories of both Thailand and Cambodia!

Driving Tips for Road Tripping from Bangkok to Siem Reap

Follow these tips for a smooth driving experience on the Bangkok to Siem Reap road route:

• Get an International Drivers Permit (IDP)
• Make sure your license is valid for vehicles you’ll drive
• Arrange appropriate auto insurance coverage
• Confirm rental vehicle condition prior to driving
• Load a offline map app on your phone or rent GPS
• Have local currency for tolls, snacks and emergencies
• Follow speed limits and traffic laws
• Drive defensively as conditions change quickly
• Be prepared for inclement weather like heavy rain
• Refuel often as gas stations can be sparse
• Carry a hard copy of all documentation
• Don’t drive overnight or when excessively tired

Most importantly, allow plenty of time so you can take in the sights at a comfortable pace along the way.

With these road trip tips and transportation options from Bangkok to Siem Reap, you’re ready to start planning your overland adventure in Southeast Asia. Safe travels!

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Bangkok to Siem Reap Bus: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Looking for a safe and convenient way to get from Bangkok to Angkor Wat ? This step-by-step guide to the Bangkok to Siem Reap bus shows you everything you need to know for a smooth trip – from buying tickets, to visas and immigration.

I’ve just arrived in Siem Reap. It’s my third visit to Cambodia , and with a full month to make my way around the country, I’m in no rush. After flying into Bangkok and travelling around Thailand for a short stint, I decided to try something different and travel here the ‘slow’ way by taking a bus across the border.

Having read so many negative reviews of the Bangkok to Siem Reap bus online, I was pretty anxious about the trip. In the end, I was surprised at just how painless the whole thing was. Remember that I previously lived in Cambodia for 12 months and have been in the region for almost three years, so I’m used to rough roads and long journeys.

Even so, the Bangkok to Cambodia bus is very straightforward – even for a solo female traveller like me . Provided you know what you’re doing, of course.

This post is the most up-to-date and comprehensive guide to the Bangkok to Siem Reap bus currently available online. I hope it helps to answer your questions, ease your mind about the journey ahead, and encourage you to make the most of your overland adventure!

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

How to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap: To fly, to train, or to bus?

If you’re reading this, you might still be deciding whether to travel by bus, train or plane from Bangkok to Siem Reap. There are lots of things that will factor into your decision.

If you have a packed itinerary or you’re in a rush, flying is obviously the quickest way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap. If you’re backpacking Thailand and Cambodia as part of an extended Southeast Asia itinerary, you can probably afford to spend a day in transit.

On my first visit to the region in 2013, there were no budget airlines – which made flying prohibitively expensive. Now there are far more options available for transport in Southeast Asia . With the launch of AirAsia, it can actually be cheaper to fly, even very short distances.

If budget is your main concern, I recommend using Bookaway to compare fares. It’s the only site I know of where you can see prices for flights and road transport side by side.

→ View fares for Bangkok to Siem Reap here .

But it’s not just a question of time or money. There are lots of reasons to choose the bus or train over a flight: minimise your carbon footprint and see more of the countryside, for starters. Personally, I’m a nervous flyer so I like to limit the number of flights I take for peace of mind more than anything else.

I love slow travel, but trains in this part of the world are a little too slow (not to mention uncomfortable) for my liking. There is no direct train, so to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap by train, you first have to take the train to Aranyaprathet, take a taxi to the border, then catch a bus the rest of the way.

All things considered, the day bus is a nice compromise between time, money, safety, comfort – and having a slightly adventurous experience.

Here’s a quick comparison of the different ways to travel between Bangkok and Siem Reap:

The only Cambodian bus company I trust for long journeys

As you can see in the table above, you have two options for bus travel: direct bus, or changing buses at the border. The second option might save you a little bit of cash, but it will be a huge hassle.

There are a few different companies that run direct buses from Bangkok to Siem Reap. But there’s only one I trust for long overland journeys in Cambodia, and that’s Giant Ibis.

Why? Safety, safety, safety. Seriously, road safety in Cambodia is no joke. When I was an expat in Phnom Penh, I was prohibited from travelling by bus after dark for insurance reasons. There were at least two fatal bus crashes involving tourists in the 12-month period I was here. With the exception of a few newer highways, most roads in Cambodia are very poorly maintained. Combined with questionable driving practices and lax road rules, it’s literally a recipe for disaster.

Road safety is not something I’m willing to compromise on. Ever.

Giant Ibis has the best road safety record of any company in Cambodia. They were the first to implement a two-driver policy on trips of more than four hours, and they have a self-imposed speed cap. I’ve travelled with them countless times within Cambodia, between Phnom Penh, Kampot and Siem Reap, and am confident they walk the talk. They also go to great lengths to make the visa and immigration process as easy as possible.

In fact, if Giant Ibis didn’t service the Bangkok to Siem Reap route, I probably would have flown instead.

Bangkok to Siem Reap bus: Before you travel

Giant ibis bus schedule.

There are two daily departures from Bangkok to Siem Reap: One at 7.45am , and another at 8.45am . Travelling the opposite way (Siem Reap to Bangkok bus), the schedule is exactly the same.

The fact that Giant Ibis doesn’t offer a night bus service earns them another big road safety tick from me.

Buying bus tickets online

Do you need to buy tickets in advance?

Most reports online suggest that this bus is pretty empty. When I travelled in September 2019, the coach was roughly 1/3 full. If you’re travelling in the off or shoulder seasons, you can usually get away with buying tickets on the day. If you’re travelling in high season (roughly November to February), I would recommend buying tickets a couple of days before you travel. I always like to have my tickets in hand the day before, just to be safe.

Because of the higher price point, Giant Ibis isn’t really popular with locals, so you don’t have to worry about tickets selling out ahead of holidays.

There are a couple of different ways to buy tickets for the Bangkok to Siem Reap bus online. I purchased my ticket through Bookaway before I left Australia. They have a straightforward interface, and you can pay securely using credit card. You also have the option to select your seat.

Top tip: When the bus crosses into Cambodia, it changes to the right side of the road. Choose seats D/E if you don’t want to be looking into oncoming traffic for the Cambodia part of the trip.

Buying bus tickets at the office

The Giant Ibis office in Bangkok (directions in the next section) is open daily from about 7am. If you prefer to buy tickets in person or you want to pay in cash, you can just drop in and purchase tickets directly. Office staff speak English and are generally pretty helpful.

Getting a Cambodian tourist visa in advance

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Cambodia as a tourist (check if you need a visa here). I’ve obtained Cambodian visas at land borders twice now – once when entering from Vietnam, and again on this recent trip from Thailand.

Whether or not you choose to get your visa online in advance or just apply for a Cambodian visa on arrival at the border is a personal choice. In some instances, I would highly recommend getting an e-visa before you travel.

But with Giant Ibis – as you’ll soon see – the ‘visa on arrival’ process is really simple. It also costs the same amount of money. Honestly, there’s no advantage to getting an e-visa if you’re travelling on the Bangkok to Siem Reap bus with Giant Ibis.

What to pack for the bus

Giant Ibis provides passengers with bottled water, a breakfast snack (a tin of Nescafe and a Blue Pumpkin-brand pastry), plus a lunchbox (vegetarian fried rice that contains egg).

There are a few things you should pack for the journey:

• Refillable water bottle
• Extra snacks
• If you have a travel partner, a headphone splitter so you can share a podcast or screen for the journey

Getting to the pick up point in Bangkok

Buses depart Bangkok from the Giant Ibis office (not the bus station). Locating the office should have been easy, but I found it confusing!

My 12GoAsia ticket had one address. The Giant Ibis website had another. And a forum post I read listed a third address. I called Giant Ibis the day before to confirm the pick up point:

229 Phra Sumen Rd, Khwaeng Talat Yot, Khet Phra Nakhon

View it on Google Maps.

The office is about a six-minute walk from Khao San Road , which is convenient if you’re staying in the backpacker area.

If you’re staying elsewhere, I would recommend taking a taxi rather than using public transport – simply because the nearest MRT/BRT is a fair walk away. Grab is the easiest way to order a taxi. Just remember to install the app before you leave home unless you plan on getting a Thai sim card.

Traffic in Bangkok is hectic, especially in the early morning, so factor this in when you’re planning a time to leave your accommodation. Giant Ibis recommends arriving at their office 30 minutes before your bus departs. I was staying 7km south in Yan Nawa and the taxi ride to the office took about 20 minutes.

When you get to the office, check in at the desk. If you booked through 12GoAsia, you’ll need to print your e-ticket before you travel.

There is WIFI and a toilet inside the Giant Ibis office. There’s a 7/11 and a few ATMs opposite, and a cafe next door that opens at 6am. This being Thailand, there are hot food stalls everywhere if you want to grab a more substantial breakfast before you leave.

Top tip: The bus waits several blocks away from the office, so be prepared to walk for about 5 minutes with your luggage before boarding.

What is the bus like?

Giant Ibis uses new Hyundai coaches for this route. These are large buses that seat around 40 people. When you buy your ticket, you’ll be assigned a seat. But as long as the bus isn’t full, you can sit wherever you want.

Stow big bags underneath but keep your valuables with you. Giant Ibis specifies one bag person person, max 20kg – but I don’t think anyone really checks.

The bus is clean, and seats are spacious and pretty comfortable. They recline, and there’s a leg rest you can elevate to support your knees. Each pair of seats has a little USB portal for charging your phone or tablet. Note that these are low to the ground, right next to the foot rest, so you’ll need to pack a long cable if you want to use your device while charging it.

There is WIFI on the bus. It works, but it’s pretty slow.

As well as two drivers, every bus has a steward whose job it is to assist passengers, answer questions, and help with the border crossing. This is another nice touch from Giant Ibis that I really appreciate. (Other companies do it too, but I think Giant Ibis are more thorough than Mekong Express, for example.) Before you depart Bangkok, the steward will give you a run-down of the route and the visa process.

On the day I travelled, the bus left 15 minutes late at 8am.

What are the roads like?

The first hour or so is the slowest part of the journey. As soon as you leave Bangkok city limits, the traffic dissipates and the bus speeds up. The roads in Thailand are great – flat, straight, and uneventful.

I tracked the whole journey on GPS. Basically, the bus takes the highway south from Bangkok towards Pattaya before cutting inland to Sa Kaeo where it re-joins the highway and continues to the border crossing at Aranyaprathet-Poipet.

As soon as you cross into Cambodia, the road changes to a single lane, dusty highway. This is where the fun begins. Overtaking tuk-tuks and motorbikes, speeding trucks and general chaos ensues. This last part of the journey (156km or roughly 3 hours of driving) is more nail-biting and slower going.

Does the bus make any rest stops?

The bus makes two or three stops, depending on how you’re travelling for time.

There is a mandatory stop 2 hours after leaving Bangkok. The bus pulls up for 10 minutes at a large rest area where there’s a 7/11, restaurants and cafes.

The next stop is for the border crossing. Passengers have to disembark the bus and cross the two border control point by foot (more details in the next section). After you walk into Cambodia, there’s an opportunity to use the bathroom at a nearby hotel. When you get back on the bus, you receive your lunchbox.

If the bus is making good time, it will stop again one more time near Kralanh – the halfway point between the border and Siem Reap. This is a quick 5-minute bathroom break. If the bus is running late, the driver may choose to skip this stop. You can double check with the steward – or ask him/her any time if you need to make an emergency stop.

Crossing the Thailand Cambodia border

Getting a cambodian visa on arrival.

Two very important things to note: You need at least 6 months validity on your passport to enter Cambodia. The Cambodian tourist visa is a full-page visa, so make sure there’s at least one empty page in your passport.

As I mentioned earlier, Giant Ibis make the visa on arrival process really easy. For an additional fee of 5 USD – which is added to the price of the visa ($35 for most nationalities) – they will take care of the paperwork and expedite the process for you.

Visa on arrival with Giant Ibis costs 40 USD or 1400 Thai Baht. They will accept either currency, and can provide change. Pay the steward directly – you won’t need to exchange money with anyone else.

I know, I know – when people hear this, they usually think it’s a scam. Why pay an extra $5 for something I can do myself? Admittedly, that’s what I was thinking too before I took the bus. Having done the trip, I now realise why it’s better just to pay the $5. In fact, with Giant Ibis, you don’t have any choice. (Please note, this advice ONLY applies to Giant Ibis. I don’t know how other bus companies approach the VOA process.)

If you’re crossing the border independently, you’ll reach a point where you enter an office to receive your visa. When you travel with Giant Ibis, you skip this step entirely. Just before the border, the bus makes a stop at the Cambodian consulate. The steward runs your passport in while you wait on the bus. After about 10 minutes, you get it back with a fresh visa inside – stamped and signed by the Consul General himself. Now you have your visa, crossing the border is easy and you don’t need to exchange any more cash.

There were no other buses around, so I think this is some ‘special’ Giant Ibis privilege.

How the visa process works

• When you board the bus in Bangkok, you’ll be given a clipboard. Fill in your details.
• If you have an e-visa or you don’t need a visa for Cambodia (ASEAN residents), you’ll get a yellow Cambodia arrival card to fill out. If you’re doing visa on arrival, the steward will fill the card out for you.
• Just after the bus departs, the steward will come around and collect up all the passports. If you’re applying for a visa on arrival, put the cash inside your passport and hand it over. If you have an e-visa, put that inside your passport instead, along with the Cambodia arrival card.
• There is no photo required for a Cambodia tourist visa.
• Make sure you also have your Thailand departure card filled out and placed inside your passport. You can’t leave the country without it. If you lost your departure card, Giant Ibis can organise a new one for you.
• Before the border, the steward will run into the consulate to get your visa, as described above. You then get your passport back.

Walking across the border

All passengers must disembark the bus for immigration and cross on foot. You don’t need to bring all your luggage, but you should definitely hang onto your valuables.

If there’s a long queue of cars at the border, the steward will suggest getting out to walk while the bus waits. He will accompany you and guide you through the entire process.

The first part, Thai immigration, is easy. After exiting Thailand and going down some escalators, you then walk through a busy informal market area to reach Cambodian immigration. This is where things can get a bit hairy and confusing. It’s not really obvious where to go next, and people will probably be approaching you with various offers. You’ll be glad to have someone to show you the way.

The border is always crowded. Many Cambodians who live close to the border cross into Thailand to do their shopping, and lots of kids go to school in Thailand before coming back across for lunch at home.

Eventually you’ll be shown into a tin shed office – border control – to get stamped into Cambodia. When you get to the front of the queue, simply hand over your passport.

Top tip: Remember to fill out any empty fields on the yellow entry card, including your final destination, duration of stay, and phone number, before you get to the desk.

Once that’s done, you can get back on the bus (the same bus, of course) to continue the journey to Siem Reap. The steward will be waiting, and the bus will be parked close by.

When I travelled, we were at the border for a total of 1 hour, which I thought was pretty good.

Arriving in Siem Reap

Location of siem reap’s new bus station.

Much to my annoyance, buses are no longer permitted to stop near Pub Street or at the old Siem Reap bus stop. Instead, buses terminate at the new ‘Siem Reap Bus Station’, located about 5km east of the city centre.

Because the bus has to drive through Siem Reap to get to the eastern side of town, this adds another 20-30 minutes to the journey.

Getting from Siem Reap bus station to your accommodation

Here, you have two options: either pre-organise a pick up through your hotel, or grab a tuk tuk when you arrive. A tuk tuk to any hotel in the centre of town will cost you 5 USD. If you have Grab or PassApp , you can use the app to call a tuk tuk for a cheaper price. There’s no WIFI at the bus station, though, so you’ll need a Cambodian sim card with 4G to do this.

I met a tuk tuk driver when I arrived at the station. Most drivers in Siem Reap speak excellent English and know where all the hotels are.

Be aware that when you pick up a driver at the bus station or airport, they will try their hardest to sell you a tour of the temples for the next day. If you’re interested in hiring a driver – great! Here’s your intro. If not, it can be a bit awkward to say no.

Looking for things to do in Siem Reap? Check out my guide to the best Siem Reap tours.

Where to stay in Siem Reap

Siem Reap has more hotel, guesthouse and resort options than you can poke a stick at. This time around, I stayed at the beautiful Rokkhak River Resort , which I highly recommend. To help you find the right fit for your budget and travel style, I have a whole post dedicated to the best accommodations in the city.

Search for Siem Reap accommodation on Agoda.

Where to stay in Bangkok

Check out my list of Bangkok’s best Airbnbs for inspiration.

Siem Reap to Bangkok bus: Travelling the opposite way

Travelling back to Thailand, the journey is exactly the same but in reverse. You can buy tickets online using the same process described above, and you board the bus in Siem Reap at the new Bus Station linked to above.

Bangkok to Siem Reap bus: Final thoughts

Did I enjoy the bus ride from Bangkok to Siem Reap? I didn’t hate it. It was comfortable enough, and travelling with Giant Ibis made the whole process straightforward and hassle free. After my experience with Giant Ibis, I certainly wouldn’t contemplate doing the trip by local bus or with another direct company.

Would I do it again? Sure. Would I recommend the Bangkok to Siem Reap bus to others? If you don’t mind slow journeys, then absolutely.

If you have any questions about the Bangkok to Siem Reap bus, leave them in the comments below.

Bangkok to Siem Reap bus: Pin it!

Hi! This was super informative, I really appreciate it! I am planning a trip from Bangkok to Siem Reap in late June, but cannot find bus tickets online anywhere….is this something to be worried about? Would you recommend just buying them in person? I am just confused as to why this route isn’t showing up on the Giant Ibis website during this time frame.

Very useful content. I would refer it in my blog. It would be useful for people coming by road

We did this trip back in 2016 and were glad it went pretty smoothly for us as well.

Hi! Thanks for the detailed information and the valuable tips. I have 2 questions in addition: 1. How would you describe the scenery? Is it actually nice to take the bus because you can see interesting stuff outside or is the main consideration value for money? 2. Are there any visa procedures/requirements If yoou go from Siem Reap to Bangkok? We will fly in to Siem Reap via Bangkok and are looking into taking the bus to Bangkok. Thanks a lot upfront!

Hi Bernhard,

The scenery is not that great, no. If it’s your first time in the region, you’ll find it interesting, but there’s nothing noteworthy to see.

Travelling Siem Reap to Bangkok, it depends on your nationality whether you require a visa for Thailand. You can check here (affiliate link): https://www.ivisa.com/thailand-e-visa?nationality=US&utm_source=wanderlush

Enjoy your trip!

Bangkok is one among those towns that you in no way get bored with visiting. No count number how commonly you’ve been, you’ll usually discover some thing new and interesting to see, do, and eat. It’s got a super combo of food, culture, nightlife, shopping, affordability, and grittiness that’s unmatched everywhere in Asia.

Thanks for the detailed informations. 😍

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From Bangkok to Siem Reap: 5 Best Ways to Get There

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Oct 21, 2021 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Siem Reap is the gateway town to the breathtaking ancient ruins of Angkor–Cambodia's most famous tourist attraction and one of the top places to visit in Southeast Asia . Although not necessarily close to Bangkok, many international tourists going to Siem Reap do arrive in Thailand first and then make their way to the ancient city.

If you're vacationing in Thailand and looking to take a quick detour to Cambodia, there are many ways to get you there. From a quick plane ride to a long, winding journey on land, here are five ways to find your way from Bangkok to Siem Reap, no matter your budget:

On This Page:

• From Bangkok to Siem Reap by Tour
• From Bangkok to Siem Reap by Bus
• From Bangkok to Siem Reap by Air
• From Bangkok to Siem Reap by Train
• From Bangkok to Siem Reap by Private Taxi

1. From Bangkok to Siem Reap by Tour

If you're only going to Siem Reap to see the temples but then returning to Bangkok, a round-trip might be your best option. Not only does this save you planning time, but it'll end up being cheaper, and you won't have to worry about delays or missing connections.

A Bangkok to Angkor Wat Tour can take you straight from your hotel door to Angkor Wat and back over a period of two days . The tour includes transportation and accommodation plus an English-speaking tour guide to get you through Cambodian customs. Meals aren't included in the tour (except for breakfast on Day 2), so you'll need to plan for that–or you can ask your tour guide for local recommendations.

Once across the border, you'll spend the first day exploring Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. You'll get to discover the beauty and biodiversity of the lake on your own private boat before heading over to the lake's northern end to visit the Chong Kneas Floating Village. In the evening, you'll have free time to explore the many restaurants in Siem Reap and to visit the night markets.

On Day 2, you'll have a chance to explore Angkor Wat and Phreah Khan (a massive temple system right on the water), plus additional smaller wats (temples) such as Baphoun, Elephant terrace, and the Leper King terrace. You'll end the day at Ta Prohm (the famous temple overtaken by a vast tree root system) before the minivan then drives you back to your original departure point in Bangkok.

2. From Bangkok to Siem Reap by Bus

Buses leave from Bangkok's Mo Chit station twice a day and reach the Cambodian border in about 3.5 hours . While the buses are comfortable and have AC and a toilet, don't expect any extras such as movies, onboard snacks, or ample legroom.

For a little more luxury, you can get a Bangkok to Siem Reap VIP Bus ticket. These fancier air-conditioned buses offer onboard meals, seats that recline to 135 degrees (that's a lot farther back than standard bus seats), free Wi-Fi, and blankets.

Once at the border, you'll have to get off the bus in order to get a visa and enter Cambodia. Some buses come with a helper who offers assistance at the border, while others let you deal with the process on your own. The VIP buses offer an optional paid service to help you with the visa once you get to immigration.

Either way, expect to spend two to three hours at the border dealing with paperwork before you can board the bus again to continue into Cambodia. From here, it's an additional three to four hours to reach Siem Reap .

3. From Bangkok to Siem Reap by Air

There are four airlines that fly from Bangkok to Siem Reap and they make the trip several times a week from one of Bangkok's two airports (Suvarnabhumi and Don Meung), so you shouldn't have any issues finding a flight that meets your budget and time requirements. Keep in mind that budget airlines like Air Asia don't include luggage, so if you have a bag to check in, you'll end up paying more.

After you arrive in Siem Reap and go through immigration, you can grab a moto-taxi, a tuk-tuk (three-wheeled motorcycle taxi), or a regular taxi to get you from the airport to the city center. Make sure you agree on a price before you get on any of these to avoid being overcharged.

4. From Bangkok to Siem Reap by Train

While you can't get all the way from Bangkok to Siem Reap by train, you can at least reach the town of Aranyaprathet near the Cambodian border this way–and then switch to a bus or taxi.

There are only two daily trains from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet (morning and early afternoon), and both take just under six hours to reach their destination–that is, if there are no delays, which are fairly common. The trains are both third-class, which means hard seats, tiny fans on the ceiling instead of AC, and no food service onboard. On the other hand, the trains are clean and safe, and riding one will give you a chance to experience "real Thailand," as you'll be traveling mainly with locals.

Reservations are not possible on third-class trains, so arrive at the station early to buy a ticket on the day you're traveling. Once you reach the railway station in Aranyaprathet, you'll need to take a tuk-tuk to the border crossing, four miles away . Buy your visa on arrival here, cross into Cambodia, and find a shuttle bus or a shared taxi at the Poipet Tourist Passenger International Terminal a few minutes away.

5. From Bangkok to Siem Reap by Private Taxi

One way to save yourself the stress of transfers and delays when taking public transportation is to pay for a private overland transfer from Bangkok to Siem Reap . When you get your own air-conditioned vehicle , you're picked up directly from your hotel or from Don Muang airport in Bangkok. The company can offer private transportation for groups of up to eight people in either a sedan car or a minivan. After the pickup, you'll travel with your friendly experienced driver until you reach the border.

Once you clear immigration (which might take up to an hour), you'll be escorted to a second vehicle to complete the rest of the journey through Cambodia. The entire trip takes eight to nine hours , and while no meals or extras are included, having your own private transport means quick stops for a bite and to stretch your legs are never a problem.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Exploring Siem Reap: There's much more to see in Siem Reap after you've visited the amazing Angkor Wat temples. For lots of things to do in Cambodia's number one tourist destination, check out Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Siem Reap .

More on Thailand

Bangkok to Siem Reap

Best options, other options, bangkok to siem reap schedule, how to get from bangkok to siem reap.

The inspiring Angkor complex is undoubtedly the main draw of Cambodia and Siem Reap is a gateway to all the architectural wonders of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and all other temples of the Khmer Empire. You can easily spend days exploring the outlying temples of Angkor, visiting a floating village on the Tonle Sap Lake, savouring flavoursome and rather mild – compared to the Thai ones! – Khmer dishes, watching apsara dancing or relaxing in street massage shops offering great Khmer massage. Even if Siem Reap has been for a long time overtaken by foreign tourists, it remains a great place with its own atmosphere, a busy and ever-friendly vibe, homely guesthouses and colourful Old Market. All in all, it is a great mistake to think that there is nothing else to see and to do in Siem Reap apart from admiring the great Khmer structures of Angkor. You will find plenty of activities and meet plenty of great people, both travellers and locals. And you are sure to enjoy the experience.

Getting to Siem Reap

Gone are the times when getting to Siem Reap from Bangkok was akin a complicated quest which involved bus, tuk-tuk and taxi rides with inevitable visa and guesthouses scams. The journey normally stole you off the whole day and was quite tiring and full of minor annoyances. In 2009 a paved road linked the border with Siem Reap, decreasing the travel time on the Cambodian side from five to a mere couple of hours. With a direct Thai-Cambodian International bus between Bangkok and Siem Reap which has been in operation since February, 2013, the journey from the Thai capital to the base for exploring the mystical Angkor complex has become much easier and more straightforward.

From Bangkok to Siem Reap by bus

Bangkok-Siem Reap route is served by a government-operated Transport Co International . They provide VIP buses which are generally in good condition, but note that there is not too much leg space for a Western traveller. Otherwise buses are quite comfortable, there is a toilet on board and two meals – a small breakfast and lunch – are served during the trip. Do not expect too much from your meals, though – breakfast is a muffin with orange juice or milk, and the lunchbox contains rice with some sort of a curry.

Currently there are two morning buses (8am and 9am) daily during peak periods and only the 9am one left during the low season. Tickets cost THB850. The main advantage of the international bus is that you do not need to change it at the border which is the case if you book two separate trips – from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet and from Poipet to Siem Reap.

The bus ride from Bangkok to Siem Reap itself takes about six hours (four hours to get from Bangkok to the Thai border and two hours from the Cambodian border to Siem Reap), but be ready to spend not less than an hour (more likely – two hours) at the border, as the Aranyaprathet-Poipet border crossing between Thailand and Cambodia is always busy and sometimes extremely busy. Most probably you will be robbed off one more hour prior to reaching the Thai border at a ‘travel agency’ – see our Visa Scam Alert below. That means that the whole journey from Bangkok to Siem Reap will take you about 9 hours.

In Siem Reap buses arrive to Nattakan Cambodia Co., Ltd. (22 Sivatha Road) which is the Cambodian company operating the international bus. It is located some 500m from Pub Street where there is plenty of dining, drinking and entertaining options. There is a travel agency sharing the same office with the bus company and its staff normally tries to persuade arriving passengers to stay in the guesthouses which share their revenues with the travel agency. These guesthouses are not necessarily too much overpriced or bad, so sometimes it may even prove a good idea to have at least a quick look at what they are offering.

It is not a common practice to rent out motorcycles or scooters to foreigners in Siem Reap, alas! If you want to have your own transport, the only option is bicycles which are offered at around USD2 per day. Be realistic, though: it is about 7 km from Siem Reap to the ruins plus the same distance back and than add no less than 10 km if you wish to do the Small Circuit. And yes, it may become scorching hot in Angkor.

If you prefer motor transport, than opt for a motorbike taxi, a tuk-tuk or a normal taxi.

Motorbike taxis are the cheapest way to get around the city. Short hops around Siem Reap normally cost less than USD1. You can also hire a motorbike taxi for the whole day for exploring the temples of Angkor (daily rates start from USD8). It is a convenient option if you travel solo and do not want to depend on other travellers which is the case with a shared taxi or tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuks are ubiquitous and are a convenient – and very authentic – way for moving around the city. Hiring a tuk-tuk for a whole day for exploring the ruins is a quintessential Angkor experience. They seat two people comfortably enough; three or four will feel like herrings in a bowl though. Tuk-tuks charge USD15 per day. Taxis or rather cars with drivers are air-conditioned – no heat, no red dust, no sweat, hurray. They are definitely more comfortable and for some it may compensate the lack of that feeling of ‘authenticity’ of the ride. Yet if you wish to visit some remote temples and have fellow-travellers to share the expenses, taxis are a great way to get there. Expect to pay from USD25 to USD30 for a whole day.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Siem Reap has improved tremendously during the recent years. Whether you are on a tight budget or want to splurge at its most, Siem Reap has something to your tasting. The French Quarter with its broad and leafy avenues hosts great mid-range and expensive hotels. This peaceful area lies within an easy reach of the centre of town, yet feels considerably more tranquil than the rest of Siem Reap. Wat Bo, Psar Chaa and Airport Road areas all offer plenty of budget digs with Wat Bo being the most convenient option as far as the location is concerned. In Airport Road you are quite far from everything, and near the Old Market (Psar Chaa) it may be too noisy, though some excellent and cheap guesthouses located there are perennial favourites among backpacking travellers. A few of the most top-end hotels in Siem Reap are scattered along the road to Angkor. As with Airport Road, you are far from everything there, though in many cases you will definitely not want to leave you luxury nest.

Exploring, visiting, checking out and admiring all those awe-inspiring temples of Angkor from dawn till dusk – that is what you are supposed to do while in Siem Reap. Nobody of those arriving to Siem Reap escapes Angkor – well, no wonder. But Siem Reap has even more activities on offer if you get tired of all those centuries-old carved stones. Enrol to ceramic classes and create your own pottery using the pottery wheel at The Angkor Pottery Centre or find out the variety of flavours of Khmer cuisine at cooking classes which include a visit to a local family with Beyond Unique Cooking Class. There are also opportunities for connoisseurs of alcoholic beverages with Georges Rum Free Tasting or Palm Wine tasting . In about 20 minutes drive from the centre there is The Angkor Silk Farm where the visitors are introduced to the whole process of silk-making . If you are still temple-hungry after visiting Angkor, there is a dozen of old and modern temples in the city , all of different architectural interest, including a 500-year-old Wat Preah Prom Rath, which shows the obvious Angkorian influence. Evenings glitter with traditional costumes of the dancers performing at numerous venues round Siem Reap. And then there are all those massage shops to relieve your aching muscles after a strenuous day at the ruins. The Khmers claim that the famous Thai massage has originated from the Khmer one. Whether it is true or not, it is worth comparing anyway.

Transportation from Bangkok to Siem Reap

• Buses RUB 2,642
• Flights RUB 11,575
• Taxis RUB 2,882
• Vans RUB 2,262
• Trains are not available
• Ferries are not available

Facts about the transport from Bangkok to Siem Reap

Bangkok to siem reap destination reviews.

Trevlig personal och lätt att ta sig över gränsen

Popular Routes

From bangkok.

• Bangkok → Pattaya
• Bangkok → Chiang Mai
• Bangkok → Phuket
• Bangkok → Koh Samui
• Bangkok → Hua Hin
• Chiang Mai → Bangkok
• Pattaya → Bangkok
• Phuket → Bangkok
• Hua Hin → Bangkok
• Koh Samui → Bangkok

From Siem Reap

• Siem Reap → Phnom Penh
• Siem Reap → Bangkok
• Siem Reap → Sihanoukville
• Siem Reap → Battambang
• Siem Reap → Ho Chi Minh City

To Siem Reap

• Phnom Penh → Siem Reap
• Ho Chi Minh City → Siem Reap
• Sihanoukville → Siem Reap
• Battambang → Siem Reap
• Chiang Mai → Siem Reap

Popular Routes in Thailand

• Phuket → Koh Phi Phi
• Phuket → Krabi
• Transport Options

Sample BANGKOK-SIEM REAP Itineraries: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Days

Bangkok and Siem Reap are two of the most popular destinations in the Southeast Asian region. Both are world-famous for magnificent ancient temples, vibrant cultural heritage, and warm, hospitable people. The best part, they’re easily accessible from each other by air and by land.

The two great cities are 8-10 hours apart, depending on traffic and including the visa stops on both sides of the border. You can travel by plane, by bus, or a combination of train and bus/car. For more detailed information about traveling overland, read this: Bangkok to Siem Reap by Bus or Train .

In a nutshell, the most efficient, most comfortable overland way is by direct bus. Giant Ibis Bus is the most reputable company operating this route. You can search for buses or reserve a seat here: Bangkok-Siem Reap Bus .

This post features several Bangkok-Siem Reap and Siem Reap-Bangkok itineraries. If you’re visiting just one city, you might want to visit these travel guides instead:

• Bangkok Travel Guide
• Bangkok Itineraries
• Siem Reap Travel Guide

Anyway, here are the sample itineraries. Please note that the budget estimates at the end of each itinerary are bloated in order to cover other incidental costs. As we always say, it’s better to overestimate than under.

We’re using the currencies that are used in respective city. For Bangkok, we use the Thai Baht. For Siem Reap, the US dollar.

Feel free to tweak these itineraries according to your flight schedule, taste, and whatnot.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Bangkok-Siem Reap Itinerary: 4 Days

Duration: 4 days, 3 nights Stops: Bangkok and Siem Reap Entry point: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Exit point: Siem Reap Airport

Day 2: BANGKOK TEMPLES 06:00am – Wake up call 07:00am – Walk to S2 Sala Daeng BTS Station 07:15am – Take BTS to S6 Saphan Taksin Station, ฿25 07:30am – Walk to Sathorn Pier 07:40am – Board Chao Phraya Express Boat, ฿15 08:00am – Get off at N8 Tha Thien Pier 08:10am – Take the boat to the other side of the river, ฿3 08:20am – Explore Wat Arun, ฿50 09:20am – Take the boat to the other side, ฿3 09:30am – Walk to Wat Pho 09:40am – Wat Pho, ฿100 11:00am – Lunch, ฿100 12:00pm – Walk to Grand Palace 12:30pm – Grand Palace, ฿500 02:30pm – Walk to N9 Tha Chang Pier 02:40pm – Ferry to N10 Siriraj Pier, ฿15 02:50pm – Walk to Sirijaj Museum 03:10pm – Siriraj Museum, ฿200 05:00pm – Walk to N10 Siriraj Pier 05:20pm – Boat to N13 Phra Arthit, ฿15 05:40pm – Walk to Khao San Road 06:00pm – Dinner at Khao San, ฿200 07:00pm – Explore Khao San Road 09:00pm – Taxi to Silom, ฿120

Day 3: TRANSIT TO SIEM REAP 04:00am – Wake up call 05:00am – Hotel check out 05:15am – Walk to BTS Sala Daeng Station 05:40am – BTS to N8 Mo Chit Station, ฿40 06:30am – Buy breakfast or snacks, ฿100 07:45am – Bus to Siem Reap, ฿1093, Reserve here 04:30pm – Arrival in Siem Reap 05:00pm – Hotel check in 06:00pm – Dinner, $4 07:00pm – Angkor Night Market 08:00pm – Pub Street Party 10:00pm – Lights out

Cost Estimate: USD185 (THB5070, PHP9960, SGD255, EUR160), excluding airfare, hotels, and shopping expenses.

Bangkok-Siem Reap Itinerary: 5 Days

Duration: 5 days, 4 nights Stops: Bangkok and Siem Reap Entry point: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Exit point: Siem Reap Airport

Day 5: SIEM REAP CITY TOUR 09:00am – Wake up call, pack up 10:00am – Check out, leave bags 11:00am – Explore Old Market 12:00pm – Lunch, $4 01:30pm – Angkor National Museum, $12 03:30pm – Preah Prom Rath Pagoda 04:30pm – Free time and snack, $4 06:30pm – Back to dinner, pick up bags 07:00pm – Transfer to airport, $5 07:30pm – Flight check in

Cost Estimate: USD210 (THB6886, PHP11310, SGD289, EUR181), excluding airfare, hotels, and shopping expenses.

Bangkok-Siem Reap Itinerary: 6 Days

Duration: 6 days, 5 nights Stops: Bangkok and Siem Reap Entry point: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Exit point: Siem Reap Airport

Day 4: TRANSIT TO SIEM REAP 04:00am – Wake up call 05:00am – Hotel check out 05:15am – Walk to BTS Sala Daeng Station 05:40am – BTS to N8 Mo Chit Station, ฿40 06:30am – Buy breakfast or snacks, ฿100 07:45am – Bus to Siem Reap, ฿1093, Reserve here 04:30pm – Arrival in Siem Reap 05:00pm – Hotel check in 06:00pm – Dinner, $4 07:00pm – Angkor Night Market 08:00pm – Pub Street Party 10:00pm – Lights out

Day 6: SIEM REAP CITY TOUR 09:00am – Wake up call, pack up 10:00am – Check out, leave bags 11:00am – Explore Old Market 12:00pm – Lunch, $4 01:30pm – Angkor National Museum, $12 03:30pm – Preah Prom Rath Pagoda 04:30pm – Free time and snack, $4 06:30pm – Back to dinner, pick up bags 07:00pm – Transfer to airport, $5 07:30pm – Flight check in

Cost Estimate: USD245 (THB8035, PHP13200, SGD337, EUR211), excluding airfare, hotels, and shopping expenses.

Bangkok-Siem Reap Itinerary: 7 Days

Duration: 7 days, 6 nights Stops: Bangkok with Ayutthaya Day Tour and Siem Reap Entry point: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Exit point: Siem Reap Airport

Day 5: TRANSIT TO SIEM REAP 04:00am – Wake up call 05:00am – Hotel check out 05:15am – Walk to BTS Sala Daeng Station 05:40am – BTS to N8 Mo Chit Station, ฿40 06:30am – Buy breakfast or snacks, ฿100 07:45am – Bus to Siem Reap, ฿1093, Reserve here 04:30pm – Arrival in Siem Reap 05:00pm – Hotel check in 06:00pm – Dinner, $4 07:00pm – Angkor Night Market 08:00pm – Pub Street Party 10:00pm – Lights out

Day 7: SIEM REAP CITY TOUR 09:00am – Wake up call, pack up 10:00am – Check out, leave bags 11:00am – Explore Old Market 12:00pm – Lunch, $4 01:30pm – Angkor National Museum, $12 03:30pm – Preah Prom Rath Pagoda 04:30pm – Free time and snack, $4 06:30pm – Back to dinner, pick up bags 07:00pm – Transfer to airport, $5 07:30pm – Flight check in

Cost Estimate: USD295 (THB9680, PHP15900, SGD406, EUR254), excluding airfare, hotels, and shopping expenses.

Bangkok-Siem Reap Itinerary: 8 Days

Duration: 8 days, 7 nights Stops: Bangkok with Ayutthaya Day Tour and Siem Reap Entry point: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Exit point: Siem Reap Airport

Day 8: SIEM REAP CITY TOUR 09:00am – Wake up call, pack up 10:00am – Check out, leave bags 11:00am – Explore Old Market 12:00pm – Lunch, $4 01:30pm – Angkor National Museum, $12 03:30pm – Preah Prom Rath Pagoda 04:30pm – Free time and snack, $4 06:30pm – Back to dinner, pick up bags 07:00pm – Transfer to airport, $5 07:30pm – Flight check in

Cost Estimate: USD350 (THB11500, PHP18850, SGD482, EUR300), excluding airfare, hotels, and shopping expenses.

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Ultimate Guide to Border Crossing: Bangkok to Siem Reap, Cambodia by Bus

Our journey started at the Bangkok Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Station) for an early morning bus ride going to Cambodia.

The station is just near the center of Bangkok , you can just hail a taxi and you’ll reach the bus station in minutes. Just tell the taxi driver that you’re going to Mochit 2 Bus Station, or you can print out the words in Thai character for easier communication.

This is a huge and more organized terminal than what we have in the Philippines. Some westerners would find the station inferior, but for a Filipino, it’s way better than the bus stations we have back home.

There are two early morning bus schedule going to Siem Reap (8am and 9am), travel time from Bangkok is about 8 hours.

Traffic is not going to be a probem in Bangkok in the morning, but it is still encouraged that you go to the station at least an hour earlier than schedule.

The place has enough waiting area and facilities for you to relax while waiting for the bus.

Sit back, relax and observe the crowd.

Ticket Booths and 711.

Ready for the bus? 🙂

I even managed to have a quick breakfast at the nearby 7-11. My personal favorite is the Sausage Mini Bun. It’s a great pair with coffee.

Hmm, I wonder why we don’t have this at 7-11 stores in the Philippines?

The delicious Sausage Mini Bun.

1 | Book Your Bus Ticket in Advance

One important thing that you have to do if you plan to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap by bus is to book your ticket in advance. This will not only ensure you of seats but will let you travel with more ease, as you don’t need to worry of buying tickets when you get to the station.

You may book your ticket through thaiticketmajor.com , the price is 750 baht or 23 USD.

Just present your printed booking confirmation at the Thai Ticket Major Booth and they will give you your bus tickets.

The Ticket Booth.

Buy Tickets At the Station

For those who are going to buy tickets at the terminal, the ticket booth is located at the first floor near the entrance. Only one-way ticket is available there. If you plan to go back to Bangkok from Siem Reap, bus tickets can be purchased in Siem Reap.

To save time, just present these information to the ticketing officer.

• You just have to mention your route (Bangkok to Siem Reap).
• Provide the date of travel
• Present your passport and other documents like e-visa if available.
• Pick your seat number and wait for the officer to process.
• Pay and get your tickets. The price is 750 baht each.

Please note that passengers have many options when it comes to legitimate sites to book your bus tickets in Thailand like 12Go Asia.

Bus Tickets!

2 | Enjoy While Waiting For Your Bus

We were early for our scheduled bus, so we had the luxury to take some breakfast and explore the station.

The waiting time is also a chance for you to observe other passengers and even be friends with them. It was also a chance for some selfies. LOL!

Selfie while waiting for our bus

Another one?

Wacky!!! LOL

Due to low number of passengers at that time, the 8am and 9am schedule were merged into one trip, so we were able to hop on the bus around past 9AM.

The bus is comfortable, the seats are just right for a big man like me. LOL! There’s also a toilet on the bus, but never tried it.

The Bus going to Cambodia

Yes, another shot is necessary. LOL

The Toilet.

3 | The Bus Ride And Some Bus Stops

Most of the passengers were Westerners, there were just a few Asians. It was a refreshing sight to witness the Bangkok metropolis then slowly turning into lush green trees and sceneries as the journey went on.

The bus company provided a small breakfast snack – bread/cookie with orange juice and bottled water.

A solo female traveler going to Siem Reap

Looking for hotels in Bangkok? Check this out

Thailand Countryside

After a couple of hours, the bus stopped at a check point and two Thai armies showed up and asked us to show them our passport and tickets.

I wasn’t sure if that was really a protocol for every bus that goes to Cambodia, but during our travel there, it was Martial Law in Thailand, so maybe it was just an additional process at that time.

Two locals/Asians were not allowed to go on and they were escorted off the bus by the Thai Army. Maybe they weren’t able to present the necessary documents. 🙁

During the travel, there were a couple of more bus stops for the staff to pick up the food for the travelers’ lunch.

The food wasn’t that special but it was enough to fill an empty stomach. Of course, I ate all of mine. It is suggested that you buy food at the terminal (711) just in case you travel with kids, a vegetarian buddy or with a picky eater.

4 | The Border Crossing

Once you arrived at the border (Aranyaprathet – Poipet border) and got off the bus, just walk towards the Immigation Building to get the Thai Stamp, you’ll present your passport there. Also, fill out the departure card.

Don’t worry, all you got to do is to follow the crowd. You’ll get there in just a few minutes.

Just follow the crowd…

Prepare your passport and get the Thai stamp here

Then as you leave the building, just walk until you pass by the Thai border gate. A few meters more, you’ll see the majestic Cambodia gate entrance.

Being a Filipino and as a member of the ASEAN countries, we are not required to have a Visa and can stay in Cambodia for 21 days. So for fellow ASEAN members, just proceed to the arrival area to get the arrival stamp from Cambodia Immigration.

You can easily see it as it has a huge “Arrival” sign.

Border Crossing in Cambodia by bus.

The Cambodia Border Gate

Looking for hotels in Siem Reap? Click here

Get your arrival stamp here.

Then you’re done. The same bus will be waiting for you near the Arrival area to wait for all the passengers. Expect at least 30 minutes to 1 hour waiting time since some of your fellow travelers still need to process their visa which is explained in detail below.

How To Get a Cambodian Visa (For Non-Filipino, Non-ASEAN countries)

To save time and effort, it is recommended that you plan ahead and get your visa before your trip. You may apply and get your e-visa at http://www.mfaic.gov.kh and click the icon e-visa.

Fill out the online form and pay 25 USD using your credit card/debit card, and it is expected that you’ll receive your e-visa after 24 hours.

This will definitely save time not only for you but also for your fellow travelers in the same bus, because they still need to wait for you while you process your visa at the border. 🙂 It will take about one hour.

Get Visa at the Border

In case you weren’t able to prepare everything, you may get your visa while crossing the border.

Just proceed to the cream building beside the Cambodia gate to get your visa. This is called “Border Checkpoint. ” You need to pay 20USD and don’t forget to bring your own passport photo because their is a small fine for not having one.

There are some reports of scams while processing your visa at the border. Just keep in mind that you just need to pay 20 USD only, if their are people there asking for additional fees please refrain from giving money, or you may ask the help from fellow travelers or the authorities.

There you have it. The same bus will be waiting for you outside, so enjoy and continue the journey.

The Border Checkpoint building. You can get your visa here.

READ THE BLOG POST: Congas Restaurant: Authentic Thai Food in Boracay

5| Travel and Arrival to Siem Reap

From this point, all you have to do is relax, sleep and enjoy the Cambodia countryside. There will be some quick stops along the way like we experienced, when the bus company staff bought some food along the road.

Cambodia countryside

After a few more hours of travel, you will be welcomed by the calm and relaxed town of Siem Reap!

The official bus stop is located near KFC. This is the only KFC in town situated in a long row of small shops. The bus company name is Nattakarn Bus Company, the place where you’ll also buy tickets going back to Bangkok.

In case your hotel is not aware of the bus company, just tell them it’s near KFC and they’ll take you there. Bus departure going to Bangkok is also 8am and 9am.

READ MORE: Bangkok to Chiang Mai by VIP Bus 

Welcome to Siem Reap!

So now that you have all you need, it’s time to explore the beauty and culture of Cambodia. Enjoy! 🙂

Where to Stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia?

Credit: Bou Savy Guesthouse

We enjoyed our stay at Bou Savy Guest House (Bed and Breakfast) at the center of the town near every tourist spot in Siem Reap.

The rooms are clean and comfortable at a very affordable price. The staff are also friendly! Room rates starts at 14 USD a day!   CHECK ROOM RATES HERE!

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• Angkor Wat in Cambodia: A Journey to the World’s Largest Religious Monument
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Hello, just want to know if its possible to go to Siem Reap then go back to BKK the next day? Just to be sure, we no longer have to pay for visa for PH passport holder, right? Thanks for your input 🙂

Yes, the bus terminal is just beside the KFC. The same drop off point if you came from Bangkok.

And yes, we Filipinos, as ASEAN members, we are allowed to enter Cambodia and Thailand even without a visa. Thanks

Hi po! Super love this detailed guide on how to go to Siem Reap from BKK. Just wanted to be sure, you just brought with you your ticket and your passport? And nothing else? For the visa, we, filipinos are eligible to stay up to 21 days so no need to prepare anything right? Do we need to sign anything or what? Or just present the passport?

Thank you and God bless

Happy that you find this guide helpful. Yes as part of the ASEAN countries we are not required to process VISA.

Just present your passport and also docs from immigration when you arrived in Thailand. They need to check and put a stamp as a proof that you crossed the border.

Hello! What time did you arrive at Siem Reap?

We arrived at about 4pm in Siem Reap. Good thing the terminal is just near our hostel and we also availed the pick up service of the hotel.

Happy travels!

This is Sab again. Passport and docs, what documents you mean by this po?

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How to go from Bangkok to Siem Reap

If you’re traveling around Southeast Asia, at some point you’ll likely want to visit the major travel destinations of Bangkok, Thailand, and Siem Reap, Cambodia. Getting between the two, though, can be a bit challenging if you’re new to the region. You have a handful of options and each option offers its own benefits, depending on what’s most important to you — speed, comfort, price, etc. Here’s what to consider before choosing your transportation option for traversing the 254 miles journey, so you arrive safe, sound and ready to explore.

Bangkok to Siem Reap by bus

Time – under 10 Hours Price – approximately $20 to $30 Comfort – 2/5

Traveling between Bangkok and Siem Reap by bus is particularly popular for one primary reason: it’s cheap.

Direct buses do not require you to transfer buses when crossing the Thailand-Cambodia border. Direct bus providers include Nattakan and Giant Ibis. Both companies run full-size buses and pricing for tickets is $28 with Nattakan and $32 with Giant Ibis, with additional minimal fees if you book online versus purchasing your ticket in person the day of your travel. Online booking is advised, as it reserves your spot on the bus and your seat.

Mini buses are another bus option for traveling between Bangkok and Siem Reap. Mini buses do require that you change buses at the border, which means that this option is a bit more of a hassle than the direct buses and you may have to wait up to three hours at the border. Not only do you have to deal with finding your next bus at the border, but, due to the more affordable cost of the mini bus ride, they’re often far more crowded. Mini bus pricing varies, but you can expect to not pay more than $20 for your total trip. Mini bus tickets will have to be purchased in person and mini buses depart Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (at the Mo Chit Station).

Of course, while traveling from Bangkok to Siem Reap by bus is affordable and popular because of it, it’s also not that comfortable. It is bus travel, after all. Expect occasionally cramped conditions. You will, however, enjoy the opportunity to take in the scenic views from your seat throughout the journey.

Bangkok to Siem Reap by plane

Time – around 1 hour Price – anywhere from $70 to $300 Comfort – 3/5

When it comes to flying between Bangkok and Siem Reap, you have four airline options. While flying is the overall priciest way to get between the two destinations, it is by far the fastest. Additionally, if you’re not familiar with traveling on public transportation, like buses and trains, while in a foreign country, you might find flying is more comfortable for you, as the process is generally much the same all over the world.

Airlines that fly between the two destinations include Bangkok Airways, Cambodia Angkor Air, Thai Smile and Air Asia, with service out of Bangkok’s two airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Meung. Flights start at around $70, but can run as high as $300, depending on when you make your purchase and with which airline; keep in mind that some airlines charge additional fees for luggage. For the most affordable flights, try AirAsia. Flights can be purchased on travel aggregators (like Hotwire) or directly through the airlines’ websites.

While flying between Bangkok and Siem Reap is relatively easy and comfortable if you’re already a frequent flyer, it is worth noting that air service between the two destinations is sometimes unreliable, with delays and rescheduled flights common.

Bangkok to Siem Reap by taxi

Time – under 8 hours Price – approximately $100 Comfort – 4/5

If you like the idea of ground transportation between Bangkok and Siem Reap, but aren’t too keen on sharing your transportation with a gaggle of other travelers on a crowded bus, you might want to consider a private taxi service.

As with the mini buses, when you take a taxi between the two destinations, you’ll have to switch taxis at the Thailand-Cambodia border. After crossing the border, if you want a more affordable taxi price, you can walk a bit, as the further you go from the border, the more affordable the taxi rates, generally.

More expensive than a bus or train, but still often more affordable than flights, taxi service between Bangkok and Siem Reap takes around eight hours.

However, do keep in mind, while taxi service does give you the added comfort of privacy, it can make you more susceptible to travel scams, as taxi drivers may attempt to charge you a higher fare, sometimes even deciding to jack up your rate mid-trip, when you have little choice but to agree or exit the vehicle. On the other hand, if you have a taxi driver with a penchant for customer service, you’ll find they’re more than agreeable and you might even be able to negotiate small stops for food or to break up the monotony of the eight-hour drive.

Taxi service can be booked ahead of time at 12Go.asia .

Bangkok to Siem Reap by train and bus/taxi

Time – around 9 hours Price – $15-60 Comfort – 3/5

If you want to mix up your ground transportation and possibly not take a taxi or bus all the way to Siem Reap, you can take a train to the border — to Aranyaprathet specifically — and then switch to your choice of a bus or taxi. There are two daily trains from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet, one in the morning and one in the early afternoon, with train rides taking about six hours.

The trains aren’t the most comfortable, but some enjoy the experience, as it’s a very “local” thing to do and there’s plenty of scenery to admire. Additionally, the trains are known for being very clean and safe. You can only purchase train tickets in person the day of your travel and the fare is only a few dollars.

Once you reach Aranyaprathet, you can take a tuk-tuk to the border (about $3), then cross the border and board a bus or taxi at Poipet Tourist Passenger International Terminal. From there, a bus ride is about three hours and $10 and a taxi is about three hours and up to $50.

Bangkok to Siem Reap by private tour

Time – 2-4 days, depending on preference Price – $300+ Comfort – 5/5

Lastly, if money is no option and your primary focus is comfort, you can choose to book a private tour company to ferry you between Bangkok and Siem Reap, which is especially a good option if you plan on returning to Bangkok after seeing the sights in Siem Reap. This is by far the easiest and most comfortable option, but it’s also by far the priciest.

There are several companies that offer this service, such as travel aggregator Viator. Generally, a private tour will take you door-to-door from one hotel to your next, and make stops along the route at prime tourist points of interest. You typically have access to your own guide, who can help you navigate the journey with ease, so that really all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.

However you decide to travel between these two culturally rich and fascinating destinations, it’s sure to be an adventure!

Bangkok to Siem Reap FAQ

The most affordable way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap is via either a bus or a train-bus combination. Bus rides can be booked via 12Go.asia , but train fare can only be purchased in Bangkok in person. While train rides are scenic and safe, don’t expect any fancy frills. The same can be said for bus rides, as the buses are sometimes cramped and prone to delays.

By far the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap is via a flight. Four airlines service the route: Bangkok Airways, Cambodia Angkor Air, Thai Smile and Air Asia. However, flights on this route can often be pricey. If you’re looking to save cash, you can book other forms of transportation between the two destinations at 12Go.asia .

You have several options for getting between Bankgok and Siem Reap, including bus, mini bus, private taxi, private tour, train and plane. Many of these can be booked easily and affordably with 12Go .

There is not a train that goes directly between Bangkok and Siem Reap, but there is train service from Bangkok to the Thailand-Cambodia border. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Siem Reap. Bus and taxi service are bookable on 12Go.asia .

The bus ride can take up to 10 hours, depending on delays and how long you are required to sit at the border crossing at the Thailand-Cambodia border. Bus rides between the two destinations are very affordable and can be booked right now at 12Go .

As many as you can! Siem Reap is a popular resort town and considered the gateway to the famed Angkor ruins.

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How to Get From Bangkok to Siem Reap: Complete Guide

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: February 27, 2024

Categories THAILAND , TOURS

Siem Reap is the second largest city in Cambodia, that is known for being the gateway to incredible historic landmarks such as the ruin of Angkor and the seat of Khmer kingdom. This is the perfect location to experience authentic traditional Cambodian culture. You will get to witness the most incredible temples, iconic figures and one of the largest religious statues in the world. Siem Reap is a destination ideal for those who love to explore. You can book your ticket online from Bangkok to Siem Reap through 12Go.

Table of Contents

HOW TO GET FROM BANGKOK TO SIEM REAP

Throughout this article I am going to explain the 4 travel options which you can choose from to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap and show you how you can book your ticket online. I will delve into details about which forms of transport you can choose from, the departure stations in Bangkok and arrival destinations in Siem Reap, as well as how much tickets cost so that you can find the most ideal commute to suit your travel plans then book your ticket online .

It can take from 6 hours and 30 minutes up to 13 hours in travel time with either a bus, van, or taxi. The most affordable form of transport costs $47 with the highest priced being $534. Following on from this I will then go through information for planning when you will travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap and great key points to know for when you are there so you don’t miss out on having an amazing time.

BEST WAY TO BOOK YOUR TICKET ONLINE FROM BANGKOK TO SIEM REAP

If you don’t have time to read this whole article right now then let me tell you the most important thing you will want to know, which is the most reliable and best way to book your ticket online from Bangkok to Siem Reap . This is via the online booking platform called 12Go, as it takes you through all of the available options, the finer details that you will need to know before booking and then whilst travelling, alongside allowing you to compare travel times and prices.

Although, if you are interested in finding out more information about when the best time to travel to Siem Reap is, how long you will want to spend there to not miss out on anything, and must-do activities you will definitely want to check out, then I suggest you keep on reading this blog.

4 OPTIONS OF TRAVEL FROM BANGKOK TO SIEM REAP

These are the four routes that you can take to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap….

Option 1 – Bus There are a few bus options to choose from when travelling from Bangkok to Siem Reap which are provided by the travel operators Travel Mart and Giant Ibis Transport. Tickets for these cost between $53 and $65 per person, with commute times taking from 8 hours and 30 minutes up to 9 hours. Departure locations in Bangkok are located at Khao San Travel Mart and Bangkok Giant Ibis station which are approximately a 10 minute walk away from each other. The arrival locations are either at Siem Reap Travel Mart or Siem Reap Giant Ibis station which are a 30 minute walk away from each other.

All buses from Bangkok to Siem Reap leave in the morning with the earliest being at 1.30am and the latest at 9am, meaning you will arrive on the same day as departure no matter which time option you choose. You can book your ticket online via 12Go.

Option 2 – Van When travelling from Bangkok to Siem Reap by van you have approximately five options to choose from provided by the travel operator Travel Mart with all tickets costing $55 per person, and each van having a 10 person capacity limit. The commute time takes either 7 hours and 30 minutes or 8 hours, departing from Khao San Travel Mart Office in Bangkok and arriving at Virak Buntam Bus Branch in Siem Reap. The earliest departure from Bangkok is at 8.30am with the latest being at 1pm and tickets can be booked online through 12Go.

Option 3 – Taxi Booking a taxi from Bangkok to Siem Reap gives you the most options to choose from as they are provided by three travel operators which are SIMA Car, Glassflower and Travel Mart, however the cost of these are between $245 and $534 per vehicle. Taxis take from 6 hours and 30 minutes up to 9 hours in commute time, with departure stations being at Survarnabhumi Airport, Don Muaeng Airport or a location of your choice. Arrival stations are similar in having one exact location of Siem Reap Airport and the others being as where you would prefer.

You can choose the pick up time that you would prefer from Bangkok, which will then determine your arrival time at Siem Reap. Prices also vary depending on the size of vehicle you decide to book, as you have options of either a three, seven, nine or ten person capacity. Find out more details via 12Go and book your taxi online.

Option 4 – Bus and taxi You have one option when getting from Bangkok to Siem Reap with a bus then taxi . When choosing this form of travel you are guaranteed to make your connection, with the commute time taking 13 hours. The cost of a ticket is $47 per person, making it the most affordable way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap . You will depart Bangkok from Khao San Boonsiri at 7.30am and arrive into Siem Reap Transfer station at 8.30pm. You can book a ticket online for this form of transport through 12Go .

Here are some great bits of information which are good to know before booking your ticket online and travelling from Bangkok to Siem Reap …

Most affordable transport option from Bangkok to Siem Reap The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap is by taking the bus and taxi option, as this costs just $47 per person.

Quickest way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap The fastest way you can get from Bangkok to Siem Reap is by taking a seven seater taxi with SIMA Car, as this takes just 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Arrival and check in times before travelling from Bangkok to Siem Reap These are the times that you need to be checked in and ready to board your chosen forms of transport for getting from Bangkok to Siem Reap . However, I would suggest arriving 15 to 30 minutes prior as this will allow you to avoid any queues and give you time to ensure that you have everything needed ahead of travelling.

When travelling by bus with the travel operator Travel Mart you will need to have checked in 60 minutes prior to your departure time, however when you use Giant Ibis Transport you will only need to check in 30 minutes before leaving.

When travelling by van you will need to check in 60 minutes prior to the departure time stated on your ticket.

When travelling by taxi there is no stated check in time, however arriving approximately 20 minutes prior to your booked leaving time is a great idea as you will be charged if you are late or a no show.

When travelling by bus then taxi you will need to be checked in 45 minutes prior to the departure time stated on your ticket.

Luggage allowances for each form of transport from Bangkok to Siem Reap If you have booked to travel by bus , you can take 1 piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7 kg and 2 pieces of stored luggage weighing no more than 20 kg when making the commute with Giant Ibis Transport. If you have chosen to make the commute from Bangkok to Siem Reap with Travel Mart you can take 2 pieces of stored luggage with you.

If you have booked to travel by van you can take 1 piece of stored luggage with you, this also applies to a 10 seater taxi.

If you have booked to travel by taxi , when commuting with the operator SIMA Car you can take 1 piece of luggage under 23 kg, with the max dimensions of 158 cm (Height + Width + Length) and 1 piece of hand luggage under 7kgs. If you have chosen to travel with Glassflower there are no specific luggage allowance guidelines, however, they do state that oversized bags can have an extra charge.

If you have booked to travel by bus then taxi , depending on which vehicle type you choose you can take either 1 piece of hand luggage and suitcase weighing up to 20 kg or 1 piece of hand luggage and 1 extra large suitcase.

Additional information Before booking your ticket online from Bangkok to Siem Reap be sure to check if there are any extra costs for visa checks, as these will not be included in your ticket price.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR TICKET ONLINE FROM BANGKOK TO SIEM REAP

The most convenient way to book your ticket for travelling from Bangkok to Siem Reap is via 12Go . The benefits of this are that it will help in making your journey hassle free and run more smoothly. This option allows you to purchase a ticket without having to wait in a queue for a long period and guarantees you to get your preferred route of travel. It shows you all of the options available as well as time, prices and commute lengths alongside providing you with a reliable contact point should you need to change anything or if anything changes with your pre-booked travel route.

HOW TO GET TO YOUR DEPARTURE STATION IN BANGKOK

Getting to your departure station ahead of your trip from Bangkok to Siem Reap is made easy because of the brilliant range of transport available within the city. One of the best ways to get around the capital of Thailand is with the fast Skytrain as it avoids all traffic and there are several stations located throughout. If it isn’t possible for you to take this option, another great form of transport to use is their public bus system as it is very affordable. Alongside these two options, you can also take a tuk-tuk (an authentic way to commute), boat, motorbike or taxi.

Things to consider before deciding which form of transport you will take are;

• How long will the commute take from where you are to your departure station?
• What time do you need to arrive at your departure station?
• Is the form of transport you would prefer to take near to where you are?
• Does the journey fit in with your travel budget?

These could affect which option you choose to get to your departure station ahead of travelling from Bangkok to Siem Reap.

HOW TO GET TO YOUR FINAL DESTINATION IN SIEM REAP

Upon arriving from Bangkok to Siem Reap you will then need to commute to your final destination. Just like Bangkok there are many ways to commute around Siem Reap but there are no public transport services. The options you can choose to get from your arrival station to final destination include;

• Remok (authentic Cambodian tuk-tuk)
• Moto (motorbike taxi)
• Motorbike rental
• Bicycle rental

Before travelling to your final destination in Siem Reap, be sure to check out the exact location which you arrive in, how far away you are then going and the length of the commute to discover which is the most suited journey for you. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT SIEM REAP

To ensure that you have a memorable trip in Siem Reap, the best time to visit this magnificent city is during the months of December, January and February as this is when the temperatures are at their highest, reaching between 31 to 35 degrees, with no rainfall. If you are looking for lower temperatures and don’t mind slight rainy days, then November and March will also suit you.

HOW LONG TO SPEND IN SIEM REAP

For a great trip where you will get to explore all of the well known sites and famous landmarks without having to rush, a good amount of time to spend in Siem Reap is 4 days. This will allow you to check out the bucket list must-do’s as well as take time to soak up the unique culture at your own pace. If you don’t want to spend that much time there, you could also do a 2 day trip, however you will have to plan back to back activities.

MUST-DO ACTIVITIES IN SIEM REAP

Here are some interesting and fun activities that you will definitely want to check out during your time in Siem Reap…

Angkor Wat Temples With over 50 temples located here, you will be in awe of the incredible history and architecture that they hold. You can purchase passes for one, two or three days to explore around the fantastic sites. Make sure to fit the famous Angkor Wat into your itinerary as this is one of the world’s largest religious monuments.

Pub Street This is a vibrant spot filled with pubs that have bright decorations strung from one building to the next. You will be able to enjoy very affordable drinks whilst being surrounded by a great atmosphere and taste interesting delicacies.

Old Market To discover handmade clothing and locally sourced produce you will want to take a wander around the Old Market. It is a great place to purchase authentic souvenirs to remember your trip by and find unique one off items.

Siem Reap River Walking along the river is a great activity to enjoy if you are looking for a way to slow down and relax. The area is very tranquil with chances for you to watch the locals catching fish and several bridges to cross over.

Cooking classes If you fall in love with the delicious food that you will get to indulge in during your time spent in Siem Reap, then taking a cooking class will be perfect for you to learn how to cook a few dishes that you can then recreate after your trip, as well as learning about the Khmer cuisine.

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How to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap in 2022

If you’re planning a trip to Southeast Asia then there is a good chance you’re wondering “What is the best way to get between Bangkok and Siem Reap?” This is actually the most common tourist route traversed between Thailand and Cambodia. And while the distance between Bangkok and Siem Reap is just 250 miles (402 km), the border crossing makes the trip a bit more complicated and time-consuming than you might guess.

Most visitors come to Siem Reap to explore Angkor Wat , the magnificent Buddhist temple complex that is one of the largest religious monuments in the world. But Siem Reap also offers a thriving international food scene, world-class hotels and spas, and a much-needed respite from the smog and traffic of Bangkok .

The easiest way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap is to fly, which takes just an hour. All other transportation options will take you at least seven hours due to the crossing of the Thailand/Cambodia border.

A private vehicle is the most convenient land-based option, but it can be quite expensive unless you’re traveling in a group of three or more. If you want to save money, you can also reach Siem Reap by a direct bus or by a combination of train and bus.

In short, the best way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap really depends on your travel budget. Below we have summarized all of the best transportation options between Bangkok and Siem Reap so you can decide which method is best for you!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Cambodia Visa-on-Arrival vs. eVisa

Whatever transportation method you take from Bangkok to Siem Reap, you will have to decide if you want to get a Cambodia eVisa or research if you can get a visa on arrival at the Cambodian border.

Citizens of all but 10 countries can get a 30-day single-entry visa on arrival when they reach Cambodia. The process is simple and straightforward – in fact, all you’ll need is $30 US and a passport that is valid for six months.

Unfortunately, corruption is quite common in Cambodia and there are incidents of travelers being overcharged for their visa-on-arrival. The best way to avoid this is to have exact change. If the immigration officer asks you to pay more or for a tip, play dumb until they give up and waive you through.

Of course, we recommended you do your own research beforehand to see what type of visa you’ll need to enter Cambodia before your arrival.

If you want to avoid negotiating with corrupt border agents, consider getting a Cambodia eVisa in advance. Just like the visa-on-arrival, the eVisa is good for a single-entry and a stay of up to 30 days. The cost of a Cambodia eVisa is $36 USD.

The approval process can take up to three business days so make sure you allow enough time for your eVisa to be approved before embarking for Cambodia. You’ll also need to print out your eVisa and have it with you when you cross the border. Having an eVisa can give you some peace of mind and can save you a bit of time in the immigration offices. 

Note : If you’re a citizen of one of the following Southeast Asian countries you won’t need a visa to enter Cambodia: Laos , Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore , Vietnam , Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, and Myanmar.

The Best Way to Get from Bangkok to Siem Reap

Flights from bangkok to siem reap.

Duration : ~1 hour Cost : $75+ USD per person

The quickest and easiest way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap is to fly, which takes about an hour. Several airlines fly this route, including Bangkok Airways, Cambodian Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, and Air Asia.

Take note that there are two airports in Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi Airport (Airport Code: BKK) and Don Muang Airport (Airport Code: DMK). The newer and larger Suvarnabhumi Airport is used by most major airlines, such as Bangkok Airways, whereas budget airlines like Air Asia tend to use the older Don Muang Airport.

Suvarnabhumi Airport is located in the eastern suburbs of Bangkok, and Don Muang Airport is located in the northern part of the city. Both airports are about 20 miles from downtown Bangkok, so allow for ample transit time when going to and from either airport. We recommend leaving yourself an extra hour to account for Bangkok’s horrendous traffic.

If you use budget airlines, the flights themselves are very affordable, but it’s also important to look at the airline’s baggage policy. If you’re checking any luggage, you can expect to pay an additional $15-30 USD per bag if you’re flying to Siem Reap on a budget airline. Just be sure to read the airline policies and fees carefully before purchasing your ticket.

Our favorite flight comparison search engine is Skyscanner – we always use it when booking our flights!

Check Flight Prices on Skyscanner

Note : If for some reason you need to transit in Bangkok between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Muang Airport, make sure to leave yourself a couple of extra hours of travel time due to heavy traffic and the distance between the two. There is a free shuttle bus service that connects the two airports. To board the free shuttle, you need to show your airline ticket for your next flight.

Transportation from the Siem Reap Airport

As mentioned above, the Siem Reap International Airport was relocated about 50 kilometers outside of the city in 2023. The ride into town used to be a short one but now it will take close to an hour.

We recommend checking with your hotel prior to your arrival to see if they can arrange an airport pickup. If not, there are transportation desks at the airport that can help you with a taxi. Or you can arrange a ride-share using an app like Grab ( iPhone | Android ) or PassApp ( iPhone | Android ). We prefer PassApp because it supports a local Cambodian company.

We also have a favorite tuk-tuk driver in Siem Reap. His name is Nakry Mean and he drives a batmobile themed tuk-tuk. You can reach him on WhatsApp at  +855 17 761 110  or on his Facebook page,  Siem Reap Batmobile Tuk Tuk .

Private Transfer from Bangkok to Siem Reap

Duration : ~7-9 hours depending on stops Cost : ~$95 – $130 USD per vehicle

If you’re traveling in a group of three or more you may find it cost-effective to travel between Bangkok and Siem Reap by private car or van. Unfortunately, due to the border crossing, this method typically requires two different vehicles – one for the Thailand portion of the trip and a second for the Cambodia portion.

First, you’ll need to arrange a vehicle to take you from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet on the Cambodian border. This should cost ~$60-70 USD and takes ~3.5-4 hours

After the customs and immigration procedures, you’ll cross into Cambodia on foot before catching another ride from the Cambodian border town of Poi Pet to Siem Reap.

The rates of a car from Poi Pet to Siem Reap are anywhere from $35 to $60 depending on your negotiation skills and the drive takes ~3-3.5 hours. Make sure you agree upon a set price before you get in the taxi. We also recommend that you do not pay the fare until you arrive at your final destination in Siem Reap.

A private transfer is, in theory, a great way for groups of three or more to save money. Plus, you can travel in relative comfort between Bangkok and Siem Reap. Unfortunately, because of the need to switch cars and drivers at the Cambodia border, this option sometimes turns into a giant hassle. Even if you arrange everything in advance.

Bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap

Duration : ~9-11 hours  Cost : ~$25 – $35 USD per person         

Another option is to take a bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap via direct bus. If you’re on a budget and aren’t pressed for time, this is one of the easiest ways to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap.

Taking a direct bus can be even more convenient than a private transfer because you won’t have to change vehicles at the border. And if you have lots of bags, this option can be helpful since you won’t have to carry your luggage around since it stays on the bus the entire time.

A lot of budget tour offices in Bangkok will advertise a direct bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap. But when you arrive at the border you will discover that you do indeed have to change vehicles – often to a much less comfortable minibus.

There are only three companies that truly offer direct buses from Bangkok to Siem Reap: Travel Mart , The Transport Co. (aka Nakattan), and Giant Ibis . These are the only bus companies we recommend for traveling this route. And since there are only six direct buses a day between Bangkok and Siem Reap, you’re best off reserving your seat at least a couple of days in advance. Note that the Transport Co. isn’t currently offering routes from Bangkok to Siem Reap.

Of these three bus companies, Giant Ibis is our top pick – you’ll be guaranteed a comfortable bus plus they include a bottle of water, a can of iced coffee, a breakfast pastry, and a cold towel. It’s definitely worth paying a few dollars more!

Direct buses from Bangkok to Siem Reap cost ~$25-35 USD per person and the total duration of the trip is ~11 hours. Most of these buses depart from Bangkok between 7:30-9 am, with an arrival time in Siem Reap at 6:30-8 pm.

We always prefer to use Bookaway.com for booking buses in Southeast Asia. You’ll receive an e-ticket that you can either print out or present on your phone when you arrive at the pickup point. Bookaway also makes it easy to cancel or modify bus tickets in case you have a change of plans.

There is also one overnight sleeper bus through Travel Mart that leaves Bangkok at 12:45 am and arrives in Siem Reap around 11 am.

This saves you the cost of one night’s accommodation, but you’ll be absolutely exhausted on your first day in Siem Reap. Plus, if your bus arrives at the border before the offices open, you might have to wait to get your visa processed. We don’t recommend the overnight bus, but you can make your own choice.

Crossing the Thailand-Cambodia Border by Bus

If the bus company processes your visa.

Many bus companies like Giant Ibis will offer (or insist) to process your visa on your behalf for an additional “convenience fee” which is typically $5. The bus steward will collect your passport, visa paperwork, and visa fee of $30 USD (so you’ll pay $35 total with the additional convenience fee). Make sure you have $35 cash in US dollars that are in reasonably good condition (no old or torn bills). If you already have an eVisa for Cambodia just give that to the staff along with your passport.

The bus steward will procure all of the Thailand exit stamps and then run ahead to start processing everyone’s visas on arrival for entry to Cambodia.

You will be required to get off the bus pass through the Thailand immigration office and walk ~100 yards to the Cambodian immigration office. You can leave your luggage on the bus, but it is best to keep any valuables on your person during the border crossing.

Once you arrive at the Cambodian immigration office your bus steward should be waiting for you with your Cambodian visa and entry stamp already in your passport. All you’ll need to do is briefly show your passport to a Cambodian immigration officer so they can double-check everything before you enter the country.

Some people on your bus will inevitably complain about having to pay an extra $5 to the bus company for this service, but it’s a small price to pay for the convenience of not having to navigate the immigration process on your own. The Cambodian immigration officials have a reputation for trying to extract small bribes out of tourists crossing the border here so you might even end up saving a bit of money by having the bus company take care of it for you.

If the Bus Company DOES NOT Process Your Visa

If your bus does not offer to process your passport on your behalf, then here is what you can expect at the Thailand-Cambodia border.

Upon arrival at the border at Poi Pet, the bus will drop passengers off on the Thailand side. Your bus will wait for you, usually in front of the Casino on the Cambodian side after you complete the immigration process. Remember what your bus looks like as there will likely be many buses crossing the border at the same time. You may even want to snap a picture of the license plate number just to ensure you get back on the correct bus.

There is not a lot of signage or instruction at the border so it may feel overwhelming, but it’s actually all quite simple. Just remember to remain calm and patient. Depending on the time of day, the entire customs and immigration process may take up to two hours depending on how crowded it is.

First, you’ll have your passport stamped out of Thailand in the Thai immigration office. Then you’ll walk ~100 yards to the Cambodian side where you’ll purchase your visa and be stamped into Cambodia.

As previously mentioned, the visa-on-arrival costs $30 USD and you should make sure to bring US dollars in good condition – no old or torn bills. The Cambodian immigration officers may try to short-change you or request a small bribe or tip. You can avoid most of the hassle by handing the immigration officer the exact change.

If you are approached by anyone at the border that says that they can get you a Cambodian visa quicker it’s best to just politely but firmly decline. Proceed directly to the Cambodian immigration counter. If you get confused, it’s okay to ask an official custom official for help on where to go next. 

Once you have your Cambodian visa and entry stamp, exit the immigration office and look for your bus in front of the Casino – remember you snapped a photo of it on your cell phone. Welcome to Cambodia!

Arrival by Bus in Siem Reap 

When you arrive in Siem Reap, the bus will either drop you off in the central part of town or the bus station, depending on the company and the mood of the bus driver. The Siem Reap bus station is located a few miles outside of town. Before your arrival, you should arrange for your guesthouse or accommodation to pick you up, as most will do so free of charge.

If you have not pre-arranged a ride to your guesthouse, you can easily grab a tuk-tuk as there will likely be dozens of them waiting at the bus stop. A tuk-tuk to any hotel in the center of Siem Reap will cost you ~$2-5 USD.

Our preferred method of transportation in Siem Reap is by using Grab ( iPhone | Android ) or PassApp ( iPhone | Android ) to call for a taxi or tuk-tuk at a cheaper price. Unfortunately, you probably won’t yet have a Cambodian SIM Card so you may have to rely on bargaining with a tuk-tuk driver for your first ride in Cambodia.  

Train from Bangkok to Siem Reap

Duration : ~8-9 hours (4-5 hours on the train, plus 3-4 hours of driving time) Cost : ~$15.00 – $45 USD per person

The most affordable way to cross the border from Bangkok into Cambodia is actually by a little-known combination of train and local bus.

First, you’ll take a train from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok to Aranyaprathet on the Cambodian border. From there, you’ll need to cross the border to the Cambodian town of Poi Pet, and then take a bus onward to Siem Reap.

There are two train services a day from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet, the aforementioned border town in eastern Thailand. One train leaves Bangkok in the early morning at 5:55 am and the other departs at 1:05 pm.

If you want to reach Siem Reap on the same day you MUST take the morning train. The afternoon train gets you into Aranyaprathet too late in the afternoon. You won’t be able to find a bus in Poi Pet onward to Siem Reap (and a taxi from Poi Pet to Siem Reap will cost you ~$35-$60).

Keep in mind that trains in Southeast Asia are often delayed, so allow yourself some extra travel time.

Third-class seats cost as little as $3 USD, while the first-class air-conditioned berths (basic bunk beds) can cost up to $35. You can buy tickets the day-of or in advance at the ticket counters at the train station in Bangkok. 

Once you reach the final station, it’s time to cross the border into Cambodia. The border crossing is a few miles from the train station to the border. The most cost-effective way is to take a songthaew, which should cost ~30 Thai Baht (~$1 USD). Other options to get to the border include taking a moto-taxi, which should cost ~60 Thai Baht (~$2 USD), or a tuk-tuk, which should cost ~100 Thai Baht (~$3.50).

Some drivers will attempt to overcharge you double or triple the normal cost, just continue asking until you get a fair price. No matter what your transport, it’s important to agree on the price of the ride in advance and not after arriving at your final destination.  

After you clear both Thailand and Cambodian immigration, look for the free shuttle bus to the bus station that sometimes sits outside the Cambodian Immigration building. It’s important to deal with the Immigration Offices directly and avoid any scams at the border by ignoring anyone that tries to arrange a visa on your behalf. 

Once you reach the main bus station you can buy a bus ticket to Siem Reap, which is about $10 USD. The bus to Siem Reap can take about 4 hours. Some travelers report being charged over $20 for a bus ticket to Siem Reap. If this happens, there are travel agencies in Poi Pet located on the main road that will quote you a fair price for a bus or minivan to Siem Reap.  

Bangkok to Siem Reap FAQ

The distance between Bangkok and Siem Reap is approximately 250 miles (402 km).

The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap is to fly which takes about an hour. Other methods of transportation (including by train, bus, and private car) will take you at least 7 hours and perhaps as long as 11 hours.

In our opinion, the best way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap is to fly.

We prefer Giant Ibis. They are a little bit more expensive but worth it.

The most affordable way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap is a little know combination of train and local bus. You’ll take a train from Bangkok to the border and then take a local bus from Poi Pet in Cambodia onward to Siem Reap. The total cost is ~$15.

We hope this guide helped you determine the best way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap! Got any suggestions – let us know below.

Planning a trip to Cambodia? Check out our favorite books and travel guides.

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Nick took his first solo trip abroad to Ireland and Scotland when he was just 19. Since then he has visited over 70 countries around the world (plus 45 states in the USA). He coupled his passion for travel photography with Val’s passion for writing and thus Wandering Wheatleys was born. He now lives in Asheville with his two rambunctious kids, Humphrey and Wilhelminha. Besides photography, Nick loves eating the weirdest food he can find in a country (sheep’s brain currently sits in first place) and making Val get up an hour before sunrise to make sure he gets “the good light”.

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Siem Reap To Bangkok: The 4 BEST & EASIEST Ways To Travel

Come find out the best, easiest, and most cost-effective way to travel from Siem Reap to Bangkok. From what companies to book with, crossing the border from Cambodia to Thailand, costs, and more will be explained below for those backpacking Southeast Asia.

If you are like me and following the famous banana pancake backpacking trail in Southeast Asia then no doubt, at some stage you will find yourself needing to travel from Siem Reap to Bangkok, which includes a border crossing from Cambodia to Thailand .

These are two cities popular with travelers, and each has its own charm. They are seemingly complete opposites to each other, though at the same time and equals when it comes to must-visit spots.

So when your Angkor experiences are over and you are ready to make your way to your next stop, you will be needing to know how to make the journey from Siem Reap to Bangkok.

Though before we get into the exact details of how to complete this journey, let’s talk about why; more precisely why should you visit Bangkok. Well, it is a huge metropolitan city that honestly has something for everyone.

Whether that is hitting up the ever-popular Khao San Road, drinking a cocktail from your infinity pool looking over the city, trying some of the best street food in the country, and much more. It is also a well-connected transport hub with numerous choices to travel north, or south once you arrive in Thailand .

The journey is long, and if you have done research before, then no doubt you have heard about the scams. Whether that is a tourist entry/exit fee or a ‘special’ tax.

Nevertheless, the worst part for me was simply just waiting in lines at immigration. However, whether you travel overland or by air will also affect how long the total journey is.

Though before I get into my experience I will let you know all options when it comes to traveling from Siem Reap to Bangkok. This includes whether to bus, plane, minivan, taxi, or train, prices, how to book tickets, departure times, and more!

Siem Reap To Bangkok: How To Cross The Border From Cambodia To Thailand

Siem reap to bangkok distance, siem reap to bangkok travel time, bus from siem reap to bangkok, fly from siem reap to bangkok, siem reap to bangkok by train.

• Private Taxi From Siem Reap By Bangkok
• FAQs About Traveling From Siem Reap To Bangkok

🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Cambodia & Thailand: 12Go Asia

The distance from Siem Reap to Bangkok is approximately 400 kilometers, and yes it does take a while, though more on this below. If you are planning to make this journey overland as I did, bring snacks and make yourself comfy, you will be here for a while.

Luckily the majority of the distance is on highways, though there will no doubt be some waiting around when you cross the border from Cambodia to Thailand .

Though if you happen to take a plane rather than traveling overland you will quickly realize how much quicker the journey is by air. I will recommend this option if you are short on time and value this more than money.

The deciding factor that will sway you on whether to take a bus, private transfer, plane, or train will depend on your budget and how long you have to complete the journey.

Depending on the type of transport you decide to book from Siem Reap to Bangkok will affect how long it takes to travel.

Bus: The bus journey from Siem Reap to Bangkok takes approximately 8 and a half hours at a minimum. Though there could easily be delays at the border meaning this transport method could take longer than planned, as well as evening traffic when arriving in Bangkok.

Flight: The quickest way is no doubt flying as the total journey time from Siem Reap to Bangkok is a straightforward 1 hour and 15 minutes. Though keep in mind this is an international flight so it is recommended you arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to departure.

Duration: 8+ hours

Cost: $25.00 per person

Now I always enjoy taking a bus. Though you need to be prepared for a pretty long journey when traveling from Siem Reap to Bangkok. At a minimum, it will take 8 hours, though this can easily be increased thanks to traffic and border delays.

Therefore prepare to spend a full day traveling on the bus and don’t make any plans in Bangkok for the same day.

To make things run a bit smoother there are special tourist buses that operate this route and that is actually what I used when traveling this route.

Alternatively, you can take a local bus to the border town of Poipet, and then a different bus once you enter Thailand to Bangkok. Though just be aware you may be stuck for quite a while waiting on the buses, and you will not be provided any assistance when crossing the border.

My preferred company for bus travel in and around Cambodia, and on the Siem Reap to Bangkok route is The Giant Ibis which you can book on 12.Go Asia .

Bus vs Tourist Bus

Now when you are traveling essentially any country in Southeast Asia you will quickly learn that there are two different types of buses, the regular bus, and the tourist bus.

The standard regular bus is more to local standards, which is fine if you know that is what you are booking and are prepared for it. Though if not, you may be in for a surprise.

These can also be quite different when it comes to the border crossing. This is simply because you will only be taken to the border and provided no further assistance in transport for the rest of your journey, or with immigration.

If you are a relatively new traveler I don’t recommend this method. Though if you are a seasoned adventurer and enjoy getting out of your comfort zone, this could be a perfect choice.

If this doesn’t sound like you, don’t worry, luckily there are a handful of buses servicing this route that cater to travelers and their needs. These include Giant Ibis, Travel Mart, and Virak Buntham Express.

Though personally, as you may have figured, my preferred company operating from Siem Reap to Bangkok is Giant Ibis. They have comfortable buses with air conditioning, are reliable, and have an attendant onboard to assist with the border crossing, ensuring the entire journey is a smooth experience.

Though you do pay a bit extra booking them compared with other options.

Bus Schedule From Siem Reap To Bangkok

Here is the bus schedule departing from Siem Reap to Bangkok. Of course, there are more companies than just those I have listed. Though this is just a selection of the most popular.

As you can see all companies cost about a similar amount and depart rather regularly. Though personally, I enjoy traveling with Giant Ibis. They cater to travelers so even though you are paying a bit more you do get to travel in comfort and get assistance with crossing the border.

How To Book Tickets

Thankfully it is super easy to book your travels in Cambodia or Thailand, including from Siem Reap to Bangkok.

I have actually had great luck booking online with 12.Go Asia . I have used them throughout all my travels in Southeast Asia and never have had an issue. They also offer some of the best companies to book your journey with, including my favorite the Giant Ibis.

The other option is to head to a nearby travel agency or through your hotel once you are in Siem Reap. Though they will just book you on whatever is available and what they make a decent commission on. So not necessarily always the best or most comfortable journey.

Anyway by booking with 12.Go Asia you can see what other travelers have said about certain routes with particular companies. Then you can just book your ticket through their website and they will email you a copy. It’s super easy!

Where Does The Bus Drop You Off

Depending on the bus company you decide to book with it is likely they will drop you off somewhere different, such as their office, rather than at the bus station.

If you choose the right company and research in advance, this could pay off for you as some drop you off right in the bang center of town, a quick walk away from your hostel.

Luckily the companies I have recommended, The Giant Ibis, Travel Mart, and Virak Buntham Express, both drop passengers off at Phra Nakhon. From here it is just a few minutes walk from the popular backpacker hangout of Khao San Road, where you will be able to easily find an assortment of hostels.

My Experience Taking The Bus From Siem Reap To Bangkok

After being picked up in a small minivan and taken to the actual bus it was time to start the journey from Siem Reap to Bangkok. Today’s journey is with the Giant Ibis .

This is the same company I booked my previous border crossing from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh with, as well as some internal travels within Vietnam and Cambodia.

Honestly, online I had read some horror stories, as well as watching a few videos about getting scammed at the border, or just simple bus complications. That is why I knew when I was booking this journey that I wanted to travel with a reputable company that I trusted.

Once on board the bus we found our seats and got given a sweet little lunch pack to keep us going. Before we knew it we were heading out and away from the incredible city of Siem Reap.

Luckily the bus had power outlets by the seats so I was able to work on my laptop while we traveled, making the journey go a lot faster than expected.

Soon enough the border had arrived and the staff went around to make sure everyone was prepared to exit the country. We made our way over to what seemed like a random small shack but was actually the immigration office.

As we had the Giant Ibis stickers on us the border staff knew we were traveling as a group so we avoided a lot of the common scams that go on here. On the bus, we were briefed about them and told what we do and do not have to pay.

A worker from the company also assisted us, in case any of the passengers were given any grief.

Luckily everything ran smoothly there and it was time to enter Thailand. Unfortunately, this was the longest part as we ended up standing in queues for 40 minutes, waiting for our turn to be processed.

After a long wait, we were all quickly processed and it was back on board the bus to complete the remainder of our journey. Though luckily a short distance away we pulled in at a 7/11 for some delicious snacks and of course toasties for the backpackers. It is certainly good to be back in Thailand.

Back onboard we drove the rest of the distance, everyone napping after a long day of travel. Luckily we didn’t hit too much traffic arriving in Bangkok so it didn’t take too long until we were jumping off and checking into our nearby hostel around Khao San Road.

Duration: 1 1/2 Hours

Cost: $60.00+ per person

If you are perhaps relatively limited on time you may find the best, and most straightforward way to travel from Siem Reap to Bangkok is by taking a flight.

You can easily find direct flights between these two locations, though the deciding factor will be the price, especially if you are not traveling with carry-on luggage if I know I don’t. Luckily if you happen to book far enough in advance you can score yourself some deals.

Just remember this will give you less freedom as a traveler, in terms of having to stick more to an itinerary, rather than going with the flow. You can book these airfare tickets online over at 12.Go Asia , or directly through the airline’s website

You will be able to find the cheapest airfares with Air Asia, which start at $60.00. Though just be aware that they are a budget airline, so the services that they offer are minimal.

This means you will pay extra for things like luggage, and food, and there isn’t any onboard entertainment. Alternatively, you can also book Bangkok Airways if these are important to you, but you will be paying a premium for their services.

The bonus of taking a flight is that you don’t have to be cramped in a bus for hours on end, and for this journey, I am talking more like a minimum of 8 hours.

Instead, you will be able to relax in comfort as this long journey is quickly decreased into a simple 90-minute flight. Though be aware you are typically expected to be at the airport 3 hours prior to departure for an international flight. As well as the journey from the airport to your accommodation for the night.

All flights depart from the Siem Reap International Airport (REP). This is an easy short drive away from the main city center by motorbike or taxi.

Be aware there are two different airports in Bangkok your flight may arrive. This is either Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Muang Airport , which are both a decent drive away from the popular backpacker hangout of Khao San Road.

So if you are looking for a true experience and adventure why not take the train from Siem Reap to Bangkok, crossing the border from Cambodia to Thailand.

Unfortunately, this is not as straightforward an option as it may sound. Instead, you will need to do multiple transfers, though what you lose in time, you gain a real adventure, and save in cash, as this is a real budget option.

Getting To Poipet

This first stage of your adventures will be traveling from Siem Reap to Poipet. This is easiest done by bus and is a relatively short journey taking 3 hours, and costing a pretty affordable $10.00.

The best company to book the route with would be Virak Buntham Express which offer 4 trip daily from Siem Reap to Poipet. Though be aware in order to make the border connections, and actually get to Bangkok in one day, you will need to take one of the morning vans.

These buses depart from the Virak Buntham station in Siem Reap and tickets can be booked online over on 12.Go Asia .

Alternatively, you can also travel from Siem Reap to Poipet by taxi. Though be aware this will cost you a lot more, approximately $60.00. This may be suitable if the schedules don’t match your planned itinerary.

Poipet To Aranyaprathet

Once you arrive in Poipet you will then need to go through Cambodian immigration to exit the country. This is where you will most likely be taken advantage of as you are lone strangers and at the mercy of the border agents.

After you have exited Cambodia you will then need to enter Thailand, which depending on your country of origin you may be able to get a visa on arrival.

Once you have entered Thailand you will need to take a tuk-tuk to Aranyaprathet station where you are able to take a train to Bangkok. It should cost you around 100 THB / $4.50 for the 10-minute ride.

Aranyaprathet To Bangkok

The final stage of traveling from Aranyaprathet station to Bangkok. You will want to take the train bound for Hua Lamphnong Station. Beware there are only two different trains that operate this route daily. They depart at 07:05 am and 2:00 pm and it is a cheap journey costing around $2.00 to take you the 5 to 6-hour distance.

One thing to be aware of is that you can only purchase these train tickets on the day of and the only seat type available is third-class coach.

Private Taxi From Siem Reap To Bangkok

The last but nowhere near the least option is taking a private taxi from Siem Reap to Bangkok. Be aware this is the most costly option setting you back at least $200.00. In all honesty, it is not an option I recommend, considering for that price you can fly business class from Siem Reap to Bangkok.

Nevertheless, if this is something you are interested in then you will need to split the journey into two parts. The first is from Siem Reap to Poipet, and then the second is from the border to Bangkok. Be aware many taxi drivers may try to charge crazy amounts as you don’t have a whole lot of options, and they know that. You can book a taxi and check out prices over on 12.Go Asia .

FAQs About Traveling Siem Reap To Bangkok

How many days to spend in Bangkok? Honestly, I recommend spending between 2 to 3 days here in Bangkok . This will allow you enough time to see some of the main sights and get a good feel for the place before needing to move on.

Though if you are quite a party animal you may want to spend a little longer here. Bangkok has an incredible party scene, hello Khao San Road !

Another option would be using Bangkok at home while doing a couple of day trips. One of my favorites was a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok using the train. Lastly, you can maximize the amount of time you spend in Bangkok by taking an overnight bus or train to your next destination.

How far in advance do I need to book tickets? It is recommended you book tickets in advance to ensure you can travel with a reputable, clean, and safe company. You should try for at least a week in advance to be safe. Though if you are not worried about this then you can probably just book the day before.

Booking through 12.Go Asia is perfect for those busy periods as you can book when you haven’t even arrived in the country yet! This means you can relax knowing all the planning is taken care of.

Where To Stay In Bangkok

There are multiple different areas of Bangkok that are popular with travelers. Though the main ones here are the ever-famous Khao San Road, Silom, Siam, and Sukhumvit. Khao San Road is perfect for first-time travelers coming to Bangkok or those just looking to party.

Heads up, I do not recommend that ANYONE stay on actual Khao San Road. There is constant noise from the street below and because that’s automatically where travelers book there is no standard for accommodation as no matter what the room gets filled.

For a more “normal” experience of Bangkok, I recommend you stay in Silom, Siam, or Sukhumvit. I have stayed in both and I prefer to stay in the Khao San Road area. Well not on the actual street itself, but within the area. A 5 or so minute walk away.

In terms of hostels on Khao San Road, the list seems to be never-ending. Seriously there are hundreds! Though check out my guide on the best hostels around Khao San Road for the best stay.

Here are my top picks for the backpacking Bangkok travel guide:

Things To Do In Bangkok

The Grand Palace: Visiting the Grand Palace has to be one of the top things to do in Bangkok. Sure you will be surrounded by hoards of tourists, but it a must-do when you are here. You can try to visit early morning when it first opens if you want to beat the crowds.

The entry fee is $16.70 / 500 THB so it will put a rather large dent in your budget. This grants you access to both the Royal Palace and the famous Wat Phra Kaeo Temple housing the 14 th Century Emerald Buddha.

Reclining Buddha (Wat Po): Another one of the must things to do when in Bangkok is visiting Wat Po. This is home to the incredible 45-meter-long reclining Buddha. It is also 15 meters high and this Wat (temple) is the oldest and largest in Bangkok. The entry fee is $6.70 / 200 THB and it is on the same grounds as the Grand Palace.

Flower Market: The Flower Market is one of Bangkok’s most famous markets. As the name implies this is where you can find a sea of flowers being sold. The most popular time to visit here is actually midnight when the freshest flowers arrive ready to be sold in stores the next morning.

Chatuchak Market: The Chatuchak Weekend Market has everything you could ever want and even things that you probably never would want all in the same place. This is Thailand’s biggest market boasting over 15,000 stalls!

Boat Trip On The Chao Phraya River: The boats on the Chao Phraya River are actually are a form of public transport in Bangkok and it is a great way to see some of the city. There are both contrasts of Bangkok located along the river. From the shining and grand temples to the low-key markets.

Wat Arun: Wat Arun is definitely known as one of the more instagramable temples in Bangkok. Though that is because it is absolutely beautiful. Known as the Temple of Dawn it is one of the many iconic sights of the city.

Airplane Graveyard: The famous airplane graveyard in Bangkok has become a famous Instagram spot in recent years. Near to the Ramkamhaeng Station in Bangkok, you will find a field of abandoned airplanes. Be aware that locals patrol the area and will ask you to pay an entry fee.

You will need to pay this in order to access the property and it generally is a couple of hundred baht.

Food Tour: If you are a bit of a foodie like me what better way to discover a new city than through its flavors. There are a few different options available. Though I recommend checking out Get Your Guide to discover what tour would be best suited for you.

If you are looking for an all-in-one, Bangkok by Night Tuk Tuk Tour: Markets, Temples & Food encompasses an assortment of Bangkok highlights.

Lumpini Park: If you are looking for a break from this bustling city and missing a bit of greenery in your life. Then definitely head to Lumpini Park to get back in touch with nature. It is super easy to get to as well as being located between the modern business districts of Silom and Sukhumvit.

Khao San Road: If you are not staying in the backpacker hub of Khao San Road it is definitely worth heading out to spend a night partying. Though if the party life isn’t your scene you can still people watch, try some street food, and get in a bit of shopping.

LIKE IT? PIN IT!

Want more Thailand Inspiration? Check out….

• TRAVEL KOH PHANGAN TO KOH TAO
• VISITING THE WHITE TEMPLE IN CHIANG RAI
• COST TO TRAVEL THAILAND
• PHUKET TO KOH LANTA TRANSPORT GUIDE
• KOH PHI PHI VIEWPOINTS
• ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE WITH ELEPHANT NATURE PARK IN CHIANG MAI, THAILAND
• A NIGHT AT THE CHIANG MAI SUNDAY MARKETS, THAILAND
• BACKPACKING KOH LANTA
• VEGETARIAN COOKING CLASS IN CHIANG MAI
• KRABI TO KOH PHI PHI TRANSPORT GUIDE

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.

Photo credit: “ Poipet ” ( CC BY 2.0 ) by Du Hangst .“ Popiet (Thai Border) ” ( CC BY 2.0 ) by James Antrobus . “ Aranyaprathet to Bangkok ” ( CC BY 2.0 ) by Clay Gilliland . “ Aranyaprathet- Popiet Border ” ( CC BY 2.0 ) by Thanate Than . “ Aranyaprathet Border Crossing ” ( CC BY 2.0 ) by I G .

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Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

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How to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap: Overland border crossing

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An overland border crossing between Bangkok and Siem Reap is the cheapest option on the well travelled backpacker journey between Thailand and Cambodia. It’s an adventure that involves taxis, trains, tuk tuks and buses with some scams and bribes thrown in for good measure but it’s a convenient, inexpensive and fun experience that still gives us a giggle!

With flights coming in at around US $200 per person we opted for the overland adventure and managed to travel from our hotel in Bangkok to Siem Reap for less than US $35 per person with a lot of laughs and scam avoiding along the way!  Here’s our step by step guide to making the journey across the border so you can do the same!

When planning your travel remember there are a number of direct buses from Bangkok to Siem Reap that cost around $30 and it’s possible to fly directly between the two cities also.

1 | MRT to Hualamphong Station

The MRT Subway and BTS Skytrains are a quick and cheap way to travel in Bangkok. Take the MRT to Hualamphong Railway Station where the train departs for Aranyaprathet close to the Thailand/Cambodia border. If you’re on a BTS line, Asok is the changeover station for the MRT. Taxis are also a relatively cheap transport option in Bangkok as long as the fare is metered.

Tip:  Our taxi driver offered us an ‘excellent’ fixed price fare to Hualamphong of 300 Baht. We insisted on the meter being switched on, as is standard for taxi rides in Bangkok, and the actual fare was around 75 Baht. Meters, meters, meters!

Cost: MRT tickets cost between 16 Baht to 40 Baht and BTS tickets cost between 16 and 40 Baht depending on location.

2 | Hualamphong Station

Tickets are available from the ticket office in Hualamphong Station. There are separate windows for advance tickets and same day travel. A reservation is not required for the Aranyaprathet train so just turn up on the day and buy a ticket.

Cost:  The train fare is 48 baht

Where to stay in Bangkok

We’ve spent over two months in Bangkok and have had the opportunity to sample some amazing hotels across the city. Our favourites include:

• Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel: Our personal favourite hotel in Bangkok and is a real treat. It’s close to some amazing rooftop bars and shopping centres – Check prices here
• Riva Surya: great value and the river views are superb –  Check prices here
• Cubic Hostel: is an awesome   choice and the perfect option for travelers who love the social side of travel – Check prices here
• Aldephi forty nine: is fab value and perfectly located to hop on off the BTS Skytrain – Check prices here

Click here for the best Bangkok hotel prices

3| The Train Journey to Aranyaprathet

Two trains depart daily from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet. The first at, 5:55am, arrives at 11:35am and the second, at 1:05pm, arrives at 5:35pm. We opted for the early morning train given the journey to Siem Reap takes around 12 hours in total. The border reportedly closes at 10pm so the later train is also a possibility and will result in a midnight arrival in Siem Reap if you can secure an onward bus or taxi.

Tip:  The train takes between 4 and 6 hours so bring some snacks (also available from vendors passing through the carriages) and reading material for the journey. The views are also pretty awesome and help the time pass. Trains run on Thai time so expect some delays!

Life along the tracks:

4| Tuk Tuks at Aranyaprathet

Aranyaprathet is 6km from the Cambodia border and, after departing the train, it’s a quick 10 minute tuk tuk ride to the border crossing.

If you don’t have an e-visa, it’s highly likely the tuk tuk driver will try to drop you off at a travel agency marked ‘Visa Center’ which sells overpriced visas (around $35). Don’t buy your visa here and also insist on being dropped off at the official border. The drivers don’t want passengers to make a fuss and alert other travellers to the situation so they should drop you off at the real border pretty smartly!

Tip: Negotiate the tuk tuk fare and ensure your driver drops you off at the actual border. The official Cambodia visa office is located after the Thai border exit so if you haven’t exited Thailand and received an exit stamp don’t buy your visa from here!

Cost: The tuk tuk ride costs 80 to 100 Baht (after negotiations!)

5 | Exit Thailand

There are two queues at the Thailand border exit, one for Thais and one for tourists. An official stamps passports on exit from the country.

Tip:  Be sure to join the correct line. The Thai line can be very long at weekends or on holidays and there’s no point hanging around at the back of the wrong line!

6 | Walk across the border and enter Cambodia

It’s a short walk across the Friendship Bridge and under the ‘Welcome to Cambodia’ sign!

If you haven’t bought a Cambodia e-visa in advance, now’s the time to get a Cambodia visa.

Cambodia visas are available on the border for US $20 in the visa office after walking across the bridge. The price is a fixed $20 despite handwritten signs requesting extra baht or dollars hanging above the visa counter. If you fancy the straightforward option, pay the extra money as it won’t break the bank and refusing may mean a little extra waiting time. An additional $1 is payable if a photograph is not presented.

After purchasing the visa, proceed to the immigration office, fill out the form and wait in the line. It’s a tiny room with no air conditioning and we waited in line for around 45 minutes.

Tip:  The official visa fee is $20 so you can insist on paying only that amount. When asked for the additional cash we said ‘no, $20 fee only’ and managed to make it through to the other side (although we did receive some ominous white ticks on the cover of our passport but I think they were just playing mind games with us as we passed through with everyone else!)

7| Free bus to the Passenger Terminal

After exiting the immigration building you’ll be ushered towards the free bus to the Popiet Tourist Passenger International Terminal about 10 minutes away from the border. Transport out of Popiet is controlled by a transport association who operate the free bus and subsequent onward buses and taxis to Siem Reap.

It’s still possible to get a non association taxi directly from the border and it’s likely you’ll be approached by someone offering a ride and undercutting the official rates. The taxis are parked about 1km from the border. If you do choose this option, never pay up front.

Tip:  At this point we were highly suspicious of anyone suggesting we should follow them or take any kind of transport but the free bus is legitimate if you wish to take the onward tourist bus, shared van or taxi to Siem Reap. The bus is located at the large roundabout close to the border.

8| Bus, shared van or taxi to Siem Reap

At the station, the transport choices are a bus or minivan for $9 or $10 or a 4 seater taxi for $48. The buses only leave when full so you might be in for a bit of a wait. The journey time is around 2.5 hours. We opted for a taxi to avoid having to wait around for the bus to depart.

Tip:  Don’t pay for taxis in advance or you might find yourself dropped off half way to Siem Reap (especially with the non association taxis)! The guys at the depot will always insist a bus is leaving soon but it won’t leave until the seats are full so you could be in for a wait.  A taxi for 4 works out at a similar price!

9| Tuk Tuk to Siem Reap  Accommodation

Why do I need a tuk tuk when I hired a taxi I hear you ask?! There’s one final little quirk in the Bangkok to Siem Reap journey!

Despite insisting he knows where your accommodation is for the last 100 odd miles, as soon as you get close to Siem Reap the driver will suddenly forget or insist that taxis are not allowed into the city. As if by magic a waiting tuk tuk will offer their services for free. Of course it’s free because you’ve already paid for the official service to deliver you to your door, right?! The drivers are after commission from either delivering you to a guesthouse or by securing a booking for a temple tour during your stay.

Tip:  We insisted we weren’t paying any additional money or booking any tours which did result in a bit of a temper tantrum when we got to the hotel and followed through with our promise! It’s been a long day so you might want to throw the driver a few dollars to keep the peace!

Where to stay in Siem Reap, the hotels we love:

• We opted for the Moon Boutique Hotel in Siem Reap (check out our review here ) as we loved the calmness and luxury of the boutique hotel which came at a reasonable price.
• The Golden Temple Hotel is another gem : the hotel is gorgeous and it’s within 10 minutes walk of Pub Street and the night markets.
• the  Petit Villa Boutique & Spa is another beautiful boutique hotel located in the centre of Siem Reap, perfect as a base for exploring the temples.

Click here for the best Siem Reap hotel prices

You’ve made it to Siem Reap and it’s been a long journey. There’s only one thing for it: POOL TIME!

Train or Bus?

It might not be the quickest way to the border and the seats may be a little hard but the train is our winner! We’re train kind of people and the $1.50 fare didn’t hurt!

We loved the idea of experiencing a Thai train journey in an open air carriage while the countryside rolls by. On a long journey it’s great to be able to wander around and trains are awesome for some people watching as the carriage was always bustling with new arrivals, other travellers and vendors selling local snacks.

If you’re after an easier option there are a number of direct buses from Bangkok to Siem Reap and cost around $30. While it takes the hassle out of finding transport, you’re still likely to come across the long running visa scams at the border! We opted for the train as we like a little adventure and prefer to do things on our own schedule but it’s a great option!

Gorgeous train views:

25 thoughts on “How to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap: Overland border crossing”

Helpful post and very detailed. This is worth bookmarking for future reference. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks Vanessa, it hasn’t failed me yet!

Great report and very useful!

Only thing…. Our underground train is the MRT, not MTR. The MTR is in Hong Kong!

Happy travels

Thanks Bangkokian! A little slip up from our Hong Kong days. Glad you like the post!

This is very helpful. Thank you for the post.

I will be travelling there on Oct by the way. and I wanted to take the train and experience it but maybe by Bus back to Bangkok. What do you thinks?

Sounds like a great idea if you’d like to experience the train and bus. I believe there are direct bus services that operate Bangkok to Siem Reap and Siem Reap to Bangkok which might be a good option for you!

Have fun and safe travels! Elaine

Yeah and it cost 500 baht from Bangkok to siem reap . But before the border we were requested to get off and pay for another 100 baht of the application form in going out to the border. You will wait longer, so bring with you a lot of patience he he he. It’s just 5 mins and 2 days ! Ha ha just kidding . 2 hours is the most! Pinoy here @

Haha Rolly, sounds familiar!!

Great help, very good insight for the journey, thank you!

Thanks Ami, glad it is useful for you!

Thank you so much Elaine & Dave, for blogging all the information! I’m flying by next week I hope this will help me. I’m little paranoid about the scammers though.

Cheers 😀 Bharat

Hope you have a good trip Bharat! The scams are fine as long as you’re aware of them, we found it all quite good fun in the end!

How did it go???

Hi This is very helpful. Thank you for the post.

Hey guys, there are approximately 30 different companies offering direct bus from BKK to SR. Or you can get a taxi for 50 usd to take you from bangkok to siem reap (usually with a boot full of things to be delivered to some restaurant or company here), less if you share.

Also, flights with Air Asia or Thai Smile are around 70 usd to SR.

Just for reference 🙂

Thanks for the info Ken, I’ve updated to reflect your comments 🙂 We were keen to do some train travel in Asia and opted for the overland train option and I don’t think there was a direct bus at that time. I guess a lot of the border crossing advice applies either way 🙂

Hi! First, your blog is so informative! Thank you so much 🙂 I would just like to ask some help, my boyfriend and I will be traveling from Bangkok to Siem Reap soon and I am planning to take the minivan in Victory monument at lunch time as we will do some shopping in Chatuchak Market in the morning. Most of the blogs say that it would take 4 to 5 hours. Is that reliable? From Poipet to Siem Reap, can you please suggest the most affordable way yet the fastest to get to Siem Reap downtown. Taxi maybe too expensive as we are only 2 persons. Will appreciate your reply. Thank you!

Thanks for the comment! We took to the train so not sure how long the bus takes from Victory Monument but it’s slightly faster than the train as far as I remember. I know there direct buses now that will take you form Bangkok to Siem Reap so maybe that would be an option? We took a taxi form the border to Siem Reap – there are also minibuses that are less expensive, you just have to wait until they fill up to depart.

Happy Travels! Elaine

hi for the taxi, is it 48 per person? thanks 🙂

Hello guys. I really appreciate your post, super helpful. Though I was wondering whether it is possible to make this train journey the other way around: from Siem Reap to Bangkok. Thank you so much

Hi William, reverse should apply if you want to go the opposite way.

Hope that helps

Thanks Elaine, so much info given on your blog, will be copying this route as well next week and goodluck to us. hehehehe

Hope it was a successful trip Ivan!

just to update everybody, even the taxis under the association are scammers. they would drop you off somewhere in Siem Reap and their counterpart tuk tuk will insist in driving you to your hotel. your choice is to make a scene in order for your taxi driver to drop you off your hotel or accept the “free” ride from the tuk tuk driver.

Planning to go to Siem Reap next year.. seems this info will be very helpful. Thanks !

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The cheapest option available for your ticket, it usually comes with reclinable seats and AC.

Alternate transport types from Bangkok to Siem Reap

Cheap carpooling from bangkok to siem reap, more bus routes from bangkok and siem reap.

• Bus Routes from Bangkok
• Bangkok to Ao Nang
• Bangkok to Ayutthaya
• Bangkok to Chanthaburi
• Bangkok to Hat Yai
• Bangkok to Krabi
• Bangkok to Mae Sot
• Bangkok to Pai
• Bangkok to Patong
• Bangkok to Trang
• Bus Routes from Siem Reap
• Siem Reap to Banteay Meanchey
• Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh
• Siem Reap to Kratié
• Siem Reap to Mondulkiri
• Siem Reap to Pattaya
• Siem Reap to Poipet
• Siem Reap to Preah Vihear
• Siem Reap to Sênmônoŭrôm
• Siem Reap to Stung Treng
• Siem Reap to Phnom Penh Airport

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Flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap - Travel Insights & Trends

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from bangkok to siem reap to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from bangkok to siem reap, when flying from bangkok to siem reap, you should consider leaving on a wednesday and avoid saturdays if you are looking for the best rates. for your return to bangkok, you’ll find the best rates on thursdays and the most expensive ones on wednesdays., what is the cheapest month to fly from bangkok suvarnabhumi airport to siem reap, the cheapest month for flights from bangkok suvarnabhumi airport to siem reap is october, where tickets cost $133 on average. on the other hand, the most expensive months are december and january, where the average cost of tickets is $204 and $179 respectively., how far in advance should i book a flight from bangkok suvarnabhumi airport to siem reap, to get a below average price on the flight from bangkok suvarnabhumi airport to siem reap, you should book around 4 days before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 88 days before departure., which airlines fly non-stop between bangkok suvarnabhumi airport and siem reap, there is just one airline that flies from bangkok suvarnabhumi airport to siem reap direct and that is bangkok airways. the best one-way deal found from bangkok airways for the route is $197., how many flights are there between bangkok suvarnabhumi airport and siem reap per day, each day, there are 5 nonstop flights that take off from bangkok suvarnabhumi airport and land in siem reap, with an average flight time of 1h 20m. the most common departure time is 5:00 pm and most flights take off in the morning. each week, there are 35 flights and there are the same amount of flights each day 5., which cabin class options are there for flights between bangkok suvarnabhumi airport and siem reap, there are 3 cabin class options for the route. these are business, economy and prem economy. perform a search on kayak to find the latest prices and availability for all cabin fares, which differ across airlines., what’s the earliest departure time from bangkok to siem reap, early birds can take the earliest flight from bangkok suvarnabhumi airport at 7:40 am and will be landing in siem reap at 9:00 am., what’s the latest departure time from bangkok to siem reap, if you prefer to fly at night, the latest flight from bangkok suvarnabhumi airport to siem reap jets off at 5:25 pm and lands at 6:45 pm., good to know, when to book flights from bangkok to siem reap, faqs for booking bangkok to siem reap flights, do i need a passport to fly between bangkok and siem reap.

A passport is required to fly from Bangkok to Siem Reap.

Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Bangkok to Siem Reap?

We unfortunately don’t have that data for this specific route.

Which airline alliances offer flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap?

SkyTeam, oneworld, and Star Alliance are the airline alliances operating flights between Bangkok and Siem Reap, with Star Alliance being the most commonly used for this route.

On which days can I fly direct from Bangkok to Siem Reap?

There are nonstop flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap on a daily basis.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Bangkok to Siem Reap?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Siem Reap from Bangkok is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Siem Reap with an airline and back to Bangkok with another airline. Booking your flights between Bangkok and SAI can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Siem Reap from Bangkok up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Siem Reap

• Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $93 or less one-way and $205 or less round-trip.

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Find which airlines fly direct from Suvarnabhumi to Siem Reap–Angkor Intl, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to Siem Reap–Angkor Intl

Austrian Airlines, Bangkok Airways, EL AL, +13 more

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Air France, Austrian Airlines, Bangkok Airways, +14 more

Air France, Austrian Airlines, +15 more

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Siem Reap–Angkor Intl to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi

Top 3 airlines serving from bangkok to siem reap.

On a 45 mins flight to Koh Samui from Bangkok we were served delicious shrimp pad thai and hot tea. The flight crew did an awesome job serving a full flight.

Seats are tight and leg room so small. We had deep impressions under kneecap from the seat in front. A sign that Bangkok Airways is fully aware how small it is built is the cutout in the table. Very uncomfortable for people in size 1.80 m or more.

This is my 2nd flight with this airline. Service is very good. I was surprised they served a meal on such a short flight. The airplane landed so smooth that most people were unaware the plane had just landed. About half of the people on board applauded.

The staff were helpful and very pleasant. The food is tasty and there’s plenty of water provided. Flights are well air conditioned.

The food was inedible- The rice was hard as a rock The chicken was hard and could not chew Horrible meal. Don’t even serve it. It was an insult to think that you would have even served it.

I fly Bangkok Air regularly. Could say I am loyal to their airlines and program. The only two comments of critique I could offer is (1) using the credits from accumulated miles is not as streamlines as some of the other airlines programs I am or have been a member of... and have lost opportunity to use them before expiration. (2) Sometimes, the plane is boarded / un-boarded with a service bus that has to navigate the airport and adds unwelcomed overhead time (especially during de-boarding). If have checked luggage this is transparent; if only have carry-on will slow your departure from Suvarnabhumi by ~20 minutes or more. Otherwise, a fine airline.

Should be better if they provide more decent snacks. Also my flight took off was delayed by 15 minutes. I'd like them to improve to more punctual timing.

Bangkok Air has been hit with the challenge of flying during COVID like everyone else. Still, they are early to get started again and offer normal services when possible. It is nice to have a lounge for all passengers vs. going to gate and sitting to stare out at planes.

Extra seat belt across the chest 10 minutes before taking off and 15 minutes before landing seemed excessively safe.

The transfer from Domestic and International was a bit confusing but I am easily confused. I did not eat any food, but the food on the other leg was decent. It was nice they turned the lights off on the night flight. The plane was in good shape, but was a little cramped in economy and I am small. They gave me a customs form to fill out and nobody looked at it as I went through customs. Not a bad flight.

My case was missing a wheel on arrival Heathrow and the staff were unhelpful when i tried to get some compensation stating it was not sufficient damage, i only wish that they at some point have to deal with the same situation it put me in, maybe they would change their attitude but overall it was a good flight

We are satisfied with the cabin crew serviceand the quality of meals served.

The aircraft was really old, the staff demotivated and the overall United airline service is horrible

Lunch Food was tasteful and had variety. Seat was comfortable. However, when I was reserving my seats during booking, the seat configuration showed was 3-3-3, but when I boarded it was a 2-4-2 configuration? Also during booking, I had also bought travel insurance together with my TG booking. However there was no confirmation of my purchase from Allianz and TG. After several emails with TG contact, sales, reservation and Allianz was i able to confirm my insurance purchase. When the policy was issued, the birth dates of me and my wife were wrongly stated and I had to go through another round of emails with Allianz to get it corrected. Otherwise any claims would be void! It was indeed not a very good booking experience!

Increase the number of available films, including variety. All other aspects were great.

I couldnt go on this flight and lost all my money over 1,000 UK Pounds as my visa to Myanmar was not accepted :(

Thai Airways is one of the best airlines in the business. Looking forward to fly again with them.

food poor i said chiken i got pack a pow breakfast lousey .job to explain wot it was ...

I get so tired of the constant delays, but there are so few options. The plane is coming from Bangkok each time. Why are the flights so regularly delayed. I do appreciate the speed of the baggage delivery into the terminal.

We had a 3 hrs delay and they offer McDonalds pineapple pay. They charged us for extra grs of luggage and the experience was not good

Thai Air Asia no longer has customer support that you can call and talk to. All support is done by chat bot or self help websites. This can be a major issue if you have a problem and it bit us so we can’t recommend nor will we book with them again unless as a last resort.

No way to talk to support. Is all online self help or chat bot. Now way to speak to a person and the automated options are useless.

Airline cancelled our flight purchased through kiwi.com 2 months before travel and to date has inly refunded half of our paid ticket price.

Crew was nice, boarding efficient. VERY cramped seating. I'm a 5 ' 10'' slim woman and my knees were up against the seat in front of me and my arms were against the arm rests. There are no services, not even water, and they only take local currency and I didn't yet have Thai baht ( flying from Indonesia and no rupiah left). I won't choose to fly with this line again.

Good, no mini-tv's, no food unless you pay, good overall experience.

ได้นั่งรถไปขึ้นเครื่อง แอบเสียใจอยู่ พอขึ้นไปถึง มีคนมานั่งในที่นั่งเราอีก ไม่รู้เจ้าหน้าที่บนเครื่องไปแนะนำผู้โดยสารท่านอื่นยังไง เขาเข้าใจผิดว่าที่นั่ง C คือข้างหน้าต่าง และเที่ยวบินนี้ ดีเลย์แล้วดีเลย์อีก จากทุ่มสองทุ่ม ดีเลย์ไปถึงห้าทุ่มกันเลยทีเดียว ถ้ามีไฟลท์ต่อกันนี่คงไม่รอดแน่นอน

CNX is a filthy, poorly kept airport. I have heard that Thailand plans to build another airport in San Kampaeng area, so perhaps they are just letting this one go. But it makes every airline look badly to offer their service in such a poorly organized "dump". Sorry to say this, but that's what it's like. At least the AirAsia flight which I took was on time! I appreciate that.

Air Asia will be my choice of airline when I fly to Asia every 6 to 8 weeks. Thank you for your good service.

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How to get from siem reap to bangkok, at a glance…siem reap to bangkok.

• Direct bus : Costs $49. Takes 8 to 10 hours. → Book now
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• Crossing the border : What you need to know.

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Related posts, 165 responses to how to get from siem reap to bangkok.

We have a group of bikers from Hua Hin to Siem Reap. We leave our motorbike in Aranyaprathet on a secured parking and do the trip Poipet to Siem Reap by minivan. Four days later we come back to Aranyaprathet to pick up bikes. There is a total of12 to 15 medium sized motorbikes. Where can I find a secured and safe Parking at Aranyaprathet ?

Hi Does anyone know if i travel by bus from siem reap to Bangkok, will i be required to show flight/bus itinerary GOING OUT OF THAILAND (like onward ticket)? I do not have visa since i can get 30 days visa exemption in the border. Thank you

It depends a bit on which passport you hold, but in general yes, Thai immigration has been asking more and more for an onward ticket in recent years.

In some cases they may call the airline to check it’s a real ticket (personal experience, right after having to buy a ticket at the border) but I guess that’s rare.

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